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From the Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General
Advertiser, Saturday 20 August, 1853. Price 7d.
THE GREAT FIRE AT DOVER
Immense Destruction of Property and No Loss of Life.
Happily since 1808 when the warehouse &c. of Mr. Fector termed the “Old
Building” then occupying a portion of the site of the harbour
enlargement of 1844, fell a sacrifice to the flames, Dover has not been
visited by a conflagration of so extensive and serious character as that
of Sunday night last, involving in itself the destruction of property to
an immense amount, and endangering the safety of a densely populated
district in its immediate vicinity.
Whether we regard the vastness of the operations conducted on the
premises constituting the scene of a late catastrophe, the skill and
science brought to bear in the developments of the projects embraced in
the business of the establishment, or the value and power of the
machinery employed in the multifarious works carried on in Dover Oil
Mills of Mr. Joseph Walker had acquired such a reputation, and were
generally known to the commercial and mercantile world, that the
intelligence of the fire will create a feeling of regret more widely
spread than any locality might conceive; and especially when it became
known that models and patterns of machinery to the value of several
thousands of pounds were totally consumed.
In presenting to our readers the few particulars we have been enabled to
glean of this sad affair, we would say, that in all our enquiries we have
sought to arrive at the truth; but as the details were drawn from
various sources, and the information given by several individuals, some
of the statements may have a tinge of error, either from our imperfectly
grouping what we elicited, or a misconception of what was so readily and
courteously stated to us. Probably a wrong colouring may in some
instances be traceable to another cause, which we feel to be due to our
profession to acknowledge, viz. the ingress refused to us by a member of
the Police Force, whose ignorance of the usages of society forced us to
some extent to depend on others for what we might otherwise have seen
ourselves. However, the courtesy we experienced from Mr. Coram, and the
sergeants and others of the force, induce a disposition to forget the
past, in the hope that the future will produce in the quarter we have
alluded to more wisdom and discretion; while we proceed to notice, in the
first place.
THE BUILDINGS AND THEIR CONTENTS.
The public eye was not familiar with
the interior of this immense establishment; and even an ordinary intimacy
with the intricacies of the Dover Patent Oil Mills and Refinery - the
lofts, the stores, the shops, the vaults, the smithies, the kilns &c. &c. would not suffice
for such description of the series of buildings now razed to the ground,
as could convey an accurate idea of the spot to those not conversant
with the locality. The area occupied was about three-quarters of an acre;
and every inch had its useful application, while many places the surface
space was quadrupled by floor rising on floor to a towering height.
On the north-west, the cliff forming part of the Western Heights
constituted a boundary of the Mills, and was also subservient to a
multiplicity of purposes, excavations within it being made, to admit of
furnaces, boilers, tanks &c. - the loftiest chimney in Dover, emerging from
a slope in the cliff, and reaching nearly to its summit, indicating the
vastness of the operations going on at its base. On the north-east, a
slope of cliff formed almost the entire boundary, and was within half a
dozen paces of the site of the immense fall of chalk that took place at
Dover in January of the present year. On the south-east were sundry
premises of the Messrs Rutley and Co., used for stores, malt-houses &c.;
also the "Newcastle Arms" public house and two or three small tenements.
Sundry cottages, the "Three Compasses," and a shed or builders' yard with a
malt-house &c. made up the south-western boundary. Admission to the
premises was gained by two entrances opening to Limekiln Street - the
one on the town side appearing to be connected with offices &c.; and the
other, or the pier side, having attached to it the residence of Mr. Robson,
the manager and engineer of the Works. Once in the interior, a series of
buildings rose before the spectator, and of the principal of these, with
their contents, as seen before the fire broke out, we will attempt an
outline.
The old steam flour mill. - This portion of the establishment was well
known to our townsfolk generally, and occupied the southern extremity, and
joined the malting premises of
Messrs Coleman, Jeken and Co. At the
time of the fire, it contained 100 tons of cotton seed from Egypt, which
was totally consumed, and the building entirely gutted. Stables,
offices, a weight bridge - a smith's shop and a yard to which cake &c.
were weighed, adjoined, and the whole were connected and covered by an
extensive glass roof. The same roof is said to have formed a covered
communication with --
The oil mill. - The basement of this department,
termed the pressing rooms, contained, in addition to some seed pans,
several hydraulic presses of immense power, weighing 50 tons each, and
capable of the astonishing pressure of 1,600 tons; the purpose to which
presses were applied need not be stated. By contraction or expansion,
consequent on the amazing body of heat to which they were exposed
during the conflagration, these presses were split and rendered useless.
