"In 1764, Peter Livius, then residing on the Boyd estate, made proposals to the town to build a bridge across Islington Creek, on condition that the exclusive rights to dam the stream and use it for mill purposes should be secured to him. This was agreed to. The bridge was to be 20 feet wide, with a portion 30 feet long to be a 'lifting bridge' for the passage of vessels; the whole to be toll free. The North Mills were built at the same time, and called Livius’ Mills, which name they long retained. They have been recently taken down."

Excerpted from The Portsmouth Guide Book, 1896, by Sarah Haven Foster.

Inscription reads, "North Mill."