This very burnt building was orginally built in the 1880's. The building was linked to the Citadel Prison.
The Bortsal Club was opened on 30th November 1956 by Lady Fox. The prison officers of the Citadel, used this building as a social club. The canteen of which the prison officers ate was known as the Victorian Hall. A place where the prison officers could relax, eat and have a nice cold pint. This club was closed in 1999.
"This wasn't a bar, this was a club!"
Unfortunately on 3rd July 2003, an arason attack occured and destroyed majority of the club. 11 fire engines and 50 members of the fire brigade tackled the fire for more than 8 hours. The fire engines were from Dover, Whitfield, St Margret's. Folkestone and Ashford. Ashford fire brigade bought down a bulk water carrier and a turntable, to help takle the blaze from different angles.
Dover's commander at the fire station describe the fire at the social club to be "Extremely Difficult" to takle. Back when the police spoke on the top in 2003, they were treating the cause of the fire to be suspicous.
Other than the above information, I am unable to find anything more. If you would like to add any more history known, please comment.
The Bortsal Club was opened on 30th November 1956 by Lady Fox. The prison officers of the Citadel, used this building as a social club. The canteen of which the prison officers ate was known as the Victorian Hall. A place where the prison officers could relax, eat and have a nice cold pint. This club was closed in 1999.
"This wasn't a bar, this was a club!"
Unfortunately on 3rd July 2003, an arason attack occured and destroyed majority of the club. 11 fire engines and 50 members of the fire brigade tackled the fire for more than 8 hours. The fire engines were from Dover, Whitfield, St Margret's. Folkestone and Ashford. Ashford fire brigade bought down a bulk water carrier and a turntable, to help takle the blaze from different angles.
Dover's commander at the fire station describe the fire at the social club to be "Extremely Difficult" to takle. Back when the police spoke on the top in 2003, they were treating the cause of the fire to be suspicous.
Other than the above information, I am unable to find anything more. If you would like to add any more history known, please comment.
