The Sun.
London, England, 1846-01-26 00:00:00

AWFUL EXPLOSION.

NOTTINGHA3I, SATURDAY EVENING.—This afternoon, about
four o'clock, alarming reports were spread through this town,
of an extensive explosion having taken place at Arnold, a
village four miles distant, which had caused considerable loss
of life. On repairing to the scene of the catastrophe,
three houses, each three stories high, were so completely
shattered as scarcely to leave two bricks firmly attached to
each other. They are situated in Front. street, the principal
street in Arnold, the first two being in the possession of Mr.
E. Garratt, a grocer and druggist, and the third inhabited by
a widow. The ground floor of the first house was used as a
sale shop ; the ground floor of the second as a store room ;
the second story of both houses as lodging rooms, the one
in the second house being occupied by Mr. Edward Garratt,
a lunatic invalid, who for a considerable period had been
confined to his bed ; and the top rooms, or garrets, were also
used as store-rooms for articles of a combustible nature.
About three o'clock Mr. George Garratt was in a kitchen on
the ground floor, when he heard a tremendous explosion.
Fearing the buildings might fall upon him, he ran from the
kitchen through the shop into the street, when he saw the
roofs of the houses flying into the air, the front walls falling,
and amongst the general confusion, he observed his brother
driven with violence through his bed-room window, and fall
into the middle of the street, covered with scattered ruins.
Wonderful to relate, Mr. George Garratt escaped without
serious injury, and with considerable alacrity assisted his
neighbours in rendering aid to his unfortunate brother. Mr.
William Thompson, a framework-knitter, who was passing
at the time, was knocked down, and partially buried. Other
parties were also hurt, but not seriously. It was, however,
deemed essentially necessary to convey Thompson and Gar-
ratt to the General Hospital, and they were removed thither
with as much speed as possible.
The cause of the explosion is a complete mystery, and can
only be guessed at. the store- room over Mr. Edward Gar-
ratt's bedroom—which, be it remembered, was in the middle
house—was filled with large bottles of oil, turpentine, spirits
of wine, and two barrels of gunpowder. The combustion can
only be accounted for by supposing that the unfortunate
lunatic, by some means set fire to his bed, after his brother
had left him, which would quickly find its way through the
floor above, and ignite the powder, But the brother cannot
bring his mind to this conclusion, as he says the sufferer was
not in the habit of leaving his bed, and, to his knowledge,
had not the means of striking a light in•his chamber. That
he did set tire to his own room first, however, there is but
little doubt, as he was dreadfully burnt, besides being injured
by being thrown from his bed, and buried in the ruins in the
street. He is so severely injured, as to be almost beyond
the hope of recovery, His face, shoulder, and one
hand, are horribly burnt, his head is cut, and he is
otherwise much shattered and bruised. Thompson is
very bad, but is not fatally injured, and being capable Of
speaking, was enabled to make a statement. He said—
" Soon after half-past two o'clock this afternoon, just as the
omnibus which leaves at that time for Nottingham was pass-
ing me, I heard an explosion whilst walking by Garratt's
house. I looked up and saw the roofs of the three houses
flying in all directions, and the front walls appeared to be
falling upon me. I ran into the middle of the road as fast as
I could, but was soon knocked down by the bricks which
fell upon me, and was partially buried. For a moment I was
stunned, and lay still ; but upon recovering, I drew ins self
from under the ruins, and lay on the opposite side of the road '
until my neighbours came to render me assistance. lam so
much hurt on the head, shoulders, and loins, as to be In-
capable of working, and know not what my poor children
will do, there being five of them at home without a parent,
and the oldest not thirteen years of age."
After the explosion had taken place, the ruinous mass
burst forth into flames, which were not extinguished for an
hour. It is remarkable that so few persons should have
than survivel
te
been seriously injured; but this may be accounted for by the
greater part of the villagers beingi at Nottingham at the
isovnags last night.
to the hosiers. Mr. Garratt
time, at the market, disposing okfutaiteesphroisduce of :heairndfrapmooesr
r loss at 460/.
SUNDAY AIORNING, TEN 0 LOC ratt, although not
Thompson appears
le ever since daylight have
Great crowds of people been wend-
ing of the catastrophe, which appears
ing their way to the scene
Arnold for some time to come "as crowded
likely to render
yet dead, cannotbe
as a fair.' much expectedss•ors eto

DRURY-LANE THEATRE.—The juvenile night hey e, on
Saturday last, was such a complete bumper that the manager
has arranged another for Friday next, that our young friends
may enjoy the treat of seeing the pantomime at
appear on the early
hour of eight o'clock. Not only will the Risleya
this occasion, but Flora Fatbri will act and dance in the
Devil to Pay, for the last time, as her own benefit and final
appearance take place the following night, Saturday next.
Dr. Beasley. of Uxbridge, had on Thursday, last pre-
sented to him a very handsome silVer tea and coffee service,
by gentlemen who had been educated at his establishintnt,
as a token of the regard and affection they entertained for
his upright and amiable character, as also for the zeal and
ability which he had manifested as their preceptor. A dinner
was given to the Doctor on the occa,lon, at the White Horse,
Uxbridge, and the numerous party assembled were extremely
delighted at the feeling which had prompted so honourable a
testimonial.
CLIA.THAM, JAN. 28.—The Poictiers, 74, ordinary
guard-ship, the crew of which were on Thursday, the 22d inst.,
paid wages down to siz months, arrived. The Rochester,
Grandy, master, arrived on the `2lst inst., with stores, from
Woolwich. The Cressy, 80 guns: The timbers of the frame
for this ship are being removed to the first slip (from
whence the Bulldog steam-ship was launched), and the keel
will be immediately laid down. The
Cumberland, 70 guns,
fitted for an advanced ship, is completed, and will be un-
docked next week. The Raleigh, 50 guns, is nearly corn-
pleted, and is expected to be unlocked next week. The
Calypso, 20 guns, Captain H. Worth, and the Scout, 16
guns, Commander William Loring, are progressing in their
no day is yet named for thSir leayinG
Oft,
Spiker of the nouse of Coin-
The Right non. the Sp
mons has issued cards for his first grand Parliamentary enter-
Wilma tr , which is fixed to take i lace on SaturdaySaturdaynext.