RISE FOR WOOLWICH.

Dunstan Times, Issue 2675, 21 July 1913, Page 2

RISE FOR WOOLWICH.

Tho original Woolwich arsenal was at Moorfields, and here the cannon of the olden style were founded prior to tho days of George I. The removal from Moorfields to Woolwich was due to an accident, which resulted in great loss of life, during the casting of some largo pieces of ordnance. A huge crowd of people had met there to witness the operation. There happened to be present among the visitors a young Swiss named Schaleh, who had been examining things with great care. He saw that tho mounds in which the cannon were to be cast were damp. Knowing that the steam generated by the heated metal would cause an explosion. he intimated bis fears to the surveyor-general, who, recognising the danger that was pointed out, endeavored to persuade his friends to depart without waiting for the completion of the work. Many, however, declined to believe that the operation could be attended with the suggested danger, and so they refused to take the hint, remaining behind. Schaleh, of course, had the wisdom to leave, and soon afterwards the expected happened. There was a violent explosion. Many persons were killed and the whole building was wrecked. Shortly afterwards an advertisement appeared in the public papers requesting Schaleh to call at the Ordnance Office, then at the Tower. Schaleh did so. Tho Surveyor-General expressed his recognition of the abilities of the young and unknown foreigner who had proved his knowledge of such matters in such dramatic manner, and instantly Schaleh was placed in the Government service, being promptly deputed to search for a more eligible site for the factory. Sobaloh made a tour round London, and eventually settled o?i Woolwich, where the foundry was soon after re-established. He was appointed superintendent, and held that position for 60 years. He died' in 1776 at the ago of 90.