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For the descendents of Richard Dearie and his son John Russell

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Ethel Russell’s Ancestors: The Burtons, Bakers and Brookers.

10 years later the family have moved round the corner into Norwood Road, a busy main road. The census for 1901 records the family at 305 Norwood Road Lambeth. Fredk J. Burton head, married age 43, Whisky merchant. Born 1858 Walworth, London. Ellen F. Burton wife, married, age 41, born 1860, Forest Hill London, Fred C. E. Burton son, single aged 17 clerk shipbroker, born 1884 Camberwell, London. Ethel F. Burton single aged 12 born 1889 at Herne Hill, Surrey. Alice J. Senior, general domestic servant age 19 born 1882 in Malta.

Ethel can be found aged 22 living at home on the 1911 census at 58 Alleyn Road Dulwich SE. The census lists the family as Fredc Jas Burton head, married age 53 distiller agent, born 1858 in Walworth, London. Ellen Florence Burton wife, married 28 years, age 51 born 1860, Forest Hill London, Fredc Charles Edward Burton son, single aged 27 Private secretary domestic, born 1884 Camberwell, London. Harry Jas Burton single aged 26 insurance clerk, born 1885 London, Camberwell. Ethel F Burton single aged 22 born 1889 at Herne Hill, London.

 

 

The family tree made from the census matches the hand written tree by David Russell in the 1980s with information from Ethel. Ethel recalled a son called Ben, which may have been an alternative name for Harry. The census names James Edward Burton's wife as Constance, although the family tree calls her May Perks. An added note records that she is the daughter of Dr. Charles PERKS of Leicester, a second cousin of Ann Maria PERKS.

James Edward Burton became the headmaster at Crediton Grammar School in Devon and can be found there on the 1901 census. 1901 Census Crediton Grammar School House, Crediton Town. James E Burton, head, married aged 33 school master born 1868 at Kensington London. Constance M Burton, wife, aged 29 born 1972 Burton Staffordshire. Constance A Burton, daughter, under I month born 1901 at Crediton in Devonshire. 2 servants, a boarder and Harry J Burton, Nephew, aged 16 born in 1885 at Camberwell, London.

The Baker Family

Ethel's mother came from a large family whose father was a gun maker. In 1881 they can be found at 2 Knatchbull Road. Presumably Number 2 was opposite the Burtons home at Number 3 or very near it.

2, Knatchbull Road, Camberwell, London. Surrey. Frederic T Baker head, Married, aged 53 born 1828, gun manufacturer. Master employing 7 men and 2 lads. Born London St Katherine, Middlesex. Julia E Baker wife, aged 44, born in 1837 at Walworth Surrey. Frederick T. K. Baker, son single aged 23, born in 1858 at St. Anne, City Middlesex. Ellen F. Baker, daughter, single aged 21 born in 1860 at Lewisham in Kent. Frances G J Baker, single aged 19, born in 1862, at Lewisham, Kent. Alice Baker, single aged 17 born in 1864, at Lewisham, Kent. Louisa Baker, aged 15, born in 1866 at Lewisham, Kent. Belinda K Baker, aged 12, born in 1869 at Lewisham, Kent. Hilton E K Baker aged 11, born 1870 at Lewisham, Kent. Alfred G Baker aged 9 born in 1872 at Camberwell Surrey. Bessie B Baker, aged 7 born in 1874 at Camberwell. Surrey. Julia M Baker aged 4 born in 1877 at Camberwell, Surrey.

As the children's birthplaces show they had moved from Lewisham and can be found on the census there in 1871.1871 Census Stanstead Lane, Ryde Cottage, Lewisham, Kent. Frederic T Baker head, aged 43 born 1928, Born Middlesex. Julia Ellen Baker wife, aged 34, born in 1837 Surrey. Frederic T Baker, son aged 13, born in 1858 Middlesex. Ellen F Baker, daughter, aged 11 born in 1860 at Kent. Frances Baker, aged 9, born in 1862, Kent. Alice Baker, aged 7 born in 1864, Kent. Louisa S Baker, aged 5, born in 1866 at, Kent. Belinda Baker, aged 2, born in 1869, Kent. Hilton C K Baker aged 1, born 1870, Kent. Cornelia Collins servant aged 23 born 1848 in Dorset.

