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1807
Early in the nineteenth century the Oldham Fire Brigade was a volunteer one, at this time the manuals were manned by volunteers who wanted to be paid so much a hour and also wanted beer while pumping at the hand pumps. If no beer was at hand this caused trouble and the men would then go on strike. The pay for attending fires at this time was 6d per hour when actually engaged in the work and a retaining fee of 10/6 per quarter and as the men were paid thus paid by results it can be readily imagined that they would be in no hurry to extinguish the fire. On numerous occasions the chance labourers engaged to work the hand pumps of the hand manual fire engines went on strike for more liberal treatment in the way of liquid refreshments and success invariably attended their plans. 1834 to 1843 Between the years of 1834 and 1843 there were a great number of mills burnt down which included the Union Mill, Oldham (JANY 28th) with the loss of 15 persons who perished in 1838. Fire at Church Lane Mill, Oldham (NOVEMBER 23rd) and on May 31st 1841 there was a fire at Mayall’s Mill, Mill Bottom, Waterhead, Oldham which was burnt down this was followed on December 2nd with a burn out at Schofield’s Mill, Waterhead. 1844 On October 31st a disastrous fire and collapse of the Lowerhouse Mill, Oldham where 20 persons perished. There is a tombstone erected in the St. James Churchyard, Huddersfield Road, Oldham. At this time a man named William Holt who had been allowed to attend fires was placed on the strength of the fire brigade on account of his conspicuous gallantry he had deployed in the rescue at the Lowerhouse Mill. 1849 The borough of Oldham was incorporated in the year 1849 and at that time the Commissioner of Police had control of the Fire Brigade but owing to the crude states of the machines used for fire fighting and the want of organisation among the firemen, the losses from fire were considerable. Shortly after the incorporation the Fire Brigade came under the control of the Watch Commander of the Borough, when a number of artisans were enrolled as firemen as well as lamplighters. The same year William Holt held the position as Captain of Townfield Division whose station was then at Mumps Brook near Mumps Bridge until 1860 when he was placed on the strength of the Police Force and remained in the Townfield Division until his retirement and superannuation in 1883. In the year 1849 the Mumps Brook station was opened this continued until 1864 when two sub-stations were opened they were Townfield in Townfield Street, Oldham at Werneth at St John St, Oldham for Police purpose and was deemed expedient to place the Brigade under the control of the Police. At this time two nine inch manuals were built by Messrs John Hall of Oldham and were dispatched to the two out-stations (Townfield and Werneth). This arrangement being made in order of supplement the engines and machines attached to the Central Fire Station which was in Clegg St. In addition to the Corporation Fire Brigade there existed in Oldham at this time and for many years a Fire Brigade representing the West of England whose organisation was disbanded in 1873. Their station was in Union St, Oldham where the Temperence Billiard Hall now stands, and the men wore very showey uniforms. 1875 This year proved disastrous and to prevent large number of fires that had been taking place the Watch Committee decided to purchase it’s first steam fire engine in November, a Merryweather 350 gallon per minute which costs £560 and was listed at Summervale Mill Oldham. On the day of it’s arrival from Manchester and before it was accepted a large fire broke out at Park Mill Hollinwood (messrs Baxters). The authorities acting in conjunction with the Watch Committee decided to proceed with the new engine to the fire. It just arrived in time to settle a strike of the pumpers with Inspector Scholes in charge, who had struck for more refreshments. Mr J Cresswell after Inspector drove the engine to the fire and Engineer John Cocker and John Green work the engine on arrival. At the fire when the engine was working if you left the boiler door part open the exhaust made a noise and an old woman came out of her house and said to the engineer “I say fella do you think it will burst”. Another incident when the engine attended to a fire at the Mons Mill Royton (now the Belgian Mill) a couple of men were having a bit of an argument respecting the engine, one said it went with steam and the other said it was pulled by horses, anyway they came to Engineer Cocker who settled the matter. 