Arsonist Bennett's maltings fire 1908

WAS an arsonist at work in Dunstable in 1908? There was a series of unexplained fires, causing considerable concern in the town, and a £50 reward was offered to catch the culprit. But no-one was ever identified. Police patrolled farm properties, a private fire brigade was formed at Waterlow's printing works and other firms increased the number of night watchmen. The situation made headlines in the national newspapers even though efforts were made to hush up the events. Publicity, it was felt, might encourage the fire-raiser.

The incidents ceased towards the end of the year, and the Dunstable Gazette reported: “It is a matter for much thankfulness that those fires have now stopped and that it is much to be hoped that Dunstable will be allowed to lose the unenviable notoriety which they brought us.”

Local photographer Chas Smy pictured some of the fires, which included, famously, the Wesleyan Chapel at The Square. Some of his pictures are reproduced here and on the next three pages, including his handwritten captions which, apparently, he traced on the negatives.