Warwick's connection to the history of fireworks

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Warwickshire hosted a disastrous pyrotechnic display at Warwick Castle in 1572, which was staged for Queen Elizabeth I during a visit by her favourite, Robert Dudley. The grand finale, which featured a flying fire dragon and fireworks shot from cannons, resulted in misdirected fireballs falling on the town, burning several houses and tragically killing at least one man. The queen, though entertained, was forced to compensate the townsfolk for the damage.