1876 The second and third engines were purchased both Merryweathers similar to the first one. Also the A.B.C. Telegraphic system was established to the three stations Central, Townfield and St. John’s St Werneth. 1877 A thorough re-organisation of the Brigade took place and 10 men were made permanent and attached to Clegg St Station with Sergeant Adamson in charge of Chief Constable Hodgekinson. 1878 In this year after considerable correspondence an agreement was entered into between the Fire Officers Committee and the Oldham Watch Corporation Committee for the payment of Brigade charges for services rendered, on condition that the Fire Services were still made more efficient. The constant call upon the Fire Brigade from the Out-Townships rendered it necessary that an annual retaining fee should be charged in order to maintain the Brigade in an efficient manner. This arrangement was subsequently entered into and the charges were based on the rateable value of the Out-Townships. On the 10th March 1878 fire broke out at Scottfield Mill, Ashton Road Oldham and the adjacent houses were being threatened by flames and so filled by smoke that the occupiers had to hurridly quit them. One the 13th March 1878 a complaint was made to the Oldham Corporation Watch Committee about the speed at which the Fire Brigade go to fires, one member deeming that it was dangerous. They are like hunters and will go at it when they hear the whistle. April 6th 1878 - The Theatre Royal, Horsedge St Oldham was practically destroyed by an out break of fire which occurred early in the morning. The building was entirely gutted only the walls left standing. The out break was detected by a road-man in employ by the Oldham Corporation. The damage was put down at about £5,000. The foundation stone of the building it is interesting to note was laid down by Feargus O’Connor in 1843. The same morning it was found that a slight fire had occurred at the Peoples Concert Hall and it was assumed that the fire at both places of amusement were the work of an incendiary. In the case of the Peoples Concert Hall straw had been piled against a door and set alight. April 12th 1878 - an outbreak of fire occurred at the mill of Samuel Dodd’s near the Blue Bell Inn, Alderoot, Chadderton. Information was conveyed to the Werneth Police Station whence a telegram was forwarded to the Fire Brigade Station, in Clegg St Oldham. June 27th 1878 - when the Fire Brigade was proceeding to a fire at the Alma Spinning Mill Scottfield Oldham the horse drawing one of the engines fell down and was forced by the impeliers of the engine the crowed of onlookers, and knocking several of them over, but without doing serious injury to any of them. July 8th 1878 - there was a mad scram for the door at the North St Dancing Hall Oldham when a fire occurred but none of the dancers were hurt. The caretaker of the hall using a hammer to turn of the gas had damaged the meter causing an escape which came into contact with his lighted candle and caused an explosion and fire. All these fires caused a great excitement and commotion that the Fire Brigade had to drill regular to become efficient, and Inspector Adamson was placed in charge of Central Fire until 1892. This followed an agreement of Insurance Companies Fire Office Committee formed. 1879 March 24th 1879 - fire at Dogford Mill Royton which did damage to the amount of £20,000 and on 25th April 1879 fire destroyed the Veneyard Mill Oldham to the amount of £10000. 1880 March 23rd 1880 - fire at Croft Bank Spinning Mill, Cross St Oldham damage amounting to £5,000. October 29th 1880 - fire at Spring Hill Mill Royton – damage amounting to £10,000. 1881 April 3rd 1881 - fire at Downey Mill Royton which was burnt down, no damage available. 1882 January 19th 1882 - fire at Rose Spinning Co Mill Waterhead Oldham, burnt down damage not available. Accounts were sent out by the Fire Brigade when their services were required such as the follows:
