Cornton – Our Story

In 1911 the Premises of Messrs Leslie, a Confectionery Works at Bridgehaugh was totally destroyed by fire.

The building was four storeys in height and lay between the flats at 3 Bridgehaugh and the Forth Mill.

In the newspaper reports of the time the Mill Building was reported to be owned by Mr J. F. Thurman Flock Manufacturer.

The story in the local Press tells us that “The fire attracted great attention and thousands of people assembled from all parts of the district to witness it.”

The Confectionery building was owned by ex Provost Archibald Forrest who had previously occupied the premises himself as a Cabinet Maker’s Business.

During the course of the fire the property belonging to the occupants of 3 Bridgehaugh next door was decanted across the road to Bridgehaugh farm. One volunteer, a Richard Winters, who was assisting in the decant, spotted a watch in the process and promptly pocketed it. He later sold it to buy liquor and, admitting his guilt, atStirling Sheriff Court, was sentenced to 14 days in jail.

A complete transcript of the newspaper reports can be found here.