Proposal to erect a memorial to

James Braidwood

who founded Edinburgh Fire Brigade

James Braidwood

James Braidwood, born in Edinburgh in 1800,  and educated at the Royal High School.  Following a series of fires in Edinburgh Old Town, Braidwood persuaded the authorities to help him create Edinburgh Fire Brigade, the first municipal fire brigade in the world, in 1824 wnen he was 24 years old.

He went on to become Superintendent of London Fire Brigade when it was set up in 1833.  He was killed by a collapsing wall,  while on duty in London in 1861.

Memorial

A fund has been established for a £75,000 memorial to Braidwood, to be created by the Glasgow sculptor, Kenneth Mackay, to be erected probably either in the High Street close to where Braidwood set up his first fire station or near Lothian & Borders' current HQ in Lauriston Place.

It is hoped that the Memorial will be unveiled during 2007.

 

Frank Rushbrook

The idea behind the memorial to James Braidwood comes from Frank Rushbrook CBE, 91-year-old former Firemaster at Lothian & Borders Fire Brigade.

Edinburgh Evening News: September 14, 2006, p.16

 

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