Chapter XXXV

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

in addition

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

the chief city of ancient Mesopotamia and capital of the ancient kingdom of Babylonia

From this reading BABYLON BURNING.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

plural of “brick” — rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

the act of burning something

From this reading BABYLON BURNING.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

plural of “club” — a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

a line of units following one after another

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

without stop or interruption

From this reading The rain of fire continued.

travel across or pass over

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

a large number or amount

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

an explosive containing nitrate sensitized with nitroglycerin absorbed on wood pulp

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

one or the other of two

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

the face or front of a building

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

start firing a weapon

From this reading The rain of fire continued.

plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

plural of “girder” — a beam made usually of steel; a main support in a structure

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

a large number or amount

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

incapable of being passed

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

constituting the undiminished entirety; lacking nothing essential especially not damaged

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

possessive form of “martin” — French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

impressive in appearance

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

inflected form of “overthrow” — cause the downfall of; of rulers

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading The rain of fire continued.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

a road (especially that part of a road) over which vehicles travel

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

only a very short time before

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

ruined or disrupted

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

plural of “shell” — ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

plural of “shop” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

plural of “slate” — (formerly) a writing tablet made of slate

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

showing scarcely suppressed anger

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

a pattern forming a unity within a larger structural whole

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

a town twenty miles to the east of Rome (Tibur is the ancient name); a summer resort during the Roman empire; noted for its waterfalls

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

having edges that are jagged from injury

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

during the time that

From this reading Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading On either side of the Strand from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris.