Painting by Fred Ford from collection of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service
On Sept. 5, 1887, a fire at Exter's Theatre Royal killed 168 people.
There were 800 people packed inside. Most of the fatalities occurred in the upper gallery. The number of exits proved to be inadequate and the tragedy led to fire safety reforms.
The cause was deemed to be gas lighting that ignited gauze backstage on the opening night of a romantic comedy called Romany Rye.
A witness reported: "Soon after the outbreak the City Fire Brigade were on the spot, but the water they poured on the fire was absolutely without effect."
Only 68 bodies were recovered and victims were buried in a mass grave.
There were 800 people packed inside. Most of the fatalities occurred in the upper gallery. The number of exits proved to be inadequate and the tragedy led to fire safety reforms.
The cause was deemed to be gas lighting that ignited gauze backstage on the opening night of a romantic comedy called Romany Rye.
A witness reported: "Soon after the outbreak the City Fire Brigade were on the spot, but the water they poured on the fire was absolutely without effect."
Only 68 bodies were recovered and victims were buried in a mass grave.
