Early Fire Services in Cambridge

The first mention of any fire precautions in Cambridge comes from records dating back to the 16th Century in documents that show a issue of a bucket and ladder given to Colleges and Churches across the town.

It wasn't until 1875 The Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed using hose carts and ladders found in seven stations across the town. In 1909 more equipment was acquired including a horse drawn steam engine.

First Motor Fire Engine in Cambridge - St. Andrew Street 1920's

The volunteer fire brigade in Chesterton amalgamated with the Cambridge brigade in 1911.

In 1921, the Cambridge Borough Police Fire Brigade was formed and took over the responsibility of the fire service in Cambridge. They obtained a motor vehicle and pump.

The combined police and fire station was found in St. Andrew Street where the building still remains there today, but used for other purposes. A second station was also set up in Newmarket Road to work alongside the one in St. Andrew Street.

In 1948 the Cambridgeshire Fire Brigade was formed after denationalisation and in 1965 the Cambridgeshire Fire Brigade and the Isle of Ely Fire Service amalgamated into one service called Cambridgeshire & Isle of Ely Fire Brigade. The headquarters and control room were based at a new station in Parkside.

In April 1974, after a number of fire authorities were reduced across the UK the Cambridgeshire & Isle of Ely Fire Brigade amalgamated with  the Huntingdonshire and Peterborough County Fire Service to form one service called The Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service Authority. It is thought this was the first British fire authority to include the word 'Rescue' in it's title.    

Cambridge Fact File: Jimi Hendrix in Cambridge

DID YOU KNOW? 

The Jimi Hendrix Experience performed in Cambridge at the Dorothy Ballroom on the 15th February 1967.

Cambridge Fact File: Cambridge's Oldest College

Peterhouse in the 1920s

DID YOU KNOW?

Peterhouse is the oldest college in Cambridge and it was established in 1284 by Hugh de Balsham, Bishop of Ely.

The college was named after Peter the apostle.

Cambridge Fact File: How Mill Road Got It's Name

DID YOU KNOW?

The area where Mill Road now stands was once nothing but open fields and the only noted landmark was a windmill which stood roughly opposite Emery Street. It was from that windmill Mill Road got it's name.

Cambridge Fact File: William the Conqueror and Cambridge Castle

William the Conqueror

DID YOU KNOW?

William the Conqueror visited Cambridge, or Grantabridge as it was known in 1068 and ordered one of three castles across the East of England to be built there in the aftermath of his northern campaign to capture York.

It was decided because Cambridge was on one of the old Roman routes from London to York and could prove to be strategically significant and at the risk of rebellion.