Prior to the fire that ripped through this wonderful old mill it was thought to be the second oldest mill surviving in Bradford.  Built in the very early part of the 19^th century by a Mr Piele it was later in the 1830’s owned by Matthew and Benjamin Thompson.  Matthew Thompson  who would become Sir Matthew Thompson was the father of  Alderman Matthew William Thompson (1820 – 1891}  the mayor of Bradford 1861 – 1862 and 1871 -1873.  It was during the latter term that he opened the town hall designed by architects Lockwood and Mawson on 9 September 1873 with a large bell named in his honour. Over the years the mill which was located by the new Provident building at Goitside has been known by many names including Bradfax and more recently Molletts catering.

From the Telegraph and Argus 10 October 2011: A blaze which destroyed one of Bradford’s oldest mills was started deliberately, fire chiefs confirmed today. The fire ripped through the five storeys of Thompson Mill in Tetley Street, off Thornton Road, last week, leaving it so badly damaged that it had to be demolished. Traffic was brought to a standstill as firefighters fought the blaze last Tuesday night. Crews were able to prevent it spreading to nearby properties but could not save the mill.Fire investigation officer, Station Manager Richard Hagger, confirmed the fire had been started deliberately.He said the fire was believed to have been started in rubbish and other materials on the first floor. Mr Hagger said it was most likely that a match or lighter was used.