Fire at the Blue Boar, Abridge

Early this morning a fire broke out at the Blue Boar Inn, Abridge, by which the house, furniture, plate, and stock in trade, were entirely consumed. Mr Mansfield, the landlord, his wife, and other inmates, retired to rest about 1 o'clock. Soon after, Mrs Mansfield's attention was excited by a smell of smoke, and she awoke her husband, who thinking it only an imaginary fear on her part paid no regard to it. About 2 o'clock Mrs Mansfield again mentioned her suspicion, and at half past two insisted on Mr Mansfield getting up. On opening a closet in the bedroom, which is immediately over the bar fire place, a volume of smoke burst out with great force. They instantly aroused the inmates, and Mr Mansfield accompanied by a man named Reeves, went down stairs and forced open the taproom door. This room was filled with smoke, but they could clearly discern the flames issuing from the side of the bar chimney, where the fire must have commenced. A messenger was despatched to Epping for the engine, which shortly arrived, but unfortunately it was so much out of order as to be unserviceable. Mr Thomas Mead, a tailor and draper, who resides within two doors of the Blue Boar, then rode to Romford, a distance of seven miles, and returned with the engine of that parish within an hour. Plentiful supply of water was obtained from Mr Andrews’ brewery adjoining and from the river, the floodgates of Mr Stephen’s mill having been opened, and the engine played with great effect; the fire, however, had gained such an ascendancy, that it was impossible to save the house, but by the very praiseworthy exertions used on the occasion by all parties, the flames were prevented from extending to the stabling and the adjoining premises. The fire was not effectively subdued till between five and six o'clock. Mr Andrews's brewery was saved by un-roofing part of a storehouse, whereby the communication was cut off. A cottage, belonging to the inn, was much injured, and Mr Mead, whose house is adjoining, will suffer to the amount of £200, from the damage sustained in the removal of his stock and furniture. The value of the property destroyed is estimated at about £2,400; but we are happy to state that Mr Mansfield is covered by insurance in the Alliance office: the house, which is the property of Mr Andrews, is also insured in the same office.

A rumour was prevalent that a traveller perished on the occasion, but this has not been confirmed.