A collection of portrait photographs depicting some of the earliest public firefighters in London has been discovered by curators at the London Fire Brigade.
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade Act of 1865 established the first publicly funded fire service in London, which later evolved into the London Fire Brigade in 1904.
These photographs had remained uncatalogued and stored away for over a decade before being found during a recent inventory of the brigade’s historic collection.
Stephanie Chapman, the museum curator for the brigade, remarked,
„These pictures offer a fascinating look at the first publicly funded firefighters responsible for protecting London.“
The London Fire Brigade indicated that the current museum team uncovered the photographs during a new inventory process, noting that there was no prior record indicating the images had been cataloged.
The formal portraits feature firefighters and officers posed in their uniforms, often showcasing their distinctive brass helmets. When these images were cross-referenced with the brigade’s historical staff records, they provided a visual connection to some of the individuals who played a crucial role in safeguarding London during the brigade’s formative years.
Many of the initial firefighters of the newly established Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) transitioned from existing organizations, including the private London Fire Engine Establishment (LFEE) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Life from Fire (RSPLF).
Among those featured in the photographs is John Cliff Bridges, who joined the MFB after serving 29 years with the LFEE, which primarily focused on combating structural fires. His service record indicates that Bridges continued with the MFB for an additional 11 years, working at various fire stations including Watling Street, Bishopsgate, and Farringdon Road.
Bridges retired in 1877 with the rank of superintendent and received an annual pension of £164. The records also highlight his family life, revealing that he had a wife and five children who likely lived with him at the fire station.
Another firefighter identified in the collection is John E Barker, who transitioned to the MFB from the RSPLF, a charity dedicated to rescuing individuals from fires. Barker began his career at Highgate Fire Station and served at multiple stations over a span of 24 years. He retired in 1884 from his final position as Officer in Charge at the Isle of Dogs Fire Station.
In the same year, he was honored with a Good Service Medal, which was presented to him by the Duke of Cambridge.
Chapman further stated,
„We don’t yet know why the early brigade decided to include these photos in our records, but we’re grateful that they did. Firefighting has changed a lot in the last 160 years, and these photos are the first part of that story.“
These historical images not only serve as a glimpse into the past but also highlight the evolution of firefighting in London over the decades.
Bildquelle: Foto von Virginia Marinova auf Unsplash
