Fire in parish clerk's house (1859)

Post date: Dec 02, 2017 8:17:9 PM

The following extract from the South Eastern Gazette of 20th December 1859 was brought to my attention by Trisha Robynns who runs a blog relating to Tonbridge People.

Wateringbury -Fire -a fire broke out here about 12 o'clock on Wednesday in the house of Mr. A. Reeve, butcher and parish clerk. The engine belonging to Mr. J.B. Jude was quickly on the spot and there being plenty of persons ready and willing to work, and a plentiful supply of water, the flames were soon subdued. The house, however, was greatly damaged, as were also the furniture and clothing of the inmates. The furniture &c. were insured, but we have heard the building was not. It is supposed that the fire originated from a bag of shavings in a chimney having been ignited by the sparks issuing from an adjoining one, which had caught fire. In all probability the shavings fell into the room and set fire to the furniture.

THE FIRE AT WATERINGBURY.

ABRAHAM REEVE begs to return to those persons who were so kindly and energetically engaged in the suppression of the Fire that lately occurred upon his premises, his most hearty and grateful THANKS for their exertions to save his property.