1888 - After the fire in September - An interior view of the remains of 'T' Warehouse at Victoria Wharf, Ely Tidal Harbour, Penarth Dock. Note the curvature of the remains of the wrought-iron roof trusses at the right wall, which have been somewhat modified by the heat generated during the conflagration. A comment suggests that the gentleman standing within the ruins is possibly Mr Robert Johnson, the managing director of the South Wales Public Wharf & Transit Co. Ltd.

'One of the men employed in unloading the vessel Blonde, of Barrow, says that the fire broke out amongst the esparto grass in the storeroom beneath the landing stage on which this vessel was discharging her cargo of iron rails. The flames, he says, swept through the grass, just as if the latter had been gunpowder, and immediately there was a great blaze. Some of those on board the Blonde became so alarmed that they manned one of her boats and prepared to make off from the vessel, apparently with the intention of leaving her to her fate. However someone succeeded in cutting her adrift, and there was just enough water—but only just enough—to allow her to float away.' - Cardiff Times [019] [361] 22nd September 1888.

The photograph was taken by Margaret R. Collings of 47, Bute Street Cardiff. It has been converted to sepia tint and adjusted for use on this website. The original albumen print is held at the National Museum of Wales. [629] [Museum item number : 72.104I/10] [20180310]