3-011-962 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Scene of the Great Fire at Limoges, France - from a sketch by our special artist: firemen and soldiers of the garrison clearing out a portion of the ruins, 1864. 'No praise is too considerable in estimating the labours of these noble firemen-soldiers, who are ever ready and willing to risk their lives to save a fellow-creature or to ensure the public security. A collection was made at all the Paris churches on Sunday for the burnt-out families of Limoges. The Emperor has authorised a lottery, with a capital of 5,000,000f., for the same charitable purpose... the result of [the fire], according to the official returns, has been the total destruction of 107 houses, situated in the very heart of that old city, and the loss of property amounting to upwards of two hundred thousand pounds...it is a source of congratulation to reflect that no lives were lost, notwithstanding the dangers to which upwards of 2000 persons momentarily without refuge were necessarily exposed'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.