Event    From 18/1/1981  To 18/1/1981

New Cross Fire

Categories: Tragedy

A fire at a teenagers' birthday party caused the death of 14 young people, 13 at the fire. The 14th victim was Anthony Berbeck, who escaped the fire, but became mentally disturbed and died after falling from a balcony on 9th July 1983, a possible suicide. Originally the fire was thought to be a racist attack as all the victims were black. Two inquests reached open verdicts.

We are grateful to I Rise, our source for the thumbnail photos of each of the 14 dead.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
New Cross Fire

Commemorated ati

New Cross Fire - Fordham Park

In memory of the young people who died as a result of the New Cross fire 18th...

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New Cross Fire - Hackney

These trees were planted in the memory of the 13 children who died in the New...

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New Cross Fire - site of fire

New Cross Fire, took place at this site on January 18, 1981, Claiming the liv...

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New Cross Fire - Town Hall

Unveiled by Sybil Phoenix, a community leader who had been called to the scen...

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Other Subjects

William Donald

William Donald

For more information about this hero click on the picture of his plaque.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Martin M. Wortley

Martin M. Wortley

United Kingdom citizen who died in the terrorist attacks in America on 11 September 2001. Martin Michael Wortley was born on 21 November 1971 and his birth was registered in the Redbridge registra...

Person, Tragedy, USA

1 memorial
Donald "Tabby" Shaw

Donald "Tabby" Shaw

The Mighty Diamonds were a Jamaican harmony trio, recording roots reggae with a strong Rastafarian influence. The group was formed in 1969 and were best known for their 1976 debut album, Right Time...

Person, Music / songs, Tragedy, Jamaica

1 memorial
William Huskisson

William Huskisson

Huskisson is famous for being the victim of the first fatal railway accident (not quite true), being run over by the train known as Stevenson's Rocket, at the opening ceremony of the Manchester to ...

Person, Politics & Administration, Tragedy

2 memorials

Previously viewed

Peter Campbell

Peter Campbell

Our colleague, Andrew Behan, has researched this young man: Peter Desmond Campbell was born on 23 February 1962 and died, aged 18 years, on 18 January 1981 in a fire at party being held at 439 New ...

Person, Tragedy

2 memorials
Gunpowder Plot

Gunpowder Plot

See Guy Fawkes for the story.

Event, Nationalism

1 memorial
Guildhall School of Music - Arne

Guildhall School of Music - Arne

EC4, John Carpenter Street

This complex of buildings was created to house the Guildhall School of Music, who had outgrown their premises at Aldermanbury. Designed b...

1 subject commemorated
Kenny Wheeler

Kenny Wheeler

Trumpet and flugelhorn player. Born Kenneth Vincent John Wheeler in Toronto. He moved to Britain in 1952. He made his name playing in groups with Ronnie Scott, John Dankworth and Tubby Hayes. He wa...

Person, Music / songs, Canada

1 memorial
William F. Best

William F. Best

Great Central Railway, London and District Goods Department employee killed in World War I.

Person

War dead, WW1
1 memorial