The Times (London).
29 November 1894

A fire of a destructive character broke out at about a quarter to 2 o'clock yesterday morning at Mitre square, Aldgate, originating in the extensive premises of Messrs. Kearley and Tonge, provision merchants and tea importers. The premises consisted of three large blocks, termed the "A," "B," and "C" warehouses, each of them five floors high, and about 20 yards square. The flames burst out in the "B" warehouse and when the first alarm was raised the place was well alight. Six steamers arrived shortly from Whitechapel and the surrounding stations, and a little later help was despatched from all parts of the metropolis, 20 steamers being soon on the spot. The "B" warehouse, however, had become completely involved by the time the steamers began to work, and, although the firemen eventually prevented a serious extension of the outbreak, some considerable damage was caused to the "C" and "A" warehouses by fire, heat, smoke, and water, and some damage was done to the premises of Messrs. Philps and Bisiker, builders. This fire was overcome about 4 o'clock in the morning, but the body of flames in the basement was then so strong that the members of the brigade had to remain at the scene until a late hour last night. Messrs. Kearley and Tonge write to say that the fire will cause no interruption to their business, as arrangements have been made to utilize the firm's premises in Hill street, Finsbury.