When was it published?

February 10, 1775 in The Virginia Gazette

Foreign News February 10, 1775

The Virginia Gazette

Q: What keywords are associated?

London Fire, Arson Suspicion, Timber Yard, Moorfields, Tabernacle Walk, Firemen Scorched

Williamsburg, Virginia

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What is this article about?

A suspicious fire on Sunday night destroyed Mr. Flight's timber yard and adjacent buildings in Moorfields, London, including Mr. Polton's warehouse and the King's Arms alehouse. Three persons were seen entering beforehand, one claiming they had 'done it effectually.' King's pardon and reward offered for accomplices.

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OCR Quality

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Full Text

The fire on Sunday night broke out at Mr. Flight's timber yard, near Tabernacle Walk, Moorfields, which consumed all the timber, as well as the floor-cloth ware-house, and all the cloths belonging to Mr. Polton adjoining it, likewise greatly damaged the King's Arms alehouse in the Tabernacle Walk, and four other small houses; the flames were so rapid that the London assurance engine was near lost, and several of the firemen belonging to it were terribly scorched in bringing it away. It is supposed to have been wilfully set on fire, as three persons were seen getting over the wall into Tabernacle Walk, just before the fire broke out, one of whom was heard to say, "we have done it effectually." His Majesty's pardon, and a reward by Mr. Flight, are promised to any accomplice on the discovery of the other two.

What sub-type of article is it?

Disaster

What keywords are associated?

London Fire Arson Suspicion Timber Yard Moorfields Tabernacle Walk Firemen Scorched

What entities or persons were involved?

Mr. Flight Mr. Polton

Where did it happen?

Moorfields, London

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Moorfields, London

Event Date

Sunday Night

Key Persons

Mr. Flight Mr. Polton

Outcome

timber yard, floor-cloth warehouse, and cloths consumed; king's arms alehouse and four small houses greatly damaged; london assurance engine nearly lost; several firemen terribly scorched. suspected arson; his majesty's pardon and mr. flight's reward offered to accomplices for discovery of the perpetrators.

Event Details

The fire broke out at Mr. Flight's timber yard near Tabernacle Walk, Moorfields, consuming all the timber and the adjoining floor-cloth warehouse with Mr. Polton's cloths. It greatly damaged the King's Arms alehouse and four other small houses. Flames spread rapidly, nearly destroying the London assurance engine and scorching several firemen. Three persons were seen getting over the wall into Tabernacle Walk just before, one saying 'we have done it effectually.'