Memorial to Sir Alfred Lewis Jones KCMG (1845 – 1909) shipping entrepreneur. Designed by George Frampton.

 

At the age of twelve he was apprenticed to the managers of the African Steamship Company at Liverpool, making several voyages to the west coast of Africa. By the time he was twenty-six he had risen to be manager of the business. Not finding sufficient scope in this post, he borrowed money to purchase two or three small sailing vessels, and started in the shipping business on his own account. The venture succeeded, and he made additions to his fleet, but after a few years' successful trading, realizing that sailing ships were about to be superseded by steamers, he sold his vessels.

 

About this time (1891) Messrs. Elder, Dempster & Co., who purchased the business of the old African Steamship Company, offered him a managerial post. This offer he accepted, subject to Messrs. Elder, Dempster selling him a number of their shares, and he thus acquired an interest in the business, and subsequently, by further share purchases, its control. He took a keen interest in imperial affairs. He acquired considerable territorial interests in West Africa, and financial interests in many of the companies engaged in opening up and developing that part of the world.

 

In the early 1900s Alfred Jones had a monopoly on the Congo-Antwerp mail traffic as well as consular duties representing King Leopold's Congo State in Liverpool. Described as the "Uncrowned King of West Africa", Jones had myriad interests. In 1900, in order to supply his ships with bunker fuel, he formed Elder's Navigation Collieries Ltd. and bought the Oakwood and Garth Merthyr colleries near Maesteg in the Llynfi valley, south Wales. He took the leading part in opening up a new line of communication with the West Indies, and in stimulating the Jamaica fruit trade and tourist traffic. He also developed the tourist trade in the Canary Islands and the banana industry there. Jones was instrumental in founding the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and was chairman of the Bank of British West Africa. He was President of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.

Memorial to Sir Alfred Lewis Jones KCMG (1845 – 1909) shipping entrepreneur. Designed by George Frampton.

 

At the age of twelve he was apprenticed to the managers of the African Steamship Company at Liverpool, making several voyages to the west coast of Africa. By the time he was twenty-six he had risen to be manager of the business. Not finding sufficient scope in this post, he borrowed money to purchase two or three small sailing vessels, and started in the shipping business on his own account. The venture succeeded, and he made additions to his fleet, but after a few years' successful trading, realizing that sailing ships were about to be superseded by steamers, he sold his vessels.

 

About this time (1891) Messrs. Elder, Dempster & Co., who purchased the business of the old African Steamship Company, offered him a managerial post. This offer he accepted, subject to Messrs. Elder, Dempster selling him a number of their shares, and he thus acquired an interest in the business, and subsequently, by further share purchases, its control. He took a keen interest in imperial affairs. He acquired considerable territorial interests in West Africa, and financial interests in many of the companies engaged in opening up and developing that part of the world.

 

In the early 1900s Alfred Jones had a monopoly on the Congo-Antwerp mail traffic as well as consular duties representing King Leopold's Congo State in Liverpool. Described as the "Uncrowned King of West Africa", Jones had myriad interests. In 1900, in order to supply his ships with bunker fuel, he formed Elder's Navigation Collieries Ltd. and bought the Oakwood and Garth Merthyr colleries near Maesteg in the Llynfi valley, south Wales. He took the leading part in opening up a new line of communication with the West Indies, and in stimulating the Jamaica fruit trade and tourist traffic. He also developed the tourist trade in the Canary Islands and the banana industry there. Jones was instrumental in founding the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and was chairman of the Bank of British West Africa. He was President of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool

 

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, United Kingdom along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880. It is the fourth most populous British city, and third most populous in England, with a 2011 population of 466,400[3] and is at the centre of a wider urban area, the Liverpool City Region, which has a population of around 2 million people.[4]

Historically a part of Lancashire, the urbanisation and expansion of Liverpool were both largely brought about by the city's status as a major port. By the 18th century, trade from the West Indies, Ireland and mainland Europe coupled with close links with the Atlantic Slave Trade furthered the economic expansion of Liverpool. By the early 19th century, 40% of the world's trade passed through Liverpool's docks, contributing to Liverpool's rise as a major city. Liverpool is also well known for its inventions and innovations, particularly in terms of infrastructure, transportation and general construction. Railways, ferries and the skyscraper were all pioneered in the city.

Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians but are also colloquially known as "Scousers", in reference to the local dish known as "scouse", a form of stew. The word "Scouse" has also become synonymous with the Liverpool accent and dialect.[5] Liverpool's status as a port city has contributed to its diverse population, which, historically, were drawn from a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, particularly those from Ireland. The city is also home to the oldest Black African community in the country and the oldest Chinese community in Europe.

Labelled the World Capital City of Pop by Guinness World Records, Liverpool has produced a wealth of musical talent since the mid-20th century. The popularity of The Beatles, Billy Fury, Gerry and the Pacemakers and the other groups from the Merseybeat era, and later bands such as Echo & the Bunnymen and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, contributes to Liverpool's status as a tourist destination; tourism forms a significant part of the city's modern economy. The city celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2007, and it held the European Capital of Culture title together with Stavanger, Norway, in 2008.[6]

Liverpool is noted for its rich architectural heritage and is home to many buildings regarded as amongst the greatest examples of their respective styles in the world. Several areas of the city centre were granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2004. Referred to as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the site comprises six separate locations in the city including the Pier Head, Albert Dock and William Brown Street and includes many of the city's most famous landmarks.[7]

Liverpool is also well known for its strong sporting identity. The city is home of two Premier League football clubs, Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C.. Matches between the two clubs are known as the Merseyside derby. The world-famous Grand National also takes places annually at Aintree Racecourse on the outskirts of the city.

  

History

 

Early history

King John's letters patent of 1207 announced the foundation of the borough of Liverpool, but by the middle of the 16th century the population was still only around 500. The original street plan of Liverpool is said to have been designed by King John near the same time it was granted a royal charter, making it a borough. The original seven streets were laid out in a H shape: Bank Street (now Water Street), Castle Street, Chapel Street, Dale Street, Juggler Street (now High Street), Moor Street (now Tithebarn Street) and Whiteacre Street (now Old Hall Street).

In the 17th century there was slow progress in trade and population growth. Battles for the town were waged during the English Civil War, including an eighteen-day siege in 1644. In 1699 Liverpool was made a parish by Act of Parliament, that same year its first slave ship, Liverpool Merchant, set sail for Africa. As trade from the West Indies surpassed that of Ireland and Europe, and as the River Dee silted up, Liverpool began to grow. The first commercial wet dock was built in Liverpool in 1715.[8][9] Substantial profits from the slave trade helped the town to prosper and rapidly grow, although two prominent local men, William Roscoe and Edward Rushton, were at the forefront of the abolitionist movement.

In the early 19th century Liverpool played a major role in the Antarctic sealing industry, in recognition of which Liverpool Beach in the South Shetland Islands is named after the city.[10]

By the start of the 19th century, 40% of the world's trade was passing through Liverpool and the construction of major buildings reflected this wealth. In 1830, Liverpool and Manchester became the first cities to have an intercity rail link, through the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The population continued to rise rapidly, especially during the 1840s when Irish migrants began arriving by the hundreds of thousands as a result of the Great Famine. By 1851, approximately 25% of the city's population was Irish-born. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Liverpool was drawing immigrants from across Europe. This is evident from the diverse array of religious buildings located across the city, many of which are still in use today. The Deutsche Kirche Liverpool, Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Gustav Adolfus Kyrka, Princes Road Synagogue and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church were all established in the late 1800s to serve Liverpool's growing German, Greek, Jewish, Nordic and Polish communities respectively.

 

20th century

 

The Housing Act 1919 resulted in mass council housing building across Liverpool during the 1920s and 1930s. Thousands of families were rehoused from the inner-city to new suburban housing estates, based on the pretext that this would improve their standard of living, though this is largely subjective. A large number of private homes were also built during this era. The process continued after the Second World War, with many more new housing estates being built in suburban areas, while some of the older inner city areas were also redeveloped for new homes. The Great Depression of the early 1930s saw unemployment in the city peak at around 30%.

During the Second World War there were 80 air-raids on Merseyside, killing 2,500 people and causing damage to almost half the homes in the metropolitan area. Significant rebuilding followed the war, including massive housing estates and the Seaforth Dock, the largest dock project in Britain. Much of the immediate reconstruction of the city centre has been deeply unpopular, and was as flawed as much town planning renewal in the 1950s and 1960s – the portions of the city's heritage that survived German bombing could not withstand the efforts of urban renewal. Since 1952 Liverpool has been twinned with Cologne, Germany, a city which also experienced severe aerial bombing during the war.

Like most British cities and industrialised towns, Liverpool became home to a significant number of Commonwealth immigrants after World War II, mostly settling in older inner city areas such as Toxteth. However, a significant West Indian black community had existed in the city as long ago as the first two decades of the 20th century.

In the 1960s Liverpool was the centre of the "Merseybeat" sound which became synonymous with The Beatles and fellow Liverpudlian rock bands.

From the mid-1970s onwards Liverpool's docks and traditional manufacturing industries went into sharp decline. The advent of containerisation meant that the city's docks became largely obsolete. By the early 1980s unemployment rates in Liverpool were once again among the highest in the UK,[11] standing at 17% by January 1982 - although this was just over half of the level of unemployment that was affecting the city in an economic downturn 50 years previously.[12]

In recent years, Liverpool's economy has recovered and has experienced growth rates higher than the national average since the mid-nineties.

At the end of the 20th century Liverpool was concentrating on regeneration, a process which still continues today.

Previously part of Lancashire, and a county borough from 1889, Liverpool became in 1974 a metropolitan borough within the newly created metropolitan county of Merseyside.

 

21st century

 

To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2002, the conservation charity Plantlife organised a competition to choose county flowers; the sea-holly was Liverpool's final choice.

Capitalising on the popularity of 1960s rock groups, such as The Beatles, as well as the city's world-class art galleries, museums and landmarks, tourism has also become a significant factor in Liverpool's economy.

In 2004, property developer Grosvenor started the Paradise Project, a £920 m development centred on Paradise Street, which involved the most significant changes to Liverpool's city centre since the post-war reconstruction. Renamed 'Liverpool ONE', the centre opened in May 2008.

In 2007, the city celebrated the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the borough of Liverpool, for which a number of events were planned. Liverpool is a joint European Capital of Culture for 2008. The main celebrations, in September 2008, included La Princesse, a large mechanical spider which is 20 metres high and weighs 37 tonnes, and represents the "eight legs" of Liverpool: honour, history, music, the Mersey, the ports, governance, sunshine and culture. La Princesse roamed the streets of the city during the festivities, and concluded by entering the Queensway Tunnel.

Spearheaded by the multi-billion Liverpool ONE development, regeneration has continued on an unprecedented scale through to the start of the early 2010s in Liverpool. Some of the most significant regeneration projects to have taken place in the city include the new Commercial District, King's Dock, Mann Island, the Lime Street Gateway, the Baltic Triangle, RopeWalks and the Edge Lane Gateway. All projects could however soon be eclipsed by the Liverpool Waters scheme which if built will cost in the region of £5.5billion and be one of the largest megaprojects in the UK's history. Liverpool Waters is a mixed use development which will contain one of Europe's largest skyscraper clusters. The project received outline planning permission in 2012, despite fierce opposition from the likes of UNESCO who claim it will have a damaging effect on Liverpool's World Heritage status.

Second city of Empire

 

For periods during the 19th century the wealth of Liverpool exceeded that of London itself,[13] and Liverpool's Custom House was the single largest contributor to the British Exchequer.[14] Liverpool's status can be judged from the fact that it was the only British city ever to have its own Whitehall office.[15]

The first United States consul anywhere in the world, James Maury, was appointed to Liverpool in 1790, and remained in office for 39 years.

As early as 1851 the city was described as "the New York of Europe"[16] and its buildings, constructed on a heroic, even megalomaniacal scale stand witness to the supreme confidence and ambition of the city at the turn of the 20th century.

Liverpool was also the site of the UK's first provincial airport, operating from 1930.

Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1, often seen as Britain's Imperial anthem, was dedicated by the composer to the Liverpool Orchestral Society and had its premiere in the city in October 1901.

During the Second World War, the critical strategic importance of Liverpool was recognised by both Hitler and Churchill, with the city suffering a blitz second only to London's,[17] and the pivotal Battle of the Atlantic being planned, fought and won from Liverpool.[18]

 

Inventions and innovations

 

Railways, transatlantic steamships, municipal trams,[19] electric trains[20] were all pioneered in Liverpool as modes of mass transit. In 1829 and 1836 the first railway tunnels in the world were constructed under Liverpool. From 1950–51, the world's first scheduled passenger helicopter service ran between Liverpool and Cardiff.[21]

The first School for the Blind,[22] Mechanics' Institute,[23] High School for Girls,[24][25] council house[26] and Juvenile Court[27] were all founded in Liverpool. The RSPCA,[28] NSPCC,[29] Age Concern,[30] Relate, Citizen's Advice Bureau[31] and Legal Aid all evolved from work in the city.

In the field of public health, the first lifeboat station, public baths and wash-houses,[32] sanitary act,[33] medical officer for health, district nurse, slum clearance,[34] purpose-built ambulance,[35] X-ray medical diagnosis,[36] school of tropical medicine, motorised municipal fire-engine,[37] free school milk and school meals,[38] cancer research centre,[39] and zoonosis research centre[40] all originated in Liverpool. The first British Nobel Prize was awarded in 1902 to Ronald Ross, professor at the School of Tropical Medicine, the first school of its kind in the world.[41] Orthopaedic surgery was pioneered in Liverpool by Hugh Owen Thomas,[42] and modern medical anaesthetics by Thomas Cecil Gray.

In finance, Liverpool founded the UK's first Underwriters' Association[43] and the first Institute of Accountants. The Western world's first financial derivatives (cotton futures) were traded on the Liverpool Cotton Exchange in the late 1700s.[44]

In the arts, Liverpool was home to the first lending library, athenaeum society, arts centre[45] and public art conservation centre.[46] Liverpool is also home to the UK's oldest surviving classical orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.[47]

In 1864, Peter Ellis built the world's first iron-framed, curtain-walled office building, Oriel Chambers, the prototype of the skyscraper. The UK's first purpose-built department store was Compton House, completed in 1867 for the retailer J.R. Jeffrey, to replace a previous building which had burned down in 1865.[48] It was the largest store in the world at the time.[49]

Between 1862 and 1867, Liverpool held an annual Grand Olympic Festival. Devised by John Hulley and Charles Melly, these games were the first to be wholly amateur in nature and international in outlook.[50][51] The programme of the first modern Olympiad in Athens in 1896 was almost identical to that of the Liverpool Olympics.[52] In 1865 Hulley co-founded the National Olympian Association in Liverpool, a forerunner of the British Olympic Association. Its articles of foundation provided the framework for the International Olympic Charter.

Shipowner Sir Alfred Lewis Jones introduced the banana to Great Britain in 1884.[53]

In 1897, the Lumière brothers filmed Liverpool,[54] including what is believed to be the world's first tracking shot,[55] taken from the Liverpool Overhead Railway – the world's first elevated electrified railway.

Liverpool inventor Frank Hornby was a visionary in toy development and manufacture and produced three of the most popular lines of toys in the 20th century: Meccano, Hornby Model Railways and Dinky Toys.

In 1999, Liverpool was the first city outside the capital to be awarded blue plaques by English Heritage in recognition of the "significant contribution made by its sons and daughters in all walks of life."

 

Government

 

Liverpool has three tiers of government; the Mayor & Local Council, the National Government and the European Parliament. Liverpool is officially governed by a Unitary Authority, as when Merseyside County Council was disbanded civic functions were returned to a district borough level. However several services such as the Police and Fire and Rescue Service, continue to be run at a county-wide level.

 

Mayor and local council

 

The City of Liverpool is governed by the Directly elected mayor of Liverpool and Liverpool City Council, and is one of five metropolitan boroughs that combine to make up the metropolitan county of Merseyside. The Mayor is elected by the citizens of Liverpool every four years and is responsible for the day to day running of the council. The council's 90 elected councillors who represent local communities throughout the city, are responsible for scrutininsing the Mayor's decisions, setting the Budget, and policy framework of the city. The Mayor's responsibility is to be a powerful voice for the city both nationally and internationally, to lead, build investor confidence, and to direct resources to economic priorities.[57] The Mayor also exchanges direct dialogue with government ministers and the Prime minister through his seat at the 'Cabinet of Mayors'. Discussions include pressing decision makers in the government on local issues as well as building relationships with the other Directly elected mayors in England and Wales.[58] The current Mayor is Joe Anderson.

The city of Liverpool effectively has two Mayors. As well as the directly elected Mayor, there is the ceremonial 'Lord Mayor' (or civic Mayor) who is elected by the full city council at its annual general meeting in May, and stands for one year in office. The Lord Mayor acts as the 'first citizen' of Liverpool and is responsible for promoting the city, supporting local charities & community groups as well as representing the city at civic events.[59] The current Lord Mayor is Councillor Frank Prendergast.[60]

During the most recent local elections, held in May 2011, the Labour Party consolidated its control of Liverpool City Council, following on from regaining power for the first time in 12 years, during the previous elections in May 2010.[62] The Labour Party gained 11 seats during the election, taking their total to 62 seats, compared with the 22 held by the Liberal Democrats. Of the remaining seats the Liberal Party won three and the Green Party claimed two. The Conservative Party, one of the three major political parties in the UK had no representation on Liverpool City Council.[62][63]

In February 2008, Liverpool City Council was revealed to be the worst-performing council in the country, receiving just a one star rating (classified as inadequate). The main cause of the poor rating was attributed to the council's poor handling of tax-payer money, including the accumulation of a £20m shortfall on Capital of Culture funding.[64]

While Liverpool through most of the 19th and early 20th Century was a municipal stronghold of Toryism, support for the Conservative Party recently has been among the lowest in any part of Britain, particularly since the monetarist economic policies of prime minister Margaret Thatcher after her 1979 general election victory contributed to high unemployment in the city which did not begin to fall for many years.[65] Liverpool is one of the Labour Party's key strongholds; however the city has seen hard times under Labour governments as well, particularly in the Winter of Discontent (late 1978 and early 1979) when Liverpool suffered public sector strikes along with the rest of the United Kingdom but also suffered the particularly humiliating misfortune of having grave-diggers going on strike, leaving the dead unburied.[66]

 

Parliamentary constituencies and MPs

 

Liverpool has four parliamentary constituencies entirely within the city, through which Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the city in Westminster: Liverpool Riverside, Liverpool Walton, Liverpool Wavertree and Liverpool West Derby.[67]

 

Geography

 

At 53°24′0″N 2°59′0″W (53.4, −2.98), 176 miles (283 km) northwest of London, located on the Liverpool Bay of the Irish Sea the city of Liverpool is built across a ridge of sandstone hills rising up to a height of around 230 feet (70 m) above sea-level at Everton Hill, which represents the southern boundary of the West Lancashire Coastal Plain.

The Mersey Estuary separates Liverpool from Birkenhead, Wallasey and the Kirby[disambiguation needed] sands to the south west. The boundaries of Liverpool are adjacent to Bootle, Crosby and Maghull in south Sefton to the north, and Kirkby, Huyton, Prescot and Halewood in Knowsley to the east.

 

Climate

 

Liverpool experiences a temperate maritime climate, like much of the British Isles, with relatively cool summers and mild winters. Its coastal location and urban situation means diurnal temperature ranges are particularly subdued, ranging from an average of 7.0 °C in May to just 3.8 °C during December. Historically, Bidston Observatory (actually located on the Wirral Peninsula) has provided the longest and most unbroken weather data for the Merseyside area. More recently, the Met Office has operated a weather station at Crosby.

The absolute minimum temperature recorded at Bidston was −12.8 °C (9.0 °F) during January 1881, typically the coldest night of the year should fall to −4 °C (24.8 °F) (1971–2000 average) However, the variability of the local climate was exposed as the weather station at Crosby fell to −17.6 °C (0.3 °F)[70] during December 2010.

The absolute maximum temperature recorded at Bidston was 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) in August 1990 - typically the warmest day of the year should reach 27.5 °C (81.5 °F) (1971–2000 average). The absolute maximum at Crosby is 33.5 °C (92.3 °F), recorded in July 2006.

 

Demography

Population

 

At the 2011 UK Census the recorded population of Liverpool was 466,400.[3] Liverpool's population peaked in 1930s with 846,101 recorded in the 1931 census.[78] Since then the city has experienced negative population growth every decade, with at its peak over 100,000 people leaving the city between 1971 and 1981.[79] Between 2001 and 2006 it experienced the ninth largest percentage population loss of any UK unitary authority.[80] The "Liverpool city region", as defined by the Mersey Partnership, includes Wirral, Warrington, Flintshire, Chester and other areas, and has a population of around 2 million.[81] The European Spatial Planning Observation Network defines a Liverpool metropolitan area consisting of the Merseyside metropolitan county, the borough of Halton, Wigan in Greater Manchester, the city of Chester as well as number of towns in Lancashire and Cheshire including Ormskirk and Warrington.[82] Liverpool and Manchester are sometimes considered as one large polynuclear metropolitan area,[83][84][85] or megalopolis.[86]

In common with many cities, Liverpool's population is younger than that of England as a whole, with 42.3 per cent of its population under the age of 30, compared to an English average of 37.4 per cent.[87] 65.1 per cent of the population is of working age.[87]

 

Ethnicity

As of June 2009, an estimated 91.0 per cent of Liverpool's population was White British, 3.0 per cent Asian or Asian British, 1.9 per cent Black or Black British, 2.0 per cent mixed-race and 2.1 per cent Chinese and other.[2]

Liverpool is home to Britain's oldest Black community, dating to at least the 1730s, and some Black Liverpudlians are able to trace their ancestors in the city back ten generations.[88] Early Black settlers in the city included seamen, the children of traders sent to be educated, and freed slaves, since slaves entering the country after 1722 were deemed free men.[89]

The city is also home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe; the first residents of the city's Chinatown arrived as seamen in the 19th century.[90] The gateway in Chinatown, Liverpool is also the largest gateway outside of China. The city is also known for its large Irish population and its historical Welsh population.[91] In 1813, 10 per cent of Liverpool's population was Welsh, leading to the city becoming known as "the capital of North Wales".[91] Following the start of the Great Irish Famine, two million Irish people migrated to Liverpool in the space of one decade, many of them subsequently departing for the United States.[92] By 1851, more than 20 per cent of the population of Liverpool was Irish.[93] At the 2001 Census, 1.17 per cent of the population were Welsh-born and 0.75 per cent were born in the Republic of Ireland, while 0.54 per cent were born in Northern Ireland,[94] but many more Liverpudlians are of Welsh or Irish ancestry. Liverpool is also noted for its large African-Caribbean,[95] Ghanaian,[96] Indian,[95] Latin American,[97] Malaysian,[98] Somali[99] and Yemeni.[100] communities which number several thousand each.

