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Great Fire at Bristol, 1850. Creator: Unknown
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Great Fire at Bristol, 1850. Creator: Unknown
Great Fire at Bristol, 1850. At Hillsbridge-wharf...on the [River] Avon...an immense fire was raging, sending up large flashes through the half-consumed roof high up into the atmosphere, and spreading myriads of sparks in all directions...Between the spectator and the fire lay the bridge of the Bristol and Exeter Railway...upon which...one of the railway engines was standing!...a vast mass of dense sombre clouds had gathered, from which every now and then the lightning flashed vividly, making even the fire pale by contrast....There could not have been less than 15, 000 or 16, 000 people [at] available spots where a view of the conflagration could be had...shouting, hooting, and giving utterance to a complete Babel of sounds....A heavy shower of rain fell at twelve o'clock, and, continuing for some time, effectually stayed the flames...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
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Media ID 36213803
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Accident Avon Bristol Bristol England Burning Crowds Dramatic Incident On Fire Onlooker Onlookers Railway Bridge Railway Line Railway Track Railway Tracks Railways River Avon Spectator Spectators Steam Locomotive Steam Train Storm Train Train Track Estuary
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Great Fire at Bristol, 1850: A Spectacular Night of Destruction and Community Unity This image, titled "Great Fire at Bristol, 1850," depicts an immense blaze engulfing the Hillsbridge-wharf area on the River Avon in Bristol, England. The photograph, created by an unknown artist, captures the raw power and chaos of the fire, with large flames shooting up into the night sky and sending out myriads of sparks in all directions. The scene is further enhanced by the presence of the railway bridge and engine, adding an intriguing element to the chaos. The bridge, a vital transportation infrastructure, stands defiantly against the backdrop of the inferno, while the railway engine, a symbol of progress, remains unscathed. The dark, ominous clouds gather overhead, punctuated by the occasional flash of lightning, making the fire seem even more dramatic and intense. The crowd of onlookers, estimated to be between 15,000 and 16,000 people, gathers at various vantage points, shouting, hooting, and creating a Babel of sounds. The scene is further described in the Illustrated London News, which reported that a heavy rain shower fell at midnight, effectively putting out the flames. The image captures the essence of a community coming together in the face of adversity, with the shared experience of witnessing such a spectacular event. This black and white, 19th-century engraving is a testament to the power of community, the unpredictability of nature, and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a poignant reminder of the past and a fascinating glimpse into the history of this historic English city.
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