This summary has been prepared using the excellent work of the Ivybridge Heritage team. Please do visit their website for a much more detailed history, including photos and film from their extensive archive.
It is believed that a corn mill existed at Stowford in the parish of Harford as early as the 13th century, although records from that time are sparse. In the 16th century, within the manor of Ivybridge, it is documented that Humfrey Bonville, lord of the manor, leased properties to William Cannycote and Henry Withycombe for the purpose of grinding corn. These leases are the earliest known references to the Ivybridge corn mills.
At Stowford, named for a ford crossing, records of a mill resurface in the 18th century with a grist mill documented in 1713. Later, a flour mill was recorded under the occupation of William Saunders, among others, before the property was eventually needed for the expansion of the neighbouring paper mill.
Stowford Mill in Ivybridge started paper making in the late eighteenth century, using a mechanical process for rags. Established by William Dunsterville in 1787, it changed hands through Henry Rivers and Francis Fincher, who bought it in 1816. The mill employed pre-mechanisation hand-made paper methods, faced bankruptcy in 1834, and expanded significantly in the 1860s under the Allen family, including new paper machines in 1862. The railway’s arrival in 1848, major fire in 1914, and various ownerships, including sales to Messrs. Portals of Laverstoke in 1924 and Wiggins Teape in 1930, marked its progress. Celebrating its bicentenary in 1987, modernising in the 1980s, and closing in 2013 after 226 years, the mill donated a dandy roll to the Ivybridge Heritage & Archives Group.
Paper Making at Stowford Mill
Stowford Paper Mills began producing watermarked paper, including Azure Laid paper, in 1843. A ream typically contained 480 sheets, with cassie quires protecting quality sheets. Watermarked paper from this period was found in Hong Kong and Brooklyn. John Allen, who acquired the mill in 1849, introduced new machines, tub-sized and esparto grass paper, and Fine and Superfine Vellum, achieving an annual output of 2000 tonnes. His contributions, along with his sons, included significant rebuilding in 1862. Excise duty recovery was possible through watermarks. James Thomson stocked their paper. Various owners, including Messrs. Portals and Wiggins Teape, managed the mill, which celebrated its bicentenary in 1987 and closed in 2013, producing John Allen Superfine watermarks.
The Great Fire of 1914
On 5th May 1914, a fire at Stowford Mill, originating in the turbine engine, engulfed the main building. Local residents and workers watched as smoke billowed. The Clapperton Syndicate stabilised trade since 1910. Harford Road was barricaded, and multiple fire brigades, including Ivybridge and Stonehouse, responded. Stowford Lodge housed the Devon School of Gardening. The launder supplied water, and volunteers assisted. Despite extensive damage, community support and insurance enabled restoration, including saving the new engine house. A stoker exemption in 1916 and workforce conscription affected operations. Safety measures like a sprinkler system were added, and a Fire Relief Fund aided workers.
Timeline of Key Events for Stowford Mill
- 13th Century: Believed existence of a corn mill at Stowford in the parish of Harford.
- 16th Century: Within the manor of Ivybridge, Humfrey Bonville leases properties to William Cannycote and Henry Withycombe for grinding corn.
- 1713: A grist mill is recorded at Stowford.
- 1787: William Dunsterville purchases the lease for Stowford Barton to establish a paper mill adjacent to an existing corn mill and leat.
- 1797: William Dunsterville dies, and Henry Rivers acquires the Stowford Estate, leasing it to Francis Fincher.
- 1816: Francis Fincher purchases Stowford Mill.
- 1824: Business passes to Francis Fincher’s sons, William and Francis Fincher.
- 1834: Fincher & Sons file for bankruptcy.
- 1839: William Ackland acquires Stowford Mill.
- 1840: Richard Kingwell, an experienced papermaker, takes over as lessee but dies shortly after.
- 1843: Stowford Mill produces its first watermarked paper.
- 1849: John Allen purchases Stowford Paper Mill.
- 1862: Major expansion and modernisation of Stowford Paper Mill by John Allen, including the installation of new rag boilers, breakers, and beaters.
- 1869: Western Morning News article provides a detailed description of the mill’s operations and workforce.
- 1877: John Allen dies; his sons Edward and John take over the business.
- 1910: Allen family sells the mill to the Clapperton Syndicate.
- 1914: A major fire devastates the main building on 5th May, halting production for almost a year.
- 1924: The mill is sold to Messrs. Portals of Laverstoke and renamed Portals (John Allen & Sons) Ltd.
- 1930: Portals sell Stowford Mill to Wiggins Teape (1919) Limited.
- 1954: Stowford Mill switches from coal to oil fuel, eliminating smoke pollution.
- 1980: New combined heat and power plant commissioned, marking significant capital investment.
- 1987: Stowford Mill celebrates its bicentenary with special paper production.
- 1991: Wiggins Teape merges with Arjomari Prioux, refocusing on security paper market.
- 2012: Announcement of Stowford Mill’s closure due to decline in business.
- 2013: The last reel of paper is produced on 21st November, ending 226 years of paper manufacturing.
- 2014: Final employees oversee the decommissioning of the site.