 

Religion

The thousands of migrants and sailors passing through Liverpool resulted in a religious diversity that is still apparent today. This is reflected in the equally diverse collection of religious buildings,[101] and two Christian cathedrals.

Christ Church, in Buckingham Road, Tuebrook, is a conservative evangelical congregation and is affiliated with the Evangelical Connexion.[102] They worship using the 1785 Prayer Book, and regard the Bible as the sole rule of faith and practice.

The parish church of Liverpool is the Anglican Our Lady and St Nicholas, colloquially known as "the sailors church", which has existed near the waterfront since 1257. It regularly plays host to Catholic masses. Other notable churches include the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas (built in the Neo-Byzantine architecture style), and the Gustav Adolfus Kyrka (the Swedish Seamen's Church, reminiscent of Nordic styles).

Liverpool's wealth as a port city enabled the construction of two enormous cathedrals, both dating from the 20th century. The Anglican Cathedral, which was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and plays host to the annual Liverpool Shakespeare Festival, has one of the longest naves, largest organs and heaviest and highest peals of bells in the world. The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, on Mount Pleasant next to Liverpool Science Park was initially planned to be even larger. Of Sir Edwin Lutyens' original design, only the crypt was completed. The cathedral was eventually built to a simpler design by Sir Frederick Gibberd; while this is on a smaller scale than Lutyens' original design, it still manages to incorporate the largest panel of stained glass in the world. The road running between the two cathedrals is called Hope Street, a coincidence which pleases believers. The cathedral is colloquially referred to as "Paddy's Wigwam" due to its shape.[103][104]

Liverpool contains several synagogues, of which the Grade I listed Moorish Revival Princes Road Synagogue is architecturally the most notable. Princes Road is widely considered to be the most magnificent of Britain's Moorish Revival synagogues and one of the finest buildings in Liverpool.[105] Liverpool has a thriving Jewish community with a further two orthodox Synagogues, one in the Allerton district of the city and a second in the Childwall district of the city where a significant Jewish community reside. A third orthodox Synagogue in the Greenbank Park area of L17 has recently closed, and is a listed 1930s structure. There is also a Lubavitch Chabad House and a reform Synagogue. Liverpool has had a Jewish community since the mid-18th century. The current Jewish population of Liverpool is around 3000.[106]

Liverpool also has an increasing Hindu community, with a Mandir on 253 Edge Lane, Edge Hill, L7 2PH; the Shri Radha Krishna Temple from the Hindu Cultural Organisation, Liverpool based there.[107] The current Hindu population in Liverpool is about 1147.[citation needed] Liverpool also has the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara based at Wellington Avenue, Wavertree, L15 0EJ,[108] and Liverpool's Bahá'í Centre is located on 3 and 5 Langdale Road, Wavertree, L15 3LA.[109]

The city had the earliest mosque in England, and possibly the UK, founded in 1887 by William Abdullah Quilliam, a lawyer who had converted to Islam, and set up in a terraced house on West Derby Road.[110] The building was used as a house of worship until 1908, when it was sold to the City Council and converted into offices.[111] Plans have been accepted to re-convert the building where the mosque once stood into a museum.[112] Currently there are three mosques in Liverpool: the largest and main one, Al-Rahma mosque, in the Toxteth area of the city and a mosque recently opened in the Mossley Hill district of the city. The third mosque was also recently opened in Toxteth and is on Granby Street.

 

LGBT community

Liverpool has a large lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender/transsexual population, as well as the UK's only official 'gay quarter'. Despite cities such as Manchester and Brighton being historically more noted for their LGBT communities, Liverpool now has an LGBT comparable per capita to that of San Francisco.

 

Economy

 

The Economy of Liverpool is one of the largest within the United Kingdom, sitting at the centre of one of the two core economies within the North West of England.[113] In 2006, the city's GVA was £7,626 million, providing a per capita figure of £17,489, which was above the North West average.[114] After several decades of decline, Liverpool's economy has seen somewhat of a revival since the mid-1990s, with its GVA increasing 71.8% between 1995 and 2006 and employment increasing 12% between 1998 and 2006.[114]

In common with much of the rest of the UK today, Liverpool's economy is dominated by service sector industries, both public and private. In 2007, over 60% of all employment in the city was in the public administration, education, health, banking, finance and insurance sectors.[114] Over recent years there has also been significant growth in the knowledge economy of Liverpool with the establishment of the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter in sectors such as media and life sciences.[115] Liverpool's rich architectural base has also helped the city become the second most filmed city in the UK outside of London,[116] including doubling for Chicago, London, Moscow, New York, Paris and Rome.[117][118]

Another important component of Liverpool's economy are the tourism and leisure sectors. Liverpool is the 6th most visited city in the United Kingdom[119] and one of the 100 most visited cities in the world by international tourists.[120] In 2008, during the city's European Capital of Culture celebrations, overnight visitors brought £188m into the local economy,[119] while tourism as a whole is worth approximately £1.3bn a year to Liverpool.[118] The city's new cruise liner terminal, which is situated close to the Pier Head, also makes Liverpool one of the few places in the world where cruise ships are able to berth right in the centre of the city.[121] Other recent developments in Liverpool such as the Echo Arena and Liverpool One have made Liverpool an important leisure centre with the latter helping to lift Liverpool into the top five retail destinations in the UK.[122]

Historically, the economy of Liverpool was centred around the city's port and manufacturing base, although today less than 10% of employment in the city are in these sectors.[114] Nonetheless the city remains one of the most important ports in the United Kingdom, handling over 32.2m tonnes of cargo in 2008.[123] It is also home to the UK headquarters of many shipping lines including Japanese firm NYK and Danish firm Maersk Line.[124][125] Future plans to redevelop the city's northern dock system, in a project known as Liverpool Waters, could see £5.5bn invested in the city over the next 50 years, creating 17,000 new jobs.[126]

Car-manufacturing also takes place in the city at the Halewood plant where the Jaguar X-Type and Land Rover Freelander models are assembled.

 

Landmarks

 

Liverpool's history means that there are a considerable variety of architectural styles found within the city, ranging from 16th century Tudor buildings to modern-day contemporary architecture.[127] The majority of buildings in the city date from the late-18th century onwards, the period during which the city grew into one of the foremost powers in the British Empire.[128] There are over 2,500 listed buildings in Liverpool, of which 27 are Grade I listed[129] and 85 are Grade II* listed.[130] The city also has a greater number of public sculptures than any other location in the United Kingdom aside from Westminster[131] and more Georgian houses than the city of Bath.[132] This richness of architecture has subsequently seen Liverpool described by English Heritage, as England's finest Victorian city.[133] The value of Liverpool's architecture and design was recognised in 2004, when several areas throughout the city were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the sites were added in recognition of the city's role in the development of international trade and docking technology.[134]

 

Waterfront and docks

 

As a major British port, the docks in Liverpool have historically been central to the city's development. Several major docking firsts have occurred in the city including the construction of the world's first enclosed wet dock (the Old Dock) in 1715 and the first ever hydraulic lifting cranes.[135] The best-known dock in Liverpool is the Albert Dock, which was constructed in 1846 and today comprises the largest single collection of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in Britain.[136] Built under the guidance of Jesse Hartley, it was considered to be one of the most advanced docks anywhere in the world upon completion and is often attributed with helping the city to become one of the most important ports in the world. The Albert Dock currently houses a number of restaurants, bars, shops, two hotels as well as the Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story. North of the city centre is Stanley Dock, home to the Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse, which was at the time of its construction in 1901, the world's largest building in terms of area[137] and today stands as the world's largest brick-work building.[138]

One of the most famous locations in Liverpool is the Pier Head, renowned for the trio of buildings – the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building – which sit upon it. Collectively referred to as the Three Graces, these buildings stand as a testament to the great wealth in the city during the late 19th and early 20th century. Built in a variety of architectural styles, they are recognised as being the symbol of Maritime Liverpool, and are regarded by many as contributing to one of the most impressive waterfronts in the world.[139][140][141][142]

In recent years, several areas along Liverpool's waterfront have undergone significant redevelopment. Amongst the notable recent developments are the construction of the Echo Arena Liverpool and BT Convention Centre on Kings Dock, Alexandra Tower and 1 Princes Dock on Princes Dock and Liverpool Marina around Coburg and Brunswick Docks.

 

Commercial District and Cultural Quarter

 

Liverpool's historic position as one of the most important trading ports in the world has meant that over time many grand buildings have been constructed in the city as headquarters for shipping firms, insurance companies, banks and other large firms. The great wealth this brought, then allowed for the development of grand civic buildings, which were designed to allow the local administrators to 'run the city with pride'.[143]

The commercial district is centred around the Castle Street, Dale Street and Old Hall Street areas of the city, with many of the area's roads still following their medieval layout. Having developed over a period of three centuries the area is regarded as one of the most important architectural locations in the city, as recognised by its inclusion in Liverpool's World Heritage site.[144] The oldest building in the area is the Grade I listed Liverpool Town Hall, which is located at the top of Castle Street and dates from 1754. Often regarded as the city's finest piece of Georgian architecture, the building is noted as one of the most extravagantly decorated civic buildings anywhere in Britain.[145][146] Also on Castle Street is the Grade I listed Bank of England Building, constructed between 1845 and 1848, as one of only three provincial branches of the national bank.[145] Amongst the other noted buildings in the area are the Tower Buildings, Albion House (the former White Star Line headquarters), the Municipal Buildings and Oriel Chambers,[147] which is considered to be one of the earliest Modernist style buildings ever built.[148]

The area around William Brown Street is referred to as the city's 'Cultural Quarter', owing to the presence of numerous civic buildings, including the William Brown Library, Walker Art Gallery, Picton Reading Rooms and World Museum Liverpool. The area is dominated by neo-classical architecture, of which the most prominent, St George's Hall,[149] is widely regarded as the best example of a neo-classical building anywhere in Europe.[150] A Grade I listed building, it was constructed between 1840 and 1855 to serve a variety of civic functions in the city and its doors are inscribed with "S.P.Q.L." (Latin senatus populusque Liverpudliensis), meaning "the senate and people of Liverpool". William Brown Street is also home to numerous public monuments and sculptures, including Wellington's Column and the Steble Fountain. Many others are located around the area, particularly in St John's Gardens, which was specifically developed for this purpose.[151] The William Brown Street area has been likened to a modern recreation of the Roman Forum.[152]

  

To read more about the Transport, Culture, Education, Media, Sports, Quotes and International Links of Liverpool please click:-

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool

 

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, United Kingdom along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880. It is the fourth most populous British city, and third most populous in England, with a 2011 population of 466,400[3] and is at the centre of a wider urban area, the Liverpool City Region, which has a population of around 2 million people.[4]

Historically a part of Lancashire, the urbanisation and expansion of Liverpool were both largely brought about by the city's status as a major port. By the 18th century, trade from the West Indies, Ireland and mainland Europe coupled with close links with the Atlantic Slave Trade furthered the economic expansion of Liverpool. By the early 19th century, 40% of the world's trade passed through Liverpool's docks, contributing to Liverpool's rise as a major city. Liverpool is also well known for its inventions and innovations, particularly in terms of infrastructure, transportation and general construction. Railways, ferries and the skyscraper were all pioneered in the city.

Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians but are also colloquially known as "Scousers", in reference to the local dish known as "scouse", a form of stew. The word "Scouse" has also become synonymous with the Liverpool accent and dialect.[5] Liverpool's status as a port city has contributed to its diverse population, which, historically, were drawn from a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, particularly those from Ireland. The city is also home to the oldest Black African community in the country and the oldest Chinese community in Europe.

Labelled the World Capital City of Pop by Guinness World Records, Liverpool has produced a wealth of musical talent since the mid-20th century. The popularity of The Beatles, Billy Fury, Gerry and the Pacemakers and the other groups from the Merseybeat era, and later bands such as Echo & the Bunnymen and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, contributes to Liverpool's status as a tourist destination; tourism forms a significant part of the city's modern economy. The city celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2007, and it held the European Capital of Culture title together with Stavanger, Norway, in 2008.[6]

Liverpool is noted for its rich architectural heritage and is home to many buildings regarded as amongst the greatest examples of their respective styles in the world. Several areas of the city centre were granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2004. Referred to as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the site comprises six separate locations in the city including the Pier Head, Albert Dock and William Brown Street and includes many of the city's most famous landmarks.[7]

Liverpool is also well known for its strong sporting identity. The city is home of two Premier League football clubs, Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C.. Matches between the two clubs are known as the Merseyside derby. The world-famous Grand National also takes places annually at Aintree Racecourse on the outskirts of the city.

  

History

 

Early history

King John's letters patent of 1207 announced the foundation of the borough of Liverpool, but by the middle of the 16th century the population was still only around 500. The original street plan of Liverpool is said to have been designed by King John near the same time it was granted a royal charter, making it a borough. The original seven streets were laid out in a H shape: Bank Street (now Water Street), Castle Street, Chapel Street, Dale Street, Juggler Street (now High Street), Moor Street (now Tithebarn Street) and Whiteacre Street (now Old Hall Street).

In the 17th century there was slow progress in trade and population growth. Battles for the town were waged during the English Civil War, including an eighteen-day siege in 1644. In 1699 Liverpool was made a parish by Act of Parliament, that same year its first slave ship, Liverpool Merchant, set sail for Africa. As trade from the West Indies surpassed that of Ireland and Europe, and as the River Dee silted up, Liverpool began to grow. The first commercial wet dock was built in Liverpool in 1715.[8][9] Substantial profits from the slave trade helped the town to prosper and rapidly grow, although two prominent local men, William Roscoe and Edward Rushton, were at the forefront of the abolitionist movement.

In the early 19th century Liverpool played a major role in the Antarctic sealing industry, in recognition of which Liverpool Beach in the South Shetland Islands is named after the city.[10]

By the start of the 19th century, 40% of the world's trade was passing through Liverpool and the construction of major buildings reflected this wealth. In 1830, Liverpool and Manchester became the first cities to have an intercity rail link, through the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The population continued to rise rapidly, especially during the 1840s when Irish migrants began arriving by the hundreds of thousands as a result of the Great Famine. By 1851, approximately 25% of the city's population was Irish-born. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Liverpool was drawing immigrants from across Europe. This is evident from the diverse array of religious buildings located across the city, many of which are still in use today. The Deutsche Kirche Liverpool, Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Gustav Adolfus Kyrka, Princes Road Synagogue and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church were all established in the late 1800s to serve Liverpool's growing German, Greek, Jewish, Nordic and Polish communities respectively.

 

20th century

 

The Housing Act 1919 resulted in mass council housing building across Liverpool during the 1920s and 1930s. Thousands of families were rehoused from the inner-city to new suburban housing estates, based on the pretext that this would improve their standard of living, though this is largely subjective. A large number of private homes were also built during this era. The process continued after the Second World War, with many more new housing estates being built in suburban areas, while some of the older inner city areas were also redeveloped for new homes. The Great Depression of the early 1930s saw unemployment in the city peak at around 30%.

During the Second World War there were 80 air-raids on Merseyside, killing 2,500 people and causing damage to almost half the homes in the metropolitan area. Significant rebuilding followed the war, including massive housing estates and the Seaforth Dock, the largest dock project in Britain. Much of the immediate reconstruction of the city centre has been deeply unpopular, and was as flawed as much town planning renewal in the 1950s and 1960s – the portions of the city's heritage that survived German bombing could not withstand the efforts of urban renewal. Since 1952 Liverpool has been twinned with Cologne, Germany, a city which also experienced severe aerial bombing during the war.

Like most British cities and industrialised towns, Liverpool became home to a significant number of Commonwealth immigrants after World War II, mostly settling in older inner city areas such as Toxteth. However, a significant West Indian black community had existed in the city as long ago as the first two decades of the 20th century.

In the 1960s Liverpool was the centre of the "Merseybeat" sound which became synonymous with The Beatles and fellow Liverpudlian rock bands.

From the mid-1970s onwards Liverpool's docks and traditional manufacturing industries went into sharp decline. The advent of containerisation meant that the city's docks became largely obsolete. By the early 1980s unemployment rates in Liverpool were once again among the highest in the UK,[11] standing at 17% by January 1982 - although this was just over half of the level of unemployment that was affecting the city in an economic downturn 50 years previously.[12]

In recent years, Liverpool's economy has recovered and has experienced growth rates higher than the national average since the mid-nineties.

At the end of the 20th century Liverpool was concentrating on regeneration, a process which still continues today.

Previously part of Lancashire, and a county borough from 1889, Liverpool became in 1974 a metropolitan borough within the newly created metropolitan county of Merseyside.

 

21st century

 

To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2002, the conservation charity Plantlife organised a competition to choose county flowers; the sea-holly was Liverpool's final choice.

Capitalising on the popularity of 1960s rock groups, such as The Beatles, as well as the city's world-class art galleries, museums and landmarks, tourism has also become a significant factor in Liverpool's economy.

In 2004, property developer Grosvenor started the Paradise Project, a £920 m development centred on Paradise Street, which involved the most significant changes to Liverpool's city centre since the post-war reconstruction. Renamed 'Liverpool ONE', the centre opened in May 2008.

In 2007, the city celebrated the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the borough of Liverpool, for which a number of events were planned. Liverpool is a joint European Capital of Culture for 2008. The main celebrations, in September 2008, included La Princesse, a large mechanical spider which is 20 metres high and weighs 37 tonnes, and represents the "eight legs" of Liverpool: honour, history, music, the Mersey, the ports, governance, sunshine and culture. La Princesse roamed the streets of the city during the festivities, and concluded by entering the Queensway Tunnel.

Spearheaded by the multi-billion Liverpool ONE development, regeneration has continued on an unprecedented scale through to the start of the early 2010s in Liverpool. Some of the most significant regeneration projects to have taken place in the city include the new Commercial District, King's Dock, Mann Island, the Lime Street Gateway, the Baltic Triangle, RopeWalks and the Edge Lane Gateway. All projects could however soon be eclipsed by the Liverpool Waters scheme which if built will cost in the region of £5.5billion and be one of the largest megaprojects in the UK's history. Liverpool Waters is a mixed use development which will contain one of Europe's largest skyscraper clusters. The project received outline planning permission in 2012, despite fierce opposition from the likes of UNESCO who claim it will have a damaging effect on Liverpool's World Heritage status.

Second city of Empire

 

For periods during the 19th century the wealth of Liverpool exceeded that of London itself,[13] and Liverpool's Custom House was the single largest contributor to the British Exchequer.[14] Liverpool's status can be judged from the fact that it was the only British city ever to have its own Whitehall office.[15]

The first United States consul anywhere in the world, James Maury, was appointed to Liverpool in 1790, and remained in office for 39 years.

As early as 1851 the city was described as "the New York of Europe"[16] and its buildings, constructed on a heroic, even megalomaniacal scale stand witness to the supreme confidence and ambition of the city at the turn of the 20th century.

Liverpool was also the site of the UK's first provincial airport, operating from 1930.

Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1, often seen as Britain's Imperial anthem, was dedicated by the composer to the Liverpool Orchestral Society and had its premiere in the city in October 1901.

During the Second World War, the critical strategic importance of Liverpool was recognised by both Hitler and Churchill, with the city suffering a blitz second only to London's,[17] and the pivotal Battle of the Atlantic being planned, fought and won from Liverpool.[18]

 

Inventions and innovations

 

Railways, transatlantic steamships, municipal trams,[19] electric trains[20] were all pioneered in Liverpool as modes of mass transit. In 1829 and 1836 the first railway tunnels in the world were constructed under Liverpool. From 1950–51, the world's first scheduled passenger helicopter service ran between Liverpool and Cardiff.[21]

The first School for the Blind,[22] Mechanics' Institute,[23] High School for Girls,[24][25] council house[26] and Juvenile Court[27] were all founded in Liverpool. The RSPCA,[28] NSPCC,[29] Age Concern,[30] Relate, Citizen's Advice Bureau[31] and Legal Aid all evolved from work in the city.

In the field of public health, the first lifeboat station, public baths and wash-houses,[32] sanitary act,[33] medical officer for health, district nurse, slum clearance,[34] purpose-built ambulance,[35] X-ray medical diagnosis,[36] school of tropical medicine, motorised municipal fire-engine,[37] free school milk and school meals,[38] cancer research centre,[39] and zoonosis research centre[40] all originated in Liverpool. The first British Nobel Prize was awarded in 1902 to Ronald Ross, professor at the School of Tropical Medicine, the first school of its kind in the world.[41] Orthopaedic surgery was pioneered in Liverpool by Hugh Owen Thomas,[42] and modern medical anaesthetics by Thomas Cecil Gray.

