“The most valuable means of extinguishing the destroying fires”: Fire-fighting and the london water companies in the long Eighteenth century
Accepted version
Peer-reviewed
Repository URI
Repository DOI
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Authors
Van Lieshout, Carry https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3856-3701
Abstract
This paper evaluates the role of London’s water companies in organized firefighting 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.
Description
Keywords
fire-fighting, water supply, eighteenth century, public service, water companies, fire insurance, philanthropy
Journal Title
London Journal
Conference Name
Journal ISSN
0305-8034
1749-6322
1749-6322
Volume Title
42
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Publisher DOI
Sponsorship
This research was supported by an AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Award, conducted at King’s College London.