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The building was designed by Nowell Parr, Surveyor to Brentford
Urban District Council, and built by Brentford builder James Barnes.
Mr Barnes first estimate contained an error which made it much the
cheapest however after adjustment it was still the cheapest so he
did not lose the contract. Mr Parr supervised the building operation
closely, it was of red brick with two bays, the two gables decorated
with Doulton terracotta tiles. There were two double engine exit
doors on to the High St with Shand & Mason's quick opening system,
and a door at each side. A spiral staircase led to a recreation room
for a caretaker on the second. The cellar is prone now (and probably
then) to flooding at very high tides. On the east side were stables,
a WC a yard for drilling and engine cleaning and a covered space three
storeys high for hose drying. The total cost was £3.000
The Fire Station was opened on Tuesday 22 Feb 1898. The flags flew,
school children were given a half-holiday and a procession formed up
outside Clifden House watched by Council members. There was a Band
from the Middlesex Regiment and manual and steam pumps came with their
crews from far and wide. One hand pump belonging to the Earl of Jersey
was said to be nearly two hundred years old but whether it was serviceable
was not recorded Finally came the Brentford engine, bedecked with flowers,
with a magnificent floral harp hanging from the funnel and attended by
the whole Brigade including Engineer Richard Higgins. Col Clark was in
charge with Deputy Supt H T Gomm and probably Asst Supt James Clements.
The procession wound its way through the Butts to Brentford Bridge then
back along the High St to Kew Bridge. After a circuit of the Fountain it
fetched up at Ferry Square for the opening ceremony.
Visiting Brigades drew up on either side in front of the new building
with an escape in the middle the band played lively airs until the Council
arrived. Nowell Parr handed a silver key to Mr J J Dorey Esq JP, chairman
of the Council. He unlocked the Fire Station door and led fortunate ticket
holders inside to see the interior and hear speeches. Mr Dorey, a local
builder, referred to his 'beautiful building', Guest included Archibald S
Montgomrey JP and other members of the Montgomrey family. he evening was
marked by another dinner for upwards of sixty people at the Castle Hotel.
This time Mr Dorey presided over a sumptuous nine course feast. A long
succession of toasts was drunk which drew appropriate responses. Mr James
Bigwood MP was not able to attend, but Nowell Parr, Thomas Layton and many
other local worthies, even the Mayor of Richmond, were present. As before
there were speeches, toasts, eating, drinking and music, including a song
from Brentford Librarian Mr Fred Turner. Later in 1898 Fred Turner wrote of
the architecture of the Fire Station as 'second to none in the locality'.
Brentford Fire Station is closed, 1965 to 1985
In the 1950s and early 1960s there were rumours and counter rumours about
the future of Brentford Fire Station. In 1965 Middlesex County Council
ceased to exist and the Greater London Council came into being. The
Middlesex Fire Brigade gave way to the London Fire Brigade and the same
year Brentford Fire Station was closed after 67 years. Chiswick Fire
station was also closed and a new Station built in Chiswick.
used by the Ambulance Service from 1965 to the early 1980s. In 1985 the
extension was demolished and the building converted for use as offices.
Chimneys were removed, roof lights added the hose-tower had a gable above
removed and a staircase installed inside. It was now known as the Old
Fire Station.
HISTORY OF BRENTFORD FIRE STATION
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