Lottie Sleigh

Depiction of the 1864 explosion from the Illustrated London News
History
Name	Lottie Sleigh
Owner	Mr Hatton and Mr Cookson
Builder	Shipyard on Prince Edward Island
Completed	1852
Out of service	15 January 1864 (following explosion)
Fate	Sold for scrap 27 January 1864
General characteristics
Tonnage	700 long tons (710 t)
Sail plan	Barque

The Lottie Sleigh was a sailing barque built in 1852. She was transporting 11 long tons (11 tonnes) of gunpowder on the River Mersey when she exploded on 15 January 1864. There were no deaths but the explosion caused extensive damage to Birkenhead and its effects were felt across Liverpool. The noise of the explosion could be heard from 39 miles (63 km) away. The Lottie Sleigh was severely damaged and was sold for scrap on 27 January. Discussions over insurance liability for the property damage led to a court decision that is important in insurance case law.