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Fireworks on the Thames, June 17th, 1688. To celebrate the birth of a son to King James II. known to fame first as the Prince of Wales, and afterwards as the Old Pretender.

Following the practice of the period, an elaborate structure was prepared. The following is taken from the official programme:

“A DESCRIPTION OF THE MACHINE FOR THE FIREWORKS, &c.

“The Machine is 114 feet high to the Top of His Majesty’s arms, and is 410 feet long. It was invented and designed by the Chevalier Servandoni and all the framing was performed by Mr. James Morris, Master Carpenter to the Office of Ordnance.

“The Ornaments of this Machine are all in Relief, and it is adorned with Frets, Gilding, Lustres, Artificial Flowers, Inscriptions, Statues, Allegorical Pictures, etc.”

According to a contemporary newspaper report, the construction occupied from November 7th until April 26th. It was composed of timber covered with canvas, whitewashed and sized.

The display commenced about six o’clock, and continued until after twelve; during the display the left wing caught fire, which prevented the firing of some of the devices. Indeed, according to Walpole, the Duke of Richmond’s display on the Thames a few weeks later consisted largely of fireworks which had not been fired owing to this occurrence, and which the noble duke had bought up cheap.