Image Licensing : Steam roller accident in Main Street Grampound, Cornwall. Around 1910-1911

EDITORS COMMENTS

Captured in this vintage print is a remarkable incident that unfolded on Main Street, Grampound, Cornwall around 1910-1911. The chaotic scene depicts an unexpected steam roller accident involving a powerful Aveling & Porter engine from Rochester. In a bizarre turn of events, the massive machine careened backwards with great force and crashed into one of the charming thatched houses lining the street. Miraculously, no injuries were reported during this dramatic mishap. The captivating image offers a glimpse into the aftermath of this peculiar event. As repairs were underway to restore the damaged steam engine, its driver found temporary refuge within the very house it had collided with. This curious detail adds an intriguing twist to an already extraordinary tale. Thanks to Mrs Vera Webb's invaluable recollections from Grampound, historians have been able to piece together crucial information for dating this incident accurately. Although the photographer remains unknown, their lens has immortalized this unique moment in time forever. This photograph not only showcases Cornish architecture and traditional thatch roofing but also serves as a testament to human resilience and fortune amidst unforeseen circumstances. It stands as a reminder of how even in moments of chaos and destruction, there can be stories of survival and unexpected connections between man-made marvels like steam engines and humble homes.