Grant helps safeguard future of famous papermill

A place widely regarded as the birthplace of mechanised papermaking can be "safeguarded for future generations" after it was awarded nearly £250,000, an attraction has said.

The grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will support "urgent" structural repairs and stabilisation works at Frogmore Paper Mill, in Apsley, Hertfordshire.

An arson attack destroyed the visitor centre, exhibition galleries and offices in January 2022.

John Watson, chair of trustees of the Apsley Paper Trail charity, said: "This funding is a major step towards securing the future of the mill and ensuring its machinery remains accessible to the public."

In 1803, the mill was acquired by brothers, Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier, who installed the first mechanised papermaking machine in the world that same year.

In 1804, a second improved machine was installed, followed by a third at Two Waters Mill in 1805.

The attraction still manufactures paper today.

The £231,500 grant will help protect key buildings that are currently at risk of "irreversible deterioration" from water ingress, deteriorating roofs and structural movement.

It will allow the Duster Room, Pulper Building and the Beater House to reopen to the public from the autumn.

After that, attention will turn to expanding visitor facilities, new exhibition galleries and enhanced learning spaces.

Watson added: "[Frogmore Paper Mill] played a pivotal role in transforming how knowledge, information and ideas were shaped across the globe."

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