The Sun.
London, England, 1829-04-30 00:00:00

QUEEN SQUARE.

On Tuesday afternoon, at four o'clock, after the usual
business at the Queen-square Police-office had been dis-
posed of, an investigation took place before Messts.
W;iite, Gregorie, and Marriott, the Magistrat-s at this
office, Dr. Coster), Mr. Allen, and Mr. Edward, three of
the Prebendaries of the Cathedral, to inquire into the
mysterious circumstances attending the late attempted con-
flatration of Westminster Abbey. Dr. Ireland, the Dean
of Westminster, who vas in the country, had been sent
for, but he did not arrive in time to attend the examina-
tion.

A number of workmen employed about the building were
in attendance the whole of the .day to be examined. 11
Hollicomb, the sacrist, and Mr. Carter, the clerk of the
works, and several other gentlemen, were also present, and
also the firemen from the different offices. Two Italians
who were employed in modelling part of the building 'were
also directed to attend.

'f he affair, which had gained such pu:dicity, and was
the general topic of conversation; was attempted to be
made an affair of mystery, and we were astonished at be-
ing refused admittance into the office by the officers in at-
tendance, who informed us that it was a private investiga-
tion, and no persen could be admitted but those who were
interested in the elucidation of the affair, which order, we
have reason to believe, was not given by the Magistrates or
gentlemen present ; but as we could not gain access to the
bench, from whom we have invariaMy received every ac-
commodation, we cannot state it positively as a fact. The
following was, however, what we collected to have taken
place in the office :
Mr. Cottinghant, the architect, exhibited drawings to
the Magistrates explaining the intricacy of the different
passages of the edifice, principally those about the building
connected with Poet's-corner, which he expl tined, and
from the plans it was considered impossible but that per-
sons well acquainted with the building could have made
so daring an attempt, without being accustomed to the
various ways of the Abbey.
Mr. Hollicomb and Mr. Carter detailed to the Magi-
strates the hour at which time the workmen were admitted
to the Abbey, which was from nine o'clock in the morn-
ing until six o'clock in the evening, when all the gates
werromade securely fast, and the keys 'safely deposited.
The two Italian modellers and a labourer, who were the
employed in that part of the building where
were next closely examined, but nothing*
onlythe p
firee roscocnus r
rt
material was elicited to criminate any one.
A number of workmen were also examir,ed who bad
been for a considerable time employed about the Abbey,
but on the day of the fire it was proved they
were en-
gaged at a house in the Little CloiaterS.
It appeared from further evidence, that any person who
had got access to the Abbey, would find no difficulty in
picking the locks in• King Henry %'H.', chapel, from their
simple construction and drfcctive state. It is supposed
they are upwards of two hundied years old, and from
every appearance they seem to have been picked, particu-
larly at the door where it it, supposed the entrance was
gained. Orders have since been given for nest, locks to be
put on the doors of both aisles of Henry VlL's chapel:
Mr. Carter stated, to some questions by the Magistrates,
that the men who were employed modelling were not per-
mitted on any occasion either the use of fire or candle.
It having been stated in the course of the examination,
that footmarks were perceivable in a passage near the door
where it is supposed that the incendiaries imist have enter-
ed, the stairs being indented with rough hob-hails, and
marks of ironL•shod shoes, the shoes of most of the work-
men were inipected, but did not tally with the marks so
described.
Ono of the witnelsoe deposetl to fiodint a place of lead
•—•