This Fantastic Photograph shows the Three Counties Asylum Fire Brigade standing in the Asylum grounds.The Machine they have is a twin horse Merryweather & Sons Manual circa 1870 /1880. This machine was fitted with Merryweather & Sons hoses and fittings.
On Friday 13th December 1901 the sub committee met at the Asylum to examine the sample valve hydrants and detailed price list furnished by Messre’s Shand Masson & co, this price would cover all appliances. They compared prices with Messer’s Merryweather & Sons and even though Merryweathers prices were higher, the Sub Committee decided to go with them as the quality was far superior ,The Sub Committee gave the tender to Messer’s Meryweather & Sons and paid them £296.6.3 for the supply of all appliances and the firemen's uniforms.
On Monday 20th January 1902 Merryweather & Sons wrote to the visiting committee asking if they would like the letters HBH engraved on the portable hoses and fittings at a cost of about 8 pence per fitting. It was resolved unanimously that the clerk to the visiting committee informs Messer’s Merryweather & Sons that such lettering was not
required.
Only the Brass helmets had the HBH lettering applied to them.
We know that the engine also used Shand Masson & Co of Blackfriers London Hoses and equipment but we do not know when this changed.
The firemen all sport the Merryweather brass helmet bearing the initials HBH (Herts, Beds, Hunts) these helmets were unique to this crew. The uniform jacket is black with a red half choler, 16 brass buttons showing a helmet and crossed axes adorn the jacket. A thick leather belt with a solid brass buckle carries the fireman's axe and pump/hose connector “C”spanner, also known as a hose wrench. Trousers were black, or black with a red line running down the side of the leg.
The men in the photo are wearing black shoes or boots, These were supplied by Mr john Crawley of Bedrord at a cost of £ 1.4.6 per pair.
If you live at Fairfield now and you are taking a strole, keep your eyes open when looking down at the ground. If you notice some rotting wood and dirty metal, check it carefully, legend has it that the above engine was buried in a very large hole somewhere at the old Hospital !
You will be able to see the only complete and original Three Counties Asylum uniform
at the Fairfield Hospital 150th Celebration Day at Stotfold Memorial Hall on the
20th June next year.
An original Helmet and tunic complete with axe and
Hose wrench., I wonder which fire man seen in the photo wore this uniform ?
Close up of uniform button
We have a wealth of information about the many fires that the fire brigade had to fight at the Asylum, over the coming months we will add the stories for your interest.