Statue of James Braidwood, Parliament Square

Category

Library Item

Item no

43170

Title

Statue of James Braidwood, Father of the British Fire Service, Parliament Square

Artist / maker

MacLean, Kevin

Date

2016

Type

Digital image

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The James Braidwood Memorial statue, by Glasgow sculptor Kenneth Mackay, in Parliament Square, Edinburgh was unveiled by Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea, Principal of Edinburgh University on the 5th of September 2008.

James Braidwood (1800-1861) was the founder of the world's first municipal fire service in Edinburgh in 1824, and was the first director of what was to become the London Fire Brigade.

Born in Edinburgh, Braidwood trained as a cabinet-maker and builder before moving into fire-fighting.

He died fighting the famous Tooley Street fire at Cotton's Wharf in London on 22 June 1861 and his heroism was rewarded with what amounted to a State funeral in terms of public turnout.

The bronze plaque on the statue reads:

James Braidwood
1800 - 1861
Father of the British Fire Service
This statue is dedicated to the memory of James Braidwood, a pioneer of the scientific approach to fire-fighting. It also recognises the courage and sacrifice of fire-fighters, not only in Lothian & Borders Fire and Rescue Service, but all over the world.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Railings

Architecture > Monuments > Statues

Clothing and dress > Garments > Uniforms

Emergency services and rescue work > Emergency services and rescue work > Fire and rescue service

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Cobbled streets

Transport > Infrastructure > Pavements

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