Darley Abbey Mill and Toll Bridge

For today's lunchtime walk I went with my friend R to the Darley Abbey conservation area on the northern edge of Derby. The area was originally the site of an Augustinian priory. The abbey was almost totally obliterated following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, though one small abbey building remains as the Abbey Pub.

The mill was built in 1783 by Thomas Evans, who also built a factory village on the opposite bank of the river, connecting with the mill via a toll bridge.

There are excellent walks on both sides of the river here through attractive parkland and woodland. There is also a rather fine restaurant by the mill at the end of the toll bridge. I am very impressed with this part of Derby.