103D (Vol. 2)

FIRE AT ASTLEY’s AMPHITHEATRE.

Yesterday morning at half past one o’clock, a most dreadful fire broke out at the Royal Saloon, near Westminster Bridge. The fire, which began near the Engine house and Reservoir, is supposed to have been occasioned by the carelessness of the watchman. From the impossibility of getting water, the fire rapidly communicated to the Box lobby and Circus, and the whole Theatre, with the Scenery, Wardrobe, &c. were entirely consumed; and the flames spread with such rapidity, from the want of water, that eleven new brick houses in the Westminster-road, and a public-house, a wheel manufactory, and several other houses in the back street were destroyed, before four o’clock, when the engines being better supplied with water, fortunately got it under.

We are happy, however, to say, that we have not heard of any lives being lost. Mr. ASTLEY, jun. had nearly been burned in attempting to get out the engine belonging to the Theatre. The loss is estimated at 30,000l. half of which is said to be insured. Mr. Astley’s horses were all saved.