14th May 1816: Arson in Bury St. Edmunds

The Bury & Norwich Post of 22nd May 1816 reported a case of arson in the large town of Bury St. Edmunds itself that occurred in the evening of Tuesday 14th May 1816:

Yesterday se'nnight, about 11 at night, a fire was discovered in an outhouse belonging to Mr. Robert Gooday, of Southgate-street, in this town, which for a time threatened destruction to the neighbourhood, but by the speedy arrival of engines, and the prompt assistance afforded by several inhabitants who had repaired to the spot, the flames were fortunately subdued, altho' not before the above building, with a granary over, containing a quantity of barley and oats; as also a waggon, tumbril, hearse and mourning-coach, gig, &c. were entirely destroyed. The stock and implements were insured in the Suffolk Fire-Office.—There is little doubt that the above, as well as most of the alarming fires which have recently occurred in this county, was occasioned by some diabolical incendiary.