Hi Pauline
Did you manage to get any further with the hunt for Wigzell? Currently researching old firework companies and pyrotechnists. There were and a lot of very small companies prior to the 1860 and 1875 Explosive Acts, often living above and next door to each other and an awful lot of accidents and explosions.
James Wigzell was an unfortunate victim in one of those accidents and ended up with severe burns to his hands. He worked for Mortram, a well known and respected pyrotechnist. Rockets were being charged (filled and rammed) perhaps over zealously by a young lad named John Nash when an explosion occurred, 30lbs of gunpowder was evidently on the premises and exploded. A Thomas Cullen, present in the factory building died. Nash, face very badly burned and Wigzell with very badly burned hands both ended up in hospital. The Coroner's Inquest was reported in the papers on 28th August 1818.
Hope this helps.
Steve