The first floor of the Oil Mill formed a capacious seed store, and on
Sunday morning contained a cargo of linseed; its capabilities admitted of
four cargoes being discharged into it. Two cargoes of Egyptian cotton
seed, in a rough state, and machinery suitable for the various processes
through which the seed passed, occupied the second floor; and a cargo of
prepared cotton seed was stored in the third floor; a portion of the
walls only of this building now remain, - the seed still forms a
considerable body of fire, and emits as we write (Thursday) a tolerable
volume of smoke.
The Engine Room, and especially since the fire, proved a point of
attraction to visitors. It contained a pair of 25 horse power engines, and
at a distance of 80 feet in a vault of the cliff, a second pair of
similar power, connected by the same shaft with machines between for
grinding seed, also so connected. The same room contained the pumping
engine connected with the West Dover Waterworks, capable of supplying
1,000 gallons per minute. The gear of this engine was destroyed, but, if
we understood it right, the engine itself was but slightly injured. In no
part of the premises was the force of the flames more strongly depicted
than here. Six-inch wrought iron shafting was bent like wire; the wheels
were melted, and ran like lead; and granite stones, 7 tons weight, ran like
slaked lime.
Continuing an eastern course, an open yard used for the deposit of
various materials, old iron &c., led to the old cement works, kilns &c.
In the cliff at this point, a quantity of coal, several hundred tons, was
stored, and its ignition led to the fall of cliff narrated below. An
incident might be related here. The intensity of heat from the engine
room found a channel for a current of flame in a cave at this point;
after taking a circuitous route of some extent, it reached the furnaces
of the boilers in the cliff, and actually consumed the fuel already laid
for lighting on Monday morning.
Another building, the name of which we have not been able to ascertain,
nor its present position, was appropriated as follows - the basement
constituted the workshop of the engineers, and contained lathes and other
apparatus for engineering purposes, all driven by steam. The floor above
was composed of the mill-wright and patent shops, and contained models,
patterns, &c. of great value, the amount of which can hardly be estimated;
and all were totally destroyed. The second floor contained a quantity of
cotton seed in a prepared state, imported from America; and the third floor
had
also a quantity of American cotton seed, but in a rough state. The only
building, we think, of any import now undescribed is -----
The Refinery,
at the northern point of the premises and from which the fire was first
seen to issue. This building was of comparatively recent construction,
and was used, as its name implies, for the refining of oils. It was fitted
up with machinery of the most complicated and costly character, with all
the necessary appliances, vast tanks, vats, &c. A steam engine of 10-horse power
was also within the building, which contained but one floor (constructed
of stone); although a considerable elevation there was a kind of platform
containing vessels for oil. In this department, every precaution
experience could suggest for averting the calamity that has befallen it,
was put into practice, and nothing left undone to admit of the
probability that fire might be induced, or spontaneous combustion arise.
No great quantity of oil, we believe, was within the Refinery at the time
of the conflagration - probably not above 50 tons; and the ignition of
this at a late stage, from the falling in of the roof, gave rise to the
reports of the explosion of tanks, &c. - the falling materials having
caused an overflow of the pits on the store floor among the burning mass surrounding.
Below the Refinery, and running a distance of 200 feet into the cliffs,
were several extensive tanks or reservoirs, each capable of holding 800
tons of oil, and constructed of brick and with cement. Only two of them
contained oil at the time of the fire - one having about 400 tons, and the
other 200. It is said that the only external communication with these
tanks was by two-inch pipe, and their contents are believed to be
uninjured.
ORIGIN OF THE
Here we are at fault, and so are wiser heads than
ours. The mystery that at first enveloped the cause of the catastrophe
remains a mystery still. Conjecture, however, has not been idle; and reports and
opinions have been circulated to an almost indefinite extent. Incendiary
has more than once been named, but not the slightest ground exists for a
conclusion that the premises were wilfully set on fire, or for many other
equally unfounded surmises. Spontaneous combustion of the seeds in store
appears the only rational solution of the query. How did the fire
originate? and this even puzzles us, if the fire really broke out in the
Refinery, and why? Because that was only the repository of oil already
extracted, which had then to undergo the various chemicals process
required producing refined oil. No seed would be deposited there; again,
those daily on the spot, and having supervision of the concern, confirm
the rumour prevailing, that no fire had been lighted in the Refinery for
the last three months - in short, since April.
