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Just before 11 a.m. on Thursday, the 5th of February, a fire had indeed broken out in parts of the third and fourth floor of the West Wing at the College of Arms. Eight fire engines and forty fire-fighters attended the scene and the occupants of the building - thirty five in number - were evacuated.
We will work hard to put the building right over the forthcoming weeks, but we will remain open for business. I am glad that our emergency plan worked well, and I am really grateful to the Fire Brigade for the exceptional care they took, knowing what national treasures we care for here." Apparently attempts were made to fight the fire with extinguishers on its initial discovery, but to no avail. Various members of staff, together with the firefighters, risked life and limb to remove artworks and books from the West Wing to minimise any loss.
The blaze was brought under control some three-and-a-half hours later.
At the time of writing, the cause of the fire is unknown.
Council has asked the Chairman to write to Garter expressing the sympathy of the Society and congratulating the heralds and staff of the College on the efficient and effective way that they dealt with the crisis.
Initial fears that the fire may have broken through the roof were not realised thankfully. However, several rooms were severely effected, not least that of Mr Henry Paston-Bedingfeld, York Herald, whose office was extensively damaged. A mezzanine roof level also suffered. While there appears to be no loss of 'institutional' records, some personal papers and collections may have been lost. Mercifully there were no reports of physical injury to staff or those fighting the fire.
Peter Gwynn-Jones, Garter King of Arms, said, "This event is a great sadness to all of us who work here.
Original text by Alan Buckingham, White Lion Society.