Fire engine, carriage fire engine

In 1851 Frederick Hodges established a private fire brigade at his gin distillery in Lambeth. In addition to protecting the distillery, the brigade also fought other fires in the local area. In 1861 Hodges purchased the first steam fire engine to enter service in London. Named the 'Deluge', the engine was manufactured by the renowned fire engineers Merryweather of Long Acre.

Known as the 'Testimonial', this horse-drawn carriage fire engine was presented to Hodges in 1862 by members of the local community in recognition of his services to the area. Following the presentation of the engine, Hodges built a 125 foot fire watch tower by his distillery.

Built by Merryweather and Sons, the Testimonial also features ornate decorative designs by the Italian architect and sculptor G.M. Casentini. These include gilt shields bearing the initials 'H F B'. The oil lamps were made by Miller and Sons of Piccadilly. The Testimonial was shown at the 1862 International Exhibition in South Kensington.