The Cork gunpowder explosion was a large explosion that took place in

Cork Cork or CORK may refer to: Materials * Cork (material), an impermeable buoyant plant product ** Cork (plug), a cylindrical or conical object used to seal a container ***Wine cork Places Ireland * Cork (city) ** Metropolitan Cork, also known as G ...

, Ireland on 3 November 1810. Twenty two people were killed and over forty injured when

gunpowder Gunpowder, also commonly known as black powder to distinguish it from modern smokeless powder, is the earliest known chemical explosive. It consists of a mixture of sulfur, carbon (in the form of charcoal) and potassium nitrate (saltpeter). ...

stored in a labourer's house in Brandy Lane, Cork, exploded. A subsequent inquiry revealed that several

employees Employment is a relationship between two parties regulating the provision of paid labour services. Usually based on a contract, one party, the employer, which might be a corporation, a not-for-profit organization, a co-operative, or any othe ...

of the Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills (then the largest gunpowder manufacturing plant in the world), had been systematically stealing the material which was then sold on to quarrymen for rock blasting. Figures compiled by the Gunpowder Works authorities showed that almost half a

ton Ton is the name of any one of several units of measure. It has a long history and has acquired several meanings and uses. Mainly it describes units of weight. Confusion can arise because ''ton'' can mean * the long ton, which is 2,240 pounds ...

was unaccounted for in the nine-month period preceding the disaster. During the course of the inquiry it was discovered that the illicit gunpowder had to be dried when brought to the house on Brandy Lane in the St Finbarr's area of the city. The method of drying reportedly involved a lit candle. In addition, one of the men involved on the night of the explosion, was seen drinking heavily in a local

tavern A tavern is a place of business where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages and be served food such as different types of roast meats and cheese, and (mostly historically) where travelers would receive lodging. An inn is a tavern that h ...

. A disaster

fund Fund may refer to: * Funding is the act of providing resources, usually in form of money, or other values such as effort or time, for a project, a person, a business, or any other private or public institution ** The process of soliciting and gathe ...

was opened for the victims and their

dependents A dependant is a person who relies on another as a primary source of income. A common-law spouse who is financially supported by their partner may also be included in this definition. In some jurisdictions, supporting a dependant may enabl ...

to which over £12,000 was subscribed within two weeks.

References

{{Coord, 51.893, -8.4845, display=title History of Cork (city) Explosions in Ireland 1810 disasters in Ireland

See also

References