1964 – Portal’s paper mill at Laverstoke. This has since closed down and all of the paper making been transferred to the Overton Mill. The old mill has been taken over by the makers of Bombay Sapphire Gin. They are conserving many of the old buildings, dedicating the site to the production of gin, a visitor centre and opening part to the general public to allow access to the River Test. The new owners have worked very hard to be sympathetic to the interests of the local community.
From Peter Baker