We believe the fire originated elsewhere, in all probably in what was
called the Oil Mill - the large storehouse, in which at the time were
three cargoes of cotton seed, and one cargo of linseed. What
communication existed between the Refinery and other buildings, so as to
admit of the former appearing to be the site of the outbreak, we know
not; and no circumstance has since transpired, no intelligence been
communicated, tending to furnish the positive data for a conclusion not
liable to be controverted. Of the vague rumour that such and such a one was on
the spot an hour before the fire - of the foolish tale, that the
establishment chemist was in his laboratory on Sunday afternoon
conducting experiments - we will say nothing, satisfying ourselves with leaving the mystery as we found it, knowing full well that we cannot
on this point enlighten the public. In our enquires, we have been careful
to ascertain one particular - at what time on the Sabbath day any of the
men were employed in the mills, inasmuch as numbers are reported to
have seen smoke issuing from the place hours before the actual discovery
of the fire, but took no notice of the matter, from a supposition that
the furnaces were in operation as usual. We find that it was not the
practice to "light up" on Sundays; that the furnaces or boilers were not
lighted till 10 o'clock on Sunday night, ready for the coming in of the
men at 12 o'clock to commence the week; therefore, that whatever was
seen of smoke in the afternoon could have no connection with the
business of the premises.
THE CONFLAGRATION
At one o'clock on Sunday afternoon, Mr. Robson,
the engineer, &c., of the establishment, who resides, as already stated, on
the premises, saw not the slightest indication of fire, and took such an
ordinary survey as, in the absence of suspicion, would warrant his
considering all were safe. At about twenty minutes to five, one of his
children, who was probably amusing herself beneath the glass roof of the
yard communicating with the Refinery, heard the falling of glass, and ran to
tell her father that boys were throwing from the cliffs, and that some of
the glass was broken. Mr. Robson at once hastened to the spot, when he
saw smoke, &c., issuing from the Refinery, and without waiting for further
investigation, he at once returned to give an alarm to the neighbourhood.
No sooner had he opened the entrance gate of the establishment near to
his house, and was on the point of proceeding, when he observed several
people rushing towards him, eager to convey to him the intelligence he
was about to impart to them. He at once despatched some of them to the
fire stations of the borough - the intelligence soon spread through the
town - the Admiralty bell alarmed the Pier district - the Market bell threw
the locality surrounding it into consternation - and the bells of the
churches of St. Mary and St. James added to the general rousing of the
town to the danger that menaced the Pier; and hundreds were in a few
moments hastening to the spot. Three persons from different quarters
arrived at the same moment to inform Mr. Parks, Captain of No. 1
Corporation Engine, of the fire. In less than five minutes, fully manned,
No. 1 was half-way from the station to the fire. No. 2 was ready to
follow, but not sufficiently manned to facilitate progress. At this
juncture, George H. Loud, Esq., returning to Dover from "Reach" in a dog
cart, desired Captain Wood to attach the engine to his vehicle, and the
laudable conduct of that gentlemen placed No. 2 at the scene of
operation almost at the same moment of No. 1. We believe the railway
engine No. 6, from the Dover terminus of the South Eastern Railway, was
first on the spot; that the second arrival lay between No. 1 Corporation
Engine and that from the Ordnance. Other engines followed in rapid
succession, and others again at more distant intervals until eleven
o'clock at night, when no less than eleven were engaged in lessening any
danger that might be apprehended from any fresh outbreak of the
apparently confined fire.
At about half past five, when the No. 1 Corporation Engine had just
entered the mill premises, the fire was entirely confined to the Refinery,
and hopes were entertained that its further extension would be
effectually checked. Unfortunately, a considerable delay occurred in
rendering available the water resources of the establishment; and this
circumstance may, for ought we know, have been the primary cause of much
of the sad result that followed ere the conflagration had spent its
fury. We are informed by an individual who was early present, that nearly half an
hour elapsed before the engines were efficiently at work. The books,
papers, &c., were early removed from the offices, to the house of Mr.
Reeves, of the customs.
