Images Dated 31st May 1890

LCC-MFB Horse drawn steamer and fire crew

A horse drawn steamer, mainstay of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade's fire engine fleet, seen here at Southwark headquarters. Only the steamer had the ability to pump and deliver water onto a fire. The escape cart just carried the 50 foot ladder and performed rescues. The steamer crew would organise the water supplies and generally fight the fires

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

LCC-MFB, HQ station, Southwark SE1

The new headquarters of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) opened in 1878 under its Chief Officer Captain Eyre Massey Shaw. With the creation of the London County Council in 1889 it became responsible for the capital's fire service and the MFB changed its name to the London Fire Brigade. Seen here is the HQ engine house with its horse drawn escape cart and two horse drawn steam driven pumps. They were first introduced into the London Fire Engine Establishment (the forerunner of the MFB) in 1860

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library