FIRE - On Tuesday, the 17th, an alarming fire broke out on the premises of Mr. Dunn, Chapel St, painter and plumber, of this town. It was first seen by a neighbour, who instantly gave an alarm, which soon spread through the town and the surrounding villages. The roofs being all thatched, they were soon all a mass of flames. All wearing apparel and other valuables were destroyed before they could be got out, though scores of people were on the spot almost as soon as the flames were observed. The Aylsham fire brigade was quickly dispatched for, and great credit is due to the Superintendent and his men for the energy they displayed in subduing the flames, which would soon have consumed all the new premises. Three men were seriously burnt. One man names Abbs was engaged clearing a bedroom, and before he was aware of the danger he was surrounded by fire, and barely escaped with his life, and is in a very precarious state. A man named Gaskins occupied one cottage, and was made homeless in a very short time, with a great loss. The property was owned by Mr.Dunn, and was partly insured.

The Peoples Weekly Journal 1877