Southam on Fire

‘…it pleased Almighty God to lay a heavy affliction upon him by a sudden and fearful fire…his house burnt to the ground.’

Thus the local Justices of the Peace described an outbreak of fire in Southam in 1652 at the property of Richard Goode, a ropemaker, and his son Richard, a ‘hemp-dresser’.

The Orders made by the Justices illustrate the idea of local charity supporting townsfolk afflicted by fire. The fire which devastated the home of Richard Goode contained:

‘…five bags of building and household stuff value three score and five pounds and burnt the goods of Richard the younger 44 cwt of hemp, value three score and one pounds to the impoverishment of both men and their families…’

The Justices decreed that there would be a general collection in all places of worship throughout the county, all alms being given, ‘…to pay the petitioners.’

A few years later in June 1657, tragedy struck the home, outbuildings and ‘tanfatte’ belonging to William Mason, a tanner, near the Market Place. The damage included nine bays of buildings. Besides this the fire wasted the neighbouring properties of Richard Lynden, Richard Newcombe and another William Mason, a carpenter. The losses due to the fire were valued at £251. As with Richard Goode, the magistrates:      

‘…recommended to all charitable and well-disposed people in the county of Warwick and appoint a general and public collection…’

Interestingly, William the tanner proved a good citizen by paying his neighbours compensation of £28 6s 8d towards the restoration of their properties and businesses.

At the turn of the eighteenth century the incidence of fires led to the suspicion of arson and consequently the appointment of paid watchmen.

In 1707: ‘…a fire happened in the houses…burnt down, inhabited by William Pratt, William Bicknall, William Wright and Henry Brown…’  In a sense the occupants were lucky, as their houses were rented and subsequently rebuilt for them.

In 1710, the churchwardens recorded another fire where 5 shillings were paid to several men who attended and helped to extinguish it. Further, a watchman was paid 1s 6d to attend the scene the following night as security. He was subsequently paid expenses for searching the town at night for suspicious persons; in unlit streets this was unpredictable even for the strong, able-bodied man employed. This incident led to the employment of several watches being set on other occasions.

As a result of the fires and suspicion of arson a Mr Typers was paid 2s 6d to organise the town’s men to meet and regulate the watch. Doubtless, to counter any threat, the town was quite willing to pay:

‘…for ale for the watchmen at 8d a night for 4 weeks and 2 nights: £1 0s 0d’.

Later in the year, Squire Biddulph and Squire Shugburgh provided warrants to the constable Robert Field and thirdboroughs William Mallin and John Cornby to:

‘…search the county for suspected persons concerning the fire.’ (Quite a challenge).

Other examples before Southam’s major fire of 1742 included payment to the watch in 1713 when Richard Freeman’s house was on fire, payments in 1730 to the constable Joseph Pratt for seeking out arsonists and, on 1 April 1740, payments to 14 men:

‘…that watched the fire that broke out at widow Beavington’s and burnt the house and Mr William Cox’s…14s’

Even though there were other tragedies resulting from fires over these years, there is no doubt that local organisation, community spirit and the actions of constables and watchmen saved a town where ‘dry thatch and open timber were at the mercy of any sparks from braziers and kitchen ranges.’

Southam Heritage Collection is located in the atrium of Tithe Place opposite the Library entrance.  Opening times Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings from 10am to 12 noon. To find out more about Southam’s history, visit our website www.southamheritage.org  telephone 01926 613503 or email  southamheritage@hotmail.com  You can also follow us on Facebook.

Dr Raffell’s new book about Southam’s Workhouse is on sale at the Southam Heritage Collection, price £7.