26th December 1840 SG

Fire at Sandon Church – The inhabitants of Stafford were considerably alarmed yesterday (Friday) by the arrival of a messenger for the fire engines, in consequence of that beautiful structure, Sandon Church, which has but recently been repaired and beautified, having caught fire. The engines, with post-horses were immediately despatched, accompanied by the firemen and other persons. The particulars, as far as we have been able to gather, are as follows:- Our informant states, that after the morning prayers had concluded, the clergyman, as usual, proceeded to the vestry, when on opening the door a dense cloud of smoke and flame burst forth; and to his great alarm, and that of the congregation generally, it appeared from the ascending smoke as though the roof had caught fire. Instant steps were taken to quench the flames which had burst out, but it was deemed requisite to send for the engines; the messenger despatched, however, mistaking his instructions, proceeded to this town instead of to Stone. We are happy to state that very little damage has been done: so little indeed, that a few pounds will repair it. It appears that the fire originated from the heating of the flues, a pipe connected with which was too near the wood partition of a recess in the vestry.

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