Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Fire Brigade
Early fire brigade - hand in hand insurance company
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Early fire brigade - hand in hand insurance company
An engraving of men from the Hand in Hand Insurance Company. Before the establishment of regional fire brigades, fires were tackled by insurance companies. Despite their frock coats and breeches, these men are wearing helmets similar to a modern day firefighter. The Hand-in-Hand was established at a meeting in Toms Coffee House, St Martins Lane, London and was first known as Contributors for Insuring Houses, Chambers or Rooms from Loss by Fire, by Amicable Contribution. Two other fire offices, the Fire Office and the Friendly Society, already existed at this time but the Hand-in-Hand was the first established on the mutual principal. In May 1697 the societys first loss, 1 12 shillings, was settled on two houses in St Stephens Alley in the parish of St Margaret s. Date: 18th century
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14186590
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Companies Conflagration Eighteenth Fighters Fires Helmets Insurance Firefighter Fireman Firemen
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Fire Brigade
> Popular Themes
> Firefighters
EDITORS COMMENTS
This engraving captures a significant moment in firefighting history with men from the Hand in Hand Insurance Company bravely tackling a fire. Before the establishment of regional fire brigades, fires were a common threat, and insurance companies like Hand in Hand took it upon themselves to mitigate the damage. The men in this image, dressed in frock coats and breeches, are surprisingly equipped with helmets reminiscent of modern-day firefighters. The Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company was founded in 1697 at a meeting in Toms Coffee House, St Martins Lane, London. Initially known as Contributors for Insuring Houses, Chambers or Rooms from Loss by Fire, by Amicable Contribution, it was the first fire insurance company to operate on a mutual principal. The societal impact of this innovation was immense, as two other fire offices, the Fire Office and the Friendly Society, already existed at the time. In May 1697, the company's first loss, amounting to 1 12 shillings, was settled on two houses in St Stephens Alley in the parish of St Margaret's. This engraving is a testament to the courage and resilience of early firefighters and the critical role insurance companies played in protecting property and lives during the 18th century.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