Their previous home may be the same street. 1861 Census: 12, Portland Cottages, Stanstead Lane, Lewisham, Kent. Frederic Baker, head, married, aged 33 1828 gun maker, employing 2 men and 1 boy. Born in 1828 in the City of London. Julia E Baker, wife, aged 24 born in 1837 at Walworth, Surrey Frederic J Baker, son, aged 4 born City of London. ?Bridon Ellen F Baker, aged 1 born 1860. Elizabeth Can, house servant, unmarried aged 19 born 1842 in Parish of Warford ?Korsset.

Before that it is likely they lived at St Anne's Parish in the City since this is the birthplace of the eldest child. The family has not yet been discovered on the 1851 census.

There were 10 living children in this family. The above family tree is made from the census results and more or less matches Ethel's tree written by her son David. Ethel had a Sophie who may be Sophia. In addition Ehel recalled an Edward but this could be Ernest.

The Bakers were a gun manufacturing family. As can be seen from the following summary of London Street Directories.

Gun Makers

Baker, E. & Son

1850 to 1852 - Size yard, Whitechapel Road 1853 to 1854 -49 Tenter St. E.

1855 to 1860- 7 Union St. Whitechapel

E. Baker, Thomas Kerslake 1850- 34 St James St. S.W.

1851-1852-88 Fleet St. E.C.

1835 to 1836- 88 Fleet St. & Blackhouse Court

1857-88 Fleet St E.C.

Baker, Frederick Thomas

1858 to 1881- 88 Fleet St. E.C.

1882 to 1898- 88 fleet St & 21 Cockspur St. S.W.

1899 to 1900- 88 Fleet St. & 29 Glasshouse St.

Baker Thomas K.

1850 -1 Stonecutter St., E.C. 1851-88 Fleet St.

Ethel's Aunt Julia married the famous music hall artist Ronald Macdonald Hutchisonwhose stage name was Harry Tate. For a film clip click here.

Frederick T. Bakers wife's maiden name was Brooker. Her father was James Brooker, of Brockley Park, Forest Hill, born 1803, died 1877. He was elected to the Lewisham and Plumstead Districts Metropolitan Board of Works from 1857–1870. He became Chairman of the Lewisham Board of Works.

The notice of Frederick Thomas Baker's bankruptcy was in the Gazette of 7 June 1912. He was residing at 23 Grosvenor Avenue, East Sheen, Surrey.

Frederick Thomas Baker was an expert witness at an Old Bailey Trial in 1895." FREDERICK THOMAS BAKER. I am a gunsmith, of Fleet Street and Cockspur Street—I have carried on business for twenty-five years—I have carefully examined this six-chambered revolver, which was handed me by Cowie—my attention was directed to an unexploded cartridge—the rim of it had been hit by the hammer—I should attribute the cause of the misfire to the chamber being a little larger than usual—it was too large for the cartridge, and the hammer would not strike it with sufficient force to explode it; there would not be sufficient resistance—there is no reason but that for its not exploding—if the same cartridge had been in a good revolver it would have gone off, I should say—I think there was a misfire—the revolver is a sufficient weapon, with its contents, to kill a person with."

James Brooker can be found on the 1871 Census in Lewisham at Tanton Villa, St German's Road: James Brooker, Head, 68, Retired Builder, born 1803 Newington Surrey. Aney Brooker, Wife, 68, born 1803 at Streatham, Surrey, Amelia Brooker, 32, born 1839 at Newington Surrey. Mary Smart servant, aged 18 born in 1853 in Middlesex.

In 1861 he lived in Brockley Park: James Brooker, Head, 58, House Proprietor, Walworth Surrey, Ann Brooker, Wife, 58, Streatham Surrey Amelia Brooker, 22, Walworth Surrey, Rebecca Brooker, 20, Walworth Surrey Eliza Carter, Serv, U, 24, Wickford Essex. (The road Brockley Park was not built up until later, so this may refer to the area.)

In 1851 he is in Forest Hill : James Brooker, Head, 48, Master Builder, born Walworth, Surrey, Ann Brooker, Wife, 48, born Streatham, Surrey. Lucy Brooker, 19, born Newington Surrey. Phoebe Brooker, 16,born Newington, Surrey. Julia Brooker, 14, Scholar at Home, born Newington Surrey. Amelia Brooker, 12, Scholar at Home, born Newington Surrey. Rebecca Brooker, 10, Scholar at Home, born Newington Surrey.

In 1841 in Gloucester Place , St Mary Newington Jas Brooker, 35, Builder, Ann Brooker, 45, Mary Brooker, 20, Jas (Henry) Brooker, 18, Martha Brooker, 15, John (James) Brooker, 13, Louisa Brooker, 9, Elizabeth Brooker, 7, Julia Brooker, 5, Amelia Brooker, 3,Rebecca Brooker, 1.

