Horse Drawn

Ramsbottom Fire Brigade was formed in 1887 and its first fire appliance was a horse drawn merryweather steamer. It would of been pulled by 2x horses.

The fire engine had a vertical boiler onto a horse-drawn platform, thus improving water pressure and making easier to use once steam had been got up. It was reckoned that an engine could get up enough pressure to pump within ten minutes of a call out; the fire could be started before leaving the fire station so there would be enough pressure by the time they arrived at the scene of the fire. The pump could pump about 250 gallons per minute.

Ramsbottom Fire Brigade first appliance seen here outside Central Street Fire Station – 1887 – Copyright Tower Press

Ramsbottom Fire Brigade taking part in a parade along Bolton Street at the junction with Cross Street. There are two steamer fire engines seen here with the front being named Royal Albert – Date Unknown – Copyright Ebay Member Citycards2008