Up to six o'clock no particular changes was
observable; the alarm given had studded the surrounding cliffs with lines
of spectators, and congregated masses on every point of the quays, &c.,
from which a view of the building could be obtained; and water was being
plentifully directed from the engines to the Refinery, from the caves of
the roof of which the flames were curling. Shortly after six, the fire
issued from the windows of this department with great fury, the upper
part of the Oil Mill adjoining was observed to smoke, and in a few
moments that range of store-houses was emitting volumes of fire that
foreboded no hope of saving much within the factory. At seven o'clock,
when every energy had been in vain directed to arrest the progress of
the flames, the scene presented by the conflagration, which was now lying
waste the whole of the establishment, was one of appalling grandeur. Our
continental neighbours saw it, and kind messages of inquiry were
transmitted. Our townsmen looked on and wondered where its fury would be
stayed. It was such a spectacle that none would wish to see its like
again.
At this crisis, when the position of the tenements and buildings near was
becoming critical, and their safety a matter of doubt, the work of
demolition was advised, lest the entire district should fall a prey to
the devouring element. The building exciting the most concern, and to which the Mayor's
attention was directed by Mr. Coram, was the Dover British School. A
builder's tarred shed, filled with deals and scaffolding poles, occupied
(with a small passage) the space intervening between the schools and the
buildings on fire. With promptitude the shed was removed, and the school
was thus saved. Other premises that appeared likely to facilitate the
extension of the fire were also pulled down. The "Three Compasses Inn"
occupying a portion of the mill ground, but without the walls was
entirely gutted. Below this house, a store was formed, and doubtless the
ignition of the store led to the destruction of the "Three Compasses." In
pulling down malt-houses, cottages, stables, &c., much confusion ensued;
and in the hurried removal of the furniture, and other effects, many
articles missed, and, were in some instances, pilfered. To say that in
every case the pulling down was judicious, would be admitting too much.
In certain quarters, it was widely suppressed; but as the British School,
and much valuable property, were preserved by removals of what might have
communicated fire, and as well were actuated in their endeavours
by the noblest motives, credit and not blame, must be awarded, the rapidity
with which the flames enveloped building after building affording but
little time deliberating on the advisability of preserving this or that
structure. At eight o'clock less apprehension existed for the safety of
the surrounding district, - the fire, though raging with intense heat,
becoming more and more confined within the fragments of walls that towered
above the awful wreck around. The engines previously playing within the
premises, had before seven o'clock been driven within the gates by the
advancing flames, and their supply of water in that direction cut off.
Fortunately, the harbour authorities had an eye to what might be needed,
and closed the gates of the inner basin against the retiring tide. This
afforded an inexhaustible fountain, and one engine was employed to
receive water for the service of as second, and thus a continuous supply was
available without other difficulty than that of the most unremitting and
laborious extension. From eight to ten o'clock, every moment tended to
allay the fears aroused by the threatening appearances at seven o'clock;
and the efforts of every succeeding hour throughout the night, till the
break of day on Monday morning were crowned, with the successful
confining of the fire to the vast area it had devastated at an early
hour on Sunday evening. A judicious pulling down of walls, chimney, &c.,
contributed greatly to this issue, as much of the large body of the fire
within the ruins was by this means buried. It is true, that an apparent
outbreak late on Monday morning, apparently as if the fire had come in
contact with a large quantity of inflammable materials afresh excited
alarm for a short time, but the danger had soon passed, and with it the
fears to which it had given rise.
Throughout Monday, an engine was kept in action at intervals to
extinguish the smouldering masses, and admit a passage to the vaults and
machinery in the cliff. Awaiting the result of a survey by several
Insurance Companies with which policies had been effected on behalf of
the property, nothing has been done to remove the burning heaps that
still emit continuous clouds of smoke, and a stench at times almost
insufferable.
ESTIMATED LOSS BY THE FIRE
The value of the property destroyed by
the fire on Sunday night has been variously estimated, and, as no unusual
circumstances in similar cases, some have speculated most extravagantly in
this particular. We have good authority for stating that the loss
is estimated at less than £50,000. £45,000 was the first sum first named,
but subsequent enquiry has rendered an addition necessary. This estimate
is exclusively confined to the Patent Oil Mills and Refinery; what
expenditure the repairing of the tenements damaged, and the
reconstruction of the premises pulled down, would involve, we have not
ascertained.