In finance, Liverpool founded the UK's first Underwriters' Association[43] and the first Institute of Accountants. The Western world's first financial derivatives (cotton futures) were traded on the Liverpool Cotton Exchange in the late 1700s.[44]

In the arts, Liverpool was home to the first lending library, athenaeum society, arts centre[45] and public art conservation centre.[46] Liverpool is also home to the UK's oldest surviving classical orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.[47]

In 1864, Peter Ellis built the world's first iron-framed, curtain-walled office building, Oriel Chambers, the prototype of the skyscraper. The UK's first purpose-built department store was Compton House, completed in 1867 for the retailer J.R. Jeffrey, to replace a previous building which had burned down in 1865.[48] It was the largest store in the world at the time.[49]

Between 1862 and 1867, Liverpool held an annual Grand Olympic Festival. Devised by John Hulley and Charles Melly, these games were the first to be wholly amateur in nature and international in outlook.[50][51] The programme of the first modern Olympiad in Athens in 1896 was almost identical to that of the Liverpool Olympics.[52] In 1865 Hulley co-founded the National Olympian Association in Liverpool, a forerunner of the British Olympic Association. Its articles of foundation provided the framework for the International Olympic Charter.

Shipowner Sir Alfred Lewis Jones introduced the banana to Great Britain in 1884.[53]

In 1897, the Lumière brothers filmed Liverpool,[54] including what is believed to be the world's first tracking shot,[55] taken from the Liverpool Overhead Railway – the world's first elevated electrified railway.

Liverpool inventor Frank Hornby was a visionary in toy development and manufacture and produced three of the most popular lines of toys in the 20th century: Meccano, Hornby Model Railways and Dinky Toys.

In 1999, Liverpool was the first city outside the capital to be awarded blue plaques by English Heritage in recognition of the "significant contribution made by its sons and daughters in all walks of life."

 

Government

 

Liverpool has three tiers of government; the Mayor & Local Council, the National Government and the European Parliament. Liverpool is officially governed by a Unitary Authority, as when Merseyside County Council was disbanded civic functions were returned to a district borough level. However several services such as the Police and Fire and Rescue Service, continue to be run at a county-wide level.

 

Mayor and local council

 

The City of Liverpool is governed by the Directly elected mayor of Liverpool and Liverpool City Council, and is one of five metropolitan boroughs that combine to make up the metropolitan county of Merseyside. The Mayor is elected by the citizens of Liverpool every four years and is responsible for the day to day running of the council. The council's 90 elected councillors who represent local communities throughout the city, are responsible for scrutininsing the Mayor's decisions, setting the Budget, and policy framework of the city. The Mayor's responsibility is to be a powerful voice for the city both nationally and internationally, to lead, build investor confidence, and to direct resources to economic priorities.[57] The Mayor also exchanges direct dialogue with government ministers and the Prime minister through his seat at the 'Cabinet of Mayors'. Discussions include pressing decision makers in the government on local issues as well as building relationships with the other Directly elected mayors in England and Wales.[58] The current Mayor is Joe Anderson.

The city of Liverpool effectively has two Mayors. As well as the directly elected Mayor, there is the ceremonial 'Lord Mayor' (or civic Mayor) who is elected by the full city council at its annual general meeting in May, and stands for one year in office. The Lord Mayor acts as the 'first citizen' of Liverpool and is responsible for promoting the city, supporting local charities & community groups as well as representing the city at civic events.[59] The current Lord Mayor is Councillor Frank Prendergast.[60]

During the most recent local elections, held in May 2011, the Labour Party consolidated its control of Liverpool City Council, following on from regaining power for the first time in 12 years, during the previous elections in May 2010.[62] The Labour Party gained 11 seats during the election, taking their total to 62 seats, compared with the 22 held by the Liberal Democrats. Of the remaining seats the Liberal Party won three and the Green Party claimed two. The Conservative Party, one of the three major political parties in the UK had no representation on Liverpool City Council.[62][63]

In February 2008, Liverpool City Council was revealed to be the worst-performing council in the country, receiving just a one star rating (classified as inadequate). The main cause of the poor rating was attributed to the council's poor handling of tax-payer money, including the accumulation of a £20m shortfall on Capital of Culture funding.[64]

While Liverpool through most of the 19th and early 20th Century was a municipal stronghold of Toryism, support for the Conservative Party recently has been among the lowest in any part of Britain, particularly since the monetarist economic policies of prime minister Margaret Thatcher after her 1979 general election victory contributed to high unemployment in the city which did not begin to fall for many years.[65] Liverpool is one of the Labour Party's key strongholds; however the city has seen hard times under Labour governments as well, particularly in the Winter of Discontent (late 1978 and early 1979) when Liverpool suffered public sector strikes along with the rest of the United Kingdom but also suffered the particularly humiliating misfortune of having grave-diggers going on strike, leaving the dead unburied.[66]

 

Parliamentary constituencies and MPs

 

Liverpool has four parliamentary constituencies entirely within the city, through which Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the city in Westminster: Liverpool Riverside, Liverpool Walton, Liverpool Wavertree and Liverpool West Derby.[67]

 

Geography

 

At 53°24′0″N 2°59′0″W (53.4, −2.98), 176 miles (283 km) northwest of London, located on the Liverpool Bay of the Irish Sea the city of Liverpool is built across a ridge of sandstone hills rising up to a height of around 230 feet (70 m) above sea-level at Everton Hill, which represents the southern boundary of the West Lancashire Coastal Plain.

The Mersey Estuary separates Liverpool from Birkenhead, Wallasey and the Kirby[disambiguation needed] sands to the south west. The boundaries of Liverpool are adjacent to Bootle, Crosby and Maghull in south Sefton to the north, and Kirkby, Huyton, Prescot and Halewood in Knowsley to the east.

 

Climate

 

Liverpool experiences a temperate maritime climate, like much of the British Isles, with relatively cool summers and mild winters. Its coastal location and urban situation means diurnal temperature ranges are particularly subdued, ranging from an average of 7.0 °C in May to just 3.8 °C during December. Historically, Bidston Observatory (actually located on the Wirral Peninsula) has provided the longest and most unbroken weather data for the Merseyside area. More recently, the Met Office has operated a weather station at Crosby.

The absolute minimum temperature recorded at Bidston was −12.8 °C (9.0 °F) during January 1881, typically the coldest night of the year should fall to −4 °C (24.8 °F) (1971–2000 average) However, the variability of the local climate was exposed as the weather station at Crosby fell to −17.6 °C (0.3 °F)[70] during December 2010.

The absolute maximum temperature recorded at Bidston was 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) in August 1990 - typically the warmest day of the year should reach 27.5 °C (81.5 °F) (1971–2000 average). The absolute maximum at Crosby is 33.5 °C (92.3 °F), recorded in July 2006.

 

Demography

Population

 

At the 2011 UK Census the recorded population of Liverpool was 466,400.[3] Liverpool's population peaked in 1930s with 846,101 recorded in the 1931 census.[78] Since then the city has experienced negative population growth every decade, with at its peak over 100,000 people leaving the city between 1971 and 1981.[79] Between 2001 and 2006 it experienced the ninth largest percentage population loss of any UK unitary authority.[80] The "Liverpool city region", as defined by the Mersey Partnership, includes Wirral, Warrington, Flintshire, Chester and other areas, and has a population of around 2 million.[81] The European Spatial Planning Observation Network defines a Liverpool metropolitan area consisting of the Merseyside metropolitan county, the borough of Halton, Wigan in Greater Manchester, the city of Chester as well as number of towns in Lancashire and Cheshire including Ormskirk and Warrington.[82] Liverpool and Manchester are sometimes considered as one large polynuclear metropolitan area,[83][84][85] or megalopolis.[86]

In common with many cities, Liverpool's population is younger than that of England as a whole, with 42.3 per cent of its population under the age of 30, compared to an English average of 37.4 per cent.[87] 65.1 per cent of the population is of working age.[87]

 

Ethnicity

As of June 2009, an estimated 91.0 per cent of Liverpool's population was White British, 3.0 per cent Asian or Asian British, 1.9 per cent Black or Black British, 2.0 per cent mixed-race and 2.1 per cent Chinese and other.[2]

Liverpool is home to Britain's oldest Black community, dating to at least the 1730s, and some Black Liverpudlians are able to trace their ancestors in the city back ten generations.[88] Early Black settlers in the city included seamen, the children of traders sent to be educated, and freed slaves, since slaves entering the country after 1722 were deemed free men.[89]

The city is also home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe; the first residents of the city's Chinatown arrived as seamen in the 19th century.[90] The gateway in Chinatown, Liverpool is also the largest gateway outside of China. The city is also known for its large Irish population and its historical Welsh population.[91] In 1813, 10 per cent of Liverpool's population was Welsh, leading to the city becoming known as "the capital of North Wales".[91] Following the start of the Great Irish Famine, two million Irish people migrated to Liverpool in the space of one decade, many of them subsequently departing for the United States.[92] By 1851, more than 20 per cent of the population of Liverpool was Irish.[93] At the 2001 Census, 1.17 per cent of the population were Welsh-born and 0.75 per cent were born in the Republic of Ireland, while 0.54 per cent were born in Northern Ireland,[94] but many more Liverpudlians are of Welsh or Irish ancestry. Liverpool is also noted for its large African-Caribbean,[95] Ghanaian,[96] Indian,[95] Latin American,[97] Malaysian,[98] Somali[99] and Yemeni.[100] communities which number several thousand each.

 

Religion

The thousands of migrants and sailors passing through Liverpool resulted in a religious diversity that is still apparent today. This is reflected in the equally diverse collection of religious buildings,[101] and two Christian cathedrals.

Christ Church, in Buckingham Road, Tuebrook, is a conservative evangelical congregation and is affiliated with the Evangelical Connexion.[102] They worship using the 1785 Prayer Book, and regard the Bible as the sole rule of faith and practice.

The parish church of Liverpool is the Anglican Our Lady and St Nicholas, colloquially known as "the sailors church", which has existed near the waterfront since 1257. It regularly plays host to Catholic masses. Other notable churches include the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas (built in the Neo-Byzantine architecture style), and the Gustav Adolfus Kyrka (the Swedish Seamen's Church, reminiscent of Nordic styles).

Liverpool's wealth as a port city enabled the construction of two enormous cathedrals, both dating from the 20th century. The Anglican Cathedral, which was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and plays host to the annual Liverpool Shakespeare Festival, has one of the longest naves, largest organs and heaviest and highest peals of bells in the world. The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, on Mount Pleasant next to Liverpool Science Park was initially planned to be even larger. Of Sir Edwin Lutyens' original design, only the crypt was completed. The cathedral was eventually built to a simpler design by Sir Frederick Gibberd; while this is on a smaller scale than Lutyens' original design, it still manages to incorporate the largest panel of stained glass in the world. The road running between the two cathedrals is called Hope Street, a coincidence which pleases believers. The cathedral is colloquially referred to as "Paddy's Wigwam" due to its shape.[103][104]

Liverpool contains several synagogues, of which the Grade I listed Moorish Revival Princes Road Synagogue is architecturally the most notable. Princes Road is widely considered to be the most magnificent of Britain's Moorish Revival synagogues and one of the finest buildings in Liverpool.[105] Liverpool has a thriving Jewish community with a further two orthodox Synagogues, one in the Allerton district of the city and a second in the Childwall district of the city where a significant Jewish community reside. A third orthodox Synagogue in the Greenbank Park area of L17 has recently closed, and is a listed 1930s structure. There is also a Lubavitch Chabad House and a reform Synagogue. Liverpool has had a Jewish community since the mid-18th century. The current Jewish population of Liverpool is around 3000.[106]

Liverpool also has an increasing Hindu community, with a Mandir on 253 Edge Lane, Edge Hill, L7 2PH; the Shri Radha Krishna Temple from the Hindu Cultural Organisation, Liverpool based there.[107] The current Hindu population in Liverpool is about 1147.[citation needed] Liverpool also has the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara based at Wellington Avenue, Wavertree, L15 0EJ,[108] and Liverpool's Bahá'í Centre is located on 3 and 5 Langdale Road, Wavertree, L15 3LA.[109]

The city had the earliest mosque in England, and possibly the UK, founded in 1887 by William Abdullah Quilliam, a lawyer who had converted to Islam, and set up in a terraced house on West Derby Road.[110] The building was used as a house of worship until 1908, when it was sold to the City Council and converted into offices.[111] Plans have been accepted to re-convert the building where the mosque once stood into a museum.[112] Currently there are three mosques in Liverpool: the largest and main one, Al-Rahma mosque, in the Toxteth area of the city and a mosque recently opened in the Mossley Hill district of the city. The third mosque was also recently opened in Toxteth and is on Granby Street.

 

LGBT community

Liverpool has a large lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender/transsexual population, as well as the UK's only official 'gay quarter'. Despite cities such as Manchester and Brighton being historically more noted for their LGBT communities, Liverpool now has an LGBT comparable per capita to that of San Francisco.

 

Economy

 

The Economy of Liverpool is one of the largest within the United Kingdom, sitting at the centre of one of the two core economies within the North West of England.[113] In 2006, the city's GVA was £7,626 million, providing a per capita figure of £17,489, which was above the North West average.[114] After several decades of decline, Liverpool's economy has seen somewhat of a revival since the mid-1990s, with its GVA increasing 71.8% between 1995 and 2006 and employment increasing 12% between 1998 and 2006.[114]

In common with much of the rest of the UK today, Liverpool's economy is dominated by service sector industries, both public and private. In 2007, over 60% of all employment in the city was in the public administration, education, health, banking, finance and insurance sectors.[114] Over recent years there has also been significant growth in the knowledge economy of Liverpool with the establishment of the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter in sectors such as media and life sciences.[115] Liverpool's rich architectural base has also helped the city become the second most filmed city in the UK outside of London,[116] including doubling for Chicago, London, Moscow, New York, Paris and Rome.[117][118]

Another important component of Liverpool's economy are the tourism and leisure sectors. Liverpool is the 6th most visited city in the United Kingdom[119] and one of the 100 most visited cities in the world by international tourists.[120] In 2008, during the city's European Capital of Culture celebrations, overnight visitors brought £188m into the local economy,[119] while tourism as a whole is worth approximately £1.3bn a year to Liverpool.[118] The city's new cruise liner terminal, which is situated close to the Pier Head, also makes Liverpool one of the few places in the world where cruise ships are able to berth right in the centre of the city.[121] Other recent developments in Liverpool such as the Echo Arena and Liverpool One have made Liverpool an important leisure centre with the latter helping to lift Liverpool into the top five retail destinations in the UK.[122]

Historically, the economy of Liverpool was centred around the city's port and manufacturing base, although today less than 10% of employment in the city are in these sectors.[114] Nonetheless the city remains one of the most important ports in the United Kingdom, handling over 32.2m tonnes of cargo in 2008.[123] It is also home to the UK headquarters of many shipping lines including Japanese firm NYK and Danish firm Maersk Line.[124][125] Future plans to redevelop the city's northern dock system, in a project known as Liverpool Waters, could see £5.5bn invested in the city over the next 50 years, creating 17,000 new jobs.[126]

Car-manufacturing also takes place in the city at the Halewood plant where the Jaguar X-Type and Land Rover Freelander models are assembled.

 

Landmarks

 

Liverpool's history means that there are a considerable variety of architectural styles found within the city, ranging from 16th century Tudor buildings to modern-day contemporary architecture.[127] The majority of buildings in the city date from the late-18th century onwards, the period during which the city grew into one of the foremost powers in the British Empire.[128] There are over 2,500 listed buildings in Liverpool, of which 27 are Grade I listed[129] and 85 are Grade II* listed.[130] The city also has a greater number of public sculptures than any other location in the United Kingdom aside from Westminster[131] and more Georgian houses than the city of Bath.[132] This richness of architecture has subsequently seen Liverpool described by English Heritage, as England's finest Victorian city.[133] The value of Liverpool's architecture and design was recognised in 2004, when several areas throughout the city were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the sites were added in recognition of the city's role in the development of international trade and docking technology.[134]

 

Waterfront and docks

 

As a major British port, the docks in Liverpool have historically been central to the city's development. Several major docking firsts have occurred in the city including the construction of the world's first enclosed wet dock (the Old Dock) in 1715 and the first ever hydraulic lifting cranes.[135] The best-known dock in Liverpool is the Albert Dock, which was constructed in 1846 and today comprises the largest single collection of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in Britain.[136] Built under the guidance of Jesse Hartley, it was considered to be one of the most advanced docks anywhere in the world upon completion and is often attributed with helping the city to become one of the most important ports in the world. The Albert Dock currently houses a number of restaurants, bars, shops, two hotels as well as the Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story. North of the city centre is Stanley Dock, home to the Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse, which was at the time of its construction in 1901, the world's largest building in terms of area[137] and today stands as the world's largest brick-work building.[138]

One of the most famous locations in Liverpool is the Pier Head, renowned for the trio of buildings – the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building – which sit upon it. Collectively referred to as the Three Graces, these buildings stand as a testament to the great wealth in the city during the late 19th and early 20th century. Built in a variety of architectural styles, they are recognised as being the symbol of Maritime Liverpool, and are regarded by many as contributing to one of the most impressive waterfronts in the world.[139][140][141][142]

In recent years, several areas along Liverpool's waterfront have undergone significant redevelopment. Amongst the notable recent developments are the construction of the Echo Arena Liverpool and BT Convention Centre on Kings Dock, Alexandra Tower and 1 Princes Dock on Princes Dock and Liverpool Marina around Coburg and Brunswick Docks.

 

Commercial District and Cultural Quarter

 

Liverpool's historic position as one of the most important trading ports in the world has meant that over time many grand buildings have been constructed in the city as headquarters for shipping firms, insurance companies, banks and other large firms. The great wealth this brought, then allowed for the development of grand civic buildings, which were designed to allow the local administrators to 'run the city with pride'.[143]

The commercial district is centred around the Castle Street, Dale Street and Old Hall Street areas of the city, with many of the area's roads still following their medieval layout. Having developed over a period of three centuries the area is regarded as one of the most important architectural locations in the city, as recognised by its inclusion in Liverpool's World Heritage site.[144] The oldest building in the area is the Grade I listed Liverpool Town Hall, which is located at the top of Castle Street and dates from 1754. Often regarded as the city's finest piece of Georgian architecture, the building is noted as one of the most extravagantly decorated civic buildings anywhere in Britain.[145][146] Also on Castle Street is the Grade I listed Bank of England Building, constructed between 1845 and 1848, as one of only three provincial branches of the national bank.[145] Amongst the other noted buildings in the area are the Tower Buildings, Albion House (the former White Star Line headquarters), the Municipal Buildings and Oriel Chambers,[147] which is considered to be one of the earliest Modernist style buildings ever built.[148]

The area around William Brown Street is referred to as the city's 'Cultural Quarter', owing to the presence of numerous civic buildings, including the William Brown Library, Walker Art Gallery, Picton Reading Rooms and World Museum Liverpool. The area is dominated by neo-classical architecture, of which the most prominent, St George's Hall,[149] is widely regarded as the best example of a neo-classical building anywhere in Europe.[150] A Grade I listed building, it was constructed between 1840 and 1855 to serve a variety of civic functions in the city and its doors are inscribed with "S.P.Q.L." (Latin senatus populusque Liverpudliensis), meaning "the senate and people of Liverpool". William Brown Street is also home to numerous public monuments and sculptures, including Wellington's Column and the Steble Fountain. Many others are located around the area, particularly in St John's Gardens, which was specifically developed for this purpose.[151] The William Brown Street area has been likened to a modern recreation of the Roman Forum.[152]

  

To read more about the Transport, Culture, Education, Media, Sports, Quotes and International Links of Liverpool please click:-

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool

 

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, United Kingdom along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880. It is the fourth most populous British city, and third most populous in England, with a 2011 population of 466,400[3] and is at the centre of a wider urban area, the Liverpool City Region, which has a population of around 2 million people.[4]

Historically a part of Lancashire, the urbanisation and expansion of Liverpool were both largely brought about by the city's status as a major port. By the 18th century, trade from the West Indies, Ireland and mainland Europe coupled with close links with the Atlantic Slave Trade furthered the economic expansion of Liverpool. By the early 19th century, 40% of the world's trade passed through Liverpool's docks, contributing to Liverpool's rise as a major city. Liverpool is also well known for its inventions and innovations, particularly in terms of infrastructure, transportation and general construction. Railways, ferries and the skyscraper were all pioneered in the city.

Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians but are also colloquially known as "Scousers", in reference to the local dish known as "scouse", a form of stew. The word "Scouse" has also become synonymous with the Liverpool accent and dialect.[5] Liverpool's status as a port city has contributed to its diverse population, which, historically, were drawn from a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, particularly those from Ireland. The city is also home to the oldest Black African community in the country and the oldest Chinese community in Europe.

Labelled the World Capital City of Pop by Guinness World Records, Liverpool has produced a wealth of musical talent since the mid-20th century. The popularity of The Beatles, Billy Fury, Gerry and the Pacemakers and the other groups from the Merseybeat era, and later bands such as Echo & the Bunnymen and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, contributes to Liverpool's status as a tourist destination; tourism forms a significant part of the city's modern economy. The city celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2007, and it held the European Capital of Culture title together with Stavanger, Norway, in 2008.[6]

Liverpool is noted for its rich architectural heritage and is home to many buildings regarded as amongst the greatest examples of their respective styles in the world. Several areas of the city centre were granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2004. Referred to as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the site comprises six separate locations in the city including the Pier Head, Albert Dock and William Brown Street and includes many of the city's most famous landmarks.[7]

Liverpool is also well known for its strong sporting identity. The city is home of two Premier League football clubs, Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C.. Matches between the two clubs are known as the Merseyside derby. The world-famous Grand National also takes places annually at Aintree Racecourse on the outskirts of the city.

  

History

 

Early history

King John's letters patent of 1207 announced the foundation of the borough of Liverpool, but by the middle of the 16th century the population was still only around 500. The original street plan of Liverpool is said to have been designed by King John near the same time it was granted a royal charter, making it a borough. The original seven streets were laid out in a H shape: Bank Street (now Water Street), Castle Street, Chapel Street, Dale Street, Juggler Street (now High Street), Moor Street (now Tithebarn Street) and Whiteacre Street (now Old Hall Street).

