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The explosion of a gunpowder magazine near Erith: ruins of Silver's house, 1864. Creator: Unknown
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The explosion of a gunpowder magazine near Erith: ruins of Silver's house, 1864. Creator: Unknown
The explosion of a gunpowder magazine near Erith: ruins of Rayner's house, 1864. Engraving from '...a photograph taken with the newly-invented panoramic camera by the "London Pantascopic Company," of Red Lion-square...[View of]...the remains of the house of Walter Silver, foreman in the service of the Low Wood Company...[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 38079372
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Accident Aftermath Damage Damaged Deaths Destruction Explosion Gunpowder Incident Industrial Accident Police Police Officer Policeman
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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 Silver's house, belonging to foreman Walter Silver of the Low Wood Company, lay in shambles as a result of the tragic event. The image, taken with a newly-invented panoramic camera by the "London Pantascopic Company," offers a glimpse into the destruction caused by the blast.
According to reports from the time, two barges carrying gunpowder from Faversham were at the jetty when the explosion occurred. It is believed that one of them was unloading at that moment, leading to the catastrophic chain reaction. Despite an inquest into the incident, no concrete evidence was found regarding how exactly the explosion originated.
The jury concluded that two individuals who perished in hospital were killed by the gunpowder blast and recommended discontinuing practices such as allowing stoves or lights on board gunpowder barges. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with handling explosive materials and highlights the importance of safety protocols in such industries.
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