Monument record TQ 96 SW 234 - Former site of Lloyd's Papermill, Sittingbourne

Steam papermills set up by Lloyds in 1878 with eventually eight of what were then the largest paper machines available. It was connected to Milton Creek and Ridham Dock by a two feet six inch tramway, first horse drawn and then after 1905 utilising steam locomotives. The mill was eclipsed by the building of Kemsley mills. Owned by Bowaters and latterly by Mreal of Finland. Closed 2008 when the buildings were substantially complete. (1)

In 2007 Compass Archaeology carried out a desk based assessment and walkover survey of the site. The buildings were photographed and described prior to demolition. (2)

In 2011/12 Canterbury Archaeological Trust carried out an evaluation and excavation. Remains of the paper mill and late Victorian terrace buildings (first shown on the 2nd edition OS mapping of the area) were found across the site. A mill was on the site from the late 18th century onwards, located to the north of the mill pond. (3)

An evaluation and a watching brief were carried out at the site in 2017 by Archaeology South East. The excavations identified 18th century walls and features relating to the early paper mill, followed by 19th and 20th century walls relating to the paper mill buildings. The structures were concentrated to the north east of the site.
19th and 20th century features relating to the mill pond, including several plinths potentially originating from a structure related to the pond and part of a water channelling system, were also identified during the excavations. However, the rail track associated with the paper mill was not located, so is presumed to have been demolished. (4)

<1> Jim Preston Personal Communication (Verbal communication). SKE13236.

<2> Compass Archaeology, 2007, An Archaeological Desk Based Assessment and Walkover Survey at Former Sittingbourne Mill and Wharf Site (Unpublished document). SKE24315.

<3> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2012, Sittingbourne Paper Mill, Milton Road, Sittingbourne, Kent: Assessment Report on Archaeological Evaluation and Excavation 2011-12 (Unpublished document). SKE18082.

<4> Archaeology South-East, 2020, Archaeological Investigations at Former Sittingbourne Mill (Phase 2), Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3ET (Unpublished document). SKE58173.