Drawing of c1598 showing fire-hooks and buckets in use

Fire hooks

Central portion of Francis' 1794 map showing the pond in the middle of the main street

Hungerford's two 18th century manual fire pumps. The pump on the right is now restored, and stands in the entrance to the Town Hall and Corn Exchange. (This picture was developed from a glass plate found after Albert Parsons closed his photographic shop in the High Street.)

This 18th century manual fire pump is thought to be the one bought in 1737 (ie Hungerford's 2nd fire engine), and is probably by Newsham (see other examples below), or Bristows.

Hungerford's two 18th century manual fire pumps. The pump on the right is now restored, and stands in the entrance to the Town Hall and Corn Exchange. On the photo one can see it is marked as "Repaired 1831 by Geo Earle, Constable".

Hungerford's remaining 18th century fire pump, with the two panels removed for better investigation, 20 Feb 2013. (See text for more information)

Hungerford's remaining 18th century fire pump, with the two panels removed for better investigation, 20 Feb 2013. (See text for more information)

Hungerford's remaining 18th century fire pump, with the two panels removed for better investigation, 20 Feb 2013. (See text for more information)

Hungerford's remaining 18th century fire pump, with the two panels removed for better investigation, 20 Feb 2013. (See text for more information)

Hungerford's remaining 18th century fire pump, standing in the entrance hall of the Town Hall. This was probaly Hungerford's 3rd fire engine. It is not yet known by whom or when it was made, but it might have been made by Adam Nuttall or Samuel Phillips. (See text for more information)

Athelstan Museum's fire pump - remarkably similar to Hungerford's restored pump. It was built by Samuel Phillips for Malmesbury, and dates from 1760 or later. Adam Nuttall pumps were similar, but started in 1751. Adam Nuttall's wife was probably related to John Fowke, an earlier manufacturer of fire pumps.

Another Newsham manual fire-pump said to date from 1737. (At Bray) Note the pivoting front wheels. There are many similarities between this and one of Hungerford's pumps.

This Croft Castle manual fire pump is very similar to the restored Hungerford one. The pumping handles are placed at the ends. The mechanism is simpler and less efficient than that used by Newsham. This is painted with a date 1843 (but this is perhaps the date of restoration or acquisition). [Kindly provided by Maureen Shettle]