Leney hops destroyed by fire (1883)

Post date: Feb 29, 2012 8:59:55 AM

Extract from Kentish Gazette 27th November 1883:

Destructive Fire.—A serious fire occurred on Tuesday morning at a large hop warehouse occupied by Messrs H. Wright and son, Maidstone. The premises, consisting of three stories, were packed from basement to roof with some choice hops, the property of Messrs. Leney, Wateringbury. When the fire was discovered the Kent Fire Brigade was soon on the spot, and shortly afterwards four of the other local brigades, prominent among which was the Volunteer brigade, were playing upon the flames The store of hops was soon in a blaze, and when it was found impossible to save the building the efforts of the firemen were directed to confine the conflagration to the premises where it originated. Adjoining the building on both sides were stores for corn, etc., and a number of the tradesmen sent conveyances to assist in the removal of the contents. The fire was raging for upwards of four hours. Messrs. Wright and Pine's warehouses adjoining, which were also stored with large quantities grain, only escaped through the vigilance of the firemen, but the stock was more or less damaged by the large quantity ef water poured on the building. The premises and stock are insured in the Kent Fire Office, and the damage is estimated at £12,OOO.