History of Fire-fighting in Tonbridge
We must first go back to 1900 when tragedy struck as Harris the drapers shop, situated next to the Bull (Now Peacocks Store), caught fire. The Manager and his family were trapped on the top floor. But help was delayed as the town’s fire escape was locked behind the gates to the castle ground. The Manger and his three daughters perished in the blaze.
After the tragedy the inquest recommended that the town have a properly equipped Fire Brigade and that the escape be wheeled out of the Castle grounds and placed under the Old Town Hall at night.
We must now travel back to find the first person to provide fire-fighting equipment for the town, George Hooper a local solicitor (1660-1744).
During his life it is said that he had a pre-occupation with fire precautions and such gave eighteen leather fire buckets the town.
George Hooper died in 1744 and his will directed “That my executor within three months after my decease do lay out the sum of forty pounds for a water engine of engines to be placed in the parish church of Tonbridge, for the use of the said church and Tonbridge town to extinguish fire (which God prevent)”
The engine was indeed kept in the lobby of the parish church and was subsequently joined by two fire hooks (used for pulling thatch from roofs). These hooks can still be seen in the lobby of the parish church today.
In 1814 it was decided to build a permanent building to house the engine. This was built near the south gate of the Churchyard.
1870 saw the formation of the ‘Local Board’, the Fire engine and other items, being controlled by the ‘Lighting Committee’ who reported to the Board.
At this time there were nine firemen and a Superintendent. Over the next few years there were several Superintendents.
In 1873, a Grant was given by the Royal Society for the Protection of Life for a free fire escape for use in the district.
There were many changes of control over the next seven years and, in fact, there were two fire brigades in the town. These were combined in 1880.
By the time 1890 arrived the Volunteer Fire Brigade sent a deputation to the Board for improvements to the facilities. But it took another ten years and the tragedy mentioned at the start of this recollection for plans for a permanent premises and facilities to be considered.
In 1901 construction of the New Fire Station began. A new Salamander Steam pump was purchased for £425 and was often seen on display at public occasions. On Sunday mornings they would pump out the town’s swimming pool and during Cricket Week they played Hose Football.
During the Second World War (1939-45) all Fire Brigades we nationalized. Firemen had to travel great distances to other areas to combat the incendiary devices and flying bombs. The Tonbridge crews assisted in London and Portsmouth.
The Old Fire Station in Castle Street was used right up until the new premises, in Vale Road, was opened in 1985.
Today the Fire Brigade is still helping to save lives although, with the changing life style, they now spend more time at Road Accidents than putting out fires.
Once known as Firemen, they are now called Fire-fighters. This change is part of our present way of life as women, at long last, are now part of the Brigade and indeed all areas of employment.
Based on the report prepared by Leading Fire-Fighter – Brett Egan.
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