Parndon Mill: New book chronicles history of Harlow's hub of creativity

East Anglian historian and writer Kathryn Shreeve has written a new book that tells the story of Parndon Mill, which has become the creative hub of Harlow.

Over the course of 80 pages, the author takes readers on a journey from the unnamed Lord of the Manor in 1066 through successive generations of millers as the demand for flour grew.

The first mention of Parndon Manor with its mill is in the Doomsday Book of 1086, but after centuries of producing flour from local wheat, it fell into disuse and became derelict.

It was rescued by Sally Anderson, who turned it into a base for her ceramic tile business before becoming, in the 21st century, a cultural hub and home to more than 30 local, national and international artists and craftspeople.

Kathryn's book is more than just a tale of the mill. It also explains the history of the English milling industry as a whole.

Renowned zoologist Desmond Morris, who has had a lifetime fascination with water mills, sets out the context of the book in his foreword.

The volume is illustrated by Jenifer Giles and includes many photos of the mill and the people who have worked there.

Parndon Mill: A thousand years of history is available from the Gallery at Parndon Mill for £12 or online at https://www.parndonmillgallery.org/publication. All proceeds will support upkeep of the mill.