FIRE AT BEECH HYDE. - Late on Wednesday night, a fire, unhappily disastrous in its results, broke out on Beech Hyde farm, which is occupied by Mr G. S. Woollatt. When the discovery was made, Mr Woollatt went to his son, at Samwell's farm, which adjoins, in order to procure his assistance. On returning several ricks, a barn, and cowsheds were on fire. So far as was possible, the fire was kept under by the Messers. Woollatt until someone arrived, who could be dispatched for the St Albans engines. The necessary messenger arrived in the city soon after four o'clock, and both the city and county brigades at once left for the scene of what was indeed a conflagration. The fire was not got under till nearly seven. The ricks were entirely destroyed, the out-buildings considerably damaged, and the dwelling house was somewhat scorched. One sad feature about the occurrence is that four calves, which were in the sheds, were burnt to death. As for the cause of the fire, little is definitely known, but there is one fact that the incendiary had a hand in the outbreak. When Mr Woollatt, jun., was returning from the fire to his own home he observed a man leave the house, and afterwards found that the things inside had been pulled about and a double-barrell gun stolen.

SANDRIDGE BEECH HYDE LANE (east side) COLEMAN GREEN

Old Beech Hyde and adjoining barn - - Grade II listed House. Late C15 hall house with mid C17 cross wing on E. Cased in red brick in later C18 ... ...