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It’s now a multi-storey car park, but in April 1916, Widemarsh Street in Hereford was the site of one of the most tragic stories in the city’s history.

The Herefordshire Regiment was fighting in Gallipoli. To fund-raise for the troops’ personal supplies and raise morale amongst their families, 40 young girls took part in a Winter Wonderland performance at the Garrick Theatre. They were dressed as snow maidens and eskimos in costumes made of cotton wool.

It turned to disaster as the girls’ costumes caught fire when the final curtain dropped. Six girls died in the fire and two died later from their injuries.

The city was in mourning and a public funeral was held for five of the girls who died. They were buried together at Hereford Crematorium.

Although there were rumours that the fire had been caused by a discarded match or cigarette, the inquest verdict was accidental death.

The story was uncovered by former Hereford Times news editor Nigel Heins.

Location: Garrick House, Hereford, Worcestershire HR4 9EW
Image shows some of the fundraising girls who were struck by tragedy.
Photograph courtesy of the Hereford Times

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