Museum

What is the London Fire Brigade Museum?

Built in 1820, Winchester House on Southwark Bridge Road was home and workplace to London's chief fire officers between 1878 and 1937.

This building now houses one of the most comprehensive collections of firefighting equipment and memorabilia in the country.

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Exhibits range from early leather helmets to recently replaced breathing apparatus, illustrating the history of firefighting in London since the Great Fire of London in 1666 through to modern times.

Part of the collection is housed in the appliance room - once part of the original Southwark Fire Station dating back to 1870.

Arts Council England Accreditation

Our museum has been awarded full accreditation, the highest level that can be achieved, by Arts Council England.

A panel of experts reviewed the museum’s governance, collection care and audience development, before deciding to award the accreditation, which lasts for three years.

The scheme, launched in 1988, sets nationally agreed standards for museums throughout the UK; helping to identify targets, demonstrate good practice and encourage improvement within the sector.

There are currently 1,639 museums in the UK that have full accreditation status.

Plan your visit

Planning and making a visit to the London Fire Brigade Museum is easy. Click the visit us page for more information.

Guided tours are available Monday to Friday and special one-off acitivites planned throughout the year. Make sure you don't miss out by checking our calendar of events page.