Through the favour of Mr. Superintendent Coram, of the Police Force, we
have been presented with a copy of his report touching this matter, of
which we give a summery as follows -----
On Finnis Hill - the "Three
Compasses," the property of Mr. Joseph Walker and occupied by Mrs Chater,
House burnt down and furniture partially removed. Insured but amount
unknown. Nine houses, also the property of Mr. Walker, and respectively
occupied by Cooper, Cocker, Clements, Marks, Southby, Harris, Freeman,
Bray and Boyce. Furniture removed; windows broken; insured, amount
unknown.
A pumping house and water-works, the property of Messrs Jeken and Co.
Unroofed, and other damage - not insured. A house occupied by Punnett, the
property of Mr. Wrightson. Partially pulled down, and otherwise much
damaged. Insured in the Alliance. - Three cottages, occupied by Wilson, Syms, and Smith, the property of Mr.
Hukesen. Furniture removed, and doors
and windows broken. Not insured. - A house, occupied by Bridgland, the
property of Mrs. Cramp. Great damage sustained - front pulled down -
furniture removed. Insurance not ascertained. - Three houses, the property
of Mr. Patterson; two occupied, and one empty. Furniture removed, windows and
doors broken, and premises much damaged by water played on them. Insured
-
Kent. - A shed, the property of Mr. Eastes. Partially burnt, and then pulled
down. Insurance unknown. - Two cottages occupied by Bale and Bourne, the
property of Mr. Bale. The furniture removed from the first, but not the
second. The doors and windows of both slightly damaged. Insured - Norwich
Union.
In Limekiln Street. - A shed and stable, the property of
Messrs. Coleman and
Co., occupied by Mr. Osborne. Insurance unknown. The former burnt down, and
the latter pulled down. A forge belonging to the same firm, burnt down.
Insurance unknown - A malt house, in the occupancy of the proprietors, Messrs
C. & Co., pulled down. Insurance unknown. - Three houses, the property of Mr.
Thompson, and occupied by Thompson, Stokes and Goodiff. The furniture
removed from the two last, and partially from the first. Insured - Alliance.
Part of the last house pulled down, and the windows broken in the two
first. - Three cottages, occupied by Tadhunter, Pledge, and Burgess. Furniture removed, and houses partly pulled down.
Insured - Alliance. A
limekiln, owned by Mr. Stiff. Roof partially destroyed by fire. Insurance unknown.
- A smith's shop, occupied by the proprietor, Mr. Gutsole,
partially unroofed, and other damage. Insurance unknown. - Smith's shops,
occupied by the proprietor, Mr. Rouse. Pulled down. Insurance not known.
-The roof of the wine vaults of Messrs Jeken and Co. was slightly
injured by water. Every precaution was taken for their preservation; and
at the suggestion of Mr. W. R. Mowell, about 40 tons of chalk were placed
so as to close the entrance to the vaults. This precautionary measure
was not tested, from the successful confining of the fire, or we have no
doubt that under more favourable circumstances it would have proved
sufficient to avert the threatening evil, and have saved the valuable
stock it contained. - The "Newcastle Arms" was slightly injured by the
playing of the engines.
THE INSURANCE OF THE OIL MILLS
We have already given the best
information that time would admit of obtaining, in reference to the
insuring or non-insuring of the several premises sustaining damage
directly or indirectly by the above sad calamity. It now remains the
state of what extent Mr. Walker was insured. Five Offices are named - the
Norwich Union, Alliance, Globe, West of England and Atlas. Without
enumerating the respective sums in each, it might be stated that
insurance in the first was effected to nearly £10,000 and that the total
amount in the several offices was £28,000.
THE FIRE ENGINES
Probably at no period has ever such an assemblage
of fire engines been seen in actual operation at Dover, as was witnessed
in the vicinity of the fire on Sunday night last, and we are satisfied that
nowhere has any more energy, from first to last been displayed in working
them than on that occasion. Various circumstances will influence the
arrival of an engine at the scene of danger, - such for instance as
distance from the fire, time of receiving information of its outbreak,
being inefficiently manned, &c., - and hence, although the greatest credit is
generally awarded (and properly so) to the first arrival, the palm, considering
the circumstances to which we have referred, might very fairly have been
borne off by others later at the conflagration. With such a view of the
case, and backed by the universally expressed opinion that nothing could
exceed the admirable manner in which the whole of the engines were
worked, we shall give priority to none, and prominence to all. One feature
must not escape us - that the heads of the departments supplying engines
accompanied them to the spot, stood by them during the continuance of
danger, and only retired when the public safety and the preservation of
property no longer required their valuable services.
