If Walls Could Talk... Season 9 Episode 1 Coffee Mill Connection

If Walls Could Talk is a popular HGTV series that explores the hidden stories and secrets behind historic homes and buildings. In season 9 episode 1, titled "Coffee Mill Connection," host and house historian Lucy Worsley delves into the past of a charming 17th-century cottage in Suffolk, England.

The episode begins with Lucy exploring the picturesque village of Melford, where the cottage is located. She admires the thatched roofs and colorful flower-lined streets before arriving at the cottage, which was once a pub called The Coffee Mill. Lucy notes that the building has a unique history, having been a pub and a bakery before being converted into a private residence.

Lucy meets the current owners, who have lived in the cottage for the past 20 years and have added modern touches while preserving its historic charm. The couple explains that they have always been curious about the history of their home but haven't been able to find much information. They ask Lucy for her help in uncovering the secrets of their cottage.

Lucy begins her investigation by examining the architecture and features of the building. She notes the timber framing and the unusual placement of the front door. She also points out some of the original features, such as the fireplaces, which she believes are indicative of the building's original use as a pub.

To learn more about the building's past, Lucy visits the local historical society and meets with a researcher who has been digging into the archives. She discovers that The Coffee Mill was a popular gathering place for locals and travelers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many important events and meetings were held there, including the signing of a treaty to end a local rebellion. Lucy also learns that the building was used as a bakery in the mid-19th century, when it produced bread for the local community.

As Lucy continues her research, she uncovers a surprising connection between the cottage and the American Revolution. She discovers that the pub was owned by a man named Daniel Noble, who was also a coffee grinder manufacturer. It turns out that Noble had a business relationship with a man named Henry Knox, who was a leader in the Continental Army. Knox had ordered several of Noble's coffee mills, which were used to grind grain to make bread for the troops.

Lucy is amazed by this connection and decides to explore further. She visits a coffee mill museum and meets with a curator who shows her several of the antique coffee mills made by Noble. She also learns more about Knox and his role in the American Revolution. Lucy is excited to share this connection with the current owners of the cottage and marvels at the unexpected surprises that can be found in the hidden history of a building.

The episode ends with Lucy presenting her findings to the owners of the cottage, who are thrilled to learn about the building's fascinating past. They express their gratitude to Lucy for helping them uncover the secrets of their home and preserving its historic significance. If Walls Could Talk never fails to fascinate and educate viewers about the rich history hidden within buildings, and this episode is no exception.