Once upon a time fire safety was not a thing. Now here we stand before Hartley’s Obelisk. It stands as a reminder of a fiery past and an innovative solution. This rather unremarkable obelisk on Putney Heath commemorates the invention of the Fireproof House. The Hartley’s Obelisk was erected on the 110th anniversary of the Great Fire.
David Hartley was an inventor and MP. He devised a system to prevent fire from spreading in homes and ships. His idea involved sheathing joists under floorboards. He used thin layers of iron. Later, he used iron and copper plating. In 1773, he secured a patent for his system.
These were known as Hartley’s Fire Plates. Hartley claimed a single fireplate might have prevented the Great Fire. This claim excited other MPs. They granted him £2500 to continue his experiments. He also got an extension on his patent. It went from 15 to 31 years.
Hartley built homes to test his invention. He built one such Fireproof House on Wimbledon Common. He repeatedly set the property alight in front of witnesses. MPs attended. The Lord Mayor of London and Aldermen of the City of London were present. They granted Hartley the Freedom of the City. They encouraged fire plates in all new London buildings. King George III and Queen Charlotte also witnessed a test. The royal family even ate breakfast upstairs during one demonstration. They survived unharmed.
The house is now gone. However, the Hartley Memorial Obelisk remains. It stands just off Wildcroft Road. This was formerly the grounds of Wildcroft Manor. The City of London Corporation erected the red brick and stone structure in 1776. It marked the 110th anniversary of the Great Fire of London. It also celebrated Hartley’s invention of fire plates. Lord Mayor John Sawbridge laid the first stone. George Dance is thought to be the architect.
Hartley’s Obelisk, a Grade II-listed structure, stands as a testament to innovation. It also stands as a commitment to public safety. Its presence on Putney Heath is a reminder of London’s history. This includes the Great Fire and the efforts to prevent future disasters. The obelisk marks the spot where Hartley tested his fire plates.
Imagine the scene. King George III and Queen Charlotte are upstairs. They are calmly eating breakfast. Below them, a fierce fire rages. Hartley’s invention holds. The fire does not spread. This dramatic demonstration secured the adoption of his fire plates. They were to be used in new buildings across London.
The Hartley Memorial Obelisk serves as a reminder. It marks a pivotal moment in fire safety history. It is more than just a monument. It represents ingenuity and the protection of lives and property. The Hartley’s Obelisk stands as a symbol of progress. It also shows the value of innovation in safeguarding our communities.