I can't find reference as to when this was built, but it is likely that it came after a devastating fire along this street which, as we will see, took out this entire row of buildings. It was, however, in use until the 1930s.
The town fire engine was paid for by public subscription in around 1835. In a town of thatch, such as Thaxted, having a volunteer fire service could save valuable time. In days when they'd otherwise have to wait for an engine from another town to attend, having an engine on hand could stop a fire getting of control before they arrived.
There are, unfortunately, many fires reported to have taken place in local newspapers on the late 1800s in Thaxted. Some more devastating, in their scale, than others.
In 1864 a fire broke out in a barn near The Star Inn, which claimed 17 houses. It is thought that children playing with matches was the cause.
Almost 20 years later, in 1881, perhaps the towns most famous fire took place. It broke out at the Blacksmith's in Bolford Lane, the lane where you find the Engine House today. It spread right up as far as the church, moving down Fishmarket and Stoney Lane. It just reached the Guildhall before it was brought under control. Eighteen houses were destroyed, and three barns, including a huge Tithe barn which stood in the churchyard - next to where the Engine House stands. The grey thatch next to the Engine House was the only one of the buildings to be rebuilt. The engine house isn't marked on maps before the 1880s, so I suspect it was built when the thatch house was restored. Amazingly, this fire jumped the Chantry and Almshouses in the churchyard, which are still there today.
Standing in the churchyard now, it's hard to imagine the tithe barn there, but Thaxted Online has an image of the church where it's visible in the background.
The engine itself was restored in the 1970s and at that time, housed in a local museum. I'm not sure where it is today. (The present museum was closed the day I visited town).
///snuggled.paths.occur
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