Historic Frogmore Paper Mill closed after fire

(Photo: Frogmore Paper Mill.)

Following a fire on 22 January 2022, Frogmore Paper Mill will be closed to visitors until further notice. Nobody was injured during the fire, but there has been extensive damage to the visitor centre. The Mill is in the process of assessing the damage to the site and to its collection, and is hopeful that the historic working paper machines have survived. According to press reports the police suspect arson.

Frogmore Paper Mill is operated by the Apsley Paper Trail, a charitable trust founded in 2000 to conserve the unique industrial heritage of this site in Hemel Hempstead.In 1803 Frogmore Paper Mill was the place selected by Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier for the trials of their newly patented paper machine. Thus began the paper’s industrial revolution leading to the cheap, plentiful paper products that we all use every day of our lives.

Frogmore is still a working paper mill but, as operated by the charity, it is also a visitor, education and community use centre as well. The trust is entirely self-financing and, of course, is not-for-profit with all proceeds from its activities being re-invested in the repair, maintenance and development of the mill and its historic equipment.