The fire at the St Katharine Docks, 1866.

The fire at the St Katharine Docks, 1866. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: H5149

Description: In the days of wooden ships and timber buildings, fires were a frequent occurence. Despite special regulations and measures attempting to prevent fires in the docks and wharves, serious fires broke out occasionally. The 'Illustrated London News', the forerunner of the cinema newsreels and the television news bulletin, regularly reported fires in London's port, including this one at the St Katharine Docks in January 1866.

Creator: 'Illustrated London News'

Date: 13 January 1866

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London