He was buried on 15 February 1877 in Ladywell Cemetery, Brockley Park, Lewisham, London. Grave no. 19 plot number C. (Cemetery records kept at: Lewisham Crematorium, Verdant Lane, London SE6 1TP Crematorium Tel. 0208.698.4955, Cemeteries 0208.697.2555

James and Ann Brooker's tomb in Ladywell Cemetery. "THE FAMILY VAULT OF JAMES BROOKER" Well placed on the path and near the chapel. Photo. by Simon Fisher.

Gloucester Place, Newington, from Stanfords 1862 map, showing the Elephant and Castle Station in the top left hand corner, and the Walworth Road on the left in yellow. None of these smaller streets remain.

"In Loving Remembrance of James Brooker of Brockley Park, Lewisham who departed this life 8th Feby 1877 aged 74 years leaving a widow and family deeply to mourn their loss. His Integrity, Urbanity and Impartiality as Chairman of the Lewisham Board of Works for 21 years and as the Representative of this District and Plumpstead at the Metropolitan Board of Works. During xx years secured for him the respect and esteem of with whom he xxx associated. Also Ann Brooker the beloved wife of the above who departed this life 10th July 1880 in her 7x year"

Also on the right nearer the chapel the graves of James and Ann's daughter Phebe and her husband Bruce Beveridge Todd. Todd was from Kinross, Perthshire and a partner in the firm of Findlater and Todd wine merchants. One of their sons Alexander Findlater Todd played international rugby for England. He joined the army , was wounded in the Boer War, set up in business in London and married the sister of a fellow soldier. He was killed at Ypes in WW1 and buried in Belgium.

BROOKER - February 8th, at Brockley-park, Forest Hill, Kent, J. Brooker, aged 74.

THE DEATH OF MR. BROOKER The following is a brief resume of the proceedings of the district and other local boards in reference to the decease of Mr. Jas. Brooker. The death occurred on Feb 9th, and the clerk communicated with the chairman of the several committees of the board, who requested him to invite the attendance of the District Board of Works, Board of Guardians, and Burial Members present from the Board of Works were Messrs. Stanger, chairman, Burdett, Clutton, Griffin, Hennell, Horton, Hughes, Ingersoll, Rev. W.T. Jones, Lemon, Phillips, Riddington, Thompson, Whittaker, and Whomes. The members from the Board of Guardians present were Messrs. Barton, Burdett, Clift, Hennell, Horton, Ingersoll, Layers, Lemon, Riddington & Whittaker. The members of the Burial Board present were Messrs. Burdett, Horton, Riddlington & Rev. W.T.Jones. Letters were read from the Hon. And Re .H. Legge, vicar of Lewisham, Mr. Shove, treasurer of the parish, and Mr. T. Parker, all guardians of the poor, expressing their sympathy and regretting their inability to attend. It was moved by Mr. Thompson, seconded by the Rev. W.T. Jones, and resolved unanimously "that this board has heard with deepest regret of the death Mr. James Brooker, who was a member of the board from it's first constitution in 1856, and who has, since 1857, occupied the position of chairman of it's meetings. The late Mr. Brooker, also, from 1857 until 1870, represented this board and the Plumstead District at the Metropolitan Board of Works, and also filled the position, for many years, of a member of the Vestry of the parish of Lewisham, and also a Guardian of the Poor, and a member of the Burial Board of the same parish. The natural independence of character and integrity of character possessed by Mr. Brooker, coupled with his urbanity and impartiality as chairman, endeared him the respect and esteem of all with whom he was associated, whilst his public spirit and devotion rendered his life and services very valuable to the public generally of this district. The Board further desire to convey to Mrs. Brooker, and the surviving members of the family their deep sympathy with them under the irreparable loss they have now sustained. It was moved by Mr Biddington, seconded by Mr. Clutton, and resolved that a copy of the forgoing resolution be engrossed on parchment, signed by the members of the Board and transmitted to Mrs. Brooker. It was then moved by Mr. Horton, seconded by Mr. Ingersoll, and decided, that Mr. Edwards, the clerk, be empowered to make arrangements for the attendance at the funeral of all members of the District Board, Board of Guardians and Burial Board, as a mark of respect to the memory of Mr. Brooker. The clerk behalf of himself and other officers of the several boards, obtained the privilege of attending on the occasion. The funeral took place on the following Thursday, when nearly every member of the boards referred to, together with several members of the Plumstead Board of Works attended. The body was interred in a large new vault in Brockley Cemetery. Dr. Todd who was associated with the family, officiated and at the grave paid a touching tribute to Mr. Brooker's public services, and the estimation in which he was held, as evinced by the presence that day of the numerous colleagues of the various local bodies with which he had been so long associated. A copy of the resolution agreed to at the special meeting was sent to Mrs. Brooker and at the District Board held Wednesday last the following reply was received:-

