Hannah Sparke Miniature

Hannah Sparke (or Sparkes) is one of Wellingborough's most important local heroes. She was born in October 1678 in Rothwell, the daughter of William and Lettice Stevens, and was married to Harvey Sparke of Wellingborough at Rothwell on 17 January 1716.

On Friday 28 July 1738 at around 2pm, a stray spark from the fire in a cloth dyer's shop in Silver Street, Wellingborough, started a great fire which quickly spread, engulfing over 200 homes, 800 shops and other buildings within six hours. Many people evacuated the town while others sought refuge in All Saints Church (now called All Hallows Church). With water being scarce, Hannah, who was by this time a widow living near the church, instructed her servants to empty her cellar and use the malt liquors and beer to help douse the flames and pour onto the church lead roof to stop it from melting. These interventions are said to have played a major part in stemming the fire and saving the church.

Hannah lived until 11 September 1785 when she was nearly 107 years old, at a time when living to over 100 years was almost unheard of. She was laid to rest in All Hallows Church, which she had helped to save.

Number 58 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.