Merryweather, 1850

The Early Years

 Prior to the late 1700's the small number of manually worked fire engines on Merseyside were all hand dawn. They were usually the responsibility of the Parish. It was often the case that an annual fee would be paid to a local tradesman to maintain the engine.

The most comprehensive records we hold relate to Liverpool, but a broadly similar pattern was repeated across Merseyside although most smaller parishes might only have one or indeed no engine.
Merryweather, 1888.
Merryweather, 1888.

These were the days before major Industrialisation, Liverpool was a however from the mid 1700's a growing Borough as well as developing as a port .
The fire risk was however not at the level it would become in the 1800's hence the lack of any professional or indeed part time Fire Brigade. Members of the public assisted in the operation of the engines as and when required.