Joseph Smythe’s Gun Store was located roughly where Binns Department Store starts in Blackwellgate. Joseph was a well-known Gun Maker and made weapons for the nobility. However a huge explosion at his store in 1894 reduced buildings on High Row, Skinnergate, and Mechanic’s yard to rubble.
Amazingly his shop survived, but sadly his young apprentice, Thomas Howe, aged 14 died from the blast. GG Hoskins, Darlington’s well-known architect of the day was also injured whilst visiting nearby Skinnergate.