In the 17th century there was slow progress in trade and population growth. Battles for the town were waged during the English Civil War, including an eighteen-day siege in 1644. In 1699 Liverpool was made a parish by Act of Parliament, that same year its first slave ship, Liverpool Merchant, set sail for Africa. As trade from the West Indies surpassed that of Ireland and Europe, and as the River Dee silted up, Liverpool began to grow. The first commercial wet dock was built in Liverpool in 1715.[8][9] Substantial profits from the slave trade helped the town to prosper and rapidly grow, although two prominent local men, William Roscoe and Edward Rushton, were at the forefront of the abolitionist movement.

In the early 19th century Liverpool played a major role in the Antarctic sealing industry, in recognition of which Liverpool Beach in the South Shetland Islands is named after the city.[10]

By the start of the 19th century, 40% of the world's trade was passing through Liverpool and the construction of major buildings reflected this wealth. In 1830, Liverpool and Manchester became the first cities to have an intercity rail link, through the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The population continued to rise rapidly, especially during the 1840s when Irish migrants began arriving by the hundreds of thousands as a result of the Great Famine. By 1851, approximately 25% of the city's population was Irish-born. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Liverpool was drawing immigrants from across Europe. This is evident from the diverse array of religious buildings located across the city, many of which are still in use today. The Deutsche Kirche Liverpool, Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Gustav Adolfus Kyrka, Princes Road Synagogue and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church were all established in the late 1800s to serve Liverpool's growing German, Greek, Jewish, Nordic and Polish communities respectively.

 

20th century

 

The Housing Act 1919 resulted in mass council housing building across Liverpool during the 1920s and 1930s. Thousands of families were rehoused from the inner-city to new suburban housing estates, based on the pretext that this would improve their standard of living, though this is largely subjective. A large number of private homes were also built during this era. The process continued after the Second World War, with many more new housing estates being built in suburban areas, while some of the older inner city areas were also redeveloped for new homes. The Great Depression of the early 1930s saw unemployment in the city peak at around 30%.

During the Second World War there were 80 air-raids on Merseyside, killing 2,500 people and causing damage to almost half the homes in the metropolitan area. Significant rebuilding followed the war, including massive housing estates and the Seaforth Dock, the largest dock project in Britain. Much of the immediate reconstruction of the city centre has been deeply unpopular, and was as flawed as much town planning renewal in the 1950s and 1960s – the portions of the city's heritage that survived German bombing could not withstand the efforts of urban renewal. Since 1952 Liverpool has been twinned with Cologne, Germany, a city which also experienced severe aerial bombing during the war.

Like most British cities and industrialised towns, Liverpool became home to a significant number of Commonwealth immigrants after World War II, mostly settling in older inner city areas such as Toxteth. However, a significant West Indian black community had existed in the city as long ago as the first two decades of the 20th century.

In the 1960s Liverpool was the centre of the "Merseybeat" sound which became synonymous with The Beatles and fellow Liverpudlian rock bands.

From the mid-1970s onwards Liverpool's docks and traditional manufacturing industries went into sharp decline. The advent of containerisation meant that the city's docks became largely obsolete. By the early 1980s unemployment rates in Liverpool were once again among the highest in the UK,[11] standing at 17% by January 1982 - although this was just over half of the level of unemployment that was affecting the city in an economic downturn 50 years previously.[12]

In recent years, Liverpool's economy has recovered and has experienced growth rates higher than the national average since the mid-nineties.

At the end of the 20th century Liverpool was concentrating on regeneration, a process which still continues today.

Previously part of Lancashire, and a county borough from 1889, Liverpool became in 1974 a metropolitan borough within the newly created metropolitan county of Merseyside.

 

21st century

 

To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2002, the conservation charity Plantlife organised a competition to choose county flowers; the sea-holly was Liverpool's final choice.

Capitalising on the popularity of 1960s rock groups, such as The Beatles, as well as the city's world-class art galleries, museums and landmarks, tourism has also become a significant factor in Liverpool's economy.

In 2004, property developer Grosvenor started the Paradise Project, a £920 m development centred on Paradise Street, which involved the most significant changes to Liverpool's city centre since the post-war reconstruction. Renamed 'Liverpool ONE', the centre opened in May 2008.

In 2007, the city celebrated the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the borough of Liverpool, for which a number of events were planned. Liverpool is a joint European Capital of Culture for 2008. The main celebrations, in September 2008, included La Princesse, a large mechanical spider which is 20 metres high and weighs 37 tonnes, and represents the "eight legs" of Liverpool: honour, history, music, the Mersey, the ports, governance, sunshine and culture. La Princesse roamed the streets of the city during the festivities, and concluded by entering the Queensway Tunnel.

Spearheaded by the multi-billion Liverpool ONE development, regeneration has continued on an unprecedented scale through to the start of the early 2010s in Liverpool. Some of the most significant regeneration projects to have taken place in the city include the new Commercial District, King's Dock, Mann Island, the Lime Street Gateway, the Baltic Triangle, RopeWalks and the Edge Lane Gateway. All projects could however soon be eclipsed by the Liverpool Waters scheme which if built will cost in the region of £5.5billion and be one of the largest megaprojects in the UK's history. Liverpool Waters is a mixed use development which will contain one of Europe's largest skyscraper clusters. The project received outline planning permission in 2012, despite fierce opposition from the likes of UNESCO who claim it will have a damaging effect on Liverpool's World Heritage status.

Second city of Empire

 

For periods during the 19th century the wealth of Liverpool exceeded that of London itself,[13] and Liverpool's Custom House was the single largest contributor to the British Exchequer.[14] Liverpool's status can be judged from the fact that it was the only British city ever to have its own Whitehall office.[15]

The first United States consul anywhere in the world, James Maury, was appointed to Liverpool in 1790, and remained in office for 39 years.

As early as 1851 the city was described as "the New York of Europe"[16] and its buildings, constructed on a heroic, even megalomaniacal scale stand witness to the supreme confidence and ambition of the city at the turn of the 20th century.

Liverpool was also the site of the UK's first provincial airport, operating from 1930.

Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1, often seen as Britain's Imperial anthem, was dedicated by the composer to the Liverpool Orchestral Society and had its premiere in the city in October 1901.

During the Second World War, the critical strategic importance of Liverpool was recognised by both Hitler and Churchill, with the city suffering a blitz second only to London's,[17] and the pivotal Battle of the Atlantic being planned, fought and won from Liverpool.[18]

 

Inventions and innovations

 

Railways, transatlantic steamships, municipal trams,[19] electric trains[20] were all pioneered in Liverpool as modes of mass transit. In 1829 and 1836 the first railway tunnels in the world were constructed under Liverpool. From 1950–51, the world's first scheduled passenger helicopter service ran between Liverpool and Cardiff.[21]

The first School for the Blind,[22] Mechanics' Institute,[23] High School for Girls,[24][25] council house[26] and Juvenile Court[27] were all founded in Liverpool. The RSPCA,[28] NSPCC,[29] Age Concern,[30] Relate, Citizen's Advice Bureau[31] and Legal Aid all evolved from work in the city.

In the field of public health, the first lifeboat station, public baths and wash-houses,[32] sanitary act,[33] medical officer for health, district nurse, slum clearance,[34] purpose-built ambulance,[35] X-ray medical diagnosis,[36] school of tropical medicine, motorised municipal fire-engine,[37] free school milk and school meals,[38] cancer research centre,[39] and zoonosis research centre[40] all originated in Liverpool. The first British Nobel Prize was awarded in 1902 to Ronald Ross, professor at the School of Tropical Medicine, the first school of its kind in the world.[41] Orthopaedic surgery was pioneered in Liverpool by Hugh Owen Thomas,[42] and modern medical anaesthetics by Thomas Cecil Gray.

In finance, Liverpool founded the UK's first Underwriters' Association[43] and the first Institute of Accountants. The Western world's first financial derivatives (cotton futures) were traded on the Liverpool Cotton Exchange in the late 1700s.[44]

In the arts, Liverpool was home to the first lending library, athenaeum society, arts centre[45] and public art conservation centre.[46] Liverpool is also home to the UK's oldest surviving classical orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.[47]

In 1864, Peter Ellis built the world's first iron-framed, curtain-walled office building, Oriel Chambers, the prototype of the skyscraper. The UK's first purpose-built department store was Compton House, completed in 1867 for the retailer J.R. Jeffrey, to replace a previous building which had burned down in 1865.[48] It was the largest store in the world at the time.[49]

Between 1862 and 1867, Liverpool held an annual Grand Olympic Festival. Devised by John Hulley and Charles Melly, these games were the first to be wholly amateur in nature and international in outlook.[50][51] The programme of the first modern Olympiad in Athens in 1896 was almost identical to that of the Liverpool Olympics.[52] In 1865 Hulley co-founded the National Olympian Association in Liverpool, a forerunner of the British Olympic Association. Its articles of foundation provided the framework for the International Olympic Charter.

Shipowner Sir Alfred Lewis Jones introduced the banana to Great Britain in 1884.[53]

In 1897, the Lumière brothers filmed Liverpool,[54] including what is believed to be the world's first tracking shot,[55] taken from the Liverpool Overhead Railway – the world's first elevated electrified railway.

Liverpool inventor Frank Hornby was a visionary in toy development and manufacture and produced three of the most popular lines of toys in the 20th century: Meccano, Hornby Model Railways and Dinky Toys.

In 1999, Liverpool was the first city outside the capital to be awarded blue plaques by English Heritage in recognition of the "significant contribution made by its sons and daughters in all walks of life."

 

Government

 

Liverpool has three tiers of government; the Mayor & Local Council, the National Government and the European Parliament. Liverpool is officially governed by a Unitary Authority, as when Merseyside County Council was disbanded civic functions were returned to a district borough level. However several services such as the Police and Fire and Rescue Service, continue to be run at a county-wide level.

 

Mayor and local council

 

The City of Liverpool is governed by the Directly elected mayor of Liverpool and Liverpool City Council, and is one of five metropolitan boroughs that combine to make up the metropolitan county of Merseyside. The Mayor is elected by the citizens of Liverpool every four years and is responsible for the day to day running of the council. The council's 90 elected councillors who represent local communities throughout the city, are responsible for scrutininsing the Mayor's decisions, setting the Budget, and policy framework of the city. The Mayor's responsibility is to be a powerful voice for the city both nationally and internationally, to lead, build investor confidence, and to direct resources to economic priorities.[57] The Mayor also exchanges direct dialogue with government ministers and the Prime minister through his seat at the 'Cabinet of Mayors'. Discussions include pressing decision makers in the government on local issues as well as building relationships with the other Directly elected mayors in England and Wales.[58] The current Mayor is Joe Anderson.

The city of Liverpool effectively has two Mayors. As well as the directly elected Mayor, there is the ceremonial 'Lord Mayor' (or civic Mayor) who is elected by the full city council at its annual general meeting in May, and stands for one year in office. The Lord Mayor acts as the 'first citizen' of Liverpool and is responsible for promoting the city, supporting local charities & community groups as well as representing the city at civic events.[59] The current Lord Mayor is Councillor Frank Prendergast.[60]

During the most recent local elections, held in May 2011, the Labour Party consolidated its control of Liverpool City Council, following on from regaining power for the first time in 12 years, during the previous elections in May 2010.[62] The Labour Party gained 11 seats during the election, taking their total to 62 seats, compared with the 22 held by the Liberal Democrats. Of the remaining seats the Liberal Party won three and the Green Party claimed two. The Conservative Party, one of the three major political parties in the UK had no representation on Liverpool City Council.[62][63]

In February 2008, Liverpool City Council was revealed to be the worst-performing council in the country, receiving just a one star rating (classified as inadequate). The main cause of the poor rating was attributed to the council's poor handling of tax-payer money, including the accumulation of a £20m shortfall on Capital of Culture funding.[64]

While Liverpool through most of the 19th and early 20th Century was a municipal stronghold of Toryism, support for the Conservative Party recently has been among the lowest in any part of Britain, particularly since the monetarist economic policies of prime minister Margaret Thatcher after her 1979 general election victory contributed to high unemployment in the city which did not begin to fall for many years.[65] Liverpool is one of the Labour Party's key strongholds; however the city has seen hard times under Labour governments as well, particularly in the Winter of Discontent (late 1978 and early 1979) when Liverpool suffered public sector strikes along with the rest of the United Kingdom but also suffered the particularly humiliating misfortune of having grave-diggers going on strike, leaving the dead unburied.[66]

 

Parliamentary constituencies and MPs

 

Liverpool has four parliamentary constituencies entirely within the city, through which Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the city in Westminster: Liverpool Riverside, Liverpool Walton, Liverpool Wavertree and Liverpool West Derby.[67]

 

Geography

 

At 53°24′0″N 2°59′0″W (53.4, −2.98), 176 miles (283 km) northwest of London, located on the Liverpool Bay of the Irish Sea the city of Liverpool is built across a ridge of sandstone hills rising up to a height of around 230 feet (70 m) above sea-level at Everton Hill, which represents the southern boundary of the West Lancashire Coastal Plain.

The Mersey Estuary separates Liverpool from Birkenhead, Wallasey and the Kirby[disambiguation needed] sands to the south west. The boundaries of Liverpool are adjacent to Bootle, Crosby and Maghull in south Sefton to the north, and Kirkby, Huyton, Prescot and Halewood in Knowsley to the east.

 

Climate

 

Liverpool experiences a temperate maritime climate, like much of the British Isles, with relatively cool summers and mild winters. Its coastal location and urban situation means diurnal temperature ranges are particularly subdued, ranging from an average of 7.0 °C in May to just 3.8 °C during December. Historically, Bidston Observatory (actually located on the Wirral Peninsula) has provided the longest and most unbroken weather data for the Merseyside area. More recently, the Met Office has operated a weather station at Crosby.

The absolute minimum temperature recorded at Bidston was −12.8 °C (9.0 °F) during January 1881, typically the coldest night of the year should fall to −4 °C (24.8 °F) (1971–2000 average) However, the variability of the local climate was exposed as the weather station at Crosby fell to −17.6 °C (0.3 °F)[70] during December 2010.

The absolute maximum temperature recorded at Bidston was 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) in August 1990 - typically the warmest day of the year should reach 27.5 °C (81.5 °F) (1971–2000 average). The absolute maximum at Crosby is 33.5 °C (92.3 °F), recorded in July 2006.

 

Demography

Population

 

At the 2011 UK Census the recorded population of Liverpool was 466,400.[3] Liverpool's population peaked in 1930s with 846,101 recorded in the 1931 census.[78] Since then the city has experienced negative population growth every decade, with at its peak over 100,000 people leaving the city between 1971 and 1981.[79] Between 2001 and 2006 it experienced the ninth largest percentage population loss of any UK unitary authority.[80] The "Liverpool city region", as defined by the Mersey Partnership, includes Wirral, Warrington, Flintshire, Chester and other areas, and has a population of around 2 million.[81] The European Spatial Planning Observation Network defines a Liverpool metropolitan area consisting of the Merseyside metropolitan county, the borough of Halton, Wigan in Greater Manchester, the city of Chester as well as number of towns in Lancashire and Cheshire including Ormskirk and Warrington.[82] Liverpool and Manchester are sometimes considered as one large polynuclear metropolitan area,[83][84][85] or megalopolis.[86]

In common with many cities, Liverpool's population is younger than that of England as a whole, with 42.3 per cent of its population under the age of 30, compared to an English average of 37.4 per cent.[87] 65.1 per cent of the population is of working age.[87]

 

Ethnicity

As of June 2009, an estimated 91.0 per cent of Liverpool's population was White British, 3.0 per cent Asian or Asian British, 1.9 per cent Black or Black British, 2.0 per cent mixed-race and 2.1 per cent Chinese and other.[2]

Liverpool is home to Britain's oldest Black community, dating to at least the 1730s, and some Black Liverpudlians are able to trace their ancestors in the city back ten generations.[88] Early Black settlers in the city included seamen, the children of traders sent to be educated, and freed slaves, since slaves entering the country after 1722 were deemed free men.[89]

The city is also home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe; the first residents of the city's Chinatown arrived as seamen in the 19th century.[90] The gateway in Chinatown, Liverpool is also the largest gateway outside of China. The city is also known for its large Irish population and its historical Welsh population.[91] In 1813, 10 per cent of Liverpool's population was Welsh, leading to the city becoming known as "the capital of North Wales".[91] Following the start of the Great Irish Famine, two million Irish people migrated to Liverpool in the space of one decade, many of them subsequently departing for the United States.[92] By 1851, more than 20 per cent of the population of Liverpool was Irish.[93] At the 2001 Census, 1.17 per cent of the population were Welsh-born and 0.75 per cent were born in the Republic of Ireland, while 0.54 per cent were born in Northern Ireland,[94] but many more Liverpudlians are of Welsh or Irish ancestry. Liverpool is also noted for its large African-Caribbean,[95] Ghanaian,[96] Indian,[95] Latin American,[97] Malaysian,[98] Somali[99] and Yemeni.[100] communities which number several thousand each.

 

Religion

The thousands of migrants and sailors passing through Liverpool resulted in a religious diversity that is still apparent today. This is reflected in the equally diverse collection of religious buildings,[101] and two Christian cathedrals.

Christ Church, in Buckingham Road, Tuebrook, is a conservative evangelical congregation and is affiliated with the Evangelical Connexion.[102] They worship using the 1785 Prayer Book, and regard the Bible as the sole rule of faith and practice.

The parish church of Liverpool is the Anglican Our Lady and St Nicholas, colloquially known as "the sailors church", which has existed near the waterfront since 1257. It regularly plays host to Catholic masses. Other notable churches include the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas (built in the Neo-Byzantine architecture style), and the Gustav Adolfus Kyrka (the Swedish Seamen's Church, reminiscent of Nordic styles).

Liverpool's wealth as a port city enabled the construction of two enormous cathedrals, both dating from the 20th century. The Anglican Cathedral, which was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and plays host to the annual Liverpool Shakespeare Festival, has one of the longest naves, largest organs and heaviest and highest peals of bells in the world. The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, on Mount Pleasant next to Liverpool Science Park was initially planned to be even larger. Of Sir Edwin Lutyens' original design, only the crypt was completed. The cathedral was eventually built to a simpler design by Sir Frederick Gibberd; while this is on a smaller scale than Lutyens' original design, it still manages to incorporate the largest panel of stained glass in the world. The road running between the two cathedrals is called Hope Street, a coincidence which pleases believers. The cathedral is colloquially referred to as "Paddy's Wigwam" due to its shape.[103][104]

Liverpool contains several synagogues, of which the Grade I listed Moorish Revival Princes Road Synagogue is architecturally the most notable. Princes Road is widely considered to be the most magnificent of Britain's Moorish Revival synagogues and one of the finest buildings in Liverpool.[105] Liverpool has a thriving Jewish community with a further two orthodox Synagogues, one in the Allerton district of the city and a second in the Childwall district of the city where a significant Jewish community reside. A third orthodox Synagogue in the Greenbank Park area of L17 has recently closed, and is a listed 1930s structure. There is also a Lubavitch Chabad House and a reform Synagogue. Liverpool has had a Jewish community since the mid-18th century. The current Jewish population of Liverpool is around 3000.[106]

Liverpool also has an increasing Hindu community, with a Mandir on 253 Edge Lane, Edge Hill, L7 2PH; the Shri Radha Krishna Temple from the Hindu Cultural Organisation, Liverpool based there.[107] The current Hindu population in Liverpool is about 1147.[citation needed] Liverpool also has the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara based at Wellington Avenue, Wavertree, L15 0EJ,[108] and Liverpool's Bahá'í Centre is located on 3 and 5 Langdale Road, Wavertree, L15 3LA.[109]

The city had the earliest mosque in England, and possibly the UK, founded in 1887 by William Abdullah Quilliam, a lawyer who had converted to Islam, and set up in a terraced house on West Derby Road.[110] The building was used as a house of worship until 1908, when it was sold to the City Council and converted into offices.[111] Plans have been accepted to re-convert the building where the mosque once stood into a museum.[112] Currently there are three mosques in Liverpool: the largest and main one, Al-Rahma mosque, in the Toxteth area of the city and a mosque recently opened in the Mossley Hill district of the city. The third mosque was also recently opened in Toxteth and is on Granby Street.

 

LGBT community

Liverpool has a large lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender/transsexual population, as well as the UK's only official 'gay quarter'. Despite cities such as Manchester and Brighton being historically more noted for their LGBT communities, Liverpool now has an LGBT comparable per capita to that of San Francisco.

 

Economy

 

The Economy of Liverpool is one of the largest within the United Kingdom, sitting at the centre of one of the two core economies within the North West of England.[113] In 2006, the city's GVA was £7,626 million, providing a per capita figure of £17,489, which was above the North West average.[114] After several decades of decline, Liverpool's economy has seen somewhat of a revival since the mid-1990s, with its GVA increasing 71.8% between 1995 and 2006 and employment increasing 12% between 1998 and 2006.[114]

In common with much of the rest of the UK today, Liverpool's economy is dominated by service sector industries, both public and private. In 2007, over 60% of all employment in the city was in the public administration, education, health, banking, finance and insurance sectors.[114] Over recent years there has also been significant growth in the knowledge economy of Liverpool with the establishment of the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter in sectors such as media and life sciences.[115] Liverpool's rich architectural base has also helped the city become the second most filmed city in the UK outside of London,[116] including doubling for Chicago, London, Moscow, New York, Paris and Rome.[117][118]

Another important component of Liverpool's economy are the tourism and leisure sectors. Liverpool is the 6th most visited city in the United Kingdom[119] and one of the 100 most visited cities in the world by international tourists.[120] In 2008, during the city's European Capital of Culture celebrations, overnight visitors brought £188m into the local economy,[119] while tourism as a whole is worth approximately £1.3bn a year to Liverpool.[118] The city's new cruise liner terminal, which is situated close to the Pier Head, also makes Liverpool one of the few places in the world where cruise ships are able to berth right in the centre of the city.[121] Other recent developments in Liverpool such as the Echo Arena and Liverpool One have made Liverpool an important leisure centre with the latter helping to lift Liverpool into the top five retail destinations in the UK.[122]

Historically, the economy of Liverpool was centred around the city's port and manufacturing base, although today less than 10% of employment in the city are in these sectors.[114] Nonetheless the city remains one of the most important ports in the United Kingdom, handling over 32.2m tonnes of cargo in 2008.[123] It is also home to the UK headquarters of many shipping lines including Japanese firm NYK and Danish firm Maersk Line.[124][125] Future plans to redevelop the city's northern dock system, in a project known as Liverpool Waters, could see £5.5bn invested in the city over the next 50 years, creating 17,000 new jobs.[126]

Car-manufacturing also takes place in the city at the Halewood plant where the Jaguar X-Type and Land Rover Freelander models are assembled.

