Dyer and Clayton
1830 'Wednesday afternoon, about four o'clock, the neighbourhood of Maiden-lane, Battle-bridge, was thrown into great alarm, in consequence of an explosion of gas, which took place at the chemical works of Messrs. Dyer and Clayton, in Maiden-lane. It appears that the men were employed in drawing off gas tar from a large boiler (under which there was a furnace) into barrels which were placed near the boiler; a man named Noolan was left in charge of the operation, and, being inexperienced in the business, he allowed the boiler to get red hot, and by some means the barrels of tar became ignited, and instantly exploded. The man with very considerable difficulty, rushed from the shed into the street, and thereby narrowly escaped suffocation. The smoke and flames arose with great rapidity, and communicated to the roof of the building ; by this time no less than seven fire-engines arrived, and a plentiful supply of water being obtained, they were prevented extending to he other parts of the building, but the roof was destroyed.'[1]
1830 Advert: 'WATERPROOF INDIAN RUBBER SINGLE CLOTHS.— GEO. E. CLAYTON, Manufacturer, 12, Maiden-lane, Battle-bridge, London, begs to inform the Nobility and Public, that his WATERPROOF CLOAKS, Great Coats, Shooting and Hunting Jackets, Capes, Overalls, and all other articles, may be had of their own tailors and woollen drapers, as cloths sent to the manufactory are made waterproof and returned in two days, at reasonable prices.—N.B. Cloaks, Great Coats, etc. already made up, are also made Waterproof.'[2]