1883 January 1st 1883 - fire at Blackridings Mill Oldham, damage amounting to £16,000. William Holt was superannuated after thirty-four years service. A fire at Rochdale Town Hall. The Oldham Fire Brigade were called to assist Rochdale Fire Brigade at the Rochdale Town Hall, this has always gone down in the history of the Brigade as a special performance for the Brigade to travel to Rochdale and were playing on the fire in 26 minutes. It has been said that the Brigade were actually working on the fire before the Rochdale Fire Brigade, but this can hardly be believed as the Rochdale Fire Brigade was housed in the Town Hall building. October 18th 1883 - fire at Newroyd Mill Waterhead Oldham damage amounting to £14,000. 1884 Lees Fire Brigade disbanded and Lees District came into line with the other Out-Townships. The Lees Fire Brigade had been in operation from 1819 till now, with this Oldham Fire brigade purchased another Merryweather Fire Engine, this being the forth. All the four engines were Merryweathers Twist-Bar Motion Type, rear stoking with a capacity of 300-350 gallons per minute. At about this time the sprinkler system was becoming more popular and the value of installing them in cotton mills, became more apparent when it was found that the action prevented the spread of the outbreak, and in consequence disastrous fires were less frequent. 1886 In this year operations were commenced for the erection of the new Central Fire Station in Ascroft Street and Peter St Oldham. The old station had been in use for a Central Fire Station for over 40 years being considered inadequate for the requirements of the Borough. March 13th 1886 - fire broke out at the Werneth Goods Yard in the cotton warehouse. It was here the Sergeant Schofield of the Werneth Division was killed when a wall collapsed on him and burying him, he is the only member of the Oldham Fire brigade to pay the supreme sacrifice while in the course of his duty as a firemen. 1887 The new fire station was built in Ascroft Street and Peter St Oldham. 1888 In August 1888 the new Central Fire Station was opened which consists of a commodious Engine House 100ft x 30ft with 8 turnout doors into a yard. Stables for eight horses, loose box and harness room. Over the engine house are recreation room, workshops and billiard room. In front of the engine house is the yard 124ft x 78ft wide for drill purposes and testing of engines, with a tower 63ft high 15ft wide for the purpose of drying hose piping. Telephone room for the receipt of calls, the telephone system was quickly being installed Office and was a valuable aid in getting information to the Fire Brigade. In addition to the Headquarters Station the two out stations (Townfield and Werneth) each had a tender and fire escape, also a number of hose carts and by this time the members of the fire brigade numbered 47 of all ranks which was under control of the Chief Constable. January 20th 1888 - fire at Watersheddings Mill Oldham, damage £10000. December 14th 1888 - fire at Woodstock Mill Higginshaw Oldham damage £30000. 1889 January 2nd 1889 - fire at Alexandra Mill Oldham. Damage £20000 March 21st 1889 - the fire brigade was called to the Commercial Mill Oldham as a special service when the fly wheel burst and killed two men. November 28th 1889 - fire at the Starborn Mill Woodstock St Oldham. This was a disaster fire and burnt for weeks after, estimated damage was £37,000. 1890 June 29th 1890 - fire at Union Mill, Royton. Damage £15,000. 1891 June 6th 1891 - fire at Derker Mill Derker St Oldham. Damage estimated £10000. June 9th 1891 - fire at Glodwick road goods yard (railway warehouse) Oldham. Damage estimated £90,000. 1892 In this year Mr. William Harrison was promoted Inspector on the retirement of Inspector Adamson and rose to Superintendent and Deputy Chief Constable and retired in 1905. February 2nd 1892 - fire at Shawside Mill Shaw damage £15,000. May 3rd 1892 - fire at Bell Mill Hathershaw Oldham damage £15,000. November 21st 1892 - fire at Summervale Mill, West Street Oldham damage £18,000. 1893 June 1st 1893 - fire at Phoenix Mill, Phoenix Street Oldham damage £10000. September 25th 1893 - fire at Balmford lumber yard Oldham which was burnt out damage not estimated. 1894 January 28th 1894 - fire at Harrison's Soap Works Middleton Junction Chadderton this was burnt out damage not available. January 29th 1894 - fire at Rye Spinning Mill Chadwick Street Oldham, this was burnt out also, damage not available. 