London Trivia: Guy Fawkes comes early

On 12 July 1856 five died and 300 people were injured when fireworks exploded at Mr Bennett’s factory in Westminster Road. Bennett was charged that his business was making fireworks contrary to the law, and he kept combustibles at his house for that purpose. During his absence, a fire broke out through the negligence of his employees. The court found that the deaths were caused by the negligence of his employees. On 12 July 1962 the Rolling Stones gave their first performance at The Marquee Club on Charing Cross Road It is illegal for anyone to possess a pack of cards ‘who lives within a mile of any arsenal or explosives store’ The theatre ticket booth in Leicester Square conceals, 3-stories below, a electricity sub-station capable of supplying the entire West End King Charles II took so long to pass away after having a stroke he apologised to his courtiers for “being an unconscionable time a-dying” In 1902 after an “indignation campaign” the Richmond, Ham and Petersham Open Spaces…