Are the Wenches out?
The Castle Inn fire of 1838
By Sue Wood
Publisher: Sue Wood
Published in 2010
ISBN: n/a
Reviewed for Volume 2 Issue3 Summer 2024
The Review
The Castle Inn Fire of 1838 is often talked about in Tamworth yet most only have a sketchy view of it. Also many details are misunderstood like Chinese whispers. This book by Sue Wood, published in 2010 is the answer but it raises some more questions her detailed analysis brings to light.
The core of this 40 page book is the evidence from the inquest documents. As this is sworn testimony given in open court shortly after the fire it can be considered accurate. Which is why there are more questions, as reading it with hindsight the author and the reader, will want to fill in a few areas not mentioned. Much of it will be “taken as read” by the people at the time or simply not questioned.
One aspect of the book that is very useful is the floor plans and elevations showing the windows, and who was rescued from which window. Along with the testimony of who was where when the fire started. Though there are still some answered questions here. Including where Mary Ann/ Ann/Caroline was at the start of the fire and her route to where she was found dead. Not to mention the three different names for the same person and why she was taken away shortly after the fire to be buried in an unmarked grave in Wigginton. The memorial near where she is apparently buried was only put up 23 years later on the death of her father. There is room here for some more investigation.
Also why was the Landlord’s Mother-in-Law staying with them? The reason given seems a little unusual for the period. Another question is why was Harriet Buswell’s father not staying at the Castle Inn that night?
Another point is the book mentions in passing that this fire caused the first professional full time fire service in Tamworth. What most people miss is that there had already been a volunteer fire team and fire engine(s) in Tamworth for many years before.
Whilst this book is the best and most comprehensive account of the fire, indeed one local Archivist says this is the best researched account there is of the fire, as the author herself says there are more questions to be answered.
The author, Sue Wood published this privately and 14 years on it is very difficult to find a copy. I am indebted to Mark Harper at the Castle Hotel who knew someone who used to work there who had a copy. So the Editors plea is if anyone knows Sue Wood, or knows anyone who knows Sue please ask Sue to contact the Editor.
Finally it should be noted that building, hotel and fire regulations have changed somewhat since 1838!
Sadly in January 2025 The Castle Hotel Closed and went into revcievership
We hope to be able to digitise this pamphlet for the Tamworth Digital Archive Otherwise email the Editor for a copy .
