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Mill Fire: Arson Suspected Again at Historic Dalton Mills
24 Feb
Summary
- Dalton Mills experienced another suspected arson attack recently.
- The historic Victorian mill has a history of fires since 2022.
- The Crown Estate now holds legal responsibility for the site.

A suspected deliberate fire broke out at the derelict Dalton Mills in Keighley on Monday night, with firefighters tackling flames on the top floor. This incident marks the latest in a series of fires at the historic site, with a previous blaze occurring only six days prior. The Grade II-listed Victorian mill, famously used as a filming location for "Peaky Blinders" and "Downton Abbey," has been plagued by fires since a significant blaze in 2022. That year, two teenage boys were arrested and charged with arson.
Legal responsibility for the building transferred to the Crown Estate in 2024 under ancient property laws after the owner went bankrupt and a restoration project collapsed. Bradford Council has acknowledged security concerns surrounding the abandoned site, which has experienced repeated trespass incidents, and is collaborating with Historic England on enhanced security measures.



