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The explosion of a gunpowder magazine near Erith: ruins of Rayner's house, 1864. Creator: Unknown
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The explosion of a gunpowder magazine near Erith: ruins of Rayner's house, 1864. Creator: Unknown
The explosion of a gunpowder magazine near Erith: ruins of Rayner's house, 1864. Illustration of '...what is left of the house of George Rayner, storekeeper to the magazine of Messrs. John Hall and Sons...[after] the destructive explosion at the Belvedere powder-magazines, near Erith, on Saturday morning, the 1st October...From the evidence...[given at the inquest,] it appeared that two barges, which had brought gunpowder from the mills at Faversham, were lying at the jetty belonging to their magazine at Belvedere when the explosion took place; and it is supposed that one of them was unloading at that moment...The jury [at the inquest] found a verdict declaring that the two persons who died at the hospital were killed by the explosion of gunpowder, but how that explosion had originated there was no evidence to show. The jury however, were of opinion "that the practice of allowing stoves or lights of any description on board the gunpowder barges should be discontinued".' From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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Media ID 38079370
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Accident Aftermath Damage Damaged Deaths Debris Destruction Explosion Gunpowder Incident Industrial Accident Rubble
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting print captures the aftermath of the devastating explosion of a gunpowder magazine near Erith in 1864. The ruins of Rayner's house, once belonging to George Rayner, storekeeper to the magazine of Messrs. John Hall and Sons, lay in shambles after the tragic event. The illustration shows what is left of the house, a stark reminder of the destructive power of such explosions.
The explosion occurred at the Belvedere powder-magazines on a Saturday morning, resulting in two fatalities and leaving many others injured. Two barges carrying gunpowder from Faversham were docked at the jetty when disaster struck. The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, with no evidence presented during the subsequent inquest.
Despite this uncertainty, one thing was clear - safety measures needed to be improved. The jury recommended discontinuing practices such as allowing stoves or lights on board gunpowder barges to prevent future tragedies.
This print serves as a somber reminder of a dark chapter in history when lives were lost and homes destroyed by an unexpected blast. It stands as a testament to both human resilience and our need for constant vigilance when dealing with dangerous materials like gunpowder.
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