Dalton Mills fire: Shocking moment blaze rips through 150-year-old building used in Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey

A HUGE fire has ripped through a historic 150-year-old building which was used in Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey. More than 20 fire crews are currently fighting the blaze at the Dalton Mills in Keighley, West Yorkshire – with 100 per cent of the building now in flames. It’s thought the fire began at midday […]

A HUGE fire has ripped through a historic 150-year-old building which was used in Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey.

More than 20 fire crews are currently fighting the blaze at the Dalton Mills in Keighley, West Yorkshire – with 100 per cent of the building now in flames.

Ben Lack

It is used in filming of Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey[/caption]

Ben Lack

The historic building burned to the ground today[/caption]

It’s thought the fire began at midday today in the building that was built in 1869.

Fire appliances from across West Yorkshire have been dispatched to
deal with the blaze.

Shocking pictures and video show the colossal flames tearing through the landmark building as thick black smoke fills the air.

The building was once the largest textile mill in Yorkshire – but most recently has been used as a film set for hit TV shows such as Peaky Blinders.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are currently in attendance at a fire at Dalton Mills, Keighley.

“There is a lot of smoke in the area & residents are advised to keep doors/windows closed. Please avoid traveling through the area.”

The historic mill was built by Joseph Craven in 1869, replacing the original mill from the 1780s, and provided jobs for workers from across the region.

A description from production company Screen Yorkshire reads: “The distinctive mills offer a range of large scale spaces and historic features, including a large courtyard and recently renovated clock tower.

“It is able to accommodate on site production offices and workshops and has suitable parking for facilities vehicles.

“Dalton Mills is building a strong reputation as a filming location, thanks to its diverse range of industrial spaces, which offer an historic industrial backdrop as well as set build space, making it ideally suited to period dramas.”