1910 Fire at West Kent Works

The above illustration, from excellent photographs supplied by Mr F. G. Benson, Keswick studio, Westerham, gives an adequate idea of the havoc wrought. In the foreground is the malthouse and it will be observed that the corner of the rear kiln was caught by the flames.

From The Herald Saturday July 9 1910 DISASTROUS FIRE AT WESTERHAMEAST END OF TOWN SERIOUSLY THREATENED

Seldom, if ever, has a more virulent fire raged in the parish of Westerham than that which was discovered at the East end of town shortly after midnight on Friday. As to the exact origin and time of the outbreak, nothing can ever be known beyond the fact that it occurred at the West Kent Motor and Cycle Works, of which Mr E.Evenden is proprietor, and completely gutted the building.

The fire was first discovered by Mr J Watkins, whose residence, “Stakes” adjoins Mr Evenden’s works. He was about to retire for the night when he was alarmed by a crackling noise, as of burning timber. Looking from a window he at once found that the motor works were fully ablaze. Realising the danger which threatened his own establishment, he immediately roused the household, and the maids, having hastily thrown wraps over their night attire, raced up the high-street to the “Herald” Office to give the alarm. Almost simultaneously, the Rev P.W. Beresford hurried off to apprise Mr C.W. Hooker, captain of the Fire Brigade, of the conflagration, and the alarm met with a speedy response