1856
At a quarter-past eleven, on Wednesday night, last two wheat stacks on the farm premises of Mr. Parkin at the Haugh near Rotherham, were discovered to be in flames. The two stacks were entirely destroyed, involving a loss of about £400. Before the firemen had extinguished the fire at Haugh, they were apprised that a similar conflagration had been discovered on the farm of Mr. Marsh, at Wickersley, on the opposite side of Rotherham, and about four miles distant from the Haugh. An engine was immediately sent, but before it could be conveyed thither, however, the flames were extinguished by the exertions of Mr. Marsh's servants and the assistance of his neighbours. From a variety of circumstances it is concluded that the stacks were wilfully set on fire.