Robert Ross: The man who started the White House fire 200 years ago (BBC)

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By Claire Graham
BBC News NI

Sunday marks the 200th anniversary of the Burning of Washington, and the instrumental role played by a County Down man.

British Army Maj Gen Robert Ross, from Rostrevor, will forever be remembered as the man who burned down the White House.

The Burning of Washington took place in 1814, during the War of 1812 between British forces and the United States of America.

The major general led the troops who set alight public buildings including the Capitol, Washington Navy Yard and, most infamously, the President's Mansion.

One eyewitness testified to Ross personally being involved in the piling up of furniture and kindling for the White House, preparing to destroy the landmark.



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more: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-28897646




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1. That is an interesting article. n/t