Notes and Queries, Number 59, December 14, 1850

In the year 1588, a paper-mill was established at Dartford, in Kent, by John Spilman, jeweller to the Queen. The particulars of this mill are recorded in a poem by Thomas Churchyard, published shortly after its foundation, under the following title:—
A description and playne discourse of paper, and the whole benefits that paper brings, with rehearsall, and setting foorth in verse a paper-myll built near Darthforth, by an high Germaine, called Master Spilman, jeweller to the Queene's Majyestie.
The writer says:
(Then) he that made for us a paper-mill,
Is worthy well of love and worldes good will,
And though his name be Spill-man , by degree,
Yet Help -man now, he shall be called by mee.
Six hundred men are set at work by him,
That else might starve, or seeke abroade their bread;
Who now live well, and go full brave and trim,
And who may boast they are with paper fed.