An historic fire appliance that spent decades on show at Suffolk Fire Headquarters in Ipswich has a new home in the town after more that 12 years away.

The 1911-built Needham Market fire pump spent decades on display at the Colchester Road fire service headquarters in Ipswich until it closed in 2011.

Ipswich Star: County Councillor Colin Spence and Assistant Fire Chief Phil Embury preparing to hand over the pump to the Stowmarket museum in 2011.County Councillor Colin Spence and Assistant Fire Chief Phil Embury preparing to hand over the pump to the Stowmarket museum in 2011. (Image: Gregg Brown)

It was then loaned to what was then the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket where it has been on show.

However with the rebranding of that museum and a re-ordering of its exhibits, it was felt the fire appliance, which is owned by Ipswich Council through its museums service, might be better in a new home.

It was offered to the Ipswich Transport Museum in Cobham Road who took delivery of it this week - and it has already gone on display in the old Trolley Bus depot that is the museum's home.

Ipswich Star: The fire pump is already on show at Ipswich Transport Museum.The fire pump is already on show at Ipswich Transport Museum. (Image: Ipswich Transport Museum)

Museum chair Mark Smith said: “This is the third Needham Market fire appliance we have on display – we also own the 1939 Dennis ‘Light Four’ and 1987 Bedford TK appliances."

The trio demonstrate the transition from horse to petrol and diesel propulsion.

The pump was bought by Needham Market Town Council in 1911 for around £400 and delivered to them in 1912.

Ipswich Star: The fire pump entered service in 1912.The fire pump entered service in 1912. (Image: Newsquest)

It weighs two tons, and served for nearly thirty years. It is believed to be the last steam pump used in the United Kingdom after it attended a fire in Little Finborough on July 30th 1940.

Ipswich Star: The Needham Market pump in action in the 1930s.The Needham Market pump in action in the 1930s. (Image: Newsquest)

After regular service, the pump was retained by the National Fire Service College at Saltdean, Brighton, during World War Two and displayed there until 1948.

During the 1950s, ownership was transferred to Ipswich Museum (Ipswich Council) and in the early 1960s it was loaned to Colchester Road Fire Headquarters where a purpose-built display window allowed it to be seen from the road. 

Ipswich Star: The pump was often towed to a fire by a Model T Ford.The pump was often towed to a fire by a Model T Ford. (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Smith said:  “The fire pump had to be towed. Photographs show it being hauled by horses initially, and later by a model T Ford, as well as a lorry owned by Quintons.

"Records suggest it could be steamed to working pressure in nine minutes – important if your thatched roof was on fire!” 

Ipswich Star: The pump took part in the Coronation Parade through Ipswich in 1953.The pump took part in the Coronation Parade through Ipswich in 1953. (Image: Newsquest)

The new loan and transfer of the fire pump was organised by staff at Ipswich Museum and the Food Museum in co-operation with the Ipswich Transport Museum, and with the agreement of Ipswich Borough Council. 

Mr Smith said the museum would love to hear any stories or memories relating to the Needham Market exhibits as it is hoping to create an explainer board telling their story.