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COMPANY BUSINESS
This August issue
of the Salamander
comes at a time of
some significance in
the cementing of the
relationship of the
Worshipful Company
of Firefighters with
the City of London. This September marks the
350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London
in 1666, which devastated almost two thirds
of the City and the impact on the many livery
companies, churches and City of London
institutions at that time was considerable. It
can be argued that the event was the prime
instigation of, firstly, the Fire Insurance industry
and, secondly, the formation of more formal
and improved fire fighting methods, leading
eventually to the creation of the London
Fire Brigade, this year celebrating its 150th
anniversary.
Although in itself a young 28 year organisation
by City standards, the Worshipful Company
of Firefighters has, over the past few years,
proved itself as a valuable contributor to the
continuing resilience of the City. Its promotion
of fire safety issues via its annual City fire
lecture, communication through its annual
City fire dinner and, in espousing relationships
with the UK wide fire industry via its annual
Fire Industry Chariry Ball, which helps fund its
charitable activities such as the encouragement
of the fire cadet movement within the London
boroughs are snapshots of some of the ways
our Company now gets positively involved
within the City.
Although 350 years ago seems a long time ago,
most of us can still relate to the impact such a
City fire would have had on the ordinary lives
of people living in the city. There are a large
number of events happening across the City
to commemorate the 350th anniversary from
a special exhibition at the London Museum,
displays and talks at the Guildhall Art Gallery
and Library, City of London Heritage Gallery
and Library, as well as special services of
commemoration in St. Paul’s and St.Mary-at-
Hill. On the anniversary of the fire itself (2-4th
September), you can climb the Monument for
free, there will be a light display event beamed
onto the dome of St. Paul’s church and a large
scale representation of the 17th century London
skyline will be floated on the River Thames.
The City of London has also provided a self-
guided walking tour of the key parts of the City
affected by the fire - the WCoFF have been
involved in this project, said to be one of the
most popular guides the City has published.
To commemorate the event, the WCoFF
has been very active in its own right as well.
Not only has this year’s Fire lecture been
focussed on the 1666 fire, but the Company
has set about publishing its own forensic
analysis, undertaken by Dr Peter Mansi, a
livery member of the Company, wrapped up
in a commemorative book which also provides
good information on earlier London fires, the
impact of the fire on churches, livery halls and
the formation of the insurance industry - it is
definitely a book you should buy. There are also
prints to purchase of the famous Holler view
of the City in 1666, a special plate depicting
one of the amazing paintings of the fire and a
set of commemorative stamps, signed by your
Master and dated on the anniversary - a real
investment opportunity for you.
I hope you enjoy this issue of news about
our Company and the stories presented on
the Great Fire of London. Please pick up a
leaflet on the Great Fire 350 (visitlondon.
com/greatfire350) or get one on the Great
Fire of London trail - our future lies in better
appreciation of our past and our commitment
to the present. Your involvement in the life of
the Company is important.
Bruce Hoad
Master.
Worshipful Company of Firefighters
FROM THE MASTER