 

Landmarks

 

Liverpool's history means that there are a considerable variety of architectural styles found within the city, ranging from 16th century Tudor buildings to modern-day contemporary architecture.[127] The majority of buildings in the city date from the late-18th century onwards, the period during which the city grew into one of the foremost powers in the British Empire.[128] There are over 2,500 listed buildings in Liverpool, of which 27 are Grade I listed[129] and 85 are Grade II* listed.[130] The city also has a greater number of public sculptures than any other location in the United Kingdom aside from Westminster[131] and more Georgian houses than the city of Bath.[132] This richness of architecture has subsequently seen Liverpool described by English Heritage, as England's finest Victorian city.[133] The value of Liverpool's architecture and design was recognised in 2004, when several areas throughout the city were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the sites were added in recognition of the city's role in the development of international trade and docking technology.[134]

 

Waterfront and docks

 

As a major British port, the docks in Liverpool have historically been central to the city's development. Several major docking firsts have occurred in the city including the construction of the world's first enclosed wet dock (the Old Dock) in 1715 and the first ever hydraulic lifting cranes.[135] The best-known dock in Liverpool is the Albert Dock, which was constructed in 1846 and today comprises the largest single collection of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in Britain.[136] Built under the guidance of Jesse Hartley, it was considered to be one of the most advanced docks anywhere in the world upon completion and is often attributed with helping the city to become one of the most important ports in the world. The Albert Dock currently houses a number of restaurants, bars, shops, two hotels as well as the Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story. North of the city centre is Stanley Dock, home to the Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse, which was at the time of its construction in 1901, the world's largest building in terms of area[137] and today stands as the world's largest brick-work building.[138]

One of the most famous locations in Liverpool is the Pier Head, renowned for the trio of buildings – the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building – which sit upon it. Collectively referred to as the Three Graces, these buildings stand as a testament to the great wealth in the city during the late 19th and early 20th century. Built in a variety of architectural styles, they are recognised as being the symbol of Maritime Liverpool, and are regarded by many as contributing to one of the most impressive waterfronts in the world.[139][140][141][142]

In recent years, several areas along Liverpool's waterfront have undergone significant redevelopment. Amongst the notable recent developments are the construction of the Echo Arena Liverpool and BT Convention Centre on Kings Dock, Alexandra Tower and 1 Princes Dock on Princes Dock and Liverpool Marina around Coburg and Brunswick Docks.

 

Commercial District and Cultural Quarter

 

Liverpool's historic position as one of the most important trading ports in the world has meant that over time many grand buildings have been constructed in the city as headquarters for shipping firms, insurance companies, banks and other large firms. The great wealth this brought, then allowed for the development of grand civic buildings, which were designed to allow the local administrators to 'run the city with pride'.[143]

The commercial district is centred around the Castle Street, Dale Street and Old Hall Street areas of the city, with many of the area's roads still following their medieval layout. Having developed over a period of three centuries the area is regarded as one of the most important architectural locations in the city, as recognised by its inclusion in Liverpool's World Heritage site.[144] The oldest building in the area is the Grade I listed Liverpool Town Hall, which is located at the top of Castle Street and dates from 1754. Often regarded as the city's finest piece of Georgian architecture, the building is noted as one of the most extravagantly decorated civic buildings anywhere in Britain.[145][146] Also on Castle Street is the Grade I listed Bank of England Building, constructed between 1845 and 1848, as one of only three provincial branches of the national bank.[145] Amongst the other noted buildings in the area are the Tower Buildings, Albion House (the former White Star Line headquarters), the Municipal Buildings and Oriel Chambers,[147] which is considered to be one of the earliest Modernist style buildings ever built.[148]

The area around William Brown Street is referred to as the city's 'Cultural Quarter', owing to the presence of numerous civic buildings, including the William Brown Library, Walker Art Gallery, Picton Reading Rooms and World Museum Liverpool. The area is dominated by neo-classical architecture, of which the most prominent, St George's Hall,[149] is widely regarded as the best example of a neo-classical building anywhere in Europe.[150] A Grade I listed building, it was constructed between 1840 and 1855 to serve a variety of civic functions in the city and its doors are inscribed with "S.P.Q.L." (Latin senatus populusque Liverpudliensis), meaning "the senate and people of Liverpool". William Brown Street is also home to numerous public monuments and sculptures, including Wellington's Column and the Steble Fountain. Many others are located around the area, particularly in St John's Gardens, which was specifically developed for this purpose.[151] The William Brown Street area has been likened to a modern recreation of the Roman Forum.[152]

  

To read more about the Transport, Culture, Education, Media, Sports, Quotes and International Links of Liverpool please click:-

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool

Opened in 2007 and standing 459 feet high.

The statue forms part of a memorial honouring Sir Alfred Lewis Jones (1845-1909) who was a famous Ship Owner.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool

 

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, United Kingdom along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880. It is the fourth most populous British city, and third most populous in England, with a 2011 population of 466,400[3] and is at the centre of a wider urban area, the Liverpool City Region, which has a population of around 2 million people.[4]

Historically a part of Lancashire, the urbanisation and expansion of Liverpool were both largely brought about by the city's status as a major port. By the 18th century, trade from the West Indies, Ireland and mainland Europe coupled with close links with the Atlantic Slave Trade furthered the economic expansion of Liverpool. By the early 19th century, 40% of the world's trade passed through Liverpool's docks, contributing to Liverpool's rise as a major city. Liverpool is also well known for its inventions and innovations, particularly in terms of infrastructure, transportation and general construction. Railways, ferries and the skyscraper were all pioneered in the city.

Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians but are also colloquially known as "Scousers", in reference to the local dish known as "scouse", a form of stew. The word "Scouse" has also become synonymous with the Liverpool accent and dialect.[5] Liverpool's status as a port city has contributed to its diverse population, which, historically, were drawn from a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, particularly those from Ireland. The city is also home to the oldest Black African community in the country and the oldest Chinese community in Europe.

Labelled the World Capital City of Pop by Guinness World Records, Liverpool has produced a wealth of musical talent since the mid-20th century. The popularity of The Beatles, Billy Fury, Gerry and the Pacemakers and the other groups from the Merseybeat era, and later bands such as Echo & the Bunnymen and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, contributes to Liverpool's status as a tourist destination; tourism forms a significant part of the city's modern economy. The city celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2007, and it held the European Capital of Culture title together with Stavanger, Norway, in 2008.[6]

Liverpool is noted for its rich architectural heritage and is home to many buildings regarded as amongst the greatest examples of their respective styles in the world. Several areas of the city centre were granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2004. Referred to as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the site comprises six separate locations in the city including the Pier Head, Albert Dock and William Brown Street and includes many of the city's most famous landmarks.[7]

Liverpool is also well known for its strong sporting identity. The city is home of two Premier League football clubs, Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C.. Matches between the two clubs are known as the Merseyside derby. The world-famous Grand National also takes places annually at Aintree Racecourse on the outskirts of the city.

  

History

 

Early history

King John's letters patent of 1207 announced the foundation of the borough of Liverpool, but by the middle of the 16th century the population was still only around 500. The original street plan of Liverpool is said to have been designed by King John near the same time it was granted a royal charter, making it a borough. The original seven streets were laid out in a H shape: Bank Street (now Water Street), Castle Street, Chapel Street, Dale Street, Juggler Street (now High Street), Moor Street (now Tithebarn Street) and Whiteacre Street (now Old Hall Street).

In the 17th century there was slow progress in trade and population growth. Battles for the town were waged during the English Civil War, including an eighteen-day siege in 1644. In 1699 Liverpool was made a parish by Act of Parliament, that same year its first slave ship, Liverpool Merchant, set sail for Africa. As trade from the West Indies surpassed that of Ireland and Europe, and as the River Dee silted up, Liverpool began to grow. The first commercial wet dock was built in Liverpool in 1715.[8][9] Substantial profits from the slave trade helped the town to prosper and rapidly grow, although two prominent local men, William Roscoe and Edward Rushton, were at the forefront of the abolitionist movement.

In the early 19th century Liverpool played a major role in the Antarctic sealing industry, in recognition of which Liverpool Beach in the South Shetland Islands is named after the city.[10]

By the start of the 19th century, 40% of the world's trade was passing through Liverpool and the construction of major buildings reflected this wealth. In 1830, Liverpool and Manchester became the first cities to have an intercity rail link, through the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The population continued to rise rapidly, especially during the 1840s when Irish migrants began arriving by the hundreds of thousands as a result of the Great Famine. By 1851, approximately 25% of the city's population was Irish-born. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Liverpool was drawing immigrants from across Europe. This is evident from the diverse array of religious buildings located across the city, many of which are still in use today. The Deutsche Kirche Liverpool, Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Gustav Adolfus Kyrka, Princes Road Synagogue and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church were all established in the late 1800s to serve Liverpool's growing German, Greek, Jewish, Nordic and Polish communities respectively.

 

20th century

 

The Housing Act 1919 resulted in mass council housing building across Liverpool during the 1920s and 1930s. Thousands of families were rehoused from the inner-city to new suburban housing estates, based on the pretext that this would improve their standard of living, though this is largely subjective. A large number of private homes were also built during this era. The process continued after the Second World War, with many more new housing estates being built in suburban areas, while some of the older inner city areas were also redeveloped for new homes. The Great Depression of the early 1930s saw unemployment in the city peak at around 30%.

During the Second World War there were 80 air-raids on Merseyside, killing 2,500 people and causing damage to almost half the homes in the metropolitan area. Significant rebuilding followed the war, including massive housing estates and the Seaforth Dock, the largest dock project in Britain. Much of the immediate reconstruction of the city centre has been deeply unpopular, and was as flawed as much town planning renewal in the 1950s and 1960s – the portions of the city's heritage that survived German bombing could not withstand the efforts of urban renewal. Since 1952 Liverpool has been twinned with Cologne, Germany, a city which also experienced severe aerial bombing during the war.

Like most British cities and industrialised towns, Liverpool became home to a significant number of Commonwealth immigrants after World War II, mostly settling in older inner city areas such as Toxteth. However, a significant West Indian black community had existed in the city as long ago as the first two decades of the 20th century.

In the 1960s Liverpool was the centre of the "Merseybeat" sound which became synonymous with The Beatles and fellow Liverpudlian rock bands.

From the mid-1970s onwards Liverpool's docks and traditional manufacturing industries went into sharp decline. The advent of containerisation meant that the city's docks became largely obsolete. By the early 1980s unemployment rates in Liverpool were once again among the highest in the UK,[11] standing at 17% by January 1982 - although this was just over half of the level of unemployment that was affecting the city in an economic downturn 50 years previously.[12]

In recent years, Liverpool's economy has recovered and has experienced growth rates higher than the national average since the mid-nineties.

At the end of the 20th century Liverpool was concentrating on regeneration, a process which still continues today.

Previously part of Lancashire, and a county borough from 1889, Liverpool became in 1974 a metropolitan borough within the newly created metropolitan county of Merseyside.

 

21st century

 

To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2002, the conservation charity Plantlife organised a competition to choose county flowers; the sea-holly was Liverpool's final choice.

Capitalising on the popularity of 1960s rock groups, such as The Beatles, as well as the city's world-class art galleries, museums and landmarks, tourism has also become a significant factor in Liverpool's economy.

In 2004, property developer Grosvenor started the Paradise Project, a £920 m development centred on Paradise Street, which involved the most significant changes to Liverpool's city centre since the post-war reconstruction. Renamed 'Liverpool ONE', the centre opened in May 2008.

In 2007, the city celebrated the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the borough of Liverpool, for which a number of events were planned. Liverpool is a joint European Capital of Culture for 2008. The main celebrations, in September 2008, included La Princesse, a large mechanical spider which is 20 metres high and weighs 37 tonnes, and represents the "eight legs" of Liverpool: honour, history, music, the Mersey, the ports, governance, sunshine and culture. La Princesse roamed the streets of the city during the festivities, and concluded by entering the Queensway Tunnel.

Spearheaded by the multi-billion Liverpool ONE development, regeneration has continued on an unprecedented scale through to the start of the early 2010s in Liverpool. Some of the most significant regeneration projects to have taken place in the city include the new Commercial District, King's Dock, Mann Island, the Lime Street Gateway, the Baltic Triangle, RopeWalks and the Edge Lane Gateway. All projects could however soon be eclipsed by the Liverpool Waters scheme which if built will cost in the region of £5.5billion and be one of the largest megaprojects in the UK's history. Liverpool Waters is a mixed use development which will contain one of Europe's largest skyscraper clusters. The project received outline planning permission in 2012, despite fierce opposition from the likes of UNESCO who claim it will have a damaging effect on Liverpool's World Heritage status.

Second city of Empire

 

For periods during the 19th century the wealth of Liverpool exceeded that of London itself,[13] and Liverpool's Custom House was the single largest contributor to the British Exchequer.[14] Liverpool's status can be judged from the fact that it was the only British city ever to have its own Whitehall office.[15]

The first United States consul anywhere in the world, James Maury, was appointed to Liverpool in 1790, and remained in office for 39 years.

As early as 1851 the city was described as "the New York of Europe"[16] and its buildings, constructed on a heroic, even megalomaniacal scale stand witness to the supreme confidence and ambition of the city at the turn of the 20th century.

Liverpool was also the site of the UK's first provincial airport, operating from 1930.

Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1, often seen as Britain's Imperial anthem, was dedicated by the composer to the Liverpool Orchestral Society and had its premiere in the city in October 1901.

During the Second World War, the critical strategic importance of Liverpool was recognised by both Hitler and Churchill, with the city suffering a blitz second only to London's,[17] and the pivotal Battle of the Atlantic being planned, fought and won from Liverpool.[18]

 

Inventions and innovations

 

Railways, transatlantic steamships, municipal trams,[19] electric trains[20] were all pioneered in Liverpool as modes of mass transit. In 1829 and 1836 the first railway tunnels in the world were constructed under Liverpool. From 1950–51, the world's first scheduled passenger helicopter service ran between Liverpool and Cardiff.[21]

The first School for the Blind,[22] Mechanics' Institute,[23] High School for Girls,[24][25] council house[26] and Juvenile Court[27] were all founded in Liverpool. The RSPCA,[28] NSPCC,[29] Age Concern,[30] Relate, Citizen's Advice Bureau[31] and Legal Aid all evolved from work in the city.

In the field of public health, the first lifeboat station, public baths and wash-houses,[32] sanitary act,[33] medical officer for health, district nurse, slum clearance,[34] purpose-built ambulance,[35] X-ray medical diagnosis,[36] school of tropical medicine, motorised municipal fire-engine,[37] free school milk and school meals,[38] cancer research centre,[39] and zoonosis research centre[40] all originated in Liverpool. The first British Nobel Prize was awarded in 1902 to Ronald Ross, professor at the School of Tropical Medicine, the first school of its kind in the world.[41] Orthopaedic surgery was pioneered in Liverpool by Hugh Owen Thomas,[42] and modern medical anaesthetics by Thomas Cecil Gray.

In finance, Liverpool founded the UK's first Underwriters' Association[43] and the first Institute of Accountants. The Western world's first financial derivatives (cotton futures) were traded on the Liverpool Cotton Exchange in the late 1700s.[44]

In the arts, Liverpool was home to the first lending library, athenaeum society, arts centre[45] and public art conservation centre.[46] Liverpool is also home to the UK's oldest surviving classical orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.[47]

In 1864, Peter Ellis built the world's first iron-framed, curtain-walled office building, Oriel Chambers, the prototype of the skyscraper. The UK's first purpose-built department store was Compton House, completed in 1867 for the retailer J.R. Jeffrey, to replace a previous building which had burned down in 1865.[48] It was the largest store in the world at the time.[49]

Between 1862 and 1867, Liverpool held an annual Grand Olympic Festival. Devised by John Hulley and Charles Melly, these games were the first to be wholly amateur in nature and international in outlook.[50][51] The programme of the first modern Olympiad in Athens in 1896 was almost identical to that of the Liverpool Olympics.[52] In 1865 Hulley co-founded the National Olympian Association in Liverpool, a forerunner of the British Olympic Association. Its articles of foundation provided the framework for the International Olympic Charter.

Shipowner Sir Alfred Lewis Jones introduced the banana to Great Britain in 1884.[53]

In 1897, the Lumière brothers filmed Liverpool,[54] including what is believed to be the world's first tracking shot,[55] taken from the Liverpool Overhead Railway – the world's first elevated electrified railway.

Liverpool inventor Frank Hornby was a visionary in toy development and manufacture and produced three of the most popular lines of toys in the 20th century: Meccano, Hornby Model Railways and Dinky Toys.

In 1999, Liverpool was the first city outside the capital to be awarded blue plaques by English Heritage in recognition of the "significant contribution made by its sons and daughters in all walks of life."

 

Government

 

Liverpool has three tiers of government; the Mayor & Local Council, the National Government and the European Parliament. Liverpool is officially governed by a Unitary Authority, as when Merseyside County Council was disbanded civic functions were returned to a district borough level. However several services such as the Police and Fire and Rescue Service, continue to be run at a county-wide level.

 

Mayor and local council

 

The City of Liverpool is governed by the Directly elected mayor of Liverpool and Liverpool City Council, and is one of five metropolitan boroughs that combine to make up the metropolitan county of Merseyside. The Mayor is elected by the citizens of Liverpool every four years and is responsible for the day to day running of the council. The council's 90 elected councillors who represent local communities throughout the city, are responsible for scrutininsing the Mayor's decisions, setting the Budget, and policy framework of the city. The Mayor's responsibility is to be a powerful voice for the city both nationally and internationally, to lead, build investor confidence, and to direct resources to economic priorities.[57] The Mayor also exchanges direct dialogue with government ministers and the Prime minister through his seat at the 'Cabinet of Mayors'. Discussions include pressing decision makers in the government on local issues as well as building relationships with the other Directly elected mayors in England and Wales.[58] The current Mayor is Joe Anderson.

The city of Liverpool effectively has two Mayors. As well as the directly elected Mayor, there is the ceremonial 'Lord Mayor' (or civic Mayor) who is elected by the full city council at its annual general meeting in May, and stands for one year in office. The Lord Mayor acts as the 'first citizen' of Liverpool and is responsible for promoting the city, supporting local charities & community groups as well as representing the city at civic events.[59] The current Lord Mayor is Councillor Frank Prendergast.[60]

During the most recent local elections, held in May 2011, the Labour Party consolidated its control of Liverpool City Council, following on from regaining power for the first time in 12 years, during the previous elections in May 2010.[62] The Labour Party gained 11 seats during the election, taking their total to 62 seats, compared with the 22 held by the Liberal Democrats. Of the remaining seats the Liberal Party won three and the Green Party claimed two. The Conservative Party, one of the three major political parties in the UK had no representation on Liverpool City Council.[62][63]

In February 2008, Liverpool City Council was revealed to be the worst-performing council in the country, receiving just a one star rating (classified as inadequate). The main cause of the poor rating was attributed to the council's poor handling of tax-payer money, including the accumulation of a £20m shortfall on Capital of Culture funding.[64]

While Liverpool through most of the 19th and early 20th Century was a municipal stronghold of Toryism, support for the Conservative Party recently has been among the lowest in any part of Britain, particularly since the monetarist economic policies of prime minister Margaret Thatcher after her 1979 general election victory contributed to high unemployment in the city which did not begin to fall for many years.[65] Liverpool is one of the Labour Party's key strongholds; however the city has seen hard times under Labour governments as well, particularly in the Winter of Discontent (late 1978 and early 1979) when Liverpool suffered public sector strikes along with the rest of the United Kingdom but also suffered the particularly humiliating misfortune of having grave-diggers going on strike, leaving the dead unburied.[66]

 

Parliamentary constituencies and MPs

 

Liverpool has four parliamentary constituencies entirely within the city, through which Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the city in Westminster: Liverpool Riverside, Liverpool Walton, Liverpool Wavertree and Liverpool West Derby.[67]

 

Geography

 

At 53°24′0″N 2°59′0″W (53.4, −2.98), 176 miles (283 km) northwest of London, located on the Liverpool Bay of the Irish Sea the city of Liverpool is built across a ridge of sandstone hills rising up to a height of around 230 feet (70 m) above sea-level at Everton Hill, which represents the southern boundary of the West Lancashire Coastal Plain.

The Mersey Estuary separates Liverpool from Birkenhead, Wallasey and the Kirby[disambiguation needed] sands to the south west. The boundaries of Liverpool are adjacent to Bootle, Crosby and Maghull in south Sefton to the north, and Kirkby, Huyton, Prescot and Halewood in Knowsley to the east.

 

Climate

 

Liverpool experiences a temperate maritime climate, like much of the British Isles, with relatively cool summers and mild winters. Its coastal location and urban situation means diurnal temperature ranges are particularly subdued, ranging from an average of 7.0 °C in May to just 3.8 °C during December. Historically, Bidston Observatory (actually located on the Wirral Peninsula) has provided the longest and most unbroken weather data for the Merseyside area. More recently, the Met Office has operated a weather station at Crosby.

