The evils of alcohol were demonstrated in a somewhat surprising manner on this day 197 years ago when an enormous vat containing 600,000 litres of beer burst on the premises of the Horse Shoe Brewery, owned by Richard Meux, off Tottenham Court Road in London. The torrent of escaping beer upset other vats, with the result that 1.5 million litres of beer was spilled, flooding the street and neighbouring buildings including the St Giles slum area.
The flood of beer destroyed two nearby buildings and eight people were killed either through drowning, being struck by falling debris, or alcohol poisoning. Many members of the public leapt in to help with the clean-up operation, scooping up beer in pots and kettles, or simply bending down to drink it directly. Mopping up the beer proved to be a difficult operation, and the stench of stale beer lingered for several months.
Legal proceedings were commenced against the brewery, but they were unsuccessful after the court ruled that the flood was an Act of God. The brewery faced bankruptcy but was able to continue trading after a successful petition to Parliament for a refund of duty which had been paid in advance on the beer. The brewery was demolished in 1922, and part of the site is now occupied by the Dominion Theatre, which is the venue where Hillsong London meets.