St Cuthberts Mill

St Cuthberts Mill

St Cuthberts Mill is situated in the South West of England. This historic paper mill has been making paper since the 1700’s, taking advantage of the River Axe. The mill is on the edge of the ancient Cathedral City of Wells and named after the local church dedicated to the 7^th Century saint. The St Cuthberts Cross illustrated on the mill’s artist papers is inspired by the cross found on St Cuthbert’s tomb in Durham Cathedral.

Nearly four hundred years ago papermaking started in the Axe valley at Wookey Hole. It is now over two hundred years – the date cannot be precise – since papermaking started on the St Cuthberts site in Somerset. St Cuthberts Mill is the only surviving commercial papermill out of the six once operating in the upper Axe valley.

Photos from the book: 

Mill 364 - Paper making at St. Cuthberts Mill

B G Luker; C R Whitcombe