EXTENSIVE FIRE. The usually quiet village of Merstham, in Surrey, about 20 miles from London, was Monday evening last alarmed in consequence of the outbreak of fire, of a very destructive character, upon the home farm contiguous to Merstham-house, the seat of Sir W. G. H. Joliffe, M.P. for the borough of Petersfield.
The first discovery was made by Sir William’s gardener, about 10 minutes before 8 o'clock, who observed a large sheet of flame bursting through the roof of the stabling, an extensive stone and brick building. It may here be necessary to state, in order that the reader may correctly understand, that the farm, of which the stables formed part, is bounded on either side—on the west by the splendid mansion, on the north by the rectory, belonging to the Rev. Mr. Manley, the minister of the parish; on the south by a row of magnificent elm trees; and on the east by the turnpike road. No sooner was the fire perceived, and before sufficient time had elapsed to raise the necessary alarm, than flames were seen breaking through another part of the same building at some distance from where they were first discovered, and separated from it by an extensive stone arch. A long loft passed over the whole, which contained articles of very inflammable nature, such as hay, straw, &c. Fire once communicated to such combustible commodities, it is unnecessary to state that the progress of the flames became unusually rapid. In a very brief period the whole presented a fearful aspect: the flames travelled with almost the swiftness of lightning, not leaving sufficient time to save any of the stock contained therein. The picturesque village, by half-past 8 o'clock, was brilliantly illuminated, and vast numbers of the inhabitants from Reigate and the more distant hamlets were to be seen wending their way towards the desolating scene. From the first, it became apparent that the flames could not be extinguished without the aid of engines, and expresses were therefore despatched for them to the neighbouring stations. Without delay two excellent working engines arrived, one from Reigate, and the other from the seat of the Countess of Warwick at Gatton. Unfortunately a lack of water retarded their efficiency, the only supply that could be procured being from a pump some distance from the seat of the fire. The mill-stream near was so low that the water was not sufficient to turn the mill. Shortly after the engines were got to work the roof of the stabling gave way, and fell with a fearful crash, when the blazing embers and myriads of sparks were sent flying in every direction. Some of them fell upon the thatch of a range of shedding, upwards of 100 feet long, all of which speedily fell a prey to the fury of the destructive element. There were at this period a great number of horses, oxen, and pigs in the sheds, and it was with the utmost difficulty that any of them could be got out. As it was, notwithstanding that every exertion was made, a valuable bull, brought from Germany for the purpose of increasing the value of the English breed, fell a sacrifice to the fury of the flames, as well as two horses, and from 12 to 18 pigs, and a couple of spring carts, with a valuable assortment of agricultural implements. The fire continued to burn for several hours, but, owing to the exertions of Sir William and Mr. Currey, the distiller, and numerous other parties, the flames were prevented from extending any further, although at one time it was greatly feared that several stacks of wheat, barley, and other produce standing at the rear would be destroyed. Had the wind only been in the opposite direction, nothing but almost superhuman efforts could have prevented their destruction. Owing to the judicious arrangements of the parties engaged in subduing the flames, a spacious granary was saved, as indeed was several thousand pounds worth of other property. The most lively apprehensions were entertained during the time the fire was at its height lest some of the burning flakes should fall upon the noble mansion; fortunately it escaped uninjured. Upon the intelligence reaching town, two active firemen, Carter and Paul Gerrard, were sent by Mr. Braidwood, the Superintendent of the Brigade, to render assistance in preventing the extension of the fire, who arrived at an early hour in the morning. Up to a late hour last afternoon the engines were still engaged in pouring water upon the smouldering ruins. The precise amount of the damage is unknown, but it must amount to some hundreds of pounds. The respected owner is only partially insured, and that in the Norwich Union-office. As to the origin of the fire nothing with certainty, but the fact of it breaking out in two distinct places leads to the supposition that it was the work of some incendiary.