Turn Out of the Rochdale Fire Brigade (1901)

A fire drill for the benefit of residents of Edwardian Rochdale - and the camera.

Rochdale turned out in force to witness the local fire brigade being put through its paces - though the presence of Mitchell and Kenyon's camera may have helped. As the horse-drawn engine trundles off, the crowd surges into the street and starts to follow on behind. Many pursue the brigade, perhaps to witness the staged ladder climb we see later. Others stay behind, spellbound by the camera.