Commemorative plaque 87685

This green commemorative plaque records: Old Police Office Yard. The yard is named after the early police station on the corner. Beside it, stretching along Finkle Street, was Kendal’s first fire station, designed by the famous Kendal architect, Francis Webster. The arches over the doors can still be seen. Horses to draw the fire engines were hired from local inns. The police were in charge of the fire brigade. Entrance to the police office was up the steps to the left inside the yard. Further in the yard is the old town house of the Askew family of Middleton Hall, built in the 18th century. Recorded plaque organisation: Kendal Civic Society.

The Old Police Office Yard housed Kendal’s first fire station and police station, reflecting early public safety infrastructure; Francis Webster, a notable local architect, designed the fire station, which featured horse-drawn engines. The yard also contains the 18th-century townhouse of the influential Askew family from Middleton Hall.