Cambridge Independent Press 11 Sep 1880: Rectory Farm fire

TRUMPINGTON, - On Sunday afternoon about 3.20 a fire, of a somewhat serious nature, broke out on the Rectory Farm, situate in the parish of Trumpington. The farm, which is the property of Trinity College, Cambridge, is in the occupation of Mr. Richard Holben, and it is supposed that the fire was accidently caused by a child, who was seen running away from the place upon the first appearance of a conflagration. The fire broke out on the south side of the farm, and a breeze blowing, it gradually spread over the whole premises. The supply of water was very limited, the well not holding above a cart load, so that it was utterly impossible to extinguish the fire which was burning all day on Monday. The fire engine of the Norwich Union was speedily on the spot, but was unable to render any assistance in consequence of the scarcity of water. The property destroyed including two wheat straw stacks, the produce of 23½ acres; a barley stack, the produce of 14½ acres; a pea stack, the produce of 7½ acres; two stacks clover hay, the produce of 17½ acres, one granary board and pantile built, size, 14 feet by 11 feet; one open cart shed, 18 feet by 14 feet; one barn 46 feet by 19 feet, containing about thirty coombs of wheat and a large quantity of new chaff; one pigstye, 19 feet by 10 feet; one stable and chaff house 22 feet by 14 feet, the chaff house containing a small quantity of chaff; two sets of harness; one cart and several farming implements, also the foreman’s cottage, part of which was plaster built and part brick and slate, was destroyed, only one side, the two ends and the chimney being left standing. The furniture was fortunately saved plenty of time elapsing, between the breaking out of the fire and its reaching the house, to remove it. We understand that Mr. Holben’s property was insured in the Sun Fire Office. Police-constable Everitt was on the spot immediately after hearing the cry of fire, and with the help of Sergt. Levitt and of police-constables Plum, Ding, Gray and Waters who arrived shortly afterwards, rendered some valuable assistance. It is estimated that the damage amounts to £1,000.