The Sun.
London, England, 1853-05-28 00:00:00

ia''lC--•-L---%•.
.._-,e

'2

TREMENDOUS PONFLAORATIOIV:

WATFORD, FRIDAY'.
This town has been thrown into a state of consider-
able excitement in consequence of the outbreak of a
very serious conflagration, which in a comparatively
brief period laid in ruins the premises known as the
Corn-exchange and Market-house, besides severely
damaging several of the surrounding houses.
The flames originated in the Market-house, a building
between 70 and 80 feet long and nearly 40 feet wide,
containing 10 lofts, all filled with wheat, oats, and
barley. The building was of great antiquity, and could
not fail to be noticed by any one visiting the town, from
the fact of its standing on a great number of heavy
oaken pillars.
The fire was seen at a few minutes before ten o'clock
last night, when it was issuing through one of the win-
dows, nearly facing the Spread Eagle Tavern. An im-
mediate alarm was given, and messengers were sent for
the engines belonging to the town. The progress of tie
fire was, however, exceedingly rapid, and before the
local engines could arrive, the greater portion of tl *
extensive building presented a regular blaze, which ti rew
such a lurid glare over the district as to be perceptible
for miles distant.
Unfortunately, no water is laid on in the streets, so
that the engines, although some of Shard and Mason's
best London make, could only be set to work from a
limited supply of water furnished by the pumps in the
yards of the Essex Arms and the Rose and Crown
Hotels. The flames being thus almost unrestrained by
the antagonistic element, they continued to travel along
i until the entire building was wrapped in fire, and even-
tually the houses opposite commenced igniting.
About 23 years since every house opposite the one on
fire was destroyed by a similar misfortune, and the
Market-house was then partially gutted. The authori-
ties, fearing that a similar calamity Would happen, sent
an electric-telegraph message to London for the aid of
the Fire Brigade engines. Two engines were, by order
of Mr. Braidwood, the superintendent, dispatched to
Euston-square, for the purpose of proceeding by a special
train to the scene of the conflagration. When the fire-
men arrived -there they were directed to go to the
Camden Town station, which they accordingly did, but
after remaining there some time they were informed
that no trucks could be procured, and the engines were
obliged to be taken back to their respective stations.
Mr. Braidwood during the day dispatched J. Jarrard,
one of the engineers, to look after the salvage and ascer-
tain the amount of damage done.
At noon to-day the ruins were still emitting sheets of
fire, and some hours must elapse before the fire is wholly
extinguished.
The damage done may be thus described :

_ .
The Market-house burnt down. The contents, con-
sisting of 90 qrs. of wheat, 100 qrs. of oats, and a con-
siderable quantity of barley and other produce, de-
stroyed.
The premises of Mrs. Taylor, of the King's Head
Hotel, severely damaged by fire and water.
The Spread Eagle Hotel, kept by Mr. Coulson, has
the windows demolished and shutters burned.

The premises of Mr. Hollingsworth, a butcher, are
also much burnt, and so are those belonging to Mr.
Brunt, also a butcher.
Mr. Flexman, a corn-dealer, and Mr. Tigon have like-
wise lost a great deal of corn, deposited in the lofts of
the market-house.

The origin of the fire is not precisely known, but there
is strong ground for supposing that it was the work of
some diabolical incendiary.

THEATRE ROYAL. HATMARICET.
'tinder the saanagement of Mr. Backstone.
THIS EVENING, MAT 28,
Will be performed (13th time) THE MOUSETRAP. Characters
by Messrs. Tilbury, Chippendale, Rogers, Buckstone, W. Farren,
and Edwards ; Mrs. Poynter, Misses A. Woulds, Louisa Howard
Mrs. Fitawilliarn, and Mrs. Stanley.
To be followed by THE BOARDING SCHOOL BALL.
After which, MR. BIICIEBTONE'S ASCENT OF MOUNT PAR-
NASSUS.
To conclude with DEAF AS A POST.

ROYAL putscrsrs THEATRE, O%FORD-STREET•
Under the Management of Mr. Charley Kean.
TILLS EVENING, MAT 25,
Will be performed the Comedy of SWEETHEARTS AND
WIVES. Principal characters by Messrs. Wright, Addison, Eve-
r ett, Chester, and Cathcart ; Mrs. Daly, Misses Murray, Daly, and
C. Leclercq.
To be followed by BLACK-EYED SUSAN.
To conclude with THE SPITALFIELDS WEAVER.
____—..-----_

ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.
Under the Management of Madame Vestrie.
THIS EVENING, MAT 2s,
Will be performed A.S.S. Characters by Messrs. F. Mathews,
!later, and Rosiere ; Mrs. 2dacnamara and Miss Wyndham.
After which, A FIST TRAIN—HIGH PRESSURE EXPRESS.
Characters by Messrs. C. Mathews, Baker, and Suter.
To be followed by THE LAWYERS. Characters by Messrs. C.
Mathews, F. Matthews, sad Roxby ; Mrs. F. Matthews, and Misses
Robertson and Ellis.
After which, A BALLET DIVERTISSEMENT.
To conclude with TRYING IT ON. Principal character by Mr.
C. Mathews.

THEATRE ROYAL .iDELPHL
Proprietor. Mr. E. Webstez —Directress, Madame Celeste.
THIS EVENING, MAY 28,

Will be performed THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. Cha-
racters by Messrs. B. Webster, Keeley, Leigh Murray, novelle, G.
Homey, A. Wigan, Paul Bedford, R. Romer, Culicnford, and 11. Bed-
ford ; Madame Celeete, Mrs. Keeley, Miss Mary Keeley and MSS
Woolger.
A fter which, A DESPERATE GAME.
To conclude with GOING TO THE DERBY.

ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE.
Lessee and Manager_ Mr. Farren.
THIS EVENING, MAT 28, ..

Will be performed THE MILLER OF DERWENT WATER.
Characters by Messrs. H. Farren, Shalders, G. Cooke, Clifton, and
F. Charles ; Mesdames E. Turner and Anderton.
To be followed by THE WANDERING MINSTREL. Jem
Bags, Mr. F. Robson.
To conclude with MACBETH. Supported by Mr. Samuel Mac-
beth, Mr. F. Robson, Mrs. Sarah Macbeth, and Mrs. A. Phillips.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke.

Immense success of the Holiday Novelties. Second Week of the

EQUESTRIAN GALA.

' THIS EVENING, MAY 28,
The Entertainments will, as during the week, commence with the
highly successful Hippo Dsama, with new scenery, costumes, and
appointments, entitled THE CHASE, er LIFE ON THE TURF—
in which will be represented a FOX CHASE, with REAL FOX
and HOUNDS, illustrative of the daring and celebrated Aylesbury
Leap of the Hone over a Dining Table—the Race—Steeplechase,
&e. &c.
To be followed by an unprecedented. display of Equestrian and
Gymnastic Achievements in the ARENA, introducing Mr. Cooke's
highly-trained Horses and Ponies—supported by the eminent Artistes
of the Establishment ; and the Premier Horseman, Mr. Alfred
Cooke, and his talented Family in the new classical and beautiful
Act entitled THE KING OF THE AIR, or SHINING HERALD
OF AURORA, which has been nightly received wah perfect
enthusiasm.
Be open daily from Eleven to Four. Stale Manager, Mr.
W. West.