2-982-422 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ruins of the Fallen Houses in Pilgrim-street, City, 1858. Engraving from a photograph by Butler and Dyer, of Walnut-tree-walk, Lambeth. 'The whole of the buildings forming the south side of the street are nearly 200 years old, and for some time past their tottering condition has aroused the attention of the neighbouring inhabitants...the Vintners' Company, anxious to improve the neighbourhood and add to the worth of property of theirs...proceeded to rebuild two of [the houses]...This resulted in steps being taken to remove some houses adjoining; and, according to some authorities, this caused the downfall of those now in ruins. The house occupied by Mr. Solomons...was full of valuable furniture...but no one was upon the premises...Eastward still stands the house and shop of Mr. J. J. Clagg, carpenter, but in a most dangerous condition. In this dwelling there were...nine persons asleep, who were nearly suffocated by the clouds of dust which surrounded them...Mr. Painter, the inspector of the district, was upon the spot within ten minutes...and the Messrs. Cook, the City contractors, sent a number of men to shore up the adjoining houses: this they did with much alacrity, notwithstanding the danger which encompassed them on every side'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.