“A Dreadful Accident”
13/10/21
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

“A Dreadful Accident”


An Islington Mill Heritage Event.

On 13 October 1824, “a dreadful accident” occurred when the first incarnation of the Islington Mill factory building partially collapsed, less than one year after its construction. Of the 200 workers employed there, 18 were killed when a faulty beam gave way on the fifth floor causing the ceiling to cave in and subsequent floors underneath to give way. Half of the victims were aged 18 or under – the youngest only 10 years old – and 15 were women and girls. It was described at the time as “a day of horrors never to be forgotten in the neighbourhood.”

We invite you to join us for the 197th anniversary of this terrible incident to remember the dead and to learn more about their lives, their tragic demise, and the history of our building. This chapter in our ongoing Islington Mill Heritage research has aimed to produce the most accurate list of the names and ages of the deceased since the initial reports were made. 

The event will include a talk about some of these fascinating findings, a memorial, and sharing of works in progress by artists responding to this era of Islington Mill’s history.

The event is free to attend.

There will be seating provided but not allocated, if your hearing is impaired and you would like to sit at the front just let us know and you will be prioritised. The space itself is flat and accessible to wheelchairs but there is no accessible bathroom. Please contact us at jess@islingtonmill.com if you have any questions around accessibility.

Please book via Eventbrite if you are able, otherwise please feel free to just turn up on the evening, there will be spaces available for all guests.

TICKETS.