I have wanted to capture the local (listed) paper mill chimney from the air for some time, however, peregrine falcons have been nesting at the top of the chimney since spring. I would never intentionally disrupt or disturb wildlife, but now that they have raised their young and fled the nest, I have taken the opportunity to fly to the chimney from my garden and orbit this well-known local landmark.
Horton Kirby Paper Mill was built in the 1820s, with the majority of the buildings extended during the 1870s and 1880s. It closed as a working mill at the end of 2003. It had two chimneys, the taller of the two mill chimneys was constructed in 1881 indicating a major expansion at that time. Furthermore, it was extended by 70 feet to 225 feet in 1918 and has been a major feature of this part of the Darent Valley ever since. The whole complex has now been developed as a housing development with the River Darent running through it. The larger of the two chimneys has been kept, as seen here, but reduced back to its original height.
Also in this video, you will get a glimpse of the Horton Kirby Viaduct. This viaduct was built in 1859-60, it has 10 arches, each approximately 10 metres wide and 20 metres in height.
