This fascinating iron plaque with the number '1683' and the initials 'B C', could well be an old Fire insurance plaque.

Before the Great Fire of London in 1666, there was no real, organized fire brigade to speak of. 

Fires were a constant and terrifying threat, and there was little in the way of protection or prevention. 

Buildings were packed closely together, often constructed with timber, which made them vulnerable to flames. 

When disaster struck, it was chaotic and the need for organized fire protection became undeniable. 

This led to the creation of the very first fire insurance company, called 'The Fire Office,' founded in 1681. 

The idea behind it was simple but revolutionary, businesses and property owners could pay an annual fee to an insurance company in exchange for protection against fire damage. 

If their building caught on fire, the company would not only cover the financial loss but would also provide firefighting services.

As the concept gained popularity, more and more fire insurance companies popped up all across the country, each offering their own version of protection. 

To ensure that it was obvious which buildings were covered by these insurance companies, they would place a distinctive plaque on the front of the building. 

The firefighters were not highly trained professionals like we have today. 

Instead, they were often 'watermen', individuals who worked on the rivers ferrying people across from one side to the other. 

When a fire was blazing out of control they'd also try to enlist members of the public to help out aswell 

and the best way to do this was of course by offering out beer tokens. 

They could use those beer tokens and head down to the nearest pub afterwards and getting themselves a nice ale to quench their thirst.

These fire insurance plaques were more than just a symbol of protection, they were part of a larger system of early fire management, one that involved insurance companies, fire brigades, and the local community all working together. 

These plaques are a reminder of how far we've come in terms of fire safety and the lengths people went to protect their homes and businesses from one of the most destructive forces known to man: fire.