Brockley Park, February 20, 1877. Dear Sir- Mrs. Brooker and family desire to express to you, and through you to the various Boards with whose members the late Mr. Brooker was associated in public duties, their deep sensibility of the great respect shown for his memory on the occasion of the funeral on Thursday last. I am, dear sir, yours very truly, J.W. BROOKER - To S. Edwards Esq.

Thanks to Simon Fisher for sharing his research and photographs and for the transcription of the Brooker tomb and obituary. His Fisher family web site can be found here.

Alexander Findlater Todd far left in the back row in The Cambridge University team of 1893 and below in uniform. Photos from Simon Fisher.

Right: A map showing some of the locations of family houses. Click underneath it for a larger version with an index.

The 1891 census for 10, Deronda Road St Mary Lambeth: Frederick J Burton head, married age 33 traveller spirit duty. Born 1858 Walworth, Surrey. Ellen F Burton wife, age 31 born 1860, Forest Hill Surrey, Frederick C. E. Burton son, aged 7, born 1884 Camberwell, London. Harry J. Burton 6 born 1885 Camberwell, Surrey. Ethel F. Burton aged 2 born 1889 at Norwood Surrey. Emily A Robinson, general domestic servant, single aged 19 born 1872 Norwood Surrey.

Ethel 's father's family the Burtons had lived in South London for two generations.

Ethel's father was an agent for whisky. He appears to have been successful since over the years from 1891 to 1911 they moved to larger houses.

Ann Brooker, wife of James Brooker. Photo from Simon Fisher .

Ellen Baker nee Brooker with her daughter Ellen Baker, born in 1859. Photo from Elizabeth Waugh

Ethel's paternal grandfather was a senior clerk at the war office. He can he found on the 1901 at 51 Knatchbull Road, Lambeth: Frederic Burton, head, married aged 75, born 1826 retired civil service born in Litchfield St Michales Staffordshire, Annie M Burton, wife, aged 78 born in 1923 at Litchfield St Mary Staffordshire, Edith K Burton single aged 37, born in 1864 at Newington, St Mary Surrey. Clara Garmett domestic servant, single age 17 born 1884 Newington Penton ST.

They had moved from another home in the same road. In the 1881 Census for 3 Knatchbull Road, Camberwell, London, Surrey, the family consists of Frederic Burton, head, married aged 55, born 1826 Senior Clerk at the war office, born in Litchfield Hampshire. Annie M Burton, wife, aged 57 born in 1924 at Litchfield Hampshire. Alice H Burton daughter, single, aged 25 born 1856 at Newington Surrey. Frederick J Burton, son single aged 23 born 1858 commercial traveller, distillery, born Newington, Surrey. Edith K Burton single aged 17, born in 1864 at Newington, Surrey. Harry C Burton aged 15 born 1866 scholar born at Newington Surrey. James, Edw Burton single aged 13 scholar, born 1868 at Newington Surrey. William V Burton aged 11 born 1870 scholar, born at Newington Surrey, Frances L Mitchell general domestic servant, single aged 17 born in 1864 in Hayes, Kent.

In the 1871 census they can be found in Newington: Grosvenor Park, St Mary Newington London Surrey. Frederic Burton, head, aged 45, born 1826 born Staffordshire Annie M Burton, wife, aged 47 born in 1924 at Staffordshire Alice H Burton daughter, aged 15 born 1856 Surrey. Frederick J Burton, son aged 13 born 1858 Surrey. Leonard W Burton aged 12, born 1859 Surrey. Edith K Burton single aged 7, born in 1864 Surrey. Harry C Burton aged 5 born 1866 Surrey. James, E. Burton aged 3, born 1868 Surrey. William V Burton aged 1 born 1870 born Surrey. Sarah M Henman servant, aged 17 born 1854 in Kent.

Right: 37 Grosvenor Park today (2013) is on the east side. The houses may have been renumbered since 1861 as 37 is situated in a quiet cul de sac in the bottom right corner of the map, but the census says they are living on the north side. Built in 1861 they would have been moving into a new estate. All the uneven numbers are the original houses, the even numbers are smaller buildings that have filled in the park space. The roads are now surrounded by large areas of modern council housing.

