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Adam Brown · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 5:10 pm Post subject: James Braidwood

James Braidwood Monument
Location: Parliament Square, Edinburgh
OS Ref:
Sculptor: Kenneth Mackay
Foundry:
Unveiled: 5th of September 2008, by Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea

Adam Brown · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 5:10 pm Post subject:

James Braidwood

1800 - 1861

Father of the British Fire Service

This statue is dedicated to the memory of James
Braidwood, a pioneer of the scientific approach to fire-
fighting. It also recognises the courage and sacrifice of
fire-fighters, not only in Lothian and Borders Fire and
Rescue Service, but all over the world.

In 1824, Edinburgh suffered two disasterous fires which
destroyed much of the old city. As a result the City
Council decided to create the world's first Municipal
Fire Brigade and James Braidwood was appointed to
take Command

Quickly establishing an effective service, he developed
new fire-fighting techniques many of which are still
used today. In 1832, he left his native Edinburgh to
establish London's first full-time fire brigade.

Always at the front of the action, he was killed whilst
fighting a fire in London's Tooley Street

This statue has been provided through the vision
and to a great degree, the generous sponsorship of
Dr Frank Rushbrook CBE - a former Firemaster of
Edinburgh and a successor of James Braidwood.