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Fire in London, 1808. Artist: Thomas Rowlandson
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Fire in London, 1808. Artist: Thomas Rowlandson
Fire in London, 1808. Albion Mills, on the south side of Blackfriars Bridge, London, burning, on 3 March 1791, after the mills were set alight by arsonists. Firemen with hand-powered pumps are doing their best to control the flames, and further pumps are being rushed across the bridge from the city. On the far side of the the river Thames, St Pauls Cathedral towers over all other buildings. Built by Boulton and Watt in 1786, Albion Mills was the first steam-powered flour mill in London. The engineer for the mill machinery was John Rennie (1761-1821), and the architect was James Wyatt (1746-1813). From The Microcosm of London published by Rudolph Ackermann. (London 1808-1810)
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Media ID 14866092
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Ablaze Ackermann Arson Augustus Charles Augustus Charles Pugin Blackfriars Bridge Blackfryars Bridge Boulton Burning Corn Mill Destruction Emergency Emergency Services Fire Brigade Fire Engine Fire Hose Fire Hydrant Firefighter Firefighting Fireman Flame Flames Innovation James Watt James Wyatt John Rennie Matthew Matthew Boulton Mill Oxford Science Archive Pugin Rennie Rowlandson Rudolph Rudolph Ackermann Sir John Rennie Southwark St Pauls Cathedral Steam Thames Thomas Rowlandson Watt Wyatt Aquatint
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Fire in London, 1808
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures a devastating moment in London's history - the fire that engulfed Albion Mills on the south side of Blackfriars Bridge. The year was 1791 when arsonists set ablaze this iconic steam-powered flour mill, marking a significant chapter in both technological innovation and destruction. In the image, brave firefighters can be seen battling the raging flames with hand-powered pumps while additional reinforcements rush across the bridge from the city. St. Paul's Cathedral stands tall on the far side of the River Thames, its towering presence symbolizing hope amidst chaos. Albion Mills itself was an architectural marvel designed by James Wyatt and engineered by John Rennie. Built in 1786, it became London's first steam-powered flour mill thanks to Matthew Boulton and James Watt's groundbreaking machinery. Thomas Rowlandson skillfully captured this scene for Rudolph Ackermann's publication "The Microcosm of London" showcasing not only his artistic prowess but also documenting a crucial event in British history. This powerful image serves as a reminder of humanity's resilience and determination to overcome adversity. It highlights both our ability to harness innovative technology for progress and our unwavering spirit when faced with calamity. As we gaze upon this historical photograph, let us remember those who fought valiantly against nature's wrath and honor their bravery in preserving our beloved city.
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