2-888-213 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Destruction of Caversham-Park House by Fire, 1850. '...an extensive conflagration broke out at Caversham-park, near Reading, the seat of Mr. William Crawshay, the well-known ironmaster...which, we regret to state, was entirely destroyed...the house had for some days previously been undergoing a proper airing; and the flues having unfortunately become over heated, was the cause of the outbreak...Unfortunately, no water was near at hand, there being only a pond at some distance from the house...The conflagration presented a scene of fearful grandeur, especially on some portions of the roofing giving way, when the flames burst forth with increased fury...The greater portion of the household furniture, plate, and other valuable effects was saved, though other property, to a considerable amount, was destroyed. The mansion and effects, we regret to find, were uninsured...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.