A former fire station on Mill Street in Bedford is ‘under wraps’ while it undergoes essential renovation works. The building, which dates back to 1888, is owned by Bedford Borough Council and new window vinyls depict part of the building’s 135-year history.
The Bedfordshire Archives photograph that has been used is thought to date from the opening of the fire station in 1889 and shows the Merryweather engine, Captain May, Brigaders Hill and Evans and approximately the same number of firemen as were reported to have attended the opening ceremony.
The vinyls were funded by the Town Centre Priority Fund under former mayor, Dave Hodgson. Councillor Henry Vann said that it was a great project to see come to fruition before the change of leadership.
“It looks amazing – and celebrates the history and heritage of Bedford town centre, using this old image of the fire station in action,” said Cllr Vann.
“We had plans to bring this back into use – so we look forward to the new administration delivering on this project to bring shops back into use.”
The history of the Fire Station on Mill Street
The Fire Station on Mill Street was designed by the Bedford firm of Usher and Anthony in 1888 to replace the original fire station on the other side of Mill Street, which had been built in 1877 also to a design by Usher.
This earlier building still stands and is between the Empire nightclub and the George and Dragon.
The foundation stones of the new fire station were laid on July 11 1888 by the Marquis of Tavistock and Mr S Whitbread MP. The contractor was Mr George Harrison of Rutland Road.
The new building was officially opened by the Mayor of Bedford on Tuesday, 1 January 1889. The Bedford Record reported on 5 January as follows: “The procession met at the Shire Hall at one o’clock, and having partaken of some light refreshment, proceeded via High Street and Mill street to the new buildings, in the following order:
“Inspector Phelps and the Borough Police, Ex-Captain Thody, and the following members of the Brigade: Captain May, Brigadiers Hill, Pearson, Baker, Evans, Town, Freshwaters (2), Drake, Darlow, Woods (2), Jelley, and Spencer; Borough Offices; the Mayor; Aldermen Coombs, Roff and Carter; Councillors Harrison, Miller, Haynes, Jarvis, Webb, Richards, Barrand and Spencer; Messrs W Wilkinson, Lund, Cookson, Steers, Anthony, Baker, Steers and Harrison.
“Upon arriving at the building, Captain May handed the key of the new building to the Mayor, who entered by the rear entrance, unlocked the door, and declared the building to be open. The procession then proceeded to inspect the building, and short and appropriate speeches were made by the Mayor, and Aldermen Hurst and Coombs.
“At the conclusion of the ceremony the Mayor invited the members of the Brigade to the Dinner for the Aged at the Corn Exchange.
“Captain May entertained the members of the Brigade, with Mr H Thoy (ex-Captain) and the architect and builders, to a dinner, provided in the Engine House by Brigadier Mann in the evening. The usual loyal toasts were duly honoured, and a very pleasant evening was spent.
“The building which was opened on Tuesday was very much wanted by the Volunteer Brigade in order to give proper accommodation for the valuable gift of a Merryweather steam fire engine presented by his Grace the Duke of Bedford to the Fire Brigade.
“The external walls are constructed with Lunn’s Hill stone (T Beck’s quarries, Matlock Bridge) the copings being of Kelton stone, and the roof covered with Broseley tiles.
“On ground floor is the engine room, 22 ft 9 in by 35 ft, with Duffy’s solid wood block floor, and in the rear is a covered-in yard for washing and cleaning engine in.
“On the first floor there is a large committee-room together with lavatory and store-room; and the second floor contains living room, kitchen, and bedrooms for a resident fireman. The station is in telephonic communication with the principal buildings in the town.’
Planning permission was applied for additions in 1898. A hose tower was intended in 1904.
Bedford Volunteer Fire Brigade
Bedford Volunteer Fire Brigade was founded in 1870. The group of part-timers was under the command of a chief officer and employed one full-time engineer who lived at the engine house in Mill Street. The brigade was paid for by public subscription until 1919 when Bedford County Council took over responsibility.
Local fire services were nationalised in 1941 and, according to Bedfordshire Archives, this is probably when the fire station was closed (it appears in directories for 1940 but by the publication of the next directory in 1947 the building is occupied by other people). Fire services became a county responsibility in 1947.
Since 1947 the building has been occupied by a diverse range of individuals, businesses and organisations. Bedfordshire Archives holds the original planning application drawings for both the 1877 and 1888 fire stations (references BorBP573 and BorBP1857 respectively.
Plans for the building’s future
A Bedford Borough Council spokesperson told the Bedford Independent that a planning application has been submitted for the building.
“We have a planning application in at the moment which covers this building plus adjoining properties on the corner of Mill Street/Gadsby Street,” said the spokesperson.
“If approved, [this] will give consent to convert the upper floors into two flats and the ground floor will remain retail. The link for the application is 22/00431/DC3.”
