Illustrations from Pen and Pencil (an illustrated Family Newspaper).

The fire at Blackfriars Bridge

FIRE AT BLACKFRIARS BRIDGE. We give particulars of the great fire at Blackfriars, mentioned in our last, which broke out on the evening of Friday, destroying property to the value of £150,000. It was first discovered on the premises of Messrs. Routledge, the steam saw-mill proprietors, situated in Holland street, Blackfriars road. Contiguous to them are the premises of Sir John Rennie, the celebrated engineer; and the bottle warehouses of Messrs. Rickman. As soon as the fire was perceived the superintendents of the M, P, and L divisions of police were on the spot, with a powerful body of constables. Not a moment was lost in bringing nil the various engines of the neighbourhood, but before any of them could be brought into play the conflagration had reached an alarming height—the saw-mill and the lofty piles of timber being, in an incredibly short space of time, completely in the possession of the flames Through the energy of several gentlemen the stable doors were burst open, and the horses belonging to Messrs. Rickman saved from destruction. Notwithstanding the numerous engines at work, the flames spread with terrific violence, seizing first upon the timber in the yard, and then extending to the factory of Sir John Rennie. The inspector, and several conductors of the Royal Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, attended ; but in spite of the exertions of all, the devastation continued, and pile after pile of burning timber kept falling. We regret to state, that the first stack which fell, completely buried Mr. Jackson (the son-in-law of Mr. Braidwood, superintendent of the London Fire Engine Establishment) while he was assisting in extinguishing, the flames. When discovered, all that remained was the trunk of his body The fire continued during the night with unabated force, brilliantly illuminating the Metropolis. No words can adequately describe the scene, when viewed from the bridge, or other advantageous places. St. Paul's, and every tower and steeple in Loudon, were brought out into bold relief; while the Thames for a great distance below London Bridge, and to a considerable space beyond Westminster, presented a view of rare grandeur, in consequence of the reflection of the flames on the floating ice, which covered the river. Even as late as 10 o'clock on Sunday evening, the fire continued burning with considerable brilliancy; and till late on Monday evening it was not extinguished. Between 400 and 500 men are thrown out of employ at Messrs. Rennie's by this disastrous event. On Monday evening a coroner's inquest was held at the Eight Bells tavern, Cross Street, Blackfriar's Road, on the remains of the body of Mr. Jackson (aged 24, inspector of risks to the Sun Fire Insurance Office), who it would appear, though not attached to the fire brigade, had been in the habit of attending fires as an amateur.

Pen and Pencil, an Illustrated Family Newspaper. 1855. London. Published by Joseph Clayton, jr. 265 Strand. reference Printed by Joseph Clayton, jun., at the printing office of Joseph Clayton, Sen., and published by Joseph Clayton, jun., at the offices of Pen and Pencil, 10 Crane Court, Fleet Street, 265 Strand, and 223 Piccadilly.

Roman Cemetery'.

Water & Steel's Flour Wharf