Lunchtime Talk: ‘Always Ready, Always Willing: Firefighting in Oxford’

‘Always Ready, Always Willing: The story of fire and firefighting in Oxford’

Major fires, and those who have endeavoured to tackle them, have had a profound impact on Oxford throughout the city’s history. From Roman times to insurance and private brigades, to volunteer and professional units, through to the end of the Oxford City Brigade in 1974, join this fascinating talk chronicling firefighting efforts over the course of more than ten centuries.

You will hear about the ‘Great Fire of London’ and its impact on firefighting arrangements in Oxford, as well as the tragic incident that occurred opposite Oxford Town Hall in 1870. The public outcry which ensued would lead to the formation of the Oxford Volunteer Brigade, who would protect the local populace for over 70 years.

Tickets cost £6 and are available online via Eventbrite (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop. Part of the proceeds from this talk will be donated to the Fire Fighters Charity, providing life-long care and support for the UK’s fire family.

Further information

Complimentary tea and coffee will be available to enjoy during the talk. We recommend arriving before the start of the talk if you would like to grab a refreshment.

Sales from tickets help support our work to deliver fun and accessible family activities, community engagement projects, schools workshops, exhibitions and special events for Oxford’s people in our Museum spaces.

John Lowe was born in Oxford and is a Freeman of the City. After completing an electrical apprenticeship in the city, he undertook a radical career change and joined Oxford City Fire Brigade at the old George Street station in 1970. Following local government reorganization in 1974 he became a member Oxfordshire Fire Service and completed 30 years’ service. He has lived in Kidlington since 1985. His interests include the ‘Great War’ and its impact on the ordinary soldier and local communities. Also, the history of Fires and Firefighting in Oxford city. He has published a book on WW1 and is currently working on a second to relate the impact of fire on Oxford City.

Access

There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then a lift to the basement.

Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our page dedicated to access at the museum.

Photo consent

Please be aware that photographs will be taken at this event for use in marketing. If you (or a member of your group) would prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of staff know during the event.