The story of Leeds's own 'Fire King' as library's treasures revealed
Historic fire records a hot topic as Leeds Central Library’s treasures revealed
The heroic exploits of the city’s renowned crew of Victorian firefighters and their inspirational leader will be revealed by librarians in Leeds.
Antique scrapbooks compiled by Henry Baker, one-time superintendent of Leeds Corporation Fire Brigade, have been pulled from the archives at Leeds Central Library and will go on show to visitors alongside more treasures from the collection later this month.
Nicknamed “The Fire King” by local newspapers in the late 19th century, Baker became a talismanic figure in Leeds, making the city’s intrepid fire brigade the envy of other cities.
After he took charge of the service in 1875, Baker’s crews were heralded for their remarkably swift response times, and he was known to boast that it took his men just 50 seconds to be ready in daytime and 70 seconds at night.
A profile piece in the Yorkshire Evening News in 1906 said: “The people of Leeds have a warm place in their hearts for the stalwart Superintendent, for they have found that beneath his grim exterior is hidden a kindly heart as well as a dauntless spirit.”
Baker was clearly proud of his reputation, and throughout an illustrious career he meticulously collected a series of historic news clippings, photographs and handwritten notes, capturing in exhaustive detail the many fires and incidents he and his team rushed to tackle, which included some of the biggest blazes the city had ever seen at the time.
Among them was the devastating fire which ripped through Leeds New Station in 1892, sadly claiming the life of firefighter James Schofield, and a blaze at Wortley Church schoolroom in 1891 which resulted in the tragic death of 11 schoolgirls.
Other incidents included a fire at a convalescent home on York Road, which was started by Baker and the Corporation Fire Brigade under orders from the Lord Mayor amid concerns that infectious germs might be lurking within.
One cutting also tells how Baker and crew were commended by Lord Harewood for their rapid response to a fire at Harewood House in September 1885, making the eight-mile journey in just half an hour, beating the much closer Wetherby station to the scene.
A newspaper clipping, collected by Baker, speculated that the Wetherby brigade was late to the incident because they “made several stoppages on the way, and did not even make a start until each man had lighted a cigar.”
Librarian Helen Skilbeck will be showcasing Baker’s scrapbooks alongside other historic objects from the collection during a special event at Leeds Central Library on Saturday, May 9, with a second event also taking place on Saturday, May 23.
Helen said: “Superintendent Baker was clearly a very forceful and imposing character who quite rightly took a great deal of pride in his work and the accomplishments of his team.
“Thanks to his diligence and meticulous record keeping, we also have a genuine first-hand account of life in Victorian Leeds and the challenges faced by both firefighters and the people who lived and worked in the city at what was a fascinating and vibrant time.
“Records like these are a hugely important part of our collection, helping us to build a living and ever evolving picture of the city and its heritage which people today can still see and learn from.”
Other books which will be shown as part of the library’s treasure handling sessions include a catering ledger kept by noted Victorian confectioner Godfrey Wood.
It includes detailed lists of the lavish menus he created for various prestigious functions, including the banquet to celebrate the opening of Leeds Town Hall in 1858. The opulent menu included 20 lobsters, veal, beef and roast lamb.
Also featured will be a book of Goad fire insurance maps of Leeds, detailing the construction materials used in each building, with each location colour coded to give firefighters an idea how severe any blaze there may be.
The treasure handling sessions will take place in conjunction with city-wide celebrations to mark Leeds 400, a programme of exciting events and activities taking place across the city to mark 400 years since the city was awarded its first royal charter by King Charles I.
Tickets to Leeds Central Library’s treasure handling sessions cost £5. For more information, including how to book your place, please visit: Treasure handling session - Leeds and Yorkshire | Leeds Library
* More information about Leeds 400 and the events programme can also be found at: Welcome to Leeds 400 – A Year of Celebration | Culture Programmes