My afternoon walk today included a visit to Aldi's supermarket which has been built in the grounds of one of the oldest cloth mills in the our valleys.
Shopping done I had a walk around the outside of this mill, called Lightpill Mill which dates back to the mid 1600's. The oldest part still remaining is this section built in 1818. It sits astride the Nailswoth Stream, with the water driving all the weaving machinery and various othe mechanical tools.
Some parts are still being demolished as you can see by the pile of bricks in the bottom right of the capture. Thankfully the main buildings can't be touched and are used by several companies and employing local people, no cloth making here anymore.
I must be honest and say my favourite business is in these buildings which I do visit quite often, yes it's The Stroud Auction Rooms - love it.
Oh I love a good auction too. Cows, old furniture, pictures....not so much old antiques these days though....hard to keep your hand down. You will like Bargain Hunt then! Glad they can’t knock this old mill down then!
