Victoria Hall Tuesday 17 January 2023, 7:30pm

Speaker: Diana Hamilton-Jones

James Braidwood (1800-1861) was born in Edinburgh and grew to be a serious young man, diligent, thoughtful, brave, patiently persistent, kind, a devout Christian, a great family man and a fair and considerate leader who inspired love and respect. Above all, he was a man of vision. At the age of only 24 he was appointed as Superintendent and Master of Engines of the world’s first municipal fire service which was established in Edinburgh in 1824. Before this time there was no official fire-fighting service. By 1833 he was installed as the first Superintendent of the newly formed London Fire Engine Establishment and was always making improvements, keeping his men well trained and well cared for, constantly having to battle against authorities with deep pockets, tight purse strings and not a little arrogance. He was the first to introduce many different pieces of equipment and methods. Nowadays so much is taken for granted, but it is time to stop, think and pay homage to a man who is the rock on which is built today’s modern fire service and ensure that his name is properly recorded in the history books.