Before his marriage Frederick was a lodger in Islington.1851 census: 4 Great William Street, Islington, Finsbury. Frederick Burton, lodger, unmarried, aged 25 born in 1826, clerk in ordinance. Born St. Mary Litchfield, living with 2 other lodgers both born in St. Mary Litchfield: Thomas Mitchell, unmarried aged 30 clerk in post office, and William Barnes, unmarried aged 24 clerk in customs.

The only Frederick aged 15 that can be found on the 1941 census in Litchfield is living in Litchfield Gaol. This may be him but more evidence is needed to prove it. James Burton aged 45, gaoler, born 1796 in Staffordshire, Hannah Burton, matron, age 50 born 1791 in Staffordshire, Frederic Burton aged 15, writing clerk, born 1826 Staffordshire, Lettice Burton aged 9 born 1832 in Staffordshire.

They may be living at the same address as 10 years previously. The census for 1861 for 37, Grosvenor Park North, St Mary Newington, Lambeth: Frederick Burton, head, married aged 35, born 1826 Clerk at the war office, born in Litchfield St Michael Ann Maria Burton, wife, aged 38 born in 1923 at Litchfield, St Mary. Alice H Burton daughter, aged 5 born 1856, scholar at Newington Surrey. Frederick J Burton, son aged 3 born 1858 scholar, born Newington, Surrey. Leonard W Burton aged 2 born 1859, Newington, Surrey. Annie Maria Burton under one month, born 1861 at Newington, Surrey. Jane Worrell, general servant, single aged 14 born 1847 in Berkshire.

Mary Ann Brooker the eldest child of James, who was sister to the Ellen pictured above right, married Samuel Powell Fisher. She can be found widowed living at 93 Chadwick Road in 1891: Mary A. Fisher, Head, Wid, 70, Surrey Walworth. Stephen W. Fisher, Son, S, 40, Clerk at Camberwell Vestry, Surrey Peckham. Phoebe F. Fisher, Dau, S, 34, Surrey Peckham. The Russells boys, including Don, (who was later to marry Ethel, the daughter of the baby in the above photo,) lived with their Aunt at 135 Chadwick Road from 1893 to 1899. This appears to be more than coincidence.

1851 Great Exhibition: Official Catalogue: Class VIII.: Thomas Kerslake Baker 263. BAKER, THOMAS KERSLAKE, 88 Fleet Street - Inventor and Manufacturer. Model and description of a safety apparatus for preventing accidents from the use of fire-arms.

A picture of one of Kerslake Baker"s guns here.

Frederick T. Baker took over the business of Thomas Kerslake Baker at 88 Fleet Street Stonley, London in 1857, moved to 21 Cockspur Street, SW, London 1882-1898. Then back to 88 Fleet Street and 29 Glasshouse Street, Regents Street, W 1899-1900. 29 Glasshouse Street 1901-1913. FT BAKER, LTD. 1913 recorded at 64 Haymarket 1913-1916. Westley Richards succeeded to the business in 1913. FREDERICK T. BAKER, LTD. removed to Grange Road, Bournebrook, Birmingham 1916-2000. (WESTLEY RICHARDS succeeded to the London business in 1913, kept it going there until 1916 and then registered it at their factory address. They still own the name). BRITISH GUNMAKERS VOLS I & II Nigel Brown.

From the Evening Standard of Monday 17 March 1856. A notice in the The Times of the same day records they were married by the Rev. Charles Marshall M. A., vicar.

Frederick Baker appears in a number of court cases. Morning Post Saturday 9 December 1876

