Carlisle Patriot December 27th, 1844 Dreadful Fire-Melancholy Loss of Life

Dreadful Fire-Melancholy Loss of Life

Carlisle Patriot - December 27th, 1844

DREADFUL FIRE _____  MELANCHOLY LOSS OF LIFE.       About half past five o'clock Saturday morning last, a fire broke out at No. 67, Guildford-street, Bloomsbury, occupied by Mr. FAREY, civil engineer.      Several engines were soon on the spot, but the exertions of the men were unavailing, so far as the house in which the fire originated was concerned. As soon as the fire was discovered by Police-constable 142, E, several of the inmates were seen on the parapet, imploring, in piteous terms, for assistance. Shortly after, , to the gratification of the spectators, these parties made their escape into one of the adjoining houses.      While the fire was raging at its height, a rumour was spread that the page was still in the house. Several persons rushed into the place with the view of rescuing the young man, but happily he had already made his escape. Almost immediately afterwards, the heavy flooring gave way with a fearful crash.      As soon as the ruins were sufficiently cool to allow firemen to enter, a number of the brigade went over the premises to ascertain the amount of property consumed. When they entered the front kitchen, and awful scene presented itself. Near the door was observed, midst a pile of partly consumed timbers, a police constable, alive, but unable to extricate himself. The men endeavoured to remove the mass of rubbish that kept him prisoner but they were unable on account of his weight a massive beam was lying across his legs, and another was pressing into his chest.      Messengers were despatched throughout the neighbourhood for the loan of some screw jacks. After some loss of time one was procured, and the poor fellow was got out, but not before he had breathed his last. He was placed upon a stretcher and carried to St. Gile's workhouse.      Upon calling the roll at the Station House another officer was found to be absent; search was made for him, but he has not since been found, and there is no doubt but he has perished.      Among the inmates of the house were William ROBINSON, a lad aged 15, and Charles JENKINSON, a groom. The former slept with a young man named HALL in the attic, who returned no less than three times into the room to awake his bed fellow but he failed to make him sensible, and the poor fellow now lies beneath the ruins. His father, on hearing the fate of his unfortunate son became most distracted with grief.      The second victim, JENKINSON did not reside in the house. He has for some time been lodging at a public house in the neighbourhood, and on hearing of the fire went to his master's residence to render what assistance he could. He entered the house by the back door, while the upper part of the premises was enveloped in flames and got a canary bird and cage out of the kitchen belonging to the cook. He then observed to the coachman, DILLON, "I shall go fetch some things belonging to the girls (meaning the servants) out of the kitchen drawers." DILLON attempted to persuade him not to do so, but he insisted on returning into the house, observing to a man who was standing near to him - "Oh, come on, and be a plucky one." The unfortunate felloe, however, fell a victim to his boldness, as he could have scarcely entered the kitchen ere the whole of the upper part of the building fell in an awful crash.   ~Morning Herald.   ******************************

 

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