26/10/2026
🏭💜 Memory Lane Monday – The Mill Arts Centre 💜🏭
This week, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to one of Banbury’s fascinating landmarks — The Mill Arts Centre!
But before it was a place for theatre, music and community events, it had a very different life…
🌾 From grain mill to arts centre
The building began as a Victorian grain warehouse and waterside mill beside the Oxford Canal.
The Lamprey family played an important part in its history. John Lamprey bought a corn merchandising business in 1834, which later expanded to the canal at Spiceball Park. The family business processed and distributed grain, seeds and animal fodder, alongside other industries including coal, lime kilns and brickworks.
The mill remained an important part of Banbury’s industrial life until the late 1960s. 🏭
🎭 A new chapter
In the 1970s, the building was acquired and eventually transformed from an industrial mill into a community arts venue.
Then, in October 1990, it officially opened as The Mill Arts Centre, complete with a 250-seat theatre and arts spaces. 🎭
The very first production was W***y Russell’s Our Day Out, performed by the Banbury Cross Players.
Today, The Mill continues to be a much-loved part of Banbury’s cultural community. 💜
🌾 Do you remember the mill before it became an arts centre?
🚤 Do you remember the canal and Spiceball area years ago?
🎭 Have you ever watched a show at The Mill?
🎶 Have you been to a concert, dance or community event there?
🏭 What do you remember about Banbury’s industrial past?
From grain, canals and industry to theatre, music and community — The Mill has certainly had an incredible transformation! 💜
