Facts
The had a reservoir built on their land. Their contractors failed to seal old mine shafts, and when the reservoir was filled, water burst through and flooded the claimant's neighbouring mine.
Issue
Is a landowner liable, without proof of , when something he brings onto his land escapes and causes damage?
Held
The defendants were liable even though they were not personally negligent.
Principle
A person who for his own purposes brings onto his land and keeps there anything likely to do mischief if it escapes must keep it in at his peril, and is liable for the natural consequences of its escape ( of land).
Why it matters
The foundation of for escapes; also cited for an employer's liability for an independent contractor's work in strict-liability .
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Rylands v Fletcher (1868) LR 3 HL 330 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/rylands-v-fletcher> accessed 31 October 2026
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.