Yorkshire Evening Post March 11, 1903

Wombwell Farm on Fire
Damage Estimated At £1000
Tramp Thought To Be Cause

This morning, a fire broke out on the Poplars farm in Park Street Wombwell in the occupation Mr S Vickers.

The alarm was given 3 o’clock. Three hydrants were quickly attached. The fire was gradually got under control, but not before considerable damage had been done. The blaze broke out in a barn containing a large quantity of straw and grain, some of the latter having being got ready the day  previous to deliver to Messes Whittaker’s sons and Nephews brewery at Wath on Dearne.

The flames, assisted by a gentle breeze, travelled in the direction of the cow sheds and stabling from which the cattle were immediately released. A large stack of straw stood by the side of one of the buildings, which was gutted, and a number of stacks stood alongside the second lot of buildings, which caught fire. Sheets of corrugated iron were placed at the end of the stack, and wagon  sheets on the top, whilst the men played a good supply of water on the top, otherwise the whole farm could not have escaped complete destruction.

The estimated damage is about £1,000. It is supposed that some tramp had been sleeping in the barn, where the fire broke out.