Please note: Do not confuse this case (a barrel of flour) with Scott v London and St Katherine Docks (bags of sugar).
Facts
A barrel of flour fell from the window of the defendant's warehouse onto a passer-by.
Issue
Must the claimant prove exactly how the barrel fell?
Held
No; the fact of the accident was itself evidence of .
Principle
Barrels do not fall from windows without negligence; the thing speaks for itself.
Why it matters
The origin of .
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Byrne v Boadle (1863) 2 H & C 722 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/byrne-v-boadle> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.