History of Little Baddow

Generals Arms PH, Little Baddow.
© Copyright Trevor Harris contributor to the Geograph Project and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

History of Little Baddow >> Little Baddow Snippets

Little Baddow Snippets

When researching for this website we often find a little snippet of information on a location or subject which may be of interest. Some are quirky, some show that there is nothing new in this world, and some about the attitudes and morals of the time. [index to snippets] Here is one for Little Baddow on the dangers of the new lucifer matches.

The Essex Standard 29 June 1849

Another fire from lucifer matches.

No small alarm was excited in Chelmsford market on Friday last, by the arrival of a horseman at full gallop, who announced a fire at Little Baddow.

The Essex Economic and Essex and Suffolk Equitable fire engines, were soon despatched to the spot, when it was found that the fire was confined to the cottages of two labouring men near Grace's Walk, and the property of Mr Belcher of Danbury, which burned to the ground.

It appears a child, living in one of the houses, had possessed itself of some lucifer matches, with which it repaired to a hovel, and was amusing itself by striking them upon the wood, when the straw and rubbish in the place ignited, and the child narrowly escaped with its life.

Both houses were quickly in flames, and the poor cottagers had barely time to remove their furniture. There was but little water near the place, and the engines were not called into requisition.

[End of article]

Newspapers could provide a wealth of information about your ancestors or where they lived. See our article on exploring newspaper archives.

Back to History of Little Baddow