The Tiverton fire of 1731, also known as the Great Fire, was a fire that affected part of Tiverton, Devon in England on 5 June 1731. It was one of a number of serious fires affecting the town in the 17th and 18th centuries. Breaking out in a baker's house in Gold Street, the fire spread rapidly due to the prevalence of straw-thatched roofs in the town. In total 298 houses were destroyed in the fire which caused damage to the value of an estimated £58,976 14s. 9d. In response to the fire, a number of benefactors came forward to assist Tiverton in rebuilding. The fire resulted in the introduction of legislation that attempted to prevent a similar incident happening in the future.
no matches found