consequences might have been dreadful. An accident of a shocking nature, it will be recollected, occurred about three years since in the same person's repository, when two men were killed by the explosion."
In 1825, in Bell's "Weekly Messenger" of September 4th,
appears the following account:
"DREADFUL EXPLOSION IN WHITECHAPEL.
"Yesterday morning, about half-past eight o'clock, Whitechapel Road, and the numerous streets that abound there, were thrown into the greatest state of agitation, by the inhabitants experiencing a most tremendous shock, as if caused by a volcano or an earthquake. The houses for a considerable distance were deserted by their inhabitants, and men, women, and children were seen running about in all directions, under the impression that the world was at an end. It was soon ascertained that their alarm was produced by the explosion of the factory of Mr. Brock, the artist in fireworks, at No. 11, Baker's Row, Whitechapel Road, nearly opposite the London Hospital.
"The following particulars relative to this direful disaster have reached us:—Mr. Brock has resided for the last five years in Baker's Row, and at the back of his dwelling-house is his repository for fireworks, where they are manufactured. This building is about 50 feet by 20 feet, and contains three magazines, which are lined with lead, and would be perfectly secure from fire, should it occur, on any of the adjoining premises. In these receptacles were deposited all the powder, composition, and, in fact, all the combustible matter, and Mr. B. was remarkable for the method he had taken to prevent any accident occurring on his premises. A few weeks since he had taken two boys out
