Who Was James Potter Schofield? The Leeds Firefighter Honoured 133 Years After His Heroic Death

In today’s fast-paced world, history can often be forgotten. But sometimes, a story will resurface and remind us of those who have shaped our communities – often at great personal cost. This week, a Red Plaque was unveiled at Leeds Station to commemorate the life of James Potter Schofield, a firefighter who tragically died 133 years ago.

If you’ve ever walked through the Dark Arches at Leeds Station, you may have felt a sense of history around you. Now, with the unveiling of this plaque, one story from those arches will be forever remembered in the city’s history.

The fire that changed Leeds forever

On 13 January 1892, Leeds witnessed one of the most devastating fires in its history. A soap manufacturer had stored 16,000 tons of highly flammable materials beneath the station. And that’s exactly what happened.

The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the underpass in a matter of minutes. Firefighters from all over the region rushed to the scene to battle the blaze, including Jim Schofield, who had recently taken over his brother William’s position. But as he fought the fire, the platform beneath him gave way, sending him tumbling into the inferno below.

Despite the efforts of his fellow firefighters, the fire burned for over 20 hours. The event was so extraordinary that the newspapers of the time described it as something the city had never seen before.

A hero remembered by thousands

Jim Schofield was more than just a firefighter – he was a local hero. His impact was so great that 20,000 people lined the streets of Leeds for his funeral procession just a week after his death. He was laid to rest in Woodhouse Cemetery, where a memorial now stands in his memory.

This week, thanks to the Fire Brigades Union’s Red Plaque Scheme, Jim’s story has been woven into the fabric of Leeds. The plaque has been unveiled at the entrance to the Dark Arches at the station, where thousands of people pass through every day, ensuring his story will never be forgotten.

Keeping Jim's legacy alive through art

While a plaque is a fitting tribute, this event took an extra creative step to share Jim’s story. Working with Chris Smith, the honorary historian of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Shane Ewen, Professor of History at Leeds Beckett University, they brought Jim’s story to life on stage.

In partnership with Brave Words, a local youth theatre group, they created a production called Fighting the Good Fight – The Tale of Jim Schofield. Young performers from Beeston Village Community Centre took on the roles, bringing new life to a story that has been waiting for over a century. The performance coincided with the plaque unveiling, making it a day to remember.

Professor Shane Ewen explained the importance of this project:

“Engaging with young people is crucial for sharing the stories of our fallen heroes like Jim. Using local history and drama offers a unique way of remembering, and helps to keep his legacy alive while engaging the young people of Leeds in the development of the city’s cultural heritage.”

Why the Red Plaque scheme matters

The plaque was made possible through the Firefighters 100 Lottery, which funds the Red Plaque Scheme. The scheme, run by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), ensures that firefighters who died in the line of duty are commemorated in the exact location where they died. These plaques are more than just a sign – they help to build connections within communities and celebrate local heroes.

As Matt Wrack, FBU’s general secretary, said:

“Our Red Plaque scheme remembers firefighters who have died in the line of duty and keeps their stories alive. Plaque unveilings are an opportunity for serving and retired firefighters to come together with the local community. We remember James Potter Schofield and the Leeds railway station fire of 1892 as part of the history of the fire and rescue service and the city of Leeds.”

A day of reflection and community

The plaque unveiling on Saturday, 11 January, was more than just a celebration of Jim’s bravery – it was a day of community. Local firefighters, researchers, historians, and members of the Leeds community came together to pay their respects.

As Gavin Marshall, regional secretary for the FBU in Yorkshire and Humberside, said:

“Today’s ceremony has been a unique and special occasion, bringing firefighters together with the wider community to remember Jim’s place in our shared history. Together, we will ensure that his bravery and sacrifice are never forgotten.”

A plaque to pause and reflect

The next time you’re near Leeds Station, look out for the Red Plaque at the Dark Arches. It’s not just a sign – it’s a reminder of one man’s story, and the bravery of firefighters everywhere and the dangers they face to keep us safe. Jim Schofield may have died 133 years ago, but thanks to the community, his legacy will live on for generations to come.