The West Kent Wharf on the south side of the Thames in the London Docks was mostly destroyed in a fire that began at midnight and burned fiercely for two entire days. Several massive warehouses, recently built and towering up to nine stories over the river, suffered severe damage along with their contents. Damage was estimated at around £200,000, the equivalent of something like $1,000,000. No deaths or serious injuries were reported, however. (By John Osborne)