GUILDHALL Alexander Ralph, of Hatchgate House, Surrey and Emile Le Compte, of No. 9, Union –square, Islington, were charged, on remand, before Mr Alderman Nottage with obtaining goods, and attempting to obtain goods by false pretences and fraud. Mr. C.P. Humphreys prosecuted, and Mr. Cattlin defended. The evidence of the previous cases in which the prisoners had obtained 50 yards of silk from Mr. Peter Robinson, of Oxford-street and 26 hams from Messrs Kendall and Co., of No. 16, Charterhouse –street, and had endeavoured to obtain 60 yards of silk from Messrs. Allison and Co, of 238 ?Ragout –street, by worthless cheque, having been read over to the witnesses, Mr. Humphreys proceeded with another case. Charles Butler said he was salesman to Mr. Frederick Baker, gunmaker, of 88 Fleet –street. On September 22 Ralph came into the shop and asked to look at some guns. He selected one for $15, and afterwards a ?Bicall/small rook rifle, a case, some cartridges, which came altogether to £19 17s 6d. Ralph asked that they should be sent to No. 3, Westmorland-buildings, Aldersgate-street, by four o’clock. He asked him for his name, and he gave the card of R. Victor and Co. He asked him if he would settle for it then, and he replied that a cheque would be given for them on delivery. He took them and saw Le Compte at that address. He told him he had bought the guns and also the account. Le Compte took a pen and appeared to be writing, and then gave him a cheque (produced) for £19 17s 6d on the Aldersgate-street branch of the London and County Bank. He did not observe at the time that the cheque was post dated October 25, 1876, until he got home, and then he went back with it, but the place was shut up. He went next day, but the place was still shut up, and he went again on Monday, and after waiting a considerable time he saw Le Compte. He pointed out that the cheque was post dated, and Le Compte replied he knew nothing at all about it, that it was left signed by Mr. Victor for him to fill in the particulars, and that Mr. Victor was in Paris. He further said if the cheque was presented it would be paid on the day of its date. He kept the cheque until the 25th of October, and then sent it through the bank, when it was returned marked “N.S.” Mr Milam, clerk in the London and County Bank, proved that Ralph had only £1 10s and 10d balance at the bank when he drew the cheque, and also when it was presented. The prisoners were then cautioned in the usual way, and told the charges against them, which were as follows: - Obtaining 50 yards of silk from Mr. Peter Robinson, of Oxford-street on 28th of September; 26 hams from Messrs Kendall and Co., on 11th September; and two guns etc. from Mr. Baker, on 22nd September, by false pretences; also under the Debtors’ Act, 1868, with obtaining credit by means of fraud; also with trying to obtain 60 yards of silk from Messrs. Allison. Le Compte would be separately charged with receiving the guns knowing they had been obtained by fraud, and the two could be charged with conspiring together and with others to cheat and defraud. Ralph pleaded guilty, and Le Compte reserved his defence. Mr Alderman Nottage then committed them for trial.

London Standard Thursday 6 May 1886 POLICE INTELLEGENCE MANSION HOUSE Mr. Frederick Thomas Baker, gunmaker 88, Fleet -street, attended before Mr. Alderman Waterlow on a charge of infringing the Explosives Act, 1875, in having manufactured a safety cartridge at an unauthorised place. The City Solicitor (Mr. Crawford), who prosecuted, said the circumstances were peculiar, and the case was an important one, inasmuch as from the alleged infringement of the Act a serious accident, inflicting injury to two men and damage to property, had arisen. Two men in the service of the Defendant, named Manning and Miller, had been in the habit, in a portion of his shop in Fleet -street, of unloading cartridges in away that was strictly prohibited under the Act, and which was a very dangerous practice. The unmaking of a cartridge was a manufacture under the Act, and it was quite contrary to the Act to carry it on in such a place and in the manner alleged in this instance. The Defendant was liable to a penalty of 100l but there was no wish to strain the case against him. – Samuel Manning, a man in the service of Mr. Baker, and whose eye was bandaged, said on the 14th April he was engaged with a fellow workman, named Miller, in unloading cartridges at a bench in the Defendant’s shop separated from the rest by a partition. Miller was drawing bullets from the cartridges by means of a vice and pair of plyers and Witness was turning the powder from the shells into a bowl. He tapped each cartridge case for that purpose. He had done about 50 cartridges and there was about half a pound of powder in the bowl when an explosion occurred, and they were both badly burned and in hospital three weeks. The front window of the shop was cracked. - John Miller gave corroborative evidence. -Major Cundall, R.A., one of her Majesty's inspectors of explosives, said the unloading, as described, was a most dangerous process, and the premises were unauthorised for the purpose. In a Government factory the unloading would take place in a separate building, and the powder would be dropped into water. - The City Solicitor said he understood the practice was a common one in gun makers’ shops, and it was a highly dangerous and illegal proceeding. It was very desirable that the law should be known and enforced. -The Defendant said he had been very ill, and he would never have sanctioned the process as it was being conducted had it been reported to him. – Mr. Alderman Waterlow said there was no doubt the Act had been infringed, and the defendant, as a gunmaker, ought to have known that he was acting illegally in permitting so dangerous a process to be conducted in his shop. He should impose the mitigated penalty of 10l. and 2l. 2s. costs.