The Stowmarket Guncotton Explosion happened on the 11th of August 1871, Prentices Guncotton Factory in Stowmarket, Suffolk, was blown up by a massive explosion, killing and injuring many people. The noise of the Explosion was so loud, it rattled the windows in Diss.
It was a Friday afternoon when the two explosions took place. The impact uprooted the nearby railway line and the Government issued an order with a reward of 100 pounds to find out the cause. The cause was probably several tons of gunpowder combusting due to the summer heat and the poor standards of hygiene as well as health and safety.
Two of the Prentice sons were included in the list of the dead, each killed in both of the explosions.
Many of the dead were not given a memorial, but it is hoped for one to be erected.
A Memorial is now in place at the Stowmarket Old Cemetery here is a link to further details http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/plaque-unveiled-for-victims-of-1871-explosion-1-5903912