From the Times Newspaper Sept 19, 1840
The town and neighbourhood of Chipping Ongar were on Wednesday afternoon about half past one, visited by an awful tempest. The electric fluid, followed by a tremendous crash, entered the roof of a malting occupied by Mr. Fordham, corn-factor, which, with the house at the south end, occupied by Mr. Reynolds, cooper, embraced a considerable frontage of the High-street. The interior of the malting, in which straw and wood were stowed, was soon in flames, which rapidly extended to a detached granary towards the north, and the Red Lion Inn, occupied by Mr. Sturdy, towards the south. A small engine kept in the town was soon at work, and by the exertions of the inhabitants the flames were prevented extending to a row of houses occupied by Mr. E. Carter, butcher, and others near the granary. It was, however, considered necessary to pull down parts of the Lion Inn and outbuildings, to stay the progress of the raging element. The malting which was the property of Mr. Abraham Offin, of Hutton, cottage and granary, were wholly destroyed, and the Lion Inn and malt-kiln much injured; the whole of the furniture and stock in trade at the Inn (amongst which was a hogshead of gin), were removed to the opposite houses, but considerable damage was done by breaking of the furniture, bottles, &c. The constabulary force stationed in the town and vicinity, aided by a party of the Epping force and firemen, who accompanied the Epping subscription engine, under the direction of Superintendent McInnes, rendered great service and encountered considerable risk of personal injury. Mr. Forster, plumber, and several other persons received injuries by the falling of timber, &c., but not of a dangerous nature. The property destroyed and injured was chiefly insured in the Royal Exchange office. Notwithstanding this awful visitation, it is consolatory to reflect that no lives were lost.
Whilst Mr. McInnes was superintending the ruins in the evening, some diabolical villain threw a brickbat at him, and it struck his hat with violence, but he escaped personal injury – Essex Herald.
