Building record 1796/1/8 - The Fire Station, St Crispins Hospital

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Type and Period (2)

Full Description

{1} The fire station was first mentioned in the asylum records as early as 1881, sited close to the main block for immediate response. Fire hydrants were also supplied throughout the building as recommended by the Commissioners in Luncay plus a fire engine, fire escapes, small corridor engines and leather fire buckets supplied from the first year. In 1934 chemical fire extinguishers and a stationary pump replaced the old steam engine, but the station was extended in 1947 to double its size, even though Northampton Borough Fire Brigade assumed responsibilty in 1932. The station was a vital safety feature for the hospital, and though it was recorded that regular drills were carried out, it is not known whether any fires ever occurred.
Plans for the new extension included a detailed record of the station as it was built as well as the proposed fabric. The original fire station was a single storey brick construction, with the main, rectangular part built north-south for the fire engine, and a side bay for the personnel at the east. The external facades were ornamented with buff brick, slightly arched window heads and buff brick courses to eaves level around the entire structure that matched the fabric in the other asylum buildings. Similarly there were deep blue-engineering brick foundation and chamfer courses around the base of the structure. Stone windowsills did not continue beyond the limits of the windows as they did throughout the main block. The ornate top of the central flue or chimney (presumably to vent steam from the engine) had since been removed. The extension required the removal of the original double doorway at the southern end with its brick-relieving arch. Three-quarter length but narrow windows of either 21 lights or 14 lights had opening upper panels (not as shown in 1947) were on all facades except that at the north, where one had been blocked up. Where there was also a central person door. The eastern room had a fireplace in the north-west corner, with its own chimney stack and it overlooked the pond. Both elements were slate-roofed and had lead sheeted ridges and gullies.
The pond was first depicted by the OS in their 1901 map edition, and was therefore constructed after 1886. Of a double-lobed, almost figure of eight shaped plan, the pond or reservoir retained water for the fire engine within an eight-feet deep concrete lined basin, with sides that sloped at c 45 degrees. A brick wall crossed the centre, with buttresses and a central sluice to control flow between either side, by means of several metal wheels. A ramp with steps and a handrail was to the east.


<1> Thorne A.; Foard A.; Lean S., 2003, Historic Buildings Recording of St Crispins Hospital, Upton, Northamptonshire, 2002, p.73 (checked) (Report). SNN103454.

<2> Thorne L.; Lean S.; Harding J., 2003, Historic Buildings Recording of St Crispins Hospital, Upton, Northamptonshire (Illustrations), Fig.25 (checked) (Report). SNN103455.

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Report: Thorne A.; Foard A.; Lean S.. 2003. Historic Buildings Recording of St Crispins Hospital, Upton, Northamptonshire, 2002. Northamptonshire Archaeology Fieldwork Reports. N.C.C.. p.73 (checked).
  • <2> Report: Thorne L.; Lean S.; Harding J.. 2003. Historic Buildings Recording of St Crispins Hospital, Upton, Northamptonshire (Illustrations). Northamptonshire Archaeology Fieldwork Reports. N.C.C.. Fig.25 (checked).

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Location

Grid reference Centred SP 71257 61182 (10m by 17m) Central
Civil Parish UPTON, West Northamptonshire (formerly Northampton District)

Protected Status/Designation

Other Statuses/References

  • None recorded

Record last edited

Apr 24 2008 1:04PM

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