Damaged housing after the Silvertown explosion.

The aftermath of the Silvertown explosion.

Repro ID: H2530

Description: It was estimated that over 60,000 properties received damage of varying degrees, costing a quarter of a million pounds, a huge sum of money at that time. It was obvious that the repair and rebuilding work would take months. Rather than give the money to unscrupulous private landlords, the government took on the job itself and by mid-February 1917, over 1,700 men were employed in repairing houses.

Creator: Unknown

Date: January 1917

Credit line: Newham Archives and Local Studies Library collection.