2-982-151 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Ruins (of the Great Fire at Brooks's Wharf), from Thames-Street, [London], 1876. Aftermath of a fire at '...a large bonded warehouse...having an extensive river frontage, in the occupation of Messrs. John Warner and Sons, merchants...At the time of the fire it was stocked with merchandise of various kinds, more particularly tea, wine, fruit, and wool. It is asserted that the fire originated in the bonded tea floor...Five of the eight floors of the Brook's Wharf bonded warehouse were totally destroyed, with the goods stored up there. The value of the property so destroyed is estimated at several hundred thousand pounds. The Fire Brigade and the Salvage Corps...were prevented from doing all they might have done by their not being able to break open the doors, which had been locked up by the Custom House officials, as usual, before leaving the place'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.