GREAT EIRE IN LONDON.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1046, 13 June 1883, Page 2

GREAT EIRE IN LONDON.

At a few minutes to 1 on the morning of April 18 the premises of Messrs Kegan, Paul and Co., the publishers, were found to be on fire. The house is at the corner of Paternoster square “and Rose street, which is a narrow street leading southwards from Newgate street. In a very short space of time the flames'seemed to have taken complete possession of these premises, and to have swept across Rose street to the house opposite. By halfpast 1 o’clock, so quick had been the action of the flames, that the house that first caught fire had almost burned itself out, and the opposite house was burning furiously. By this time the Cat and Salutation Tavern was,, also alight. The dome of St. Paul’s and the spires of the neighbouring churches could be seen in the steady light as clearly as by day, while showers of sparks were falling on the heads of the crowds assembled in Newgate streets. A large number, of steam-engines and manuals were soon on lire spot from various parts of the capital, and towards two o’clock the flames were being gradually subdued, but it is feared that great damage, has been done. The police kept everyone from entering Rose street; and, indeed, it was no safe place, as fragments kept Tailing from the burning houses, driving away the firemen and clogging the hose. Many people will be sorry to hear that the famous Cat and Salutation Tavern has been, if not burnt out, very seriously damaged. .Captain Shaw was as prompt as usual, and Thirteen engines and six hydrants were soon playing upon the fire. Owing to the narrowness of the great difficulty was experienced in placing the: firemen to the best advantage, and at the same time the flames had an opportune of securing a firm hold. Four or five other buildings were destroyed, and the destruction to property is estimated at nearly half a million. No lives were lost, although there were many narrow escapes.