Janna Coomans (Utrecht)

Vortrag im Rahmen des Oberseminars Frühe Neuzeit

29.01.2024

Before the introduction of fossil fuels and electricity, the use of open fires was as indispensable as it was dangerous in cities. The threat was especially urgent where building with wood and thatch was standard, including in the exceptionally urbanized Low Countries between 1300-1600. The history of fire offers insight into the ways communities deal with risk and the challenge of building a sustainable urban environment. Even more than by disasters as such, transformation was created by the politics of preventing fires. Firefighting expressed good citizenship and could stimulate community formation, but also reflect tensions between local residents and authorities. Moreover, policies and even financial support stimulated a material transformation from hazardous to safer materials. This paper examines that transformation in several Netherlandish cities.

Zeit: 16 - 18 c.t.
Ort: Amalienstraße 52 - Raum: K202