SIXTY-nine years ago, an inferno ripped through one of Wellington's major workplaces.

Egerton Burnett's was a clothing manufacturer, set up by Mr Burnett in the late 19th century on the High Street.

Success saw the business expand to encompass a new premises on South Street in 1887, from where the firm pioneered a mail order service.

The manufacturer was one of Wellington's biggest employers, and at one time held warrants to supply finery to every royal family in Europe.

In 1984 the business would fold, but not before suffering a major factory blaze which remains etched in the memory of many who worked there.

Valerie Ross-Mowat was one of three sisters who worked at the factory in her youth. She would start work for the company a year after the blaze a the age of 19. Now, aged 84, Valerie still remembers well the fire of December 19, 953.

The remains of the machine tailoring room after it was incinerated
The remains of the machine tailoring room after it was incinerated (Contributed )

Valerie said: "My older sister was working there at the time. She had set off on her bicycle for work - but it had burnt down overnight.

"Lots of companies stepped in to help. My father, Harold Herbert George, owned the Radford and Sons garage, and he joined others in offering his help. I don't think that would happen these days."

Radfords of Wellington offered up their showrooms and two offices to the firm. Their space was said to have "enabled part of the made-to-measure section of dressmaking to go into action with the minimum of delay."

Fresh machines were then loaned by other local companies, including the Deane Manufacturing Company and Clements Brown of Taunton. Workspaces were offered by the Fox Brothers who then presided over a large textiles business.

Workers producing nurse's uniforms in a room provided by a Mr Kenyon of Wellington. It was said to be 'less comfortable.'
Workers producing nurse's uniforms in a room provided by a Mr Kenyon of Wellington. It was said to be 'less comfortable.' (Contributed )

Mr Murray Price, of Price Brothers - who then manufactured Reylon mattresses - leant brand new machinery still in its packaging.

A temporary machine room was loaned by a Mr Kenyon of Wellington, which was said to be 'less comfortable' but 'just as efficient.'

Within days of the fires being damped down, Burnetts boasted of a return to full production. Factory workers were said to have formed 'human chains' to salvage machinery, at great danger to themselves. The firm credited their workers for the swift reopening, naming them the "truest of friends."

This workspace was gifted to Burnetts by the Fox Brothers
This workspace was gifted to Burnetts by the Fox Brothers (Contributed )

The fire was extinguished by the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade, assisted by crews from Taunton and Wiveliscombe.

Thanks to the collective efforts of the company's workers, local businesses and the emergency services, Burnetts resumed production on December 27, just eight days after the fire ripped the guts out of their South Street factory.

Egerton Burnetts said at the time, this accomplishment was only possible because of the "great loyalty of our staff, who worked without halt - ignoring the usual holidays at this time of year to keep the reputation for Egerton Burnett service up to normal standards."