Page 112 - Archived Back Issues

GREAT FIRE OF LONDON OF 1212 - 800 YEARS AGO
One of the great medieval fires of London, also known as “the Great Fire of Suthwark” began on 10 July 1212 in Southwark, the borough directly to the south of London Bridge. The flames destroyed Our Lady of the Canons (Southwark Cathedral, also known as St Mary Overie) and strong southerly winds pushed them towards the bridge, which also caught fire. London Bridge had only just been rebuilt in stone, and the structure itself survived the blaze. However, King John had authorised the construction of houses on the bridge, the rents from which were supposed to pay for its maintenance, and it appears that these were lost to the flames.
WET 10 - CITY WATER DEBATE
The fourth annual City Water Debate, sponsored by the ‘WET 10,’ took place on Monday 5 March at Farmers’ and Fletchers’ Hall. The WET 10, who actually currently number 13, are a group of Livery Companies with a common interest in the health of the water environment. The WCoFF is one of these companies. The guest speakers were Professor Sir John Beddington, the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser and Lord Redesdale the Liberal Democrat peer.
Sir John presented a gripping and cogently argued overview of the serious water issues facing the world which are aggravated by climate change and the hugely expanding world population especially in Africa and Asia. Rupert Redesdale particularly highlighted the need for UK water consumers and providers, and the industry regulator OFWAT, fully to embrace sustainability. There was a wide range of questions from the various Livery Company representatives and their guests.
Commenting afterwards Colin Drummond, Chair of the WET 10 said, “The annual City Water Debate demonstrates the breadth of the Livery movement bringing together senior representatives from users and suppliers of water, from the Farmers and Gardeners through to the Plumbers and Water Conservators. We are an increasingly respected voice in the water and environment debate”.
For further information, please contact: Colin Drummond, cdrummond@viridor.co.uk 01823 721435. Additional information is available on the WET 10 website www.wet10.co.uk.
FIRE INDUSTRY CHARITY BALL
Thank you to all those who contributed to this year’s Ball either by your attendance and hence contribution to the raffle and auction, by Corporate Sponsorship or by donations. Your generosity enabled us to raise in excess of £23,000 for our Charitable Trust.
Those of you who were able to attend, will recall a superb evening of good food, good company and entertainment. The date for the 2012 Ball is 15th September, so mark it in your diary. Booking details are available by calling 07860 188 030 or email brandy.promotions@virgin.net.
Bryan Spearman
Under Warden and Ball Organiser
The earliest account of the blaze appears in the Liber de Antiquis Legibus (”Book on Ancient Laws”), composed in 1274. According to later traditions, however, numerous casualties were incurred when a mass of citizens from London rushed onto the bridge at the first signs of fire, intending to cross the river to help extinguish the flames. High winds carried red-hot embers across the river and ignited buildings on the north side of the structure. This fire trapped a large number of people, many of whom died either in the blaze or while attempting to escape on overloaded boats that had come to their aid. However, no reliable evidence survives to allow an accurate estimate of the number of casualties caused by the great fire of 1212, but it is known that the damage done to London Bridge was such that the structure remained a ruin, only partially usable, for years afterwards.
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