‘
Always Ready, Always Willing: The story of fire and firefighting in Oxford
’
Major fires, and those who have endeavoured to tackle them, have had a profound impact on Oxford throughout the city's history. From 
Roman times
 to 
insurance and private brigades
, to 
volunteer and professional units
, through to the end of the 
Oxford City Brigade 
in 1974, join this fascinating talk chronicling firefighting efforts over the course of more than ten centuries.
You will hear about the 
‘Great Fire of London’ and its impact 
on firefighting arrangements in Oxford, as well as the 
tragic incident
 that occurred 
opposite Oxford Town Hall
 in 1870. The public outcry which ensued would lead to the formation of the 
Oxford Volunteer Brigade
, who would protect the local populace for over 70 years.
Complimentary tea and coffee will be available to enjoy during the talk. We recommend arriving before the start of the talk if you would like to grab a refreshment.
Tickets cost £6 and are available online via Eventbrite (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop.
Part of the proceeds from this talk will be donated to the Fire Fighters Charity, providing life-long care and support for the UK's fire family.
Sales from tickets help support our work to deliver fun and accessible family activities, community engagement projects, schools workshops, exhibitions and special events for Oxford’s people in our Museum spaces.
John Lowe
 was born in Oxford and is a Freeman of the City. After completing an electrical apprenticeship in the city, he undertook a radical career change and joined Oxford City Fire Brigade at the old George Street station in 1970. Following local government reorganization in 1974 he became a member Oxfordshire Fire Service and completed 30 years’ service. He has lived in Kidlington since 1985. His interests include the ‘Great War’ and its impact on the ordinary soldier and local communities. Also, the history of Fires and Firefighting in Oxford city. He has published a book on WW1 and is currently working on a second to relate the impact of fire on Oxford City.
Scaffolding at Oxford Town Hall:
From August 2025, scaffolding will be in place outside Oxford Town Hall. Both entrances to the Town Hall (main steps and level access entrance) will 
remain fully open and accessible
 while these essential maintenance works are carried out. More information can be found on our 
Plan Your Visit page
.
Access:
There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then a lift to the basement.
Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please 
contact the Museum team
 if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our page dedicated to 
access at the museum
.
Photo consent:
Please be aware that photographs will be taken at this event for use in marketing. If you (or a member of your group) would prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of staff know during the event.
Information Source: Museum of Oxford | eventbrite

Ilbilbie

Australia

Oxford

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