Leeds news on today's date (Oct 28) in 1835.

[Leodian]

The following is an extract from a much longer item in John Mayhall's 'Annals of Yorkshire' vol 1 published in 1861:-October 28 1835. "One of the most dreadful accidents that ever happened in the borough of Leeds, occurred at the house of Mr. Wood, fire-work manufacturer, situate in Blackburne's yard, Holbeck-lane, by an explosion of a large quantity of gunpowder. Three houses were blown up, and five persons buried in the ruins...A girl, named Susannah Dockray, had been engaged in the room in which were a vast quantity of gunpowder and crackers, and it is supposed she had snuffed the candle on to the crackers, and thus caused the explosion...The death of Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Stephenson and her child was instantaneous...An old man named Stead, upwards of 70 years of age, who had been confined to his bed for twelve months was dreadfully scorched and subsequently died...The event caused the deepest sensation in the town, and a fund was soon raised for the benefit of the survivors. Four alms houses were erected on Holbeck moor in 1838, with the surplus money raised by subscription for the relief of the sufferers."

[somme1916]

Leodian wrote: The following is an extract from a much longer item in John Mayhall's 'Annals of Yorkshire' vol 1 published in 1861:-October 28 1835. "One of the most dreadful accidents that ever happened in the borough of Leeds, occurred at the house of Mr. Wood, fire-work manufacturer, situate in Blackburne's yard, Holbeck-lane, by an explosion of a large quantity of gunpowder. Three houses were blown up, and five persons buried in the ruins...A girl, named Susannah Dockray, had been engaged in the room in which were a vast quantity of gunpowder and crackers, and it is supposed she had snuffed the candle on to the crackers, and thus caused the explosion...The death of Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Stephenson and her child was instantaneous...An old man named Stead, upwards of 70 years of age, who had been confined to his bed for twelve months was dreadfully scorched and subsequently died...The event caused the deepest sensation in the town, and a fund was soon raised for the benefit of the survivors. Four alms houses were erected on Holbeck moor in 1838, with the surplus money raised by subscription for the relief of the sufferers." Pretty serious stuff Leo.....wonder if neighbours knew what she was up to ? Early days too(1835)...girl making fireworks etc.....just wouldn't happen today.Interesting story.

[Leodian]

Cheers somme1916. There is a lot more in the item. In one part it states "The explosion shook the doors and windows of houses in all parts of the town. The shock was distinctly heard and felt at a distance of two miles, and produced the effects of an earthquake...The explosion was heard at Headingley, and little-London, and the congregation in St. Paul's church were alarmed lest the church itself was giving way".

[Jogon]

Bad news day.Is the address of the Almhouses and name of the Charity given?The minutes of some charity documents and the ledgers of fire insurance records can sometimes provide valueable info/gaps in clues.

[Leodian]

Jogon wrote: Bad news day.Is the address of the Almhouses and name of the Charity given?The minutes of some charity documents and the ledgers of fire insurance records can sometimes provide valueable info/gaps in clues. Hi JogonThe report had no more information on the alms houses nor on the charity fund.

[chemimike]

Judging by the report in the Leeds Mercury (as reported in the York Herald. and too long to copy here) it is only surprising that it had not happened previously. Apparently, as it was nearing Nov 5th, the workers were working 8am-midnight,which necessitated using candlelight. Not only this, but they did not use a snuffer to trim the candle, but a pair of scissors. That, together with about one and a half hundredweight of gunpowder in the building was asking for trouble

[Leodian]

Thanks for that information chemimike.