The absolute minimum temperature recorded at Bidston was −12.8 °C (9.0 °F) during January 1881, typically the coldest night of the year should fall to −4 °C (24.8 °F) (1971–2000 average) However, the variability of the local climate was exposed as the weather station at Crosby fell to −17.6 °C (0.3 °F)[70] during December 2010.

The absolute maximum temperature recorded at Bidston was 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) in August 1990 - typically the warmest day of the year should reach 27.5 °C (81.5 °F) (1971–2000 average). The absolute maximum at Crosby is 33.5 °C (92.3 °F), recorded in July 2006.

 

Demography

Population

 

At the 2011 UK Census the recorded population of Liverpool was 466,400.[3] Liverpool's population peaked in 1930s with 846,101 recorded in the 1931 census.[78] Since then the city has experienced negative population growth every decade, with at its peak over 100,000 people leaving the city between 1971 and 1981.[79] Between 2001 and 2006 it experienced the ninth largest percentage population loss of any UK unitary authority.[80] The "Liverpool city region", as defined by the Mersey Partnership, includes Wirral, Warrington, Flintshire, Chester and other areas, and has a population of around 2 million.[81] The European Spatial Planning Observation Network defines a Liverpool metropolitan area consisting of the Merseyside metropolitan county, the borough of Halton, Wigan in Greater Manchester, the city of Chester as well as number of towns in Lancashire and Cheshire including Ormskirk and Warrington.[82] Liverpool and Manchester are sometimes considered as one large polynuclear metropolitan area,[83][84][85] or megalopolis.[86]

In common with many cities, Liverpool's population is younger than that of England as a whole, with 42.3 per cent of its population under the age of 30, compared to an English average of 37.4 per cent.[87] 65.1 per cent of the population is of working age.[87]

 

Ethnicity

As of June 2009, an estimated 91.0 per cent of Liverpool's population was White British, 3.0 per cent Asian or Asian British, 1.9 per cent Black or Black British, 2.0 per cent mixed-race and 2.1 per cent Chinese and other.[2]

Liverpool is home to Britain's oldest Black community, dating to at least the 1730s, and some Black Liverpudlians are able to trace their ancestors in the city back ten generations.[88] Early Black settlers in the city included seamen, the children of traders sent to be educated, and freed slaves, since slaves entering the country after 1722 were deemed free men.[89]

The city is also home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe; the first residents of the city's Chinatown arrived as seamen in the 19th century.[90] The gateway in Chinatown, Liverpool is also the largest gateway outside of China. The city is also known for its large Irish population and its historical Welsh population.[91] In 1813, 10 per cent of Liverpool's population was Welsh, leading to the city becoming known as "the capital of North Wales".[91] Following the start of the Great Irish Famine, two million Irish people migrated to Liverpool in the space of one decade, many of them subsequently departing for the United States.[92] By 1851, more than 20 per cent of the population of Liverpool was Irish.[93] At the 2001 Census, 1.17 per cent of the population were Welsh-born and 0.75 per cent were born in the Republic of Ireland, while 0.54 per cent were born in Northern Ireland,[94] but many more Liverpudlians are of Welsh or Irish ancestry. Liverpool is also noted for its large African-Caribbean,[95] Ghanaian,[96] Indian,[95] Latin American,[97] Malaysian,[98] Somali[99] and Yemeni.[100] communities which number several thousand each.

 

Religion

The thousands of migrants and sailors passing through Liverpool resulted in a religious diversity that is still apparent today. This is reflected in the equally diverse collection of religious buildings,[101] and two Christian cathedrals.

Christ Church, in Buckingham Road, Tuebrook, is a conservative evangelical congregation and is affiliated with the Evangelical Connexion.[102] They worship using the 1785 Prayer Book, and regard the Bible as the sole rule of faith and practice.

The parish church of Liverpool is the Anglican Our Lady and St Nicholas, colloquially known as "the sailors church", which has existed near the waterfront since 1257. It regularly plays host to Catholic masses. Other notable churches include the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas (built in the Neo-Byzantine architecture style), and the Gustav Adolfus Kyrka (the Swedish Seamen's Church, reminiscent of Nordic styles).

Liverpool's wealth as a port city enabled the construction of two enormous cathedrals, both dating from the 20th century. The Anglican Cathedral, which was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and plays host to the annual Liverpool Shakespeare Festival, has one of the longest naves, largest organs and heaviest and highest peals of bells in the world. The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, on Mount Pleasant next to Liverpool Science Park was initially planned to be even larger. Of Sir Edwin Lutyens' original design, only the crypt was completed. The cathedral was eventually built to a simpler design by Sir Frederick Gibberd; while this is on a smaller scale than Lutyens' original design, it still manages to incorporate the largest panel of stained glass in the world. The road running between the two cathedrals is called Hope Street, a coincidence which pleases believers. The cathedral is colloquially referred to as "Paddy's Wigwam" due to its shape.[103][104]

Liverpool contains several synagogues, of which the Grade I listed Moorish Revival Princes Road Synagogue is architecturally the most notable. Princes Road is widely considered to be the most magnificent of Britain's Moorish Revival synagogues and one of the finest buildings in Liverpool.[105] Liverpool has a thriving Jewish community with a further two orthodox Synagogues, one in the Allerton district of the city and a second in the Childwall district of the city where a significant Jewish community reside. A third orthodox Synagogue in the Greenbank Park area of L17 has recently closed, and is a listed 1930s structure. There is also a Lubavitch Chabad House and a reform Synagogue. Liverpool has had a Jewish community since the mid-18th century. The current Jewish population of Liverpool is around 3000.[106]

Liverpool also has an increasing Hindu community, with a Mandir on 253 Edge Lane, Edge Hill, L7 2PH; the Shri Radha Krishna Temple from the Hindu Cultural Organisation, Liverpool based there.[107] The current Hindu population in Liverpool is about 1147.[citation needed] Liverpool also has the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara based at Wellington Avenue, Wavertree, L15 0EJ,[108] and Liverpool's Bahá'í Centre is located on 3 and 5 Langdale Road, Wavertree, L15 3LA.[109]

The city had the earliest mosque in England, and possibly the UK, founded in 1887 by William Abdullah Quilliam, a lawyer who had converted to Islam, and set up in a terraced house on West Derby Road.[110] The building was used as a house of worship until 1908, when it was sold to the City Council and converted into offices.[111] Plans have been accepted to re-convert the building where the mosque once stood into a museum.[112] Currently there are three mosques in Liverpool: the largest and main one, Al-Rahma mosque, in the Toxteth area of the city and a mosque recently opened in the Mossley Hill district of the city. The third mosque was also recently opened in Toxteth and is on Granby Street.

 

LGBT community

Liverpool has a large lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender/transsexual population, as well as the UK's only official 'gay quarter'. Despite cities such as Manchester and Brighton being historically more noted for their LGBT communities, Liverpool now has an LGBT comparable per capita to that of San Francisco.

 

Economy

 

The Economy of Liverpool is one of the largest within the United Kingdom, sitting at the centre of one of the two core economies within the North West of England.[113] In 2006, the city's GVA was £7,626 million, providing a per capita figure of £17,489, which was above the North West average.[114] After several decades of decline, Liverpool's economy has seen somewhat of a revival since the mid-1990s, with its GVA increasing 71.8% between 1995 and 2006 and employment increasing 12% between 1998 and 2006.[114]

In common with much of the rest of the UK today, Liverpool's economy is dominated by service sector industries, both public and private. In 2007, over 60% of all employment in the city was in the public administration, education, health, banking, finance and insurance sectors.[114] Over recent years there has also been significant growth in the knowledge economy of Liverpool with the establishment of the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter in sectors such as media and life sciences.[115] Liverpool's rich architectural base has also helped the city become the second most filmed city in the UK outside of London,[116] including doubling for Chicago, London, Moscow, New York, Paris and Rome.[117][118]

Another important component of Liverpool's economy are the tourism and leisure sectors. Liverpool is the 6th most visited city in the United Kingdom[119] and one of the 100 most visited cities in the world by international tourists.[120] In 2008, during the city's European Capital of Culture celebrations, overnight visitors brought £188m into the local economy,[119] while tourism as a whole is worth approximately £1.3bn a year to Liverpool.[118] The city's new cruise liner terminal, which is situated close to the Pier Head, also makes Liverpool one of the few places in the world where cruise ships are able to berth right in the centre of the city.[121] Other recent developments in Liverpool such as the Echo Arena and Liverpool One have made Liverpool an important leisure centre with the latter helping to lift Liverpool into the top five retail destinations in the UK.[122]

Historically, the economy of Liverpool was centred around the city's port and manufacturing base, although today less than 10% of employment in the city are in these sectors.[114] Nonetheless the city remains one of the most important ports in the United Kingdom, handling over 32.2m tonnes of cargo in 2008.[123] It is also home to the UK headquarters of many shipping lines including Japanese firm NYK and Danish firm Maersk Line.[124][125] Future plans to redevelop the city's northern dock system, in a project known as Liverpool Waters, could see £5.5bn invested in the city over the next 50 years, creating 17,000 new jobs.[126]

Car-manufacturing also takes place in the city at the Halewood plant where the Jaguar X-Type and Land Rover Freelander models are assembled.

 

Landmarks

 

Liverpool's history means that there are a considerable variety of architectural styles found within the city, ranging from 16th century Tudor buildings to modern-day contemporary architecture.[127] The majority of buildings in the city date from the late-18th century onwards, the period during which the city grew into one of the foremost powers in the British Empire.[128] There are over 2,500 listed buildings in Liverpool, of which 27 are Grade I listed[129] and 85 are Grade II* listed.[130] The city also has a greater number of public sculptures than any other location in the United Kingdom aside from Westminster[131] and more Georgian houses than the city of Bath.[132] This richness of architecture has subsequently seen Liverpool described by English Heritage, as England's finest Victorian city.[133] The value of Liverpool's architecture and design was recognised in 2004, when several areas throughout the city were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the sites were added in recognition of the city's role in the development of international trade and docking technology.[134]

 

Waterfront and docks

 

As a major British port, the docks in Liverpool have historically been central to the city's development. Several major docking firsts have occurred in the city including the construction of the world's first enclosed wet dock (the Old Dock) in 1715 and the first ever hydraulic lifting cranes.[135] The best-known dock in Liverpool is the Albert Dock, which was constructed in 1846 and today comprises the largest single collection of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in Britain.[136] Built under the guidance of Jesse Hartley, it was considered to be one of the most advanced docks anywhere in the world upon completion and is often attributed with helping the city to become one of the most important ports in the world. The Albert Dock currently houses a number of restaurants, bars, shops, two hotels as well as the Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story. North of the city centre is Stanley Dock, home to the Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse, which was at the time of its construction in 1901, the world's largest building in terms of area[137] and today stands as the world's largest brick-work building.[138]

One of the most famous locations in Liverpool is the Pier Head, renowned for the trio of buildings – the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building – which sit upon it. Collectively referred to as the Three Graces, these buildings stand as a testament to the great wealth in the city during the late 19th and early 20th century. Built in a variety of architectural styles, they are recognised as being the symbol of Maritime Liverpool, and are regarded by many as contributing to one of the most impressive waterfronts in the world.[139][140][141][142]

In recent years, several areas along Liverpool's waterfront have undergone significant redevelopment. Amongst the notable recent developments are the construction of the Echo Arena Liverpool and BT Convention Centre on Kings Dock, Alexandra Tower and 1 Princes Dock on Princes Dock and Liverpool Marina around Coburg and Brunswick Docks.

 

Commercial District and Cultural Quarter

 

Liverpool's historic position as one of the most important trading ports in the world has meant that over time many grand buildings have been constructed in the city as headquarters for shipping firms, insurance companies, banks and other large firms. The great wealth this brought, then allowed for the development of grand civic buildings, which were designed to allow the local administrators to 'run the city with pride'.[143]

The commercial district is centred around the Castle Street, Dale Street and Old Hall Street areas of the city, with many of the area's roads still following their medieval layout. Having developed over a period of three centuries the area is regarded as one of the most important architectural locations in the city, as recognised by its inclusion in Liverpool's World Heritage site.[144] The oldest building in the area is the Grade I listed Liverpool Town Hall, which is located at the top of Castle Street and dates from 1754. Often regarded as the city's finest piece of Georgian architecture, the building is noted as one of the most extravagantly decorated civic buildings anywhere in Britain.[145][146] Also on Castle Street is the Grade I listed Bank of England Building, constructed between 1845 and 1848, as one of only three provincial branches of the national bank.[145] Amongst the other noted buildings in the area are the Tower Buildings, Albion House (the former White Star Line headquarters), the Municipal Buildings and Oriel Chambers,[147] which is considered to be one of the earliest Modernist style buildings ever built.[148]

The area around William Brown Street is referred to as the city's 'Cultural Quarter', owing to the presence of numerous civic buildings, including the William Brown Library, Walker Art Gallery, Picton Reading Rooms and World Museum Liverpool. The area is dominated by neo-classical architecture, of which the most prominent, St George's Hall,[149] is widely regarded as the best example of a neo-classical building anywhere in Europe.[150] A Grade I listed building, it was constructed between 1840 and 1855 to serve a variety of civic functions in the city and its doors are inscribed with "S.P.Q.L." (Latin senatus populusque Liverpudliensis), meaning "the senate and people of Liverpool". William Brown Street is also home to numerous public monuments and sculptures, including Wellington's Column and the Steble Fountain. Many others are located around the area, particularly in St John's Gardens, which was specifically developed for this purpose.[151] The William Brown Street area has been likened to a modern recreation of the Roman Forum.[152]

 

Other notable landmarks

 

While the majority of Liverpool's architecture dates from the mid-18th century onwards, there are several buildings that pre-date this time. One of the oldest surviving buildings is Speke Hall, a Tudor manor house located in the south of the city, which was completed in 1598.[153] The building is one of the few remaining timber framed Tudor houses left in the north of England and is particularly noted for its Victorian interior, which was added in the mid-19th century.[154] In addition to Speke Hall, many of the city's other oldest surviving buildings are also former manor houses including Croxteth Hall and Woolton Hall, which were completed in 1702 and 1704 respectively.[155] The oldest building within the city centre is the Grade I listed Bluecoat Chambers,[156] which was built between 1717 and 1718. Constructed in British Queen Anne style,[157][158] the building was influenced in part by the work of Christopher Wren[159] and was originally the home of the Bluecoat School (who later moved to larger site in the south of the city). Since 1908 it has acted as a centre for arts in Liverpool.[157]

Liverpool is noted for having two Cathedrals, each of which imposes over the landscape around it.[160] The Anglican Cathedral, which was constructed between 1904 and 1978, is the largest Cathedral in Britain[161] and the fifth largest in the world. Designed and built in Gothic style, it is regarded as one of the greatest buildings to have been constructed during the 20th century[162] and was described by former British Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, as 'one of the great buildings of the world’.[163] The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral was constructed between 1962 and 1967 and is noted as one of the first Cathedrals to break the traditional longitudinal design.[164]

In recent years, many parts of Liverpool's city centre have undergone significant redevelopment and regeneration after years of decline. The largest of these developments has been Liverpool One, which has seen almost £1 billion invested in the redevelopment of 42 acres (170,000 m2) of land, providing new retail, commercial, residential and leisure space.[165] Around the north of the city centre several new skyscrapers have also been constructed including the RIBA award winning Unity Buildings and West Tower, which at 140m is Liverpool's tallest building. Many future redevelopment schemes are also planned including Central Village (planning permission granted),[166] the Lime Street gateway (work started)[167] and the highly ambitious Liverpool Waters (early planning stage).[168]

There are many other notable buildings in Liverpool, including the art deco former terminal building of Speke Airport, the University of Liverpool's Victoria Building, (which provided the inspiration for the term Red Brick University), and the Adelphi Hotel, which was in that past considered to be one of the finest hotels anywhere in the world.[169]

The English Heritage National Register of Historic Parks describes Merseyside's Victorian Parks as collectively the "most important in the country".[170] The city of Liverpool has ten listed parks and cemeteries, including three Grade II*, more than any other English city apart from London.[171]

 

To read more about the Transport, Culture, Education, Media, Sports, Quotes and International Links of Liverpool please click:-

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, United Kingdom along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880. It is the fourth most populous British city, and third most populous in England, with a 2011 population of 466,400[3] and is at the centre of a wider urban area, the Liverpool City Region, which has a population of around 2 million people.[4]

Historically a part of Lancashire, the urbanisation and expansion of Liverpool were both largely brought about by the city's status as a major port. By the 18th century, trade from the West Indies, Ireland and mainland Europe coupled with close links with the Atlantic Slave Trade furthered the economic expansion of Liverpool. By the early 19th century, 40% of the world's trade passed through Liverpool's docks, contributing to Liverpool's rise as a major city. Liverpool is also well known for its inventions and innovations, particularly in terms of infrastructure, transportation and general construction. Railways, ferries and the skyscraper were all pioneered in the city.

Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians but are also colloquially known as "Scousers", in reference to the local dish known as "scouse", a form of stew. The word "Scouse" has also become synonymous with the Liverpool accent and dialect.[5] Liverpool's status as a port city has contributed to its diverse population, which, historically, were drawn from a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, particularly those from Ireland. The city is also home to the oldest Black African community in the country and the oldest Chinese community in Europe.

Labelled the World Capital City of Pop by Guinness World Records, Liverpool has produced a wealth of musical talent since the mid-20th century. The popularity of The Beatles, Billy Fury, Gerry and the Pacemakers and the other groups from the Merseybeat era, and later bands such as Echo & the Bunnymen and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, contributes to Liverpool's status as a tourist destination; tourism forms a significant part of the city's modern economy. The city celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2007, and it held the European Capital of Culture title together with Stavanger, Norway, in 2008.[6]

Liverpool is noted for its rich architectural heritage and is home to many buildings regarded as amongst the greatest examples of their respective styles in the world. Several areas of the city centre were granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2004. Referred to as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the site comprises six separate locations in the city including the Pier Head, Albert Dock and William Brown Street and includes many of the city's most famous landmarks.[7]

Liverpool is also well known for its strong sporting identity. The city is home of two Premier League football clubs, Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C.. Matches between the two clubs are known as the Merseyside derby. The world-famous Grand National also takes places annually at Aintree Racecourse on the outskirts of the city.

   

History

 

Early history

King John's letters patent of 1207 announced the foundation of the borough of Liverpool, but by the middle of the 16th century the population was still only around 500. The original street plan of Liverpool is said to have been designed by King John near the same time it was granted a royal charter, making it a borough. The original seven streets were laid out in a H shape: Bank Street (now Water Street), Castle Street, Chapel Street, Dale Street, Juggler Street (now High Street), Moor Street (now Tithebarn Street) and Whiteacre Street (now Old Hall Street).

In the 17th century there was slow progress in trade and population growth. Battles for the town were waged during the English Civil War, including an eighteen-day siege in 1644. In 1699 Liverpool was made a parish by Act of Parliament, that same year its first slave ship, Liverpool Merchant, set sail for Africa. As trade from the West Indies surpassed that of Ireland and Europe, and as the River Dee silted up, Liverpool began to grow. The first commercial wet dock was built in Liverpool in 1715.[8][9] Substantial profits from the slave trade helped the town to prosper and rapidly grow, although two prominent local men, William Roscoe and Edward Rushton, were at the forefront of the abolitionist movement.

In the early 19th century Liverpool played a major role in the Antarctic sealing industry, in recognition of which Liverpool Beach in the South Shetland Islands is named after the city.[10]

By the start of the 19th century, 40% of the world's trade was passing through Liverpool and the construction of major buildings reflected this wealth. In 1830, Liverpool and Manchester became the first cities to have an intercity rail link, through the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The population continued to rise rapidly, especially during the 1840s when Irish migrants began arriving by the hundreds of thousands as a result of the Great Famine. By 1851, approximately 25% of the city's population was Irish-born. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Liverpool was drawing immigrants from across Europe. This is evident from the diverse array of religious buildings located across the city, many of which are still in use today. The Deutsche Kirche Liverpool, Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Gustav Adolfus Kyrka, Princes Road Synagogue and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church were all established in the late 1800s to serve Liverpool's growing German, Greek, Jewish, Nordic and Polish communities respectively.

 

20th century

 

The Housing Act 1919 resulted in mass council housing building across Liverpool during the 1920s and 1930s. Thousands of families were rehoused from the inner-city to new suburban housing estates, based on the pretext that this would improve their standard of living, though this is largely subjective. A large number of private homes were also built during this era. The process continued after the Second World War, with many more new housing estates being built in suburban areas, while some of the older inner city areas were also redeveloped for new homes. The Great Depression of the early 1930s saw unemployment in the city peak at around 30%.

During the Second World War there were 80 air-raids on Merseyside, killing 2,500 people and causing damage to almost half the homes in the metropolitan area. Significant rebuilding followed the war, including massive housing estates and the Seaforth Dock, the largest dock project in Britain. Much of the immediate reconstruction of the city centre has been deeply unpopular, and was as flawed as much town planning renewal in the 1950s and 1960s – the portions of the city's heritage that survived German bombing could not withstand the efforts of urban renewal. Since 1952 Liverpool has been twinned with Cologne, Germany, a city which also experienced severe aerial bombing during the war.

Like most British cities and industrialised towns, Liverpool became home to a significant number of Commonwealth immigrants after World War II, mostly settling in older inner city areas such as Toxteth. However, a significant West Indian black community had existed in the city as long ago as the first two decades of the 20th century.

In the 1960s Liverpool was the centre of the "Merseybeat" sound which became synonymous with The Beatles and fellow Liverpudlian rock bands.

