High St Sd 1904
This photo shows the junction of High St with Fawcett St (left). Bridge St is concealed on the right. It was taken just after the whole foreground area in the picture had been completely rebuilt following a major fire in 1898 which started in Havelock House, then a drapers shop (left). The handpowered pumps held by the police could not cope and the fire spread out of hand to destroy nearly 50 shops and properties. National ridicule resulted in a belated decision to establish a fire brigade in its own station with steam powered pumps. Havelock House changed again in 1915 when the Havelock Picture House was built.