6th June 1894 - the old A.B.C. Telegraph machines were scraped and telephones were fitted between Werneth and Townfield Fire Stations and on the Townfield line a fire alarm box was fitted at Mumps Bridge. July 12th 1894 - fire at W. Giddis and Son, Broadway Chemical Works was burnt out. Damage not available. August 15th 1894 - fire at New Earth Hill, New Earth Street, Oldham, this was burnt out. Damage not available. 1895 April 9th 1895 - fire at Royal Mills, Rochdale Road Oldham, damage not available. A set of Quick Hitch Drop Harness was fitted to one of the engines on test for a period. 1896 The firemen’s dwellings were connected by electric bells, these houses were on Peter St, Ascroft Street and Chapel Street Oldham. The district stations are now in telephonic communication with the Central Fire Station also there was 13 Street Fire Alarms in the Borough, which was installed on May 23rd 1896. A Shand Mason Escape one two wheels was made and place in Ascroft Street Oldham, to be pushed off by 4 men. February 26th 1896 - a new Merryweather Fire Engine (No 4) came and was tested in the station yard called Kruger. Capacity 450 gallons per minute. Also a new one horse escape arrived fitted was a hose box and shafts. June 6th 1986 - fire at Summervale Mill, West Street Oldham. Damage not available. September 10th 1896 - fire at E. Whittaker, Spring Vale Mill Oldham. Damage not available. 1897 February 17th 1897 - fire at Greenacres Spinning Co Huddersfield Road Oldham. Damage not available. Foundation stone laid for Werneth New Fire and Police Station, Manchester Street and Frederick Street corner. November 26th 1897 - fire at Firwood Mill, Middleton Junction Chadderton, damage not available. Inspector Harrison went to United States of America and brought back the idea of swing harness for the horse fire engines. Oldham Fire Brigade was the first place to have swing harness. Two ambulance stretchers were presented to the Fire Station, for use at Market Place and Rhodes bank Oldham. 1898 The Fire Brigade by now was efficient, and consisted of four steamers each having a normal capacity of 250 gallons per minute, six tenders, 3 horse carts, 3 fire escapes and 5000 yards of hose piping together with the necessary appliances. The engines at the Central Fire Station are now fitted with the quick release harness, also electric apparatus for lighting the station when the alarm is given in the night, at the same time as the alarm is given, the engine house was lit up by gas. The new fire station at Werneth was now in course of erection at Frederick Street corner Manchester Street end to replace the old one in John St Werneth. These premises will have the latest improvements and conveniences of firemen’s dwellings which were special features at this period, in every accommodation will provide for the mental and physical recreation of the men during their leisure hours. A new two horse tender was made by the staff at Central Fire Station. New horse ambulance was given by Tom Bolton and housed at Central Fire Station. Two hose reels were sent to Lee St Police Station and Hollinwood (South St Police Station). The Blackburn Friendly Society for Firemen held a demonstration in Oldham, and William Holt rode on the machine as a guest of honour. There were 47 men, 5 engines, 6 tenders, 3 escapes, and 3 hose reel carts. Werneth Fire and Police Station was officially opened and one engine (No3) and old tender 4 horses (Ben and Dan for engine) Lad and Joe for tender. Seven horses were kept at Central Fire Station four at Werneth and four cart horses at Townfield Fire Station. October 28th 1898 - fire at Hoyle and Jackson’s, Chamber Mill, Primrose Bank Oldham. Damage not available. Water tanks were install in various parts of Oldham in case of fire, and the total of eight, these were provided for the use of the steamers while attending big fires in the vicinity. 1899 February 4th 1899 - fire at J.W. Lees Primrose Mill, Primrose Bank Oldham. Damage not available. October 7th 1899 - fire at Werneth Spinning Co Featherstall Road North Oldham. This was a burn out. Damage not available. |
AuthorEllie Bowden is the Great-Grandadughter of Ralph Coltman. Ellie is really enjoying finding out about her family history, as well as exploring the local history of Oldham and it's firefighters. 
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