The burning of the Houses of Parliament in 1834 was the occasion of some rejoicing! A large crowd, gathered on Westminster Bridge to enjoy the sight, cheered as the roofs caved in and JMW Turner painted some memorable images of the scene. This historical episode perhaps allows us to imagine how the Gunpowder Plot of two centuries earlier might have been received had it succeeded. Another interesting, and topical, snippet is provided by the fate of several of the Plotters who were hanged, drawn and quartered in St Paul's Churchyard ! Clearly, Health and Safety was not a major concern of the Dean and Chapter in those days!
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