Wookey Hole Mill

Wookey Hole Mill is a historic paper mill located in the village of Wookey Hole in Somerset, England. It is uniquely situated to take advantage of the powerful, constant water supply flowing from the famous Wookey Hole caves and the River Axe. The entire complex sits at the base of the Mendip Hills.

The mill was established in the early 17th century to manufacture high-quality paper. It utilized the rushing waters of the River Axe exiting the caves to power its heavy drop hammers used for pulping rags. It quickly became one of the premier paper producers in the South West of England.

Yes, Wookey Hole Mill is now part of the larger Wookey Hole Caves tourist attraction and is fully open to the public. Visitors can take tours to see the historic paper-making machinery in action and learn about the traditional craft. There is also a dedicated museum showcasing the mill's heritage and artifacts.

Historically, Wookey Hole Mill specialized in making high-quality rag paper, which was favored for important legal documents and banknotes. The pure, mineral-rich water from the caves was reportedly excellent for washing the paper pulp, resulting in a very bright, durable sheet. They famously produced paper for the Bank of England.