150 Years Ago, from The Bicester Herald, September 1875

Friday 10 September

Serious Fire at Launton On Tuesday morning last, September 7, at the residence of MrC Killby, of the Manor Farm, Launton, a three storey tiled house, was much injured by fire. At about 3am, Miss Phillips, a young lady residing with Mr Killby, who was sleeping on the second floor, was awakened by a crackling noise, followed by a fall of mortar from the ceiling above. She proceeded to the landing and found that the roof was on fire. Immediately raising an alarm, the other inmates were soon aroused.

The Bicester fire-engine was sent for, and, in the meantime, a possey [sic] of workmen employed by Mr Killby, who happened to be at the homestead at the time, commenced clearing the house of its contents. In the short interval of a quarter of an hour, the engine had arrived and, under the directions of Supt Clements, a continuous stream of water obtained from a large pond near, was thrown upon the burning fabric. Owing to the promptness of the discovery of the fire and the arrival of the engine the fire was got under control in about an hour, and by ten am was quite extinguished, but not before the house was completely gutted. Fortunately the furniture and effects were mostly saved. The building, belonging to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster [Abbey] is insured in the Sun Fire Office, and the indoor effects in the Norwich. The damage will amount to some hundreds of pounds. The origins of the fire, which broke out in the apple storeroom at the top of the house, remains a mystery.

Friday 24 September

Around Bicester the foot and mouth disease in cattle continues very prevalent. Mr Killby, of Launton, has, we are sorry to hear, lost pigs from the disease this week.

[Historical notes: Miss Phillips was Mr Killby's sister-in-law. It is possible that the workmen who were involved were possibly an itinerant harvest gang, staying on the farm. Sadly, Charles Killby, who had been extremely active in village events, became ill and died less than three years later at the age of 30, leaving a widow and young family.]