Massive Horsham fire recalled

On this day in 1909 a ‘disastrous fire’ ravaged two of Horsham’s major businesses and left the buildings in such a dangerous condition that police were stationed to prevent anyone getting near.

Just before midnight a policeman walking along West Street heard crackling in the premises of Messrs Rice Bros, cycle agents and saddlers.

He immediately gave alarm and minutes later there was a big crowd watching. The company owners, who lived nearby, rushed to the scene. Only four bikes could be rescued before the flames prevented them entering the building.

Within 16 minutes of the alarm being raised firemen were on the scene. However, the fire quickly spread to the whole front of the building and, as a newspaper reported afterwards “it was evident that the place was doomed and that extension of the conflagration was almost inevitable.”

Flames roared through the roof and now and then an explosion could be heard, with stones and blazing debris falling. The plate glass windows of Messrs Hunt Bros, directly opposite, cracked with the heat.

The firemen fought the fire and attempted to prevent it spreading to neighbouring properties. At ten to one a large section of roof collapsed and a concerted effort was made by the public to clear goods from nearby shops.

As smoke appeared from the roof of Messrs Chart and Lawrence, Crawley Fire Brigade were sent a wire, asking for help. However, both Rice Bros and Chart and Lawrence suffered severe damage.

Finally, the blaze was brought under control and an assessment of the damage made. The total was estimated roughly at around £4,000 (c£14,500 today).

The newspaper suggested that the opportunity be taken by the council to purchase a slice of land in order “to round off a very bad corner”!

Due to the dangerous condition of the remains, and the chance of charred wood falling off at any time, police were stationed around the building. A big crowd continued to arrive during the day. Due to the direction of a light breeze the sound of the fire-bell didn’t carry beyond the Iron Bridge, so many awoke to the news of the fire.

A pleasing note was that several shops offered help to Rice Bros and Chart and Lawrence, including space in their workshops and any stock that may be required. While the building was re-built Rice Bros carried on business at the Conservative Offices further down West Street and Chart and Lawrence occupied a nearby old bank premises.

Rice Bros were back in their West Street shop after several months of rebuilding, but the company decided to shut the shop in 1914 and concentrate their efforts at their Springfield Road premises.