Farm Fires

 

Wickcroft Farm suffered fire on at least three occasions. The most serious happened on 20th December 1873 when only the house and one granary were saved from destruction by a fire that started when the men were clearing out the firebox of the steam engine, used to power a threshing machine, at the end of the day's work. They raked the hot embers onto a wet stone but the stone split and the embers fell onto some dry chaff, which immediately ignited. The cows and horses at the farm were all led to safety but the barns, a number of grain ricks, a quantity of grain and a store of feed were all destroyed. The machinery was also damaged and the cost in all was put at £5,000. Three engines from Reading were also used and the ruins smouldered all the next day.

 

Earlier, in August 1867 a fire had broken out in the rick-yard, which was close to the road, supposedly started by some tramps who were seen nearby though it was not known whether by accident or design. Some of Mr Benyon’s men spotted the smoke and flames and the fire engine was quickly dispatched to the spot. The County Fire Office engine from Reading also attended and the fire was put out before it could spread to any of the nearby ricks. Upwards of 100 men and women were involved in putting out the fire and all were paid for their services by the County Fire Office by whom the farmer, Jenkin Davies, was insured.

 

In May 1885 George Fry, a 14 year old boy in his employ, was charged with arson when a hay rick at Piper's Farm caught fire. The magistrates remanded Fry on bail for trial at the Assizes, Mr Davies himself putting up part of the bail money, where he was acquitted by the jury.