Belvedere Mill and millpond, Chalford

I happened to be driving over the river Frome at Chalford and realised the  view of Belvedere Mill was likely to be good. I parked nearby and walked back onto the bridge, with the river flowing under me to feed the old and disused millpond of the mill.

The mill building has been converted into offices for several small businesses but it is well maintained. I have found out that between here and Stroud town centre, which is about three miles downstream, nineteen mills were built prior to the twentieth century using water power from the river. Only one mill is now still working to produce the special cloth which can be seen on all snooker tables, as well as producing the tennis balls used at major championships, apparently.