Byfleet Fire Station
Byfleet's Fire Station has had a special place in the hearts of Villagers for well over a century. Although having closed in the early 1960s, it still provides an attractive part of the conservation area at the Western end of the Village.
The response from the whole commmunity when it was threatened with demolition was amazing and work is now in hand to secure its future for the community.
Byfleet Fire Station - A very brief History - we will expand this over time and would welcome contributions
1871 : Formation of Byfleet Volunteer Fire Brigade by Sir James Whittaker-Ellis of Petersham Place (now Lloyd’s Bank), High Road.
1893 : Take-over of Volunteer Fire Brigade by Byfleet Parish Council.
1895 : Construction of new Fire Station in High Road (terracotta block above the main doors states ‘Erected AD 1895’). Funded and owned by Sir James Whittaker-Ellis, it was a two-bay structure constructed in red brick with a decorative red terracotta facade.
1896 : Opening of new Fire Station. Rented by Byfleet Parish Council from Whittaker-Ellis for use by an 11-man team.
1902 : Purchase of site from Sir James by Parish Council for £310.
1910 : Formal group photo (later published in ‘Changing Woking 1900-1929’) of Byfleet Fire Brigade depicts 15 uniformed firemen plus two other bystanders posing in front of their unidentified horse-drawn fire tender.
1910 : Agreement made to cover Pyrford too – for £25 p.a.
The funeral of Francis Polley.
1939 : Plans prepared by Woking UDC for a new fire station in Oyster Lane but this was never built due to World War Two.
(1939-45 : World War Two).
Early 1940s : Rear extension added to main part of the building; similar to temporary buildings on war-time military bases, it was of cement rendered brick construction with a flat roof and steel-framed Crittal windows and survives today. Its original function is unclear although presumably for office or equipment storage.
1962/3(?) : Closed after 66 years’ service. (Note BHS Timeline claims 1960).
2007 to date : Work to save and renovate the Fire Station for the community continues.
Open Day September 2010
If you can add to this story please go to the Forum Pages - see the Home page, and share your memories with everyone. Many thanks.
