Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal - 20 November 1868
SHIRLEY,
FIRE.— On Thursday in last week a fire broke out Shirley Common, one of the farms kept in hand F. Wright, Esq. The fire appears to have commenced in the middle of the thrashing-floor in the barn, and the latter being full of unthrashed oats other corn at the time, the flames soon assumed serious proportions. The horses and cattle were let loose and turned out soon as the fire was discovered, which was about six o’clock in tho evening, and then an alarm was made which soon brought plenty of helpers, and ultimately the Ashbourn fire engine, when vigorous and successful effort was made to save the dwelling-houses and stack-yard. Great praise and thanks are due to many who hastened the scene of disaster and worked with will. The cause of the fire is not yet known.