Step back in time and imagine Barrow-in-Furness in 1911. The air is thick with coal smoke and the clang of shipyard work, but rising above the industrial hum is a brand new, state-of-the-art fire station on Abbey Road, a beacon of safety for the growing town. Built by Burmantofts of Leeds for the princely sum of £6,000, this magnificent structure, with the scent of fresh brick and mortar still lingering in the air, was one of the first fire stations in the country designed specifically for motorised fire engines!🚒Can you imagine the excitement surrounding this cutting-edge technology back then? The gleaming brass and polished red paint of those early engines, the roar of their engines a thrilling new sound in the cobbled streets.
This wasn’t just any fire station. With its striking red brick facade, cool to the touch even on the warmest summer day, and elegant terracotta arches, it was a true architectural gem. ✨Sunlight catches the glazed surfaces, casting warm reflections on the pavement below. No wonder it’s now a Grade II listed building, recognised for its historical and architectural significance. #PreservedHistory
For over 80 years, this building served as the heart of Barrow’s firefighting efforts. Picture the scene: the clatter of heavy boots on the tiled floors, echoing through the high-ceilinged rooms, the rumble of engines roaring to life, shaking the very foundations, and the urgent shouts of firefighters rushing to answer the call of duty.🛡️The sharp tang of smoke, the hiss of water against hot metal, the shouts of relief and the murmurs of worried onlookers – all these were the sounds and smells of life within these walls. Countless alarms were answered, and countless lives were protected within these walls.
But time marches on, and in 1996, the fire station closed its doors, leaving behind a silence that felt almost deafening. Thankfully, this grand old dame wasn’t forgotten. Today, it has a new lease of life as The Bed Brigade furniture store.🛏️The scent of wood polish and fresh linen now fills the air, replacing the ghosts of smoke and steam. While the sirens may have fallen silent, the spirit of this building lives on.
And speaking of memories… we recently shared a photo on our Furness Whisper Facebook page that sparked quite a story!
A woman named Heather Hands commented on the photo to tell us that the young boy is her son, Simon! He won a competition to visit the fire station back in the day (his dad was a Barrow firefighter, too!). They now live in Australia, so imagine her surprise seeing this blast from the past pop up on Facebook!🌏 #SmallWorld
And here’s the thing: Heather never shared this photo with us! We had it in our archives, and it was a complete surprise to her when she saw it on our page. It’s a true testament to the power of social media and local history to reconnect people with their past.
It turns out Simon won the visit by drawing a fire engine in a 5-13 Club competition. How cool is that? We’re hoping Simon might even see this post and share some memories of his visit! 😊 #FireStationHistory
BarrowHistory
So the next time you’re in Barrow, be sure to pay a visit to this grand old building on Abbey Road. Admire its architectural grandeur, run your hand along the cool, smooth brickwork, browse for a comfy bed, and let your imagination wander back to the days when it stood as a symbol of courage and community spirit. Want to share YOUR memories or learn more about Barrow’s history? Contact us at info@furness-whisper.uk or via our contact page.