In 1862 insurance companies told the government that they were unwilling to be responsible for London’s fire protection as the cost of compensation was becoming too high. The government decided that the Metropolitan Board of Works would take control.
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) was formed in 1866 and was controlled by the Metropolitan Board of Works, who was responsible for protecting all life and property from fire throughout London.
Originally the Metropolitan Police were chosen to take control of the Fire Brigade, but it was felt this would be too complicated.
The Headquarters for the MFB was at Winchester House, where our museum is located today.
