2-798-775 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Conflagration at Sir C. Price's Wharf, Blackfriars, 1845. The London fire brigade attempting to extinguish a fire '...in the warehouses belonging to Sir Charles Price and Co., oil and colourmen...adjoining Blackfriars-bridge...Now the fears of the inhabitants were raised to a painful pitch, lest there should be an explosion of gas - in which case there must have been fearful devastation...The man who lost his life is known to have been working at the engine that was destroyed; in all probability, he missed his way when he retreated, and, instead of jumping into the river, became fixed against a wooden gate, and was compelled to remain in that situation until the flames came upon him, and burnt him to death. A very small portion of his body was found, which was instantly conveyed to the bone house'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.