From the mid-1970s onwards Liverpool's docks and traditional manufacturing industries went into sharp decline. The advent of containerisation meant that the city's docks became largely obsolete. By the early 1980s unemployment rates in Liverpool were once again among the highest in the UK,[11] standing at 17% by January 1982 - although this was just over half of the level of unemployment that was affecting the city in an economic downturn 50 years previously.[12]

In recent years, Liverpool's economy has recovered and has experienced growth rates higher than the national average since the mid-nineties.

At the end of the 20th century Liverpool was concentrating on regeneration, a process which still continues today.

Previously part of Lancashire, and a county borough from 1889, Liverpool became in 1974 a metropolitan borough within the newly created metropolitan county of Merseyside.

 

21st century

 

To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2002, the conservation charity Plantlife organised a competition to choose county flowers; the sea-holly was Liverpool's final choice.

Capitalising on the popularity of 1960s rock groups, such as The Beatles, as well as the city's world-class art galleries, museums and landmarks, tourism has also become a significant factor in Liverpool's economy.

In 2004, property developer Grosvenor started the Paradise Project, a £920 m development centred on Paradise Street, which involved the most significant changes to Liverpool's city centre since the post-war reconstruction. Renamed 'Liverpool ONE', the centre opened in May 2008.

In 2007, the city celebrated the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the borough of Liverpool, for which a number of events were planned. Liverpool is a joint European Capital of Culture for 2008. The main celebrations, in September 2008, included La Princesse, a large mechanical spider which is 20 metres high and weighs 37 tonnes, and represents the "eight legs" of Liverpool: honour, history, music, the Mersey, the ports, governance, sunshine and culture. La Princesse roamed the streets of the city during the festivities, and concluded by entering the Queensway Tunnel.

Spearheaded by the multi-billion Liverpool ONE development, regeneration has continued on an unprecedented scale through to the start of the early 2010s in Liverpool. Some of the most significant regeneration projects to have taken place in the city include the new Commercial District, King's Dock, Mann Island, the Lime Street Gateway, the Baltic Triangle, RopeWalks and the Edge Lane Gateway. All projects could however soon be eclipsed by the Liverpool Waters scheme which if built will cost in the region of £5.5billion and be one of the largest megaprojects in the UK's history. Liverpool Waters is a mixed use development which will contain one of Europe's largest skyscraper clusters. The project received outline planning permission in 2012, despite fierce opposition from the likes of UNESCO who claim it will have a damaging effect on Liverpool's World Heritage status.

Second city of Empire

 

For periods during the 19th century the wealth of Liverpool exceeded that of London itself,[13] and Liverpool's Custom House was the single largest contributor to the British Exchequer.[14] Liverpool's status can be judged from the fact that it was the only British city ever to have its own Whitehall office.[15]

The first United States consul anywhere in the world, James Maury, was appointed to Liverpool in 1790, and remained in office for 39 years.

As early as 1851 the city was described as "the New York of Europe"[16] and its buildings, constructed on a heroic, even megalomaniacal scale stand witness to the supreme confidence and ambition of the city at the turn of the 20th century.

Liverpool was also the site of the UK's first provincial airport, operating from 1930.

Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1, often seen as Britain's Imperial anthem, was dedicated by the composer to the Liverpool Orchestral Society and had its premiere in the city in October 1901.

During the Second World War, the critical strategic importance of Liverpool was recognised by both Hitler and Churchill, with the city suffering a blitz second only to London's,[17] and the pivotal Battle of the Atlantic being planned, fought and won from Liverpool.[18]

 

Inventions and innovations

 

Railways, transatlantic steamships, municipal trams,[19] electric trains[20] were all pioneered in Liverpool as modes of mass transit. In 1829 and 1836 the first railway tunnels in the world were constructed under Liverpool. From 1950–51, the world's first scheduled passenger helicopter service ran between Liverpool and Cardiff.[21]

The first School for the Blind,[22] Mechanics' Institute,[23] High School for Girls,[24][25] council house[26] and Juvenile Court[27] were all founded in Liverpool. The RSPCA,[28] NSPCC,[29] Age Concern,[30] Relate, Citizen's Advice Bureau[31] and Legal Aid all evolved from work in the city.

In the field of public health, the first lifeboat station, public baths and wash-houses,[32] sanitary act,[33] medical officer for health, district nurse, slum clearance,[34] purpose-built ambulance,[35] X-ray medical diagnosis,[36] school of tropical medicine, motorised municipal fire-engine,[37] free school milk and school meals,[38] cancer research centre,[39] and zoonosis research centre[40] all originated in Liverpool. The first British Nobel Prize was awarded in 1902 to Ronald Ross, professor at the School of Tropical Medicine, the first school of its kind in the world.[41] Orthopaedic surgery was pioneered in Liverpool by Hugh Owen Thomas,[42] and modern medical anaesthetics by Thomas Cecil Gray.

In finance, Liverpool founded the UK's first Underwriters' Association[43] and the first Institute of Accountants. The Western world's first financial derivatives (cotton futures) were traded on the Liverpool Cotton Exchange in the late 1700s.[44]

In the arts, Liverpool was home to the first lending library, athenaeum society, arts centre[45] and public art conservation centre.[46] Liverpool is also home to the UK's oldest surviving classical orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.[47]

In 1864, Peter Ellis built the world's first iron-framed, curtain-walled office building, Oriel Chambers, the prototype of the skyscraper. The UK's first purpose-built department store was Compton House, completed in 1867 for the retailer J.R. Jeffrey, to replace a previous building which had burned down in 1865.[48] It was the largest store in the world at the time.[49]

Between 1862 and 1867, Liverpool held an annual Grand Olympic Festival. Devised by John Hulley and Charles Melly, these games were the first to be wholly amateur in nature and international in outlook.[50][51] The programme of the first modern Olympiad in Athens in 1896 was almost identical to that of the Liverpool Olympics.[52] In 1865 Hulley co-founded the National Olympian Association in Liverpool, a forerunner of the British Olympic Association. Its articles of foundation provided the framework for the International Olympic Charter.

Shipowner Sir Alfred Lewis Jones introduced the banana to Great Britain in 1884.[53]

In 1897, the Lumière brothers filmed Liverpool,[54] including what is believed to be the world's first tracking shot,[55] taken from the Liverpool Overhead Railway – the world's first elevated electrified railway.

Liverpool inventor Frank Hornby was a visionary in toy development and manufacture and produced three of the most popular lines of toys in the 20th century: Meccano, Hornby Model Railways and Dinky Toys.

In 1999, Liverpool was the first city outside the capital to be awarded blue plaques by English Heritage in recognition of the "significant contribution made by its sons and daughters in all walks of life."

 

Government

 

Liverpool has three tiers of government; the Mayor & Local Council, the National Government and the European Parliament. Liverpool is officially governed by a Unitary Authority, as when Merseyside County Council was disbanded civic functions were returned to a district borough level. However several services such as the Police and Fire and Rescue Service, continue to be run at a county-wide level.

 

Mayor and local council

 

The City of Liverpool is governed by the Directly elected mayor of Liverpool and Liverpool City Council, and is one of five metropolitan boroughs that combine to make up the metropolitan county of Merseyside. The Mayor is elected by the citizens of Liverpool every four years and is responsible for the day to day running of the council. The council's 90 elected councillors who represent local communities throughout the city, are responsible for scrutininsing the Mayor's decisions, setting the Budget, and policy framework of the city. The Mayor's responsibility is to be a powerful voice for the city both nationally and internationally, to lead, build investor confidence, and to direct resources to economic priorities.[57] The Mayor also exchanges direct dialogue with government ministers and the Prime minister through his seat at the 'Cabinet of Mayors'. Discussions include pressing decision makers in the government on local issues as well as building relationships with the other Directly elected mayors in England and Wales.[58] The current Mayor is Joe Anderson.

The city of Liverpool effectively has two Mayors. As well as the directly elected Mayor, there is the ceremonial 'Lord Mayor' (or civic Mayor) who is elected by the full city council at its annual general meeting in May, and stands for one year in office. The Lord Mayor acts as the 'first citizen' of Liverpool and is responsible for promoting the city, supporting local charities & community groups as well as representing the city at civic events.[59] The current Lord Mayor is Councillor Frank Prendergast.[60]

During the most recent local elections, held in May 2011, the Labour Party consolidated its control of Liverpool City Council, following on from regaining power for the first time in 12 years, during the previous elections in May 2010.[62] The Labour Party gained 11 seats during the election, taking their total to 62 seats, compared with the 22 held by the Liberal Democrats. Of the remaining seats the Liberal Party won three and the Green Party claimed two. The Conservative Party, one of the three major political parties in the UK had no representation on Liverpool City Council.[62][63]

In February 2008, Liverpool City Council was revealed to be the worst-performing council in the country, receiving just a one star rating (classified as inadequate). The main cause of the poor rating was attributed to the council's poor handling of tax-payer money, including the accumulation of a £20m shortfall on Capital of Culture funding.[64]

While Liverpool through most of the 19th and early 20th Century was a municipal stronghold of Toryism, support for the Conservative Party recently has been among the lowest in any part of Britain, particularly since the monetarist economic policies of prime minister Margaret Thatcher after her 1979 general election victory contributed to high unemployment in the city which did not begin to fall for many years.[65] Liverpool is one of the Labour Party's key strongholds; however the city has seen hard times under Labour governments as well, particularly in the Winter of Discontent (late 1978 and early 1979) when Liverpool suffered public sector strikes along with the rest of the United Kingdom but also suffered the particularly humiliating misfortune of having grave-diggers going on strike, leaving the dead unburied.[66]

 

Parliamentary constituencies and MPs

 

Liverpool has four parliamentary constituencies entirely within the city, through which Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the city in Westminster: Liverpool Riverside, Liverpool Walton, Liverpool Wavertree and Liverpool West Derby.[67]

 

Geography

 

At 53°24′0″N 2°59′0″W (53.4, −2.98), 176 miles (283 km) northwest of London, located on the Liverpool Bay of the Irish Sea the city of Liverpool is built across a ridge of sandstone hills rising up to a height of around 230 feet (70 m) above sea-level at Everton Hill, which represents the southern boundary of the West Lancashire Coastal Plain.

The Mersey Estuary separates Liverpool from Birkenhead, Wallasey and the Kirby[disambiguation needed] sands to the south west. The boundaries of Liverpool are adjacent to Bootle, Crosby and Maghull in south Sefton to the north, and Kirkby, Huyton, Prescot and Halewood in Knowsley to the east.

 

Climate

 

Liverpool experiences a temperate maritime climate, like much of the British Isles, with relatively cool summers and mild winters. Its coastal location and urban situation means diurnal temperature ranges are particularly subdued, ranging from an average of 7.0 °C in May to just 3.8 °C during December. Historically, Bidston Observatory (actually located on the Wirral Peninsula) has provided the longest and most unbroken weather data for the Merseyside area. More recently, the Met Office has operated a weather station at Crosby.

The absolute minimum temperature recorded at Bidston was −12.8 °C (9.0 °F) during January 1881, typically the coldest night of the year should fall to −4 °C (24.8 °F) (1971–2000 average) However, the variability of the local climate was exposed as the weather station at Crosby fell to −17.6 °C (0.3 °F)[70] during December 2010.

The absolute maximum temperature recorded at Bidston was 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) in August 1990 - typically the warmest day of the year should reach 27.5 °C (81.5 °F) (1971–2000 average). The absolute maximum at Crosby is 33.5 °C (92.3 °F), recorded in July 2006.

 

Demography

Population

 

At the 2011 UK Census the recorded population of Liverpool was 466,400.[3] Liverpool's population peaked in 1930s with 846,101 recorded in the 1931 census.[78] Since then the city has experienced negative population growth every decade, with at its peak over 100,000 people leaving the city between 1971 and 1981.[79] Between 2001 and 2006 it experienced the ninth largest percentage population loss of any UK unitary authority.[80] The "Liverpool city region", as defined by the Mersey Partnership, includes Wirral, Warrington, Flintshire, Chester and other areas, and has a population of around 2 million.[81] The European Spatial Planning Observation Network defines a Liverpool metropolitan area consisting of the Merseyside metropolitan county, the borough of Halton, Wigan in Greater Manchester, the city of Chester as well as number of towns in Lancashire and Cheshire including Ormskirk and Warrington.[82] Liverpool and Manchester are sometimes considered as one large polynuclear metropolitan area,[83][84][85] or megalopolis.[86]

In common with many cities, Liverpool's population is younger than that of England as a whole, with 42.3 per cent of its population under the age of 30, compared to an English average of 37.4 per cent.[87] 65.1 per cent of the population is of working age.[87]

 

Ethnicity

As of June 2009, an estimated 91.0 per cent of Liverpool's population was White British, 3.0 per cent Asian or Asian British, 1.9 per cent Black or Black British, 2.0 per cent mixed-race and 2.1 per cent Chinese and other.[2]

Liverpool is home to Britain's oldest Black community, dating to at least the 1730s, and some Black Liverpudlians are able to trace their ancestors in the city back ten generations.[88] Early Black settlers in the city included seamen, the children of traders sent to be educated, and freed slaves, since slaves entering the country after 1722 were deemed free men.[89]

The city is also home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe; the first residents of the city's Chinatown arrived as seamen in the 19th century.[90] The gateway in Chinatown, Liverpool is also the largest gateway outside of China. The city is also known for its large Irish population and its historical Welsh population.[91] In 1813, 10 per cent of Liverpool's population was Welsh, leading to the city becoming known as "the capital of North Wales".[91] Following the start of the Great Irish Famine, two million Irish people migrated to Liverpool in the space of one decade, many of them subsequently departing for the United States.[92] By 1851, more than 20 per cent of the population of Liverpool was Irish.[93] At the 2001 Census, 1.17 per cent of the population were Welsh-born and 0.75 per cent were born in the Republic of Ireland, while 0.54 per cent were born in Northern Ireland,[94] but many more Liverpudlians are of Welsh or Irish ancestry. Liverpool is also noted for its large African-Caribbean,[95] Ghanaian,[96] Indian,[95] Latin American,[97] Malaysian,[98] Somali[99] and Yemeni.[100] communities which number several thousand each.

 

Religion

The thousands of migrants and sailors passing through Liverpool resulted in a religious diversity that is still apparent today. This is reflected in the equally diverse collection of religious buildings,[101] and two Christian cathedrals.

Christ Church, in Buckingham Road, Tuebrook, is a conservative evangelical congregation and is affiliated with the Evangelical Connexion.[102] They worship using the 1785 Prayer Book, and regard the Bible as the sole rule of faith and practice.

The parish church of Liverpool is the Anglican Our Lady and St Nicholas, colloquially known as "the sailors church", which has existed near the waterfront since 1257. It regularly plays host to Catholic masses. Other notable churches include the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas (built in the Neo-Byzantine architecture style), and the Gustav Adolfus Kyrka (the Swedish Seamen's Church, reminiscent of Nordic styles).

Liverpool's wealth as a port city enabled the construction of two enormous cathedrals, both dating from the 20th century. The Anglican Cathedral, which was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and plays host to the annual Liverpool Shakespeare Festival, has one of the longest naves, largest organs and heaviest and highest peals of bells in the world. The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, on Mount Pleasant next to Liverpool Science Park was initially planned to be even larger. Of Sir Edwin Lutyens' original design, only the crypt was completed. The cathedral was eventually built to a simpler design by Sir Frederick Gibberd; while this is on a smaller scale than Lutyens' original design, it still manages to incorporate the largest panel of stained glass in the world. The road running between the two cathedrals is called Hope Street, a coincidence which pleases believers. The cathedral is colloquially referred to as "Paddy's Wigwam" due to its shape.[103][104]

Liverpool contains several synagogues, of which the Grade I listed Moorish Revival Princes Road Synagogue is architecturally the most notable. Princes Road is widely considered to be the most magnificent of Britain's Moorish Revival synagogues and one of the finest buildings in Liverpool.[105] Liverpool has a thriving Jewish community with a further two orthodox Synagogues, one in the Allerton district of the city and a second in the Childwall district of the city where a significant Jewish community reside. A third orthodox Synagogue in the Greenbank Park area of L17 has recently closed, and is a listed 1930s structure. There is also a Lubavitch Chabad House and a reform Synagogue. Liverpool has had a Jewish community since the mid-18th century. The current Jewish population of Liverpool is around 3000.[106]

Liverpool also has an increasing Hindu community, with a Mandir on 253 Edge Lane, Edge Hill, L7 2PH; the Shri Radha Krishna Temple from the Hindu Cultural Organisation, Liverpool based there.[107] The current Hindu population in Liverpool is about 1147.[citation needed] Liverpool also has the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara based at Wellington Avenue, Wavertree, L15 0EJ,[108] and Liverpool's Bahá'í Centre is located on 3 and 5 Langdale Road, Wavertree, L15 3LA.[109]

The city had the earliest mosque in England, and possibly the UK, founded in 1887 by William Abdullah Quilliam, a lawyer who had converted to Islam, and set up in a terraced house on West Derby Road.[110] The building was used as a house of worship until 1908, when it was sold to the City Council and converted into offices.[111] Plans have been accepted to re-convert the building where the mosque once stood into a museum.[112] Currently there are three mosques in Liverpool: the largest and main one, Al-Rahma mosque, in the Toxteth area of the city and a mosque recently opened in the Mossley Hill district of the city. The third mosque was also recently opened in Toxteth and is on Granby Street.

 

LGBT community

Liverpool has a large lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender/transsexual population, as well as the UK's only official 'gay quarter'. Despite cities such as Manchester and Brighton being historically more noted for their LGBT communities, Liverpool now has an LGBT comparable per capita to that of San Francisco.

 

Economy

 

The Economy of Liverpool is one of the largest within the United Kingdom, sitting at the centre of one of the two core economies within the North West of England.[113] In 2006, the city's GVA was £7,626 million, providing a per capita figure of £17,489, which was above the North West average.[114] After several decades of decline, Liverpool's economy has seen somewhat of a revival since the mid-1990s, with its GVA increasing 71.8% between 1995 and 2006 and employment increasing 12% between 1998 and 2006.[114]

In common with much of the rest of the UK today, Liverpool's economy is dominated by service sector industries, both public and private. In 2007, over 60% of all employment in the city was in the public administration, education, health, banking, finance and insurance sectors.[114] Over recent years there has also been significant growth in the knowledge economy of Liverpool with the establishment of the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter in sectors such as media and life sciences.[115] Liverpool's rich architectural base has also helped the city become the second most filmed city in the UK outside of London,[116] including doubling for Chicago, London, Moscow, New York, Paris and Rome.[117][118]

Another important component of Liverpool's economy are the tourism and leisure sectors. Liverpool is the 6th most visited city in the United Kingdom[119] and one of the 100 most visited cities in the world by international tourists.[120] In 2008, during the city's European Capital of Culture celebrations, overnight visitors brought £188m into the local economy,[119] while tourism as a whole is worth approximately £1.3bn a year to Liverpool.[118] The city's new cruise liner terminal, which is situated close to the Pier Head, also makes Liverpool one of the few places in the world where cruise ships are able to berth right in the centre of the city.[121] Other recent developments in Liverpool such as the Echo Arena and Liverpool One have made Liverpool an important leisure centre with the latter helping to lift Liverpool into the top five retail destinations in the UK.[122]

Historically, the economy of Liverpool was centred around the city's port and manufacturing base, although today less than 10% of employment in the city are in these sectors.[114] Nonetheless the city remains one of the most important ports in the United Kingdom, handling over 32.2m tonnes of cargo in 2008.[123] It is also home to the UK headquarters of many shipping lines including Japanese firm NYK and Danish firm Maersk Line.[124][125] Future plans to redevelop the city's northern dock system, in a project known as Liverpool Waters, could see £5.5bn invested in the city over the next 50 years, creating 17,000 new jobs.[126]

Car-manufacturing also takes place in the city at the Halewood plant where the Jaguar X-Type and Land Rover Freelander models are assembled.

 

Landmarks

 

Liverpool's history means that there are a considerable variety of architectural styles found within the city, ranging from 16th century Tudor buildings to modern-day contemporary architecture.[127] The majority of buildings in the city date from the late-18th century onwards, the period during which the city grew into one of the foremost powers in the British Empire.[128] There are over 2,500 listed buildings in Liverpool, of which 27 are Grade I listed[129] and 85 are Grade II* listed.[130] The city also has a greater number of public sculptures than any other location in the United Kingdom aside from Westminster[131] and more Georgian houses than the city of Bath.[132] This richness of architecture has subsequently seen Liverpool described by English Heritage, as England's finest Victorian city.[133] The value of Liverpool's architecture and design was recognised in 2004, when several areas throughout the city were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, the sites were added in recognition of the city's role in the development of international trade and docking technology.[134]

 

Waterfront and docks

 

As a major British port, the docks in Liverpool have historically been central to the city's development. Several major docking firsts have occurred in the city including the construction of the world's first enclosed wet dock (the Old Dock) in 1715 and the first ever hydraulic lifting cranes.[135] The best-known dock in Liverpool is the Albert Dock, which was constructed in 1846 and today comprises the largest single collection of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in Britain.[136] Built under the guidance of Jesse Hartley, it was considered to be one of the most advanced docks anywhere in the world upon completion and is often attributed with helping the city to become one of the most important ports in the world. The Albert Dock currently houses a number of restaurants, bars, shops, two hotels as well as the Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story. North of the city centre is Stanley Dock, home to the Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse, which was at the time of its construction in 1901, the world's largest building in terms of area[137] and today stands as the world's largest brick-work building.[138]

One of the most famous locations in Liverpool is the Pier Head, renowned for the trio of buildings – the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building – which sit upon it. Collectively referred to as the Three Graces, these buildings stand as a testament to the great wealth in the city during the late 19th and early 20th century. Built in a variety of architectural styles, they are recognised as being the symbol of Maritime Liverpool, and are regarded by many as contributing to one of the most impressive waterfronts in the world.[139][140][141][142]

In recent years, several areas along Liverpool's waterfront have undergone significant redevelopment. Amongst the notable recent developments are the construction of the Echo Arena Liverpool and BT Convention Centre on Kings Dock, Alexandra Tower and 1 Princes Dock on Princes Dock and Liverpool Marina around Coburg and Brunswick Docks.

