Market Deeping fire engine

A fire engine was in use at Market Deeping from the early 19th century but by 1874 it had become worn out and the Stamford Mercury reported on Friday 2nd October that the appliance was “old and rusted and enveloped in cobwebs and dust”.

The condition was little improved in the years that followed until it finally broke down in 1898 and the following year a replacement was purchased at a cost of £95, the new machine being stored in the Town Hall which then had two double doorways at the front to facilitate movement in and out.

By the summer of 1899, the Market Deeping Fire Brigade was holding regular drills under its captain, E Neal and first officer, R Harrison. Mr Neal also provided the horse to pull the appliance and volunteer "callers up" were recruited to alert firemen each time there was a blaze by pedalling round to every house on a bicycle.

Fire coverage for the Deeping was eventually taken over by the fire service based at Deeping St James and the engine was removed from the Town Hall in 1960 after being stored there for over 60 years.

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