The History of The Old Mill Club

Stapleford had no mill at the time of the Domesday Survey in 1086, with the first mention of a mill in 1267 when Richard Heriz, lord of the manor, held half of a water mill worth 10 shillings annually. This moiety changed hands over the centuries until 1591 when Edmund, Lord Sheffield, sold it to Francis Hollingworth. The other moiety eventually ended up with Katherine Hollingworth, who sold it to her son Francis in 1588. The mill remained in the Hollingworth family until 1684, when it was sold to William Chambers of Derby. William's descendant later sold it to Sir John Borlase Warren.

Historian Robert Thoroton mentioned the mill, noting it was held by his cousin John Hollingworth, a descendant of the Storer and Chambers families, who were prominent in Stapleford in the 16th century. The Storer family played a significant role in local duties, with properties linked to the position of 'Thirdborrow,' an assistant to the parish constable. The mill eventually passed through the Hollingworth and Chambers families, connecting them to Robert Thoroton, the historian.

"The Rat Club"

Fast-forward to 1922, and The Old Mill Working Men's Club is born. The club was born out of a wish for the mill workers to have a place to drink after work. A lot of people refer to it as the "Rat Club." The club today continues to be a staple of Stapleford and has more stories in the walls than one can fathom. Here is to the next 100 years!