 

Commercial District and Cultural Quarter

 

Liverpool's historic position as one of the most important trading ports in the world has meant that over time many grand buildings have been constructed in the city as headquarters for shipping firms, insurance companies, banks and other large firms. The great wealth this brought, then allowed for the development of grand civic buildings, which were designed to allow the local administrators to 'run the city with pride'.[143]

The commercial district is centred around the Castle Street, Dale Street and Old Hall Street areas of the city, with many of the area's roads still following their medieval layout. Having developed over a period of three centuries the area is regarded as one of the most important architectural locations in the city, as recognised by its inclusion in Liverpool's World Heritage site.[144] The oldest building in the area is the Grade I listed Liverpool Town Hall, which is located at the top of Castle Street and dates from 1754. Often regarded as the city's finest piece of Georgian architecture, the building is noted as one of the most extravagantly decorated civic buildings anywhere in Britain.[145][146] Also on Castle Street is the Grade I listed Bank of England Building, constructed between 1845 and 1848, as one of only three provincial branches of the national bank.[145] Amongst the other noted buildings in the area are the Tower Buildings, Albion House (the former White Star Line headquarters), the Municipal Buildings and Oriel Chambers,[147] which is considered to be one of the earliest Modernist style buildings ever built.[148]

The area around William Brown Street is referred to as the city's 'Cultural Quarter', owing to the presence of numerous civic buildings, including the William Brown Library, Walker Art Gallery, Picton Reading Rooms and World Museum Liverpool. The area is dominated by neo-classical architecture, of which the most prominent, St George's Hall,[149] is widely regarded as the best example of a neo-classical building anywhere in Europe.[150] A Grade I listed building, it was constructed between 1840 and 1855 to serve a variety of civic functions in the city and its doors are inscribed with "S.P.Q.L." (Latin senatus populusque Liverpudliensis), meaning "the senate and people of Liverpool". William Brown Street is also home to numerous public monuments and sculptures, including Wellington's Column and the Steble Fountain. Many others are located around the area, particularly in St John's Gardens, which was specifically developed for this purpose.[151] The William Brown Street area has been likened to a modern recreation of the Roman Forum.[152]

 

Other notable landmarks

 

While the majority of Liverpool's architecture dates from the mid-18th century onwards, there are several buildings that pre-date this time. One of the oldest surviving buildings is Speke Hall, a Tudor manor house located in the south of the city, which was completed in 1598.[153] The building is one of the few remaining timber framed Tudor houses left in the north of England and is particularly noted for its Victorian interior, which was added in the mid-19th century.[154] In addition to Speke Hall, many of the city's other oldest surviving buildings are also former manor houses including Croxteth Hall and Woolton Hall, which were completed in 1702 and 1704 respectively.[155] The oldest building within the city centre is the Grade I listed Bluecoat Chambers,[156] which was built between 1717 and 1718. Constructed in British Queen Anne style,[157][158] the building was influenced in part by the work of Christopher Wren[159] and was originally the home of the Bluecoat School (who later moved to larger site in the south of the city). Since 1908 it has acted as a centre for arts in Liverpool.[157]

Liverpool is noted for having two Cathedrals, each of which imposes over the landscape around it.[160] The Anglican Cathedral, which was constructed between 1904 and 1978, is the largest Cathedral in Britain[161] and the fifth largest in the world. Designed and built in Gothic style, it is regarded as one of the greatest buildings to have been constructed during the 20th century[162] and was described by former British Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, as 'one of the great buildings of the world’.[163] The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral was constructed between 1962 and 1967 and is noted as one of the first Cathedrals to break the traditional longitudinal design.[164]

In recent years, many parts of Liverpool's city centre have undergone significant redevelopment and regeneration after years of decline. The largest of these developments has been Liverpool One, which has seen almost £1 billion invested in the redevelopment of 42 acres (170,000 m2) of land, providing new retail, commercial, residential and leisure space.[165] Around the north of the city centre several new skyscrapers have also been constructed including the RIBA award winning Unity Buildings and West Tower, which at 140m is Liverpool's tallest building. Many future redevelopment schemes are also planned including Central Village (planning permission granted),[166] the Lime Street gateway (work started)[167] and the highly ambitious Liverpool Waters (early planning stage).[168]

There are many other notable buildings in Liverpool, including the art deco former terminal building of Speke Airport, the University of Liverpool's Victoria Building, (which provided the inspiration for the term Red Brick University), and the Adelphi Hotel, which was in that past considered to be one of the finest hotels anywhere in the world.[169]

The English Heritage National Register of Historic Parks describes Merseyside's Victorian Parks as collectively the "most important in the country".[170] The city of Liverpool has ten listed parks and cemeteries, including three Grade II*, more than any other English city apart from London.[171]

 

To read more about the Transport, Culture, Education, Media, Sports, Quotes and International Links of Liverpool please click:-

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool

Hace unos meses Vanity Fair (http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2008/04/dylan.html) publicó un especial sobre Dylan, donde podemos encontrar esta infografía curiosa, con todo lo que, supuestamente, tiene Bob Dylan en su cabeza.

 

People have long wondered what goes on in Bob Dylan’s mind. But if you pay attention to what the recent Pulitzer Prize-winner says and plays on his XM satellite-radio program, Theme Time Radio Hour, you can actually get a pretty good idea. Here, by cataloguing the themes has chosen for the episodes, the artists he has favored, and Dylan’s other preferences and quirks, Vanity Fair has constructed a revealing portrait of America’s most enigmatic musician. Below is a near-exhaustive, up-to-date list, expanding on the version printed in our May issue.

 

The Voice

 

Ellen Barkin

 

The Themes

 

Weather, Mother, Drinking, Baseball, Coffee

Jail, Fathers, Wedding, Divorce, Summer

Flowers, Cars, Rich Man/Poor Man, The Devil, Eyes

Dogs, Friends & Neighbors, Radio, The Bible, Musical Maps

School, Telephone, Water, Time, Guns

Halloween, Dance, Sleep, Food, Thanksgiving Leftovers

Tennessee, Moon, Countdown, Christmas, Women’s Names

Hair, Musical Instruments, Luck, Tears, Laughter

Heart, Shoes, Color, Texas, Trains

Fools, New York, Death & Taxes, Spring Cleaning, Hello

Youth & Age, Days of the Week, California, Classic Rock, Cadillac

Head to Toe, Smokin’, Dreams, Party, Countdown

One, Walkin’, Around the World, Lock & Key, Mail

President’s Day, Doctors, Danger, Birds, Joe

Heat, Cold

 

Artists He Plays

 

Nine times: George Jones

 

Eight times: Tom Waits, Dinah Washington

 

Seven times: Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Louis Armstrong, Van Morrison

 

Six times: Buddy Johnson, Elvis Costello, Frank Sinatra, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Louis Jordan, Muddy Waters, Porter Wagoner, The Rolling Stones

 

Five times: Anita O’Day, Buck Owens, Howlin’ Wolf, James Brown, The Stanley Brothers

 

Four times: Bessie Smith, Big Joe Turner, Billie Holiday, Charlie Poole, Chuck Berry, Ella Johnson, Fats Domino, Fats Waller, Irma Thomas, June Christy, Little Walter, Loretta Lynn, Los Lobos, Prince Buster, Randy Newman, Ray Charles, Slim Gaillard, Smiley Lewis, Sonny Boy Williamson II, The Beatles, The Carter Family, The Everly Brothers, The Louvin Brothers, Wynonie Harris

 

Three times: Bo Diddley, Bobbie Womack, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Elvis Presley, Ernest Tubb, Etta James, Hank Ballard, Hank Penny, Hank Snow, Harry Nilsson, Huey “Piano” Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Rodgers, Johnny Tyler, Joni Mitchell, Lefty Frizzell, Lou Reed, Memphis Slim, Merle Haggard, Milton Brown & His Musical Brownies, Otis Redding, Ricky Nelson, Roy Brown, Roy Orbison, Ruth Brown, Ry Cooder, Sam Cooke, Sir Douglas Quintet, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Clash, The Drifters, The Ink Spots, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Staples Singers, Wanda Jackson, Warren Smith, Webb Pierce, Willie Nelson

 

Brothers

 

The Allen Brothers, The Bailes Brothers, The Chambers Brothers, The Clancy Brothers, The Everly Brothers, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Lebron Brothers, The Louvin Brothers, The Maddox Brothers, The Mills Brothers, The Monroe Brothers, The Neville Brothers, The Osborne Brothers, The Stanley Brothers

 

Sisters

 

The Andrews Sisters, The Davis Sisters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Sister Wynona Carr, Sister Rose

 

“Little” People

 

Little Eva, Little Johnny Taylor, Little Junior Parker, Little Millette

Little Milton, Little Miss Cornshucks, Little Richard, Little Walter, Little Willie John

 

The Playboys

 

Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys , Vince Taylor & The Playboys , L.C. Smith & His Southern Playboys , Jimmie Revard & His Oklahoma Playboys

 

The Years

 

—50% the songs he has played were recorded before 1960.

 

—Only 9% of the songs he has played were recorded in the 1980s or more recently.

 

Guest Commentators

 

Six times: Penn Jillette, Tom Waits

 

Five times: Billy Vera, Deke Dickerson, Elvis Costello, Richard Lewis

 

Three times: Jack White, Jimmy Kimmel, John C. Reilly, Luke Wilson, Marianne Faithful, Matt Groening, Peter Wolf, Ricky Gervais

 

Poets References

 

Aesop, W.H. Auden, St. Basil, Bertolt Brecht, Gwendolyn Brooks

Charles Bukowski, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Gregory Corso, Stephen Crane

e.e. cummings, TS Eliot, Robert Frost, Ted Hughes, C.S. Lewis

Christopher Marlowe, Sylvia Plath, Alexander Pope, Rainer Maria Rilke

Anne Sexton, Shakespeare, Gertrude Stein, Jonathan Swift

Alfred Lord Tennyson, Dylan Thomas, William Butler Yeats

 

Authors Referenced

 

Cervantes, Anton Chekhov, Herman Hesse, Oliver Wendell Holmes, James Joyce, Jack Kerouac, Marcel Proust, Edgar Allan Poe

 

Playwrights Referenced

 

Molière, George Bernard Shaw

 

Movies Referenced

 

As Good As It Gets, An Affair to Remember, The Ballad of Cable Hogue

Barfly, Blow, Blue Hawaii, Blue Velvet, Bonnie & Clyde

Casablanca, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Charlie Chan’s Greatest Case

Chinatown, Coal Miner’s Daughter, Coffee and Cigarettes

Cool Hand Luke, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, For a Few Dollars More

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Godfather, It’s a Wonderful Life

Life of Brian, The Maltese Falcon, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou

The Lost Weekend, The Night of the Hunter, Night Train, Paper Moon

Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, The Player, Raising Arizona, Rock & Roll High School

Rocky III, Runaway Train, The Shawshank Redemption, Sleeping Beauty

Snow White, Spinal Tap, Strangers on a Train, Streetcar Named Desire

Sweet Smell of Success, Taxi Driver, The Ten Commandments, The 39 Steps

The Wild Bunch

 

Television Shows Referenced

 

The Beverly Hillbillies, Chico and the Man, The Ed Sullivan Show

Hee Haw, Josie and the Pussycats, The Honeymooners

Leave it to Beaver, Lil’ Abner, Welcome Back Kotter

Sanford and Son, Roots, 60 Minutes

The Simpsons, The Sopranos, The Tonight Show, The Wire

 

History Lessons From Bob

 

Famous Electric Chairs (e.g. Old Sparky and Gruesome Gerty)

 

Famous People Who Were Cheerleaders (e.g. Ann Margaret, George W. Bush)

 

Famous People Who Were Valedictorians (e.g. Cindy Crawford, William Rehnquist, Weird Al – “I wonder if William Rehnquist gave the same type of speech as Weird Al. Somehow I doubt it.”)

 

Famous People Who Had Burials At Sea (e.g. Steve McQueen, Ingrid Bergman, Vincent Price, Jerry Garcia)

 

History of the Wobblies, the U.S. labor organization

 

People Who Died While Playing Cards (e.g. Wild Bill Hickok, Al Jolson, Buster Keaton, the gangster Arnold Rothstein)

 

Famous People Who Drove Cadillacs (e.g. Pope Pius XII, Teddy Roosevelt, Bill Clinton)

 

History of Constantinople

 

Useful Tips

 

How to Hang Dry Wall

 

What to Pack When You’re Traveling

 

How to Walk Like A Runway Model

 

How to Give Yourself Dreadlocks

 

One-Liners

 

“Hope all you listeners won’t accuse me of cronyism just because I occasionally play records by people I know.”

 

“The distinctive voice of Aaron Neville. A lot of people think we sing the same.”

 

Re: Gene Autry’s Cowboy Code—“I’m not ashamed to say that I live my life according to that code. Quite a man, that Gene Autry.”

 

“Fred Astaire, the smoothest dancer known to man.”

 

Re: Berna Dean—“Here’s a woman who sure doesn’t sound like she sleeps alone.”

 

“John Lee….one of those guys that always sounds better without a band. Thirteen bars here, eleven bars there, nine there. Doesn’t matter to him. Nobody can do more with less than John Lee Hooker.”

 

Re: Endless Sleep – “This next song is not for the faint of heart.”

 

Re: Johnny Hicks – “A man who sounds like he’s got a smile in his voice.”

 

“America is certainly the great melting pot. Where else could someone like Slim Gaillard sing a tribute to matzoh balls and gefilte fish? It’s the kind of thing that makes me proud to be an American. Sing it, Slim.”

 

“It’s a quarter of a million miles from earth to the moon, and there’s no one I’d rather go with than Dinah Washington.”

 

Re: Six Pack to Go – “One of the great beer drinking songs of all time.”

 

Re: Leadbelly – “One of the few ex-cons who recorded a popular children’s album.”

 

“A lot of people who play one kind won’t play with people who play another kind, but me personally, I never understood any kind of border patrol when it comes to music.”

 

“Some people call Bob [Seger] the poor man’s Bruce Springsteen, but personally, I always thought Bruce was the rich man’s Bob Seger. Love ‘em both, though.”

 

Re: Red Headed Woman – “Boy, you hear a record like that, and you wish more Rockabilly bands had trumpets.”

 

Re: How You Gonna Get Respect—“A political statement you can dance to.”

 

Re: Eddy Dugash and the Ah-Ha Playboys: “Sometimes you just play a record because you like the name of the band. I love the name of this band, but I also love the record.”

 

“Not all songs about crying are necessarily sad.”

 

Re: Robert Parker’s Barefootin’ – “The man who wrote the national anthem of shoelessness.”

 

Re: Jimmy Lewis – “He sounds as bad off as a rubber-nosed woodpecker in a petrified forest.”

 

“Willie Nelson’s tour bus runs on cooking oil….I’ve toured with Willie…sometimes late at night you can see us, I’m filling up my tank at the gas station and he’s filling his up at Denny’s.”

 

“I always liked songs with parentheses in the title.”

 

Re: Dinah Washington’s Manhattan – “If there every was a love song to a city, I’d say it was this one.”

 

Re: Prince Buster’s Taxation – “Like all great artists, he was able to turn things that bothered him into three minutes of musical pleasure. Like here.”

 

Re: Porter Wagoner’s Skid Row Joe – “Next up, a very sad song. A recitation. A sermon. A speechifying testification. From Porter Wagoner, telling a tale of a sad man down on his luck in the dirty part of town.”

 

Re: Tex William’s Brother Drop Dead – “Some people die too soon. Others, you’re kind of hoping. Tex Williams has a song for such a situation.”

 

Re: Sinatra singing Summer Wind—“West Coast weather is the weather of catastrophe. The Santa Ana winds are like the winds of the apocalypse. But the summer wind that Frank’s singing about may be a little lighter. Come on in, Frank.”

 

Re: Charles Aznavour—“The Frank Sinatra of France…sings in six languages – French, English, Italian. He’s written over a thousand songs…I only know about half of them.”

 

Re: Memphis Minnie—“Me and My Chauffeur Blues. One of the great blues songs of all time, one of the great car songs of all time, one of the great chauffeur songs of all time, sung by one the great old ladies of all time - Memphis Minnie.”

 

Re: Joni Mitchell—“Joni and I go back a long ways. Not all the way back, but pretty far. I’ve been in a car with Joni. Joni was driving a Lincoln. Excellent driver. I felt safe.”

 

Re: Howlin’ Wolf—“This next song is entirely without flaw and meets all the supreme standards of excellence.”

 

Re: Hank Williams—“One of the greatest songwriters who ever lived was Hank Williams, of course. Hank could be headstrong and willful, a backslider and a reprobate, no stranger to bad deeds. However, underneath all of that, he was compassionate and moralistic.”

 

Deep Thoughts

 

“I don’t trust a man who doesn’t tear up a little watching Old Yeller.”

 

“All of our shows are for truckers, if not about truckers.”

 

“They say the earth’s warmin’ up. Be careful of that global warming, and wear your sunscreen.”

 

“Music City USA – one of the only places where a banjo player can make a six figure income.”

 

“You know, every shut-eye ain’t sleep. Sometimes you’re sleeping in the ground, taking a dirt nap, saying the big Goodbye.”

 

“The Harmonica is the world’s best-selling musical instrument. You’re welcome.”

 

“Sometimes when you look at a menu, it’s hard to decide what to get. Life is like that, full of difficult choices.”

 

“Lipstick traces on cigarettes can get you in trouble or remind you of the wonders of the night before.”

 

“Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me…as opposed to when you grow up and you learn that…the pen is mightier than the sword. The world is fill of little contradictions like that.”

 

“I leave you with the words of Benjamin Franklin. ‘He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.’ Thank you, Ben. Peace out.”

 

Bad Jokes

 

“My friend’s wife is a really bad cook. I broke a tooth on her coffee.”

 

“I once had a friend who said liquor will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no liquor.”

 

“A giraffe can go a long time without water. But he wants to see a menu right away.”

 

“I gave a bald-headed friend a comb. You know what he said? ‘I’ll never part with it.’”

 

“I don’t condone [blonde] jokes. I just repeat them in the public interest.”

 

“I want everybody to go out and paint their cars red and white tonight. We want a PINK CAR NATION.”

 

Recipes

 

Mint Julep

Four mint sprigs

3 oz of bourbon

1 tablespoon of powdered sugar

1 tablespoon water

Put the mint leaves, powdered sugar and water in a Collins glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and then add bourbon. Top that off with more ice. I like to garnish mine with a mint sprig. Serve it with a straw. Two or three of those and anything sounds good!

 

Rum and Coca-Cola

Let me give you my recipe for a rum and Coca-Cola. Take a tall glass, put some ice in it, two fingers of Bombay rum, and a bottle of Coca-Cola. Shake it up well and go drink it in the sunshine!

 

BBQ

1 cup tomato sauce

1 cup vinegar

5 tablespoons Worcestershire

1 tablespoon butter

?? small onion

dash black pepper

cayenne pepper

1 ?? teaspoons salt

half cup water

Mix it all together in a large pan. Bring it to a quick boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. You can also figure out your own secret ingredient and dump it to the mix. I like about three fingers of Tennessee sipping whiskey.

 

Figgy Pudding

4 oz of plain flour

a pinch of salt

4 oz bread crumbs

4 oz shredded suet

1 teaspoon mixed spice

1 teaspoon baking powder

3 oz dark soft brown sugar

8 oz chopped dried figs

finely grated rind & the juice of one lemon

2 tablespoon milk

2 beaten eggs

“Sift salt and flour together, then mix with all the remaining dry ingredients. Add the figs, lemon rind and juice, milk and beaten eggs. Beat them well. The mixture should have a soft dropping consistency. Put into a greased two-pint pudding basin, cover securely, and steam for three hours. I like it served with heated golden syrup topping, and a generous pour of custard. Makes me hungry just talking about it. My engineer Tex Carbone likes vanilla ice cream on it. I don’t understand that at all.”

 

The Perfect Meatball

3 minced cloves garlic

?? cup vegetable oil (for frying)

1 pound ground meat (equal parts beef, pork, veal)

?? cup grated Parmesan cheese

9 Saltine crackers, finely crushed

?? teaspoon salt

black pepper

oregano

dried basil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

?? cup water

1 egg

1 teaspoon tomato paste

“Heat the oil over a low heat in a large Dutch oven. In a big bowl, add the meat, garlic, cheese, crackers, and spices. Mix lightly with your fingers. Don’t be shy—get into it. In a small bowl, whisk the water, the egg, and the tomato paste. Add the egg mixture to the meat mixture. Mix it lightly with your fingers. Form it into drum shapes, or balls. Cook in batches, over medium high heat, until its browned on both sides. That will be about five minutes total. Serve ‘em up with some potatoes, or some spaghetti, or just make a sandwich out of them. You're gonna love 'em."

 

— Duff McDonald

 

www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2008/04/dylan.html

 

In Spanish: En la cabeza de Dylan:

rocko.blogia.com/2009/021201-inside-dylan-s-brain-en-la-c...

victorianweb.org/sculpture/frampton/49.html

Canary Wharf is an area of London, England, located near the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Canary Wharf is defined by the Greater London Authority as being part of London's central business district, alongside Central London. Alongside the City of London, it constitutes one of the main financial centres in the United Kingdom and the world, containing many high-rise buildings including the third-tallest in the UK, One Canada Square, which opened on 26 August 1991.

 

Developed on the site of the former West India Docks in East London, Canary Wharf contains around 16,000,000 sq ft (1,500,000 m2) of office and retail space. It has many open areas and gardens, including Canada Square, Cabot Square, Westferry Circus, Jubilee Park, and Crossrail Place Roof Garden. Together with Heron Quays and Wood Wharf, it forms the Canary Wharf Estate