2-888-235 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Scene of the Fire at Cottenham - sketched from Lambs' Corner, [Cambridgeshire], 1850. 'The inflammable nature of the materials in the yard soon caused the fire to spread with the most fearful rapidity; and in a short space of time the whole of the premises, the fire being assisted in its devouring progress by the wind, were in a complete mass of flame...All human exertions were at once seen to be useless, and the owners were obliged passively to look on and behold the destruction of their property. The flames spread from farm to farm, all of them being reduced to ashes...The loss is enormous. The vile act of the incendiary [arsonist] has in this instance caused the most heartrending misery. Numbers of persons are not only thrown out of employ, but are dependent upon charity for food and shelter, whilst the miscreant who has caused the calamity remains undiscovered'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.