Sittingbourne Paper Mill, Mill Way (Sittingbourne)

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Formerly called Edward Lloyd Papermill named after its founder, who originated from London and had a mill called Boxbridge Mill on the River Lea N E of London. Sittingbourne mill was purchased by E.Lloyd in 1863 but caught fire in August of that year and was distroyed.In 1866 building work started on a new mill situated near the railway station until it was knocked down a few years ago for redevelopment.Edward Lloyd died in 1890 and his eldest son, Frank took over the business. After a few years of growth the papermill workers rose from six to eleven workers and more were employed further as production of paper increased.Another of Edward Lloyd's sons Frederick took over the full production of Sittingbourne mill in 1882 and production from the London mill transferred down Sittingbourne.Disaster struck the mill again in 1883 a fire broke out destroying large reels of paper.Having large amounts of combustible material was a constant threat to fire taking a hold and causing huge damage.By 1910 the mill was the largest in the world at the same time became Edward Lloyd Ltd.Prior the the First World War production rose steadily until there were seventeen machines in full use. The papermill was one of the main soruces of employment and many men who left there later to become soldiers are remembered on various plaques in churches in Sittingbourne and surrounding towns.Opposite Sainsburys is the former Bowaters Social Hall with a plaque dedicated to the Fallen.