Kentish Gazette, 30 December 1851.

Destructive Fire.

Shortly after eleven o’clock on the night of Thursday last, a fire broke out an the premises known as the "Gloucester Hotel" and Tea Gardens, occupied by Andrew Larkin, and situated at the angle of King and Silver Streets, near the Park and St. Mary's church. The parish and Greenwich Hospital engines, with a strong body of police under the superintendence of Mr. Inspector Levy, were soon on the spot, but, owing to the delay of about half an hour in obtaining a supply of water, the flames (which were at first confined to the premises in King-street,) communicated to that part of the house situated in Silver-street, and it soon became evident that nothing could save the whole from destruction. About twelve o'clock the West of England and No. 16 fire-brigade engines arrived from London. At that time the parish and hospital engines were in full operation, and rendered essential services. The attention of the firemen was mainly directed in preventing the communication of the flames to the adjoining houses in Silver-street, the inmates of which, in the greatest state of alarm, were removing their furniture and effects. After the most praiseworthy exertions on the part of the fire-brigade and policemen, aided by a plentiful supply of water, the further progress of the fire was prevented, but the whole of the house, furniture, and stock was consumed. The origin of the fire is not ascertained, but we understand that Mr. Larkin had fully insured the property.