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Ashford Fire Brigade 1826 - 1942
In our new display for this year
there are various interesting artefacts providing a glimpse of the
Ashford Fire Brigade from infancy in 1826 up to the union with the
National Fire Service in 1942.
An original brass fire-fighters
helmet, leather boots, and tunic are displayed alongside many pictures
and information on the Brigade.
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Introduction
For nearly 120 years, Ashford Fire
Brigade diced with the dangers of fire in and around Ashford. Its many members
were all hardworking volunteers, dedicated to saving the homes and livelihoods
of Ashford’s residents. It all began at a meeting in 1826, where Ashford
worthies agreed that the town needed its own fire fighting service to prevent
and tackle fires. The Brigade grew from strength to strength, attending to fires
efficiently and professionally until it was absorbed into the National Fire
Brigade in 1942.
Equipment
Equipment to hand in the early 19th
century was very meagre; it mainly consisted of a pumping engine, buckets, and
pipes as well as plenty of manpower. The Ashford Brigade, which had already been
unofficially established since 1814, already owned two engines, six pipes and
eighty-three buckets at their first official stock take. Money gained from
subscriptions and rural attendance fees, enabled the Brigade to purchase more
efficient and reliable engines after 1836.
Manual pumps were first used by the
Brigade. Continual pumping of the engine was required for a steady flow of water
to quench flames. In 1830, pumping was carried out by a team allotted to each
engine of four Engineers, four Pipe Conductors and four Foremen; sixteen men
manned No. 1 Engine and fifteen men manned Engine No. 2.
During its time, the Brigade welcomed various engines and equipment, including
its first Merryweather Steamer in 1875. The move to steam from manual engine
pumps was a great advancement in fire-fighting. Steam
engines provided a continuous jet of water over a greater distance and ensured
that members could be released from pumping duty onto more pressing needs during
a call.
Surprisingly, the Brigade reported on
only a few fatalities during its 120 year history. Improvements to the engines
and also experience of fire control had saved many people’s lives, and
prevented destruction to neighbouring buildings. To continue this preservative
trend, the Brigade purchased a Fire Escape with a canvas shoot. This enabled the
members to gain access to upper floors and carry out rescue attempts. The canvas
shoot which ran the full length of the ladder, ensured the efficient exit of
people from a burning building.
From 1917 onwards, a motor tractor was employed to pull the fire engines; this
was a vast improvement from horse drawn power. This was again improved in 1925
when the Brigade purchased a ‘
Leyland
’ Motor Fire Engine with an Ajax Extending Ladder. Acquisitions
to the Brigade continued with a second
Leyland
engine, a First Aid appliance, searchlight, hose, foam making branchpipe with
generating tank, and Selvus oxygen breathing apparatus.
Over the ensuing period the voluntary Brigade had to deal with damage and
fires to Ashford and its vicinity from both World War conflicts.
Uniform
Initially, the uniform for the men was a simple arm-badge; however, this was
changed in 1862 to a cap with an attached ‘Ashford Fire Brigade’ badge.
By 1867, the Brigade decided a new full uniform was required to protect
the volunteers. A felt helmet replaced the simple cap, and a canvas tunic was
introduced which gave protection from the heat and also provided warmth on cold
night calls. The volunteers were also provided with a belt on which various
tools, such as a spanner, formed part of the personal kit.
In
1935, the brass firefighter helmet was exchanged with a leather one. The leather
replacements were lighter and also gave more protection whilst attending fires.
Notable
Fires
Oltantigh
Towers
in 1903 – This building was a vast mansion housing collections of valuable
art, china, bronzes and tapestries. The Ashford Brigade alongside three manuals
of the Kent County Fire Offices,
Canterbury
and
Chilham
Castle
eventually subdued the fire, but it left the mansion gutted though most
valuables were saved by the quick-thinking of Captain Hart.
Headley Bros. Printing Works,
Edinburgh Road
, Ashford – Was completely gutted on
14th September 1906
.
Co-op Stores,
Ashford High Street
– On
4th March 1924
the building fronting onto the High Street was thoroughly ablaze. The shop was
devastated by the large fire. (Pic. right)
Tithe Barn fire - A fire at the old
‘Tithe Barn’ at Court Lodge, Great Chart on
13th December 1890
saw the coldest conditions the Brigade had ever faced. The hoses froze and
water could not easily be sourced due to the freezing conditions. Despite the
sub-zero temperatures, the Brigade managed to save items of property and some
stacks, but unfortunately they could not save the barn itself. The barn was
known as one of the longest and most ancient of the Kent Tithe Barns measuring
255ft long, 47 ft. wide and 40 ft. high.
Canterbury
Cathedral - On
Tuesday 3rd September 1872
, Canterbury Cathedral lost 150ft of roof due to a fire. Ashford Brigade were
sent for, but the city’s engines had bought the fire under control. Much
furniture and treasures from the cathedral had to be moved to safety after
molten lead and sparks rained down inside the ancient building.
Conclusion
The success of Ashford Fire Brigade was ultimately due to the dedication of its
members. However, financial backings from Insurance companies such as
Phoenix
, as well as subscription fees from wealthy members of the town, were essential
to the continual operation and improvements to the Brigade’s equipment. Various
Chief Officers had maintained and progressed the Brigade’s management and
organisation, ensuring that the group became a professional and well-respected
part of the community.
Sources
‘A History of the Ashford Fire
Brigade 1826 - 1911’ H. Wood.
‘A History of the Ashford Kent Fire
Brigade 1912 – 1942’ A. E. W. Palmer.
More
Information
Ashford
Borough
Museum
Exhibits
http://www.london-fire.gov.uk
& http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/OurHistory.asp
http://www.fireservice.co.uk/history
http://www.kent.fire-uk.org/history/firefighting_in_kent.aspx
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