The engines present were -----
No's. 1 and 2, Dover Corporation - 2
London Fire Brigade (Southwark District) - 2
No's. 6 and 7 South Eastern Railway Company - 2
Dover Harbour Commissioners - 1
Admiralty Yard - 1
Ordnance, Storekeepers' Department -1
Western Heights Barracks - 1
Castle Barracks -1
Total - 11.
Admiralty yard. - The engine from H. M. P. Station was brought early to
the scene of action, and took up a position within the walls till the spreading
flames compelled a hasty retreat to a place of safety. Captain Herrick R.N., Superintendent of the station was present with his men, affording
such assistance and advice as his experience dictated, and the exigencies
of the occasion called forth. We need not say that the men from the
naval yard nobly did their duty. and well merited the high compliments
their exertions repeatedly elicited.
South Eastern Railway Company. - Intelligence of the fire in Limekiln
Street reached Mr. Way, the Superintendent of the Dover Railway Station,
somewhere about five o'clock. Not a moment was lost by this gentleman in
summoning the resources of that establishment; and in 3 minutes the
powerful engine, No. 6 equipped for service, was approaching the
conflagration. We admire such displays of promptitude; they afford proofs
of a ready and willing hand, and noble heart; and the men by whom the
engine was manned evinced that they were actuated by a spirit kindred to
that of their superintendent. How efficiently they fulfilled the arduous
task they had undertaken, we have pleasure in recording; and render to
them, in common with all whom so fearlessly and energetically took part
in the suppression of the fire, our thanks for the services they
rendered. The supply of lanterns finished by Mr. Way were of invaluable
service, as they to a great extent prevented the hose crossing the
streets from being trampled on, which might seriously have affected the
operations of the engines. In consequence of a telegraph message
forwarded to Folkestone by Mr. Way, No. 7 engine of the company was
despatched from that station to Dover, and placed with others at the Old
Dock, where it was enabled to assist materially in supplying engines near
to the conflagration. We are not going to institute comparisons of this
engine with that, or that with the other; but will allow ourselves to
compliment the South Eastern Company on the superior character of the
apparatus brought into play on Sunday night, and whisper a wish that
Dover had the like. We hope to have the pleasure of someday publishing
the mode in which Insurance Officers recognise such services as these gratuitously
rendered by Mr. Way and his staff.
The Ordnance - The engine supplied from this department was stationed
on the Custom-house Quay, and principally manned by Rifles, who, in
whatever sphere of action they moved, throughout the whole night, exerted
themselves to the utmost.
The Castle. - The Castle engine was present soon after the cries of
alarm had been sounded, - first taking the position near the entrance to
the Mills, and subsequently removing to Finnis's Hill. Without
disparagement to any class then on the spot, we have only to say that it
was manned by the military, and none who saw their efforts in the whole
scene will dispute that it was most effectively worked.
Dover Harbour. - The engine of Harbour Commissioners must not be overlooked. Under the able superintendence of Mr. James Barter, the resident
engine, it contributed materially to affording a constant supply of water from the
inner basin, and was thus a most important auxiliary in preventing the
extension of the fire.
The Western Heights. - The engine from the Heights was brought
to the spot by the Artillery, and at a most fearfully rapid pace. It
took up a position on Finnis's Hill, and assisted to check the progress
of the flames in that direction.
