3-021-109 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Destruction of Compton House, Church-Street, Liverpool, by fire, 1865. The extensive drapery establishment of Messrs. Jeffery...was totally destroyed by fire...A number of the male and female shop-assistants and workpeople, who slept on the premises, were in a situation of much danger; but, happily, all escaped with their lives. Every effort to stop the progress of the fire failed. At midnight the flames burst through the roof, floor after floor gave way, and very soon nothing of the building remained but the blackened walls. The loss is immense, and the fear is that it may far exceed the amount of the insurance. As usual at this period of the year, there was a very heavy stock, of which not a vestige remains. The immense block of building must also represent a very heavy sum. The total loss, as far as can be at present estimated, will probably exceed £200,000...As to the origin of the fire, it will probably never be known. There were flues and hotair passages in many parts, and no doubt the over-heating of one of these has led to the melancholy disaster. Some persons attribute it to the escape of gas'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.