three counties column
Each month Richard Knight will feature an item
from Three Counties Hospital from his collection
of history and memorabilia. This month is Part 3 of a
feature on the Three Counties Asylum Fire Brigade
The Merryweather Brass Fireman’s Helmet
The committee wrote to Messrs. Merryweather and
Messrs. Shand Mason for quotes for the above fire
appliances, they were also asked to quote for the
tunic and trouser material as these items would
be made by the asylum tailors.
It was also recommended that the asylum
workmen would fit all the new fire appliances
themselves under the supervision of the
engineer, The committee also extended
a thank you to Captain Spong for all the
trouble he had taken in this matter.
On Friday 13th December 1901 The sub
committee studied detailed quotes from
Merryweather and Shand Mason , Although
Merryweather’s goods were more expensive it was
felt their quality was better than Shand Masson’s
so It was decided to accept Merryweather’s tender to
supply the firemen’s uniforms and all appliances at a cost of
£296.6s.3d.
The tender of £1.4s.6d put in by Messrs. Mr. John Crawley of
Bedford to supply pairs of boots for the firemen was also
accepted by the committee.
Ferocious Fire In The East Water Tower
On the 12th March 1902 a terrible and ferocious fire broke out in
the roof of the east water tower. It was apparently first noticed by
gardener Billington around 12.30 midday, he happened to be on the
road adjoining the detached hospital and noticed smoke billowing
from beneath the slats from the upper portion of the roof. The alarm
was immediately given and in just a few minutes the fire brigade
and artisan workers were at the scene of the fire, a valiant attempt
was made to extinguish the blaze from within the tower by using the
Tozer engines (below).
These were found to be useless as the flames had taken such a
hold and spread so rapidly they stood no chance of quelling the
flames. It also became very dangerous to work on the inside of the
building as this had now become a great threat to life through flame
and smoke.
A hose was now bought u