The London Fire Brigade. - Mr. A. Page, superintendent of the safety of
the Pier, after telegraphing to Marden for Mr. Walker, who at the time of
the fire was absent from Dover, despatched a message to the Metropolis
for aid from the Fire Brigade. The request was complied with and at half-past
10, Mr. Superintendent Braidwood, with two engines horsed, and ten
of the Brigade, arrived in Limekiln Street from London in about two hours
and a half. Though the fire at the time confined within the walls, and but
little doubt existed that the progress of the flames was effectually
checked, the powerful engines of the Brigade were brought into play; and
we
might say, that even the presence of Mr. Braidwood and his experienced
body, had a tendency to lull any still existing fears. We observed a moment
on the part of Mr. Braidwood, that may be dropped as a salutary hint. On
entering the premises, after receiving from Mr. G. T. Parks a verbal
outline of the various structures, he called to the Superintendent of
Police, and, while remarking that the force appeared to want some
refreshment, he promptly ordered the needful to procure what was
required. It is a pity that a judicious imitation of such a course was
not generally adopted. The experienced officer knew what exhaustion
meant, and was satisfied that some recruiting of wasted strength was
needed. At 2 o'clock on Monday morning, when the iron roof of the
Refinery is reported to have fallen, and added fuel to the fire by
causing a
quantity of oil to overflow. Mr. Braidwood left for London,
and was relieved here by Mr. Henderson, of the Southwark District, who
returned to town with his engines, &c., at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
The Dover Corporation Engine. - Not least, though last, out of courtesy to
the various parties similarly assisting are our Town Engines, and what can
we say of them more than is already known. The skill and energy of
Captains Parks and Wood are as familiar to us as "Household words," and
their presence at the outbreak of any fire looked for as a matter of
certainty. Few were on the spot on Sunday night when they and their
engines were welcomed by the neighbourhood; and few were there, of the
thousands who saw what followed in the succeeding hours, that could not
hear testimony to the untiring energies put forth by them to extinguish
the flames, or check the ravages of the destroying element. The intimate
knowledge possessed by Mr. Parks of the several edifices composing the
establishment was of important service, and especially in the pulling
down of walls, chimneys, &c. Under their superintendence, the porters
acquitted themselves handsomely, and deserve high commendation. We
understand the firmness of the "Captains" led to the saving of much
property about to be recklessly pulled down.
In conclusion we might
observe - never were the Corporation engines better worked, and never more
ably directed, than on Sunday night last.
THE POLICE
Immediately on intelligence of the fire being communicated
to the Police Station. Superintendent Coram despatched a constable to
the fire station, and arranged for the attendance of his whole force
(17) - in Limekiln Street, &c., where they were variously stationed to prevent
those working the engines from interference, and to protect the hose
crossing the streets, as well as the property lying about, from the hasty
removal that had been affected. Some of the force were more actively
employed; and we understand that the preservation of the British School
may, in no small measure be attributed to the exertions of Mr. Coram and
Sergeant Burridge. We regret that notwithstanding the vigilance
exercised, pilfering to a considerable extent was carried on, and one
gentleman was most audaciously robbed of a silk handkerchief. In the
removal of furniture, &c., from several tenements deserted, advantage was taken
of the opportunity for purloining. However, the police force exerted
themselves well in the performance of the duty assigned them, and we have
pleasure in acknowledging their exertions.
THE COAST GUARD
Several of the officers and men of this service were
also present, and aided in the general efforts directed to stay the
spreading fire.
THE MILITARY
Who could be otherwise than gratified while witnessing
the indomitable energy exhibited by the troops, who were so readily
ordered by their officers to march to the assistance of the civilians,
in the sad calamity that threatened to overwhelm the town on Sunday. On
such occasions they have ever been found ready to lend a helping hand.
The troops on the ground comprised a large body of Artillery, and the
depots. of the Rifle Brigade and 67th Regiment, accompanied by their
respective officers. Many of them assisted at the engines, others were
employed in removing goods from the houses in danger, and some were on
duty at the avenues leading towards the fire, keeping a clear space for
the unfettered operation of those at the engines, and preventing intruders coming
within reach of the property unavoidably exposed in the confusion
consequent on a hurried departure during an alarming crisis. One
individual, named Thomas Shinton, a private in the Rifles, was pointed out
to us as conspicuous for daring feats. Others were also spoken of, but
not named; and it is hardly necessary, where such a general effort to aid
to the utmost of their power was evinced by the military, to attempt to
individualize. Many a flattering compliment was heard paid to them, and
richly both officers and men deserve it. The meeting of Thursday shows
that the authorities appreciated their exertions.
THE CASUALTIES OF THE FIRE
If anything can afford us pleasure in
narrating the particulars of this terrible catastrophe, it is this -
that amid
the destruction of property to the amount of thousands of pounds, calling
forth in its preservation the exertions of hundreds of individuals, and
repeatedly placing them in jeopardy, not a limb was fractured, nor a life
lost. Statements to the contrary have gone forth, but we repeat, not a
limb was fractured, nor a life lost. Bruises were plentiful but none heeded during the excitement of
the fire. The first incident fraught with injury took place during the
rapid passage of the Castle engine from the Barracks to Limekiln Street.
