The Fire of Darlington

This is Darlington > History > The Fire of Darlington


In 1585 Darlington suffered a disastrous fire.

It started on 7 May 1585 around midday, the fire spread quickly as most houses were built of wood and had straw roofs. Unfortunately water was scarce because of a drought and people desperately used milk and beer to try and dowse the flames. In all 273 houses were destroyed and 800 people were made homeless.