Historic Frogmore Paper Mill in the UK Damaged by Fire

The historic Fourdrinier paper machine at the Frogmore Paper Mill dates back to the early 1800s.

Jan. 24, 2022 - A fire that was deliberately set has caused "extensive damage" to the historic Frogmore Paper Mill in Apsley, near Hemel Hempstead in the UK.

According to a news report by the BBC News, a 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson.

The fire, which started on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 22), has damaged the visitor center and part of the Frogmore Paper Mill site, which is run by the Apsley Paper Trail trust.

In a Twitter post, the Frogmore Mill said, "We're now in the process of assessing the damage to the site and our collection and are hopeful that our historic working paper machines have survived. We're extremely grateful for the quick response of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue and their work to bring the fire under control."

The Frogmore Paper Mill, which brands itself as the "birthplace of paper's industrial revolution," dates back to 1803 when Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier selected the site as the place for the trials of their newly patented paper machine, the Fourdrinier.

SOURCE: Frogmore Mill and BBC News