Millbrook is what you get when you tell a talented artist to create a painting of a picturesque, rural village, and then throw sheep at it. The village once housed the county’s grain mill, powered by the flowing waters of Oakleaf Beck. Advances in technology over the years eventually made the old mill obsolete, but the machinery remains, although some of the buildings have been re-purposed for sheep shearing. That’s right. The rich grazing lands of nearby Silverleaf Pastures feed the sheep, Millbrook collects and processes the wool, and Thornbury makes the softest blankets you will ever have the privilege of sleeping under.

Wool isn’t the only commodity collected though. The expansion of the railway system meant that fresh cow’s milk could now reach even the more distant settlements before it had a chance to spoil. But Alderwick is a land of sheep, and some old traditions are hard to replace. There is still a market for Millbrook’s mild, balanced sheep’s milk, and a few artisans still produce the nutty cheese that was so popular at the turn of the century. The village's small market attracts farmers and traders from neighbouring settlements, offering seasonal fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and other locally produced goods. Several long-established farming families maintain close ties to the surrounding estates, including the distinguished Oakhurst Hall.

Visitors to Millbrook will find much to appreciate in its tranquil rural setting, and the natural beauty of its landscaping. Footpaths follow the riverbanks, winding past open meadows, shaded groves, and old stone bridges. But should you decide to take a stroll and nod off against a tree trunk, know that you’re most likely going to wake up without your hat. Residents are convinced it’s the sheep getting revenge for their shorn wool.