The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-08-15 00:00:00

FIRE AT BOLTON.

On Wednesday morning, about half-past twelve o'clock, a fire
broke out in the work-hop of Mr. Michael Tudor, of Bridge-street,
tallow-chandler. It appears that in consequence of the heat of the
weather, two men were employed in dipping in an apartment of the
premises, and that in the adjoining WWII a quantity of tallow was
undergoing the usual process of boiling 1 but whether the tallow
took fire, or sonic other accidental circumstance was the cause of
the calamity, cannot now be ascertained. The men discovering
the boiling room, through which passed the principal entrance into
the building, in a blaze, lost no time in making their escape out of
• back window. They instantly alarmed the neighbourhood, and
one of them ran for the fire engines, whilst the other proceeded
to arouse Mr. Tudor, who, upon looking out, perceived a blaze
only in the room alluded to, but before he could dress himself
the whole building was in flames. A more violent and rapidly
deeructive fire never liappenei in this town before. The flames
simultaneously burst through the roof, and ascending to a very
considerable elevation, illuatinatut the wan in every part,
so that it was partible to read, or perform any household occu-
pation, without the aid of any other light. A general alarm
having been given by the drums and bugles of the 17th re-
giment of foot, stationed here, plenty of assistance was speedily
procurei. The fire-engines were soon on the spot, but it was
apparent that every attempt to preserve the building would be
fruitless ; in consequence of which, their efforts were wholly di-
rected to save the surrounding property- Mr. Tudor's house, to.
gether with those of Me .fort, and Mr. Robinson, surgeon, were in
great danger, through their contiguity to the burning mass ; the
- spouts of the latter, and the back window frames of the
former, were nearly consumed; and if ft had not been for the
prompt assistance afforded, there is no doubt but the calamity
would have been much more serious and distressing. There was a
great scarcity of water upon the occasion, nevertheless the fire was
got tinder in about two hours. Too much praise cannot be bestowed
upon the gallant Colonel, and the Officers and private soldiers of
the 17th regiment, for their powerful and effective exertions in every
direction ; for the admirable order in which they were disposed
tended much to facilitate the extinction of the fire, and to preserve
the property of the neighbourhood from lawless and unfeeling
pillage. Many of the people collected by the fire were actively
etnpinyed upon the melancholy occasion ; and the firemen willingly
faced the greatest dangers in their attempts to extinguish the de-
vouring element. We understand that several articles of furniture
were purloined from the neighbours, whilst they were removing
their property to a place of safety ; but we truer that the thieves
will he detected, and visited with a punishment commensurate with
the heinousness of their crimes. Richard Ainsworth, lasq., of Hal.
liwell, sent his tire-engine and 24 men, whose assistance proved
very valuable in preserving the extensive stabling, and other pro.
arty which stanch immediately beneath he building which was
aebiroyell. Then damage Is estimated at I,toooa, exclusive of the
building, which, from its size, we should judge to have been worth
6001. Mr. Tudor Is insured in a sum which will fully cover Ms
hiss. The building is also insured to its full value, by Mr. Tickle,
the owner. Several persons received slight contusions by the fall of
a part of is gable end of the building, and one of the firemen.
named John Davenport, is now confined to hie bed, in consequence
of the injuries sustained upon the same occasion, but we understand
from Ma surgeon that he is likely to recover, although it may be a
conaldevable time before he will be able to follow his usual employ.
menu Mr. Tudor's premises have been destroyed by tits either
throe or four diries.--Bolton Express.