IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Cottonmill Lane, ST. ALBANS, AL1 2HE

Sopwell Mill seen through the trees. It is now an Office development. In the foreground is the old mill race, which carried water diverted from the River Ver.

The River Ver where it is crossed by Cottonmill Lane.

New Barnes Mill is a former corn mill, now converted to offices, on the River Ver where Cottonmill Lane crosses the river. Although the building is often referred to as Sopwell Mill, New Barnes Mill is its proper name. In fact the 1883 Ordnance Survey 6" to the mile map not only calls it Newbarns Mill, but the whole cluster of buildings around is described as New Barns with no mention of Sopwell at all. However, by the time that the 1899 Edition was published, the name Sopwell had materialized but the mill was by then called Newbarnes Mill. Cottonmill Lane, seen on the right, may have been adequate for 19th century mill carts, but its narrow double right-angled bend around the mill presents a challenge to 21st century motorists.

An uncharacteristically high River Ver (a wet 2012 led to high levels of water in the chalk aquifer from which the river rises) crosses the water meadows below Cottonmill Lane.

This church is on the opposite side of the road from St Aidans. but I have no clue as to activities

The mill has been refurbished as offices but the turn to the right leads to a narrow bridge and a blind corner. Used by many commuters so rather tricky to negotiate.

Former flour mill, in use until the Second World War, now converted to offices and light industrial use. The original buildings date from the late 19th century.

Now a luxury hotel much used by professional football teams. Used to be the home of Prince Louis of Battenburg 1854-1921.

Former flour mill, in use until the Second World War, now converted to offices and light industrial use. The original buildings date from the late 19th century.