House explosions in Cheltenham 1904

In Cheltenham, during April 2012, there was a terrible gas explosion which mercifully did not result in loss of life but destroyed one house totally, and the surrounding houses are undergoing demolition at this moment.  Such a thing is not new to the town with another well chronicled event happening in September 1904, this time on Winchcombe Street. 

The Gloucester Citizen of Friday 16 September 1904 proclaims 'Taxidermist's premises blown to pieces.  Narrow escapes from death.'  The article begins 'One of the most extraordinary mishaps, attended with very grave consequences, which barely escaped rendering it a horrible fatality, occurred in Cheltenham early on Thursday evening.  Almost precisely at 7.20 o'clock a loud report, which was heard all over the town, caused people considerable anxiety as to its cause.'  Mr P.E.Challice, a taxidermist with premises at 78 Winchcombe Street was not at work on site when the explosion happened.   


There was a 'loud dull noise, as of the booming of a gun' - the whole shop fell to the ground, with masonry and timbers crashing into the footpath.  Windows of neighbouring shops were either smashed or shaken out, walls cracked, and 'many of the articles which had filled the ill fated establishment of Mr Challice flew right and left, striking objects many yards away.'

it was thought that the explosion was caused by a mix of benzine and gas.  Although Mr Challice was out at the time, his wife, two children and maid were not, and were in the living quarters at the rear of the workshops where the two members of staff were still at work.  Assistant, William Orum, and apprentice Edwin Herbert, escaped with their lives 'in a fashion absolutely miraculous.'  Orum was buried beneath beams and brickwork but only suffered singed and burnt hands and face.  After his rescue by many onlookers and the police he was conveyed with all speed in a cab to the General Hospital.  Herbert had been thrown down some stairs by the force of the blast and lost conciousness.  Otherwise he was not injured.  Neighbours, and passers by suffered shock and minor injuries, but property suffered far worse.  The article sums up 'The total damage will, apart from the serious loss to Mr Challis, amounts to a big sum.'

Mr Percival Eaton Challice:
1866 born Cambridge to parents Prior Eaton Challice & Harriet
1881 articled to land surveyor
1890 married Emily Mary Thomas
1901 living at Sudeley Cottage, Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham
1904 78/79 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham
1906 Kelly listed as furrier and bird & animal preserver
1907 declared bankrupt
1911 Winstonian Road, Cheltenham
1918 died at age of 52

Photographs reproduced from Cheltenham Chronicle & Gloucestershire Graphic which can be viewed at either Cheltenham Local Studies Library or Gloucestershire Archives