Genealogy Chat

I wonder if anyone can help me find out why the Daily Telegraph, would have their own fireman. In the 1871 census, my g g grandfather James Fleming c1820, was living at 135/136/137 Fleet Street. He was listed as a fireman, although I can't make out what else it says after that. Also at the address, is Thomas Newcombe, who is listed as Advertisments ( manager Daily Telegraph). James died in St Thomas' hospital in 1872, but when his wife died, later that year, her death certificate shows her as having died at 7 Campbell Street, the widow of James Fleming, fireman at the Daily Telegraph Office. So does anyone know what this would have been?. I have already googled the address and Daily Telegraph, but to no avail. Thanks Lynn

I can't find anything out on old occupations sites, but two possibilities occur a) he was a chap employed as a fire prevention person, who made sure the building wasn't going to burst into flames. I imagine paper being inflammable this was a real possibility. b) he operated a fire - boiler? engine? of some kind. nell

I think the census entry says 'Fireman to the firm'.

Thanks Paul, that would make sense. I still don't really understand why they would employ their own fireman. Nell, he was listed in 1861 as being a fireman, the parish fire engine keeper, previously he had been a waterman. Lynn

Nell's reply makes absolute sense. For the proprietor of a newspaper, fire would be his worst nightmare and it would make sense to employ your own experienced firefighter to patrol the premises and deal immediately with any outbreak. Think of all that combustible paper and coal-driven machinery. I would bet his pay was subsidised by the insurance company.

When I worked in the City (London) in the 1960s, it was very common for large premises to employ a full time fireman. Ours stoked the boiler, got rid of all the paper and presumably did fire safety checks. He slept on the premises at night. OC

Thanks Paul and Olde Crone, I think that you must be right. The address on the 1871 census, in Fleet Street must have been the Telegraph's office at the time, so he would have been available 24hrs a day. I wonder if they would hold any records at the Daily Telegraph? Thanks again Lynn

The Daily Telegraph moved premises in 1882. They moved to Canada Square a few years ago. The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph Telegraph Group Limited 1 Canada Square Canary Wharf London E14 5DT Tel 020 7538 5000 (main switchboard) Their Reader Relations department is at: readrel 'at' telegraph(.)co(.)uk

Paul, you are an absolute Star! I will contact them & put their answer on this thread. Thanks again Lynn :-)

Well, I emailed the Telegraph and yesterday, they phoned me and we had an interesting conversation. They do not have staff records for that date, but were able to tell me a little about the building and also told me a story c1860, about someone who was convicted of arsen at the office. They are going to send me a picture of the building and also a copy of this story. They thought that this fire might have resulted in the paper employing a live in fireman! Not bad eh? Lynn : - )

It may also have been a condition of their insurer. I should imagine the insurance premium was already high with all that combustible material and your chaps wages would have been well worth the reduction in premium. You may find something on A2A about insurance policies for the paper?

Thats an idea Heather, I will go and have a look. Lynn : - )