Blenheim Palace Launches Search to Find Lost Fire Engine
Blenheim Palace has launched a nationwide search to try and track down one of its old fire engines.
The Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site is appealing to anyone who may know the whereabouts of the Merryweather steam fire engine.
Blenheim Palace had its own brigade from the mid to late 1800s and owned a variety of fire appliances, including the Merryweather.
Believed to have been built by Merryweather & Sons in 1890, the horse-drawn engine used a steam boiler to create pressure to pump water. It was mounted on a four-wheeled sprung carriage.
After many years of operation, the engine was taken out of service and its location is now a mystery.
“We believe the fire engine underwent repair and re-conditioning work relatively recently in Kent and, at some point was based in the West Midlands,” said Blenheim Palace Operations Director, Heather Carter.
“We then understand it may have gone to a new owner in the Brighton area but, until now, we have been unable to track it down.
“It would be fantastic if we were able to find it and perhaps arrange for it to return temporarily to Blenheim Palace for a visit,” she added.
In 1898 the Estate was the venue of a Fire Brigades Rally in 1898. Permission to stage the event was given by the 9th Duke of Marlborough (1871 – 1934) who was also the President of the National Fire Brigades Union.
The Blenheim fire brigade was still in operation during the Second World War.
Anyone who may be able to help locate the fire engine can contact operations@blenheimpalace.com or call 01993 810530.
More in Attractions
The Story Museum: Bringing Stories to Life in Magical Ways
The Story Museum is no ordinary museum. Nestled in the heart of Oxford, this unique, immersive space is dedicated to celebrating the power of storytelling in all its forms. Whether through interactive exhibitions, live performances, or creative workshops, The Story Museum is on a mission to enrich lives—especially young lives—through the magic of stories.
HENLEY FESTIVAL 2024 UNVEILS PIONEERING VISUAL ARTS SHOWCASE
10 – 14 July 2024 | henley-festival.co.uk | #HenleyFestival | @henleyfestival
Henley Festival Presented by Westcoast – the UK’s only boutique black-tie festival – is delighted to reveal this year’s dazzling visual arts programme, featuring one of Britain’s best-selling figurative painters Mark Demsteader, the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize and Archibald People’s Choice Award-winning artist Esther Erlich, and sculptor Holly Bendall, who creates striking bronzes including a Greenpeace-supported permanent public installation that can be experienced in Porthleven.
Blenheim Palace announces annual Jousting Tournament dates
This spring, step back in time at Blenheim Palace as the UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into an action-packed battlefield for its annual Jousting Tournament.
From this author
Experience ‘Life Below Stairs’ at Blenheim Palace: all-new visitor experience unveiled
From 29th March, step into history as Blenheim Palace unveils ‘Life Below Stairs’ – a groundbreaking new visitor experience that brings the hidden world of Victorian service to life like never before. The experience is set within some of the original working kitchens, open to visitors for the very first time.
Christmas and 2026 group bookings announced at Blenheim Palace with trade pricing...
Blenheim Palace is delighted to announce the highly-anticipated theme of Christmas at Blenheim for 2025 – Palace of Oz where groups can enjoy an enchanting festive experience with exclusive trade pricing.
Britain’s Greatest Palace like you’ve never seen it before: Blenheim Palace announces...
Blenheim Palace has announced a series of once-in-a-lifetime views and visitor experiences which will only be available for a limited time due to the launch of its most ambitious restoration project to date.