07 Sep 09

Today marks the 25th anniversary of one of Ashford's most well known landmarks being destroyed by fire - Victoria Mills.

I always remembered seeing this building as a kid, especially when I was going up to London by train to see my grandparents. Back then, when you left the station, you'd go under Station Road bridge and there it was on the left, towering over you. Built in 1890, it was one of two (possibly three) working flour mills in the town owned by Henry Sturgess Pledge (the other being at the bottom of East Hill).

I do remember finding the funnel on the left hand side of the roof funny for some reason. Back in the early 80s, my mum, brother and I often went to the Gingerbread club for days out and general socialising and their hut was at the end of Victoria Road (now long gone and replaced by offices). As we drove down the road, you'd see the mill. Back then, of course, little attention was paid to it.

Then, on the night of Friday 7th September 1984, a fire broke out in the mill. Although we went aware of it at the time (as we lived in Quantock Drive back then), half the town turned out to see it. Some say it was caused by a disgruntled employee who got fired or made redundant. A fire had almost destroyed the mill in East Hill back in May 1974 (though it was derelict, unlike Victoria Mills which was still in production). Fortunately, in that case, the fire crews managed to save the iconic six-storey tower, though the provender mill was destroyed.


Sadly, the fire at Victoria Mills got out of control and the whole building was gutted. Due to its location, it caused massive disruption to the rail line, as parts of the building kept collapsing. The decision was therefore made to demolish it. Until that time, the burnt out shell haunted the town.

Today, the site remains empty. Despite its proximity to the town centre, the land on which the mill sat has never been re-developed.