About eleven o'clock on Thursday morning, 26th April 1883 Chard people were startled by the ringing of the fire bell and the news that a conflagration was raging at Combe St Nicholas, distant about 2½ miles from the town. The Chard Fire Brigade, under the direction of Mr White, was soon on the road, the flames and smoke being distinctly visible at a considerable distance. On arriving at the village, it was discovered that eight houses were on fire, the first being the premises occupied by Mr Wilee, baker, thatch covered. The three adjoining cottages, also thatched, and occupied respectively by Mrs Wilmott, Mr Jerrard and Mr George Larcombe, were also in flames. The fire originated in Mr Wilee's flour loft, and when discovered by Mr Wilee, jun., had a firm hold upon the house and quickly broke through the roof. A strong southerly wind was blowing at the time, and the thatch being very dry, the fire spread with great rapidity, the burning flakes flying in every direction. The Post Office opposite, kept by and belonging to Mr Dampier (thatch) was next caught by the flames, the whole length of the roof being quickly enveloped; and shortly afterwards two cottages standing out from that occupied by Mr Larcombe became ignited. The Coffee Tavern and Reading Room, kept by Mr E.J. Symes, next fell a victim to the conflagration. These premises standing on the lower side of the village, at a considerable distance from the other burning houses, but it was very apparent that the wind was the cause of their becoming ignited.

When the Fire Brigade arrived, these 8 houses (all of them covered in thatch) were completely under the control of the flames, and it was certain that the engine could render little assistance beyond preventing the fire from extending in the direction of The Green Dragon Inn and the row of thatched cottages adjoining. This they did very effectually, the supply of water being very copious and convenient.

The villagers were much consternated, and not without reason, it being at one time imminent that the greater portion of the village would be destroyed. Most of the houses were stripped of their contents, but much furniture was burnt and rendered valueless by breakage. At the Coffee Tavern, Mr Symes was unable to remove the contents of the bedroom, and he will therefore be a considerable sufferer. Ready assistance was given to the unfortunate tenants of the burning dwellings by the Rev. H F Hamilton and Mr Remfrey, Messrs Priddy, Aplin, Coate, Gillingham (Chard), Owsley, Hobbs, Batten, Highmore, Tutcher, Coles, Somers, Tratt, Dicker, Reed, Lawrence, Hoot etc., and also by Mr Henry Badman, whose portable pump and hose were very useful.

In the course of the day, the Vicar (Rev Hans F Hamilton) started a subscription list on behalf of the poor families which had been burnt out, generously heading it with a donation of £10. Subscriptions will be thankfully received by the Vicar, Churchwardens, and Overseers of the parish..

The whole of the property destroyed belonged to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, with the exception of Mr White's premises and Mr Dampier's, both of whom were insured, but it is stated that the Commissioners are not. In addition to the names mentioned above, Mrs Beck and Mr Tratt (Butcher) were sufferers by the fire.

The Chard Fire Brigade remained in the village until the next morning, but no fresh outbreak was reported.

Mr James Hart had a narrow escape of his house being burnt. It appears that a quantity of furniture, etc., had been placed on his premises for safety, when Mr Hart, happening to go indoors, discovered that some bedding was smouldering, and on lifting it up it broke into flames. He at once removed it.

During the day and in the evening, the scene was visited by large numbers from the neighbourhood around.

Since writing the above, we are informed that the Mayor of Chard (Mr Palmer), Mr Gillingham, and others, have been kindly exerting themselves to augment the relief fund started by the vicar of Combe, and that his Worship kindly allows the subscription list to lie at his house should any be disposed to render further help. From what we hear, such help will prove very acceptable.