| Citation |
BEP(F.756.025
13 Sep 1756:31 (1098)
Petersburgh, (in Russia) May 12. Yesterday morning about
three, the steeple of the church belonging to the fortress
was set on fire, and destroyed by lightening, and
notwithstanding all the assistance that could be procured,
the arch'd roof of the dome, and part of the inside of the
church were consumed. The loss is the more considerable as
the spire, which was 300 feet high, was covered with copper
gilt with ducal gold, for which work Peter the Great
contributed 30000 ducats. The chimes were extremely fine,
having all the notes of the harpsicord; and the paintings
were sent for by Peter the Great from Italy, all which are
entirely consumed, and the loss upon the whole, is computed
at above 200000 rubles. All the Princes that have sat upon
the throne of Russia since this church has been built have
been buried there.
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