Past Awards
The Royal Society for the Protection of Life from Fire was established in 1836, its principal role being to place fire ladders in London streets in the interests of life safety. Until then, although insurance company fire brigades acted to protect property and buildings from fire, the protection of people was not considered in the same way. The distribution of fire ladders by the Society was a major advance.
The Society’s records up to and including 1998 are available for inspection at the Guildhall Library in the City of London.
From time to time the Society receives enquiries from persons seeking to learn more about an award in the past to a family member. The Guildhall Library is prepared to help with regard to such an enquiry about an individual award. Enquirers are advised to write to:
Guildhall Library Manuscripts
Aldermanbury
London EC2V 7HH
mentioning the Society by name and sending the following information
- Name of recipient
- Number of award (if known)
- Date of award/certificate
and asking for whatever additional details might appear in the Society’s archives.
Alternatively, the enquiry/information could be sent by email to manuscripts.guildhall@cityoflondon.gov.uk.
It is sometimes possible to visit the Manuscripts section in the Guildhall Library and ask to view appropriate records in the Reading Room but this arrangement will be subject to alteration for most of 2009 while refurbishment is carried out. It will be necessary to contact the Library concerning visitor access.