Album compiled by Cecil Fawssett, 83 High Street, Lewes, concerning Lewes Fire Brigade

<span class="wrapper"><p>For minutes of the Fire Brigade Committee of Lewes Council, 1904-1940, see BLE A3/45-46. These have been used to supply dates for some of the items in AMS6584/1</p> <p>For local authority records relating to the fire service see C/F and R/F; for a history of fire-fighting in East Sussex, see R/F 15/1; for papers relating to Wadhurst Fire Brigade [1904]-1980, see AMS6439/7; for minutes and papers of Kingston Fire Committee, 1941, see AMS6283/22; for papers and photographs of the Uckfield Fire Brigade, the Bexhill Fire Brigade, and the National Fire Service in East Sussex, c1905-c1944, see AMS6443</p></span>

Deposited 16 Mar 2001 (ACC 8301)

Cecil was the son of Frank and Margaret Louisa Fawssett, and was baptised at St Michael's Church, Lewes, on 16 April 1895; Frank was a physician, and the family lived at 83 High Street, Lewes. There were at least two other children: Winifred Margaret, baptised 14 February 1892, and Evelyn Barbara, baptised 1 March 1893

It seems highly likely that Cecil's interest in the brigade was aroused in 1904, when his home was affected by a fire in the neighbouring property, owned by F W Dusart (AMS6584/1 pp 6-9). The minutes of the Fire Brigade Committee of Lewes Council for 23 May 1911 (BLE A3/45) record that he was made an honorary member of the brigade; in 16 June 1914 he was made an honorary Lieutenant in recognition of his services. He came fifth overall in the Lewes brigade competition on 16 September 1911 (AMS6584/1 p20). It has not proved possible to trace his later career, but he does not seem to have become a full-time member of the fire service. He died 4 August 1961

Local criticism of the handling of the fire at Dusart's premises led to the establishment of a Fire Brigade Committee and greater investment in the fire service by Lewes Borough Council. At the time the fire engines were lodged in adapted premises at the back of the market hall in Market Street, and there was also an engine lodged in Cliffe Square. Existing resources proved inadequate to deal with the fire, and it was only brought under control when the Brighton Borough Police Fire Brigade and the Brighton Volunteer Fire Brigade gave assistance

A new horse drawn steam fire engine was purchased shortly afterwards, and a new fire station and two cottages were built at Corporation Wharf, facing North Street; these were completed in 1907. There was a paid fire service consisting of a Chief Officer, Superintendent, Second Officer, Assistant Engineer and twelve firemen. In December 1909 it was decided that the old fire station in Market Lane would be let as a motor garage, although a hose cart was left there