A large fire hose reel carrier has been displayed for many years at the back of this space and was originally used in association with the house’s horse drawn fire engine. It would have provided a vital connection to a pond, standpipe or other water source. A decision was made to relocate it to stand beside the fire engine, thus allowing a more appropriate display linking these two historic artefacts and also providing more space in the bookshop.
Moving items of this nature can be a delicate operation and so the services of a wheelwright were obtained and under his supervision both vehicles were lifted off their retaining blocks and manoeuvred out into the daylight. The hose reel carrier was wheeled into its new position and the fire engine re-placed as before. The interpretation panels explain their important role in the history of Audley End House.
English Heritage are grateful to the Friends for agreeing to fund this work.
