Dec 13, 2021
There was an enormous crowd, all eager to get inside and see the new pantomime 'Robinson Crusoe' in one of the best theatres in the country, and as soon as the pit and gallery doors were opened, they all rushed in. Hundreds of people, keen to get a good seat. During the first few minutes, a woman falls over, then another and before long chaos and panic was all around.
the full list of those who sadly perished includes...
* Joseph Smith, 15 years of age, 9, Phoenix-street, Barton-hill, Charles Pring, 17 years of age, Mill-lane, Bedminster.
* Mary Ellen Sherwood, aged 16, domestic servant, of 10, Alfred-hill.
* John Merchant, aged 18, of St. James's-back.
* Eliza Lucas, aged 18, of 2, Marsh-lane, St. Philip's.
* Patrick Donovan, aged 17, of 2, Jacob-street, St. Philip's.
* Alfred William Kew, aged 18, of 11, Clark-street, Philip-street, Bedminster.
* Thomas Pearson, aged about 21, shopman to Mr Seth Thomas, glass and china dealer, of High-street. Pearson had only been in…