Weird history: Charles Stanhope

In September 1777, British inventor Charles Stanhope tested a new fireproofing material by: building a two-story house; inviting over the mayor and other important socialites for ice cream on the second floor; and then setting the first floor on fire.

The heat was so intense the windows turned to liquid and ran down the walls. Second floor was totally fine though! Ice cream didn’t even melt.