Fire Fighting

From the 17th Century up to the 19th Century the ability to effectively fight fires in buildings had always been a major problem which invariably resulted in the property being completely destroyed. In the early centuries the only means of fighting the fires were with buckets of water carried from a suitable sited water tank. Later mobile hand lever operated pumps with fixed hoses were used. It wasn't until later in the 19th century that Country Houses were able to install wet riser fire mains complete with landing valves and hoses, and having the necessary nozzles to provide a jet of water on to the fire. For fighting a small fire Hose Reels directly connected to the fire main would be used to limit the extent of the fire before it became out of control. Members of the Heritage Group during their travels occasionally discover items of historic fire fighting equipment. This equipment is displayed on this webpage.

St Fagan's - Cardiff



A cylindrical lead open top water storage tank dated 1620 sited outside the main entrance
of the Manor House, made available for using buckets in the event of a house fire.



Knole House - Kent


 
An example of an early 19th century mobile fire tender operated by a
hand lever pump. The tender is complete with its own hose and jet nozzle.



Petworth House - West Sussex



A wet riser fire main and direct coupled hose reel.



Tredegar House Newport



An example of a 19th century mobile fire tender
operated by a hand lever pump.



Hose reel and coiled hose for connecting to the Landing Valve




Separate hoses and various size nozzle attachments.

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