"The Most Valuable Means of Extinguishing the Destroying Fires": Fire-fighting and the London Water Companies in the Long Eighteenth Century. (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Lieshout, Carry
• Is Part Of: London journal. Volume 42:Number 1(2017:Mar.)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Fire-fighting -- Water supply -- Eighteenth century -- Public service -- Water companies -- Fire insurance -- Philanthropy; London (England) -- History -- Periodicals; London (England) -- Civilization -- Periodicals; 942.1005
• DOI: 10.1080/03058034.2017.1279869
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-8034

Abstract

Abstract : This paper evaluates the role of London's water companies in organized fire-fighting in the long eighteenth century. It sets out the extent to which the companies' directors were willing to go to provide free water in cases of fire, and questions their motivations in providing this free public service. While legal reasons played a role, the paper argues that the directors' motivation can also be attributed to a combination of local interests, charity, and the positive publicity generated by their efforts. This publicity both bolstered the reputation of the several competing water companies, and reflected positively on the directors in charge.