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Appalling accident at Blackfriars Bridge, 1844. Creator: Unknown
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Appalling accident at Blackfriars Bridge, 1844. Creator: Unknown
Appalling accident at Blackfriars Bridge, 1844....an accident of a most appalling nature took place at the steamboat pier [on the River Thames in London]...a crowd of gazers, principally composed of nursery maids and children, crowded to the steps which descend to the river, and filled up the floating pier...when the timbers which sustained the pier, and which had for a considerable time past been exposed to the action of the tides ebb and flow, suddenly gave way, and...upwards of twenty persons were precipitated into the river.Mr. Blomfield, surgeon, of Ratcliffe, happened to be on the spot when the accident occurred, and humanely rendered his professional assistance, nor was he sparing in his attempts torescue all within his reach...ultimately four bodies were taken up by the drags, but life appeared wholly extinct. From " Pictorial Times", 1844
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Media ID 20369227
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Accident Blackfriars Bridge Blackfryars Bridge Fallen Falling Incident London England United Kingdom Overcrowding Pictorial Times Pier Steamboat Steamboats Thames Black And Illustrated London News
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the aftermath of an appalling accident that occurred at Blackfriars Bridge in 1844. The scene depicts a chaotic and tragic event that unfolded on the steamboat pier along the River Thames in London. A large crowd had gathered, mainly consisting of nursery maids and children, who were drawn to witness the activity by the river. Suddenly, without warning, the timbers supporting the floating pier gave way under immense pressure from years of exposure to tidal forces. In a horrifying instant, over twenty individuals were plunged into the treacherous waters below. Fortunately, Mr. Blomfield, a skilled surgeon from Ratcliffe who happened to be present at that moment, selflessly offered his professional aid and tirelessly attempted to rescue those within his reach. Despite his valiant efforts and those of others involved in this harrowing incident, four lifeless bodies were eventually recovered using drags. The impact of this tragedy was felt deeply throughout London as news spread through various newspapers including "Pictorial Times" – capturing public attention with its vivid illustrations. This black-and-white engraving serves as a poignant reminder of both human vulnerability and resilience during Victorian times. It highlights not only the dangers associated with overcrowding but also emphasizes how transportation on waterways played a significant role in daily life for many residents in 19th-century Britain. The creator behind this powerful image remains unknown; however, their work has preserved an important historical moment forever etched into our collective memory.
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