Destructive Fire at Aldwark
October 1831Between 10 and 11 o'clock on the evening of Tuesday, the extensive corn and seed crushing mills, situated at Aldwark, about 2 miles from Rotherham, on the Doncaster Road, were discovered to be on fire. It appears the man who had the charge of the mills, named George Wilby, had been working by lamplight, and had locked up between 8 and 9 0'clock, when all appeared safe. He retired to bed about 10 o'clock, but shortly afterwards, being awoke by some accidental noise, he perceived the flames bursting from the upper windows of the mill.
The premises consisted of several large buildings, used as a water mill for grinding corn, and flints for potters, and also for crushing linseed and rapeseed into oil. The latter fact may account for the rapidity of the fire, which totally consumed the interior in about 4 hours. The building was insured, but the machinery and stock, of which between 200 and 300 bags of wheat belonged exclusively to Messrs. Woodhead, starch manufacturers, of Rotherham, and all of which were consumed, was not insured. The damage done, including the buildings, machinery etc. is estimated at £4,000.
We are extremely concerned to add, that, from the latest examination of the premises, and taking all things into account, the suspicion that this destructive conflagration has been lighted by the hand of an incendiary is now decidedly entertained. It is mentioned as remarkable, that although at half past 10 o'clock no signs of fire were seen by persons on the spot, by 11 the devouring element was raging at the extreme ends of the building. It is said, too, that of a pair of large folding doors, the iron bar with which they were fastened is missing, although the staples remain. It is supposed the incendiary must have been secreted in the mill.
Sheffield Iris.
