Title

Novel experiments in warfare - hut destroyed by a shell, 1844. Creator: Unknown.

Caption

Novel experiments in warfare - hut destroyed by a shell, 1844. Display of explosives in the grounds of Mulgrave House, Fulham [in west London]. A shell '...was suspended from a pole, and at a given signal was made to descend upon a substantially-constructed wooden hut, which it instantly shattered to pieces, the planks, rafters, &c. flying to immense height...The object was to show that the inventor has complete control over this destructive missile, and it appears that his control consists in the application of a percussion-cap of a peculiar kind; for Lord Ranelagh, one of the visitors, applied an ordinary cap, which exploded the first time without igniting the shell. On the inventor's cap being applied on the second occasion, the shell fell into a deep hole prepared for the purpose to prevent danger, and exploded with terrific force'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.

Credit line

Photo12/Heritage Images/The Print Collector

Reference

HRM21A06_313

Model release

NA

Property release

NA

License type

Rights managed

Available size

49,9Mb (4,1Mb) / 11,7in x 16,5in / 3516 x 4960 (300dpi)

Keywords

London England people technology destruction entertainment spectators shell shells spectator British weapon weapons display defence explosion war Victorian century explosive Britain onlookers newspapers press concept demonstration explosives blowing up B&W warfare 19th century black & white black and white B W weaponry onlooker nineteenth century The Print Collector demo Fulham Hammersmith and Fulham Illustrated London News TGN ILN newspaper engraving Unknown