GREAT FIRE IN LONG ACRE.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 316, 30 October 1860, Page 4

GREAT FIRE IN LONG ACRE.

DESTRUCTION OP ST. MARTIN'S HALL.

On the morning of the 26th August, between the hours of 3 and 4, one of the , most disastrous fires with which this quarter of the metropolis had been; visited, with the single > exception, perhaps, of ithat which destroyed Covent Garden Theatre, but which, taking- into consideration the amount ofdamage done, was of nearly equal magnitude, occurred at the premises, in the occupation of Mr. Kesterton, coach-maker, Nos.: 93 and 94; Long-acre, and which caused the total destruction of the premises in question, ;of the principal portion of St. Martins-hall, and considerable damage to the adjacent buildings, one of the. firemen engaged in subduing the flames also sustaining some severe personal injuries. ~ ■ v St. Martin's Hall.—The. staircases and dwelling seriously damaged! by fire, and most of the roof off. The upper floors pf the hall consumed, and lower floors partially destroyed by five or damaged by water. The building and contents insured in the Sun Fire Office.;

No. 91, Mr. J. Dingle, licensed victualler and proprietor of the George and Dragon Tavern, has the back front of his premises damaged by fire, and the roof burnt, and the other part of the establishment severly injured by water. This loss will fall upon the Sun Fire Office. >

No. 90, Mrs. J. Jennings, tobacconist.— Part of rouf burnt off, and contents damaged by fire and water and removal. The contents were insured in the Phanix Fire Office.

No. 89, Miss A. Hall, hoiser.—Similar damage to building and contents. Insured in the Sun Fire Office.

No. 88, Messrs. Steers and Co., pianoforte makers.—lnsured in the Country FireOffice. The premises and the contents severely damaged by fire.

No. 87, Mr. James Stenning, confectioner. —Back front of the private dwelling-house severely damaged by fire and water. Insured in the Royal Exchange Fire Office. No. 86, Mr. "William Aldis, eatinghousekeeper.—Back warehouse and contents damaged by fire, water, and hasty removal.

Mr. Boleno, the clown, and Mr. D. Delahove, also had their property severely damaged by the action of the fixe. " Messrs. Hall and Co., carriage builders, have also sustained great injury by fire and water. The Enterprise Hotel has also been greatly damaged by fire and water. Insurance not known at present."

The first stone of St. Martin's Hall, was laid by Viscount Morpeth (now Earl of Carlisle) on the 21st of June, 1847. It was built by Alderman Cubitt, from the design of Mr. R. Westmabott, on a site which it is understood was presented to Mr. Hullah, by one of the great civic companies, either the Goldsmiths or the Mersers. The style of architecture was Elizabethian, with iron arched and pannelled roof of immense span, and the Hall would comfortably accommodate 3000 persons. It was first opened on the 11th of February, 1850.— Times.