Skip to content
Harborough Museum

Sun Fire Plaque

Sun Fire Plaque

To celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge, we have chosen a space-themed object this month! Visit the Summer Reading Challenge site to find out more about how to take part or pop into the library and museum.

There are millions of stars in the sky, including the sun and this month’s object is the Sun Fire Office plaque.

Space Chase logo

Market Harborough had some way of fighting fire as far back as 1679, only 34 years after the Battle of Naseby. There was probably a large pump used by six people, and the water was taken from the Folly Pond, which is nearby the present-day fire station. Streams were made going down the hill to get water into the town, and an underground tunnel replaced this in 1766.

In 1870 a Volunteer Fire Brigade was created in the town, and horse-drawn fire engines were stored outside the church of St Dionysius. Smaller, private fire brigades were run by insurers and you could tell a business or building was covered by a mark or plaque, such as the Sun Fire one.

Sun Fire Office plaque, with the image of a sun in gold.
The Sun Fire Office plaque can be seen in the Market Harborough Historical Society case.

Local Government took over the Fire Brigade in 1880 and by 1903, the distinctive fire station on Abbey Street was built. The current fire station on Fairfield Road was opened by the Duke of Gloucester in 1989 and you can see objects showing the history of the service in our seasonal display.

Opening hours

Tuesday-Friday

10am-6pm

Saturday

10am-4pm

Contact us

Send a message

Tel: 0116 305 3627

Address: The Symington Building, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT (Car Park: LE16 7XA)

The Symington Building logo
Logos for the partners of Harborough Museum
Visit England Quality Assured Attraction logo

Copyright 2023 © Leicestershire County Council - Terms of use | Accessibility statement