Frogmore Paper Mill

Frogmore Paper Mill is a working paper mill situated in Apsley, Hertfordshire. The mill is on an island in the River Gade, which forms part of the Grand Union Canal. It is the oldest mechanical paper mill in the world.

For most of the 19th century, the mill was owned by the Grand Junction Canal (predecessor of the Grand Union Canal). In 1851, the chemical production of paper from wood, used in newspapers, began at the mill.

From 1853 to 1887, the mill was linked to Two Waters Mill, also near Hemel Hempstead.

In 1890, the British Paper Company was founded and took over operations at the mill; it fully purchased the premises in 1929.

In 2000, the British Paper Company ceased operations and the Apsley Paper Trail was opened to the public.

In 2008, a visitor centre was built with financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The mill is now run by The Apsley Paper Trail, a charitable organisation, and operated as a visitor, education and community use centre.

It has been used for various theatrical productions, including the rock musical Rent.

The visitor centre was badly damaged in a fire in January 2022.

Taskmaster connection

The mill was used as a filming location for tasks in series 15 of Taskmaster UK.

First appearance

The location was first seen during the 'Get all the rubber rings on your bargepole' task, in the first episode of series 15.