The Halifax Poor House Fire: A Victorian Tragedy

by Steven Laffoley

Just before midnight, on November 6, 1882, the Halifax Poor House, an outsized Dickensian building situated in the south end of the city, caught fire and burned to the ground. Of the more than 400 inmates who slept inside that night, 31 people--the aged, the ill, and the insane--were all left behind, where they burned to death. The fire was then, and remains still, the most deadly the city has ever seen. Two days later, conceding to a furious public outcry, an inquest was held to determine the cause of the fire and to identify those who were to blame. At least, that was the promise. Instead, as testimony was heard, a shadowy bias woven into the fabric of the city and times began to change the nature of the inquest, and the dark side of the age of Queen Victoria made itself felt. From award-winning author Steven Laffoley comes another Victorian Halifax cold-case investigation, a thrilling exploration of a crime set in a time of the rapacious British Empire and American robber barons, of Social Darwinism and Jack the Ripper.

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2016

About the author

Steven Laffoley is an award-winning, Halifax, Nova Scotia-based author.

He the author of numerous books of fiction and creative nonfiction:

What's the Point?
Dulse to Donairs
Shadowboxing (second edition)
Unfiltered
Mean Streets
Halifax Nocturne
A Halifax Christmas Carol
The Halifax Poor House Fire
The Blue Tattoo
Pulling No Punches
Shadowboxing
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Death Ship of Halifax Harbour
Hunting Halifax
Mr. Bush, Angus and Me

His bestselling books have been shortlisted for Evelyn Richardson Nonfiction Award (twice), the Atlantic Independent Booksellers' Choice Award, and the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Nonfiction. His book Shadowboxing won the 2013 Evelyn Richardson Award for Nonfiction.

You can write him at stevenlaffoley@yahoo.ca

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up hearing about the “Poor House “ but not having a concept of exactly what it was. I appreciate Steven Laffoley researching and writing this story. Not a happy one but eye-opening. The past is important for the future.

[Kelly Greenwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sad commentary of historic Halifax, and Victorian society generally. Consider the lessons learned and how apply today.

[Vivian 🧚‍♀️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laffoley found a balance of storytelling and investigative historical research in this incredible page-turner.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and written. As I read, I continually found myself trying not to judge or assume. At times I felt as if I were in the midst of the fire watching the actions of all involved. A good read!