Fire Plaques
Fire insurance plaques on the wall of a very old timber-framed house in Sussex, England. The plaques demonstrated, to the fire service, that the householder had paid for fire insurance cover. According to legend, if they arrived and found no plaque the fire-fighters would stand around warming their hands. In reality, it would be difficult to spot a small lead plaque in the dark of the night while the flames were licking at the wall. The plaque was probably produced, or pointed out, after the event to show that the householder was exempt from having to pay a further fee.
This link will take you to a photo of the timber-framed cottage.