Paper Mill Lock

Paper Mill Lock, one of 12 locks & 6 bridges on the 14 mile stretch between Chelmsford and the Sea. The Blackwater Navigation was completed in 1797 to carry freight between Chelmsford and Heybridge Basin. Plans had been discussed, argued over & dismissed for more than 120 years. Tolls raised from traffic across Danbury Hill and the demise of Maldon were major objections.

Here at Paper Mill Lock there were two mills, one for corn, the other for Mica, used in making paper from around 1680.

Today, it's a tourist destination, tea & cakes, walks & beautiful scenery attracting visitors (and residents like us, stopping off on the way home).