Our offices in Penrith, Clint Mill, are actually a bit of a landmark in our small market town. Not by "sky scraper" standards, but recognisable via any viewing platform overlooking the town.

Cath, our receptionist (and historian!), often gets asked about the history of the building and set out to do some research, along with the help of some of our more "experienced" staff members!

‘CLINT’ – from the Old Norse language meaning ‘hard or flinty rock’, ‘rocky cliff’.

Clint Mill was built in 1878 for ‘Pattinson and Winter’, local Seed Merchants and Millers.  The building started out as a flour mill and the building was designed for a steam engine to enter from the back of the building and horse and carts to drive up to the front area (the Dodd & Co reception end). 

The mill was powered by steam fed from rainwater tanks in the roof. A conveyor belt was erected through the front entrance which travelled up through the ceilings with the assembly of hoists and pullies to help with the unloading and storing of seed and flour bags. 

It has also been documented that at one time Clint Mill was used for the storing of cheeses.

In 1896 ‘J Pattinson & Sons - Pattinson and Winter’ had a boat built - described as a Steel Screw Steamer which was named ‘Clint’ which sailed to and from Whitehaven for the purpose of shipping their cargo.

For the greater part of the twentieth century and the last commercial use - the building was owned by Nickerson Seeds, housing grass seed, mixing machinery and making use of the extensive storage facilities.

In the 1980s it was bought by local Property Developers with the idea to convert Clint Mill into offices.

In the late 1980s Dodd & Co moved into Clint Mill occupying the ground floor, the rest of the building being derelict. 

The developers were approached to either convert or sell the building.  In 1990/1991 Dodd & Co bought the Mill and commenced its renovation into offices.

Over the years Clint Mill has seen many tenants come and go.  The 2nd floor was once occupied by a gym and other floors were used as office space by various businesses and local government organisations. 

As Dodd & Co grew and staff numbers increased, eventually our company took over more and more of the building.

Today, apart from a small proportion of the 2nd floor, Dodd & Co occupy the whole building.

With such an old building to take care of, the renovations never really end!