In descending Castle Hill one of the private's tripped, and a wheel
passed over his arm. He was reported as expected to leave the hospital
on Thursday. The second circumstance followed the issuing of the fire
from the windows of the Oil Mill, when those having the hose on the
south-west side were driven backwards, and Mr. Thomas Boulter and two
Artillerymen fell through the glass roof of the weighing yard. Fears
were rife that they were lost, but they shortly emerged from the premises
in another direction, and save some slight contusions were unharmed. The
inexpressible of the gunners were much torn by the fall. A third
incident, when Mr. Boulter risked his personnel safety to release some
pigeons from the top floor of the Old Steam Mill, and five gunners at the
same time mounted its flat roof to play on the Oil Mill, resulted in no
injury to either, although they were compelled to beat a precipitate
retreat, the soldiers by the hose of the engine, and Mr. Boulter through
the window.
A fourth incident attended the removal of some goods from a house
derelict, when the arm of a soldier of the 67th was severely lacerated.
In another case, a soldier sunk from sheer exhaustion in working the
engine. Probably the narrow escape was that from a fall of cliff at
midnight. We were near the spot. Mr. Braidwood had a few minutes
previously directed Mr. Maidman to play on the coals ignited in the
vaults close to the old cement kiln. Water was accordingly plentifully
poured on, and the gloom of night (notwithstanding the body of fire, not
flame, in other parts) pervaded the spot. The hose was still applied; and
at this juncture Mr. Way, Superintendent of the Railway Station, observing
one of the Company's servants (Mr. Simmond's, Carriage Inspector) with a
torch in his hand, requested him to go forward, and show a light to those
having the hose. Simmond's did so, and had scarcely been occupied two
minutes, when the faint light from the torch depicted a quivering in the
cliff. We observed it, and heard a cry of warning, the cliff fell, but the
warning suffered for the escape of the dozen or twenty individuals near
it; and we look upon Simmond's torch as the instrument to their safety.
Forty feet of the hose was buried beneath the debris, which are at the
time estimated at not less than 1000 tons; it may be more. No one was
injured by the fall. The concussion of the atmosphere was said to have
prostrated one man. To our enquires, he said nothing struck him; but his
system was completely paralysed by the suddenness of the fall, and
imminent peril of those on the spot. A glass of spirits fitted him for
his journey home, and on the following day he was as well as ever. It was
said a small piece of chalk struck some individuals; we saw none of them,
and no one complained of the slightest injury. No further incident, of
the kind occurred; to ensure the safety of his men, (who were ignorant of
the locality) and partially to allay apprehension, Mr. Braidwood told a
fireman to proceed to the top of the cliff and stay to give warning if
any appearance of the fall of the lofty chimney was indicated.
Fortunately, no other casualty occurred.
On Thursday, some eight or ten individuals narrowly escaped being buried
beneath the south-west wall of the Old Steam Mill, which fell
unexpectedly when several persons where standing near. Smoke continued
to rise from the burning mass as we prepared for press this morning, and
every evening more or less flame has been visible - on Thursday so much
so as to excite alarm.
THE NUMBER THROWN OUT OF EMPLOY BY THE FIRE
Under this head, we close our report
of the "Great Fire of Dover," and observe - that the regret at throwing a
single individual out of employment necessarily increases when numbers
are deprived of the means of subsistence. Sad as will be the
consequences of the destruction of the Dover Patent Oil Mills to many
families thus suddenly bereft of a livelihood (as well as to others
whose few household goods have been destroyed,) two circumstances tend to
alleviate the distressing reports that have prevailed. First - the number
thrown out of employ has been greatly exaggerated; and secondly -
employment for labours is by no means scarce at the present period.
During what is termed the "season" at Mr. Walker's mill, from 100 to 120
hands are weekly employed. At other times about 25 hands are said to be
average. At the time of the fire, the season had not commenced, but was to
have begun on Monday last and notice was sent accordingly to the usual
hands, who were in employ in different parts of the County - Margate, Elham, St. Margaret's &c. Fires were to have been lighted at
4
o'clock on Monday morning, and work commenced at six. To what extent the
hands away might be injured by any notice to quit they might have given
their employers, we are not prepared to say. The probability is, that the
greater portion will continue where they are, and that the actual
deprivations of employ will be principally confined to those in Dover,
whose distressed position as at this moment engaging the consideration
of the benevolent public.
FINALE
No class of society was unrepresented at the conflagration,
high and low, young and old, rich and poor, were there - divinity, law,
and physic were there - aiding in necessity's hour, and developing a spirit
of the most praiseworthy character.
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