Rushden Research Group: Fire Mr and Mrs Burton's 1891

Wellingborough & Kettering News 13/02/1891, transcribed by Peter Brown

Fire at Mr. and Mrs. Burton's

Fire — A narrow escape from what might have ended in serious consequences — by fire — occurred on Wednesday morning. It appears that Mr. and Mrs. Burton, residing in Franklin’s Row, had occasion to require the services of the sweep, who called them up about five o’clock in the morning. Mr. Burton, as was his wont, turned out first, lighted a candle, and went down stairs, to let him in. He had only been down stairs a minute or so — indeed Mr. Barker had scarcely undone his tools — when he was alarmed by Mrs. Burton screaming that the house was on fire. Rushing upstairs the room was found to be full of smoke and flames. Mrs. Burton who was awakened by what she thought to be the candle too near her face, was taken into another room, by her daughter, while Mr. Burton with the sweep, and two young men lodgers, worked to extinguish the fire, in which their efforts were happily successful, but not before most of the bedclothes had been spoiled. It is conjectured a spark from the match struck to light the candle was the cause of the conflagration. Luckily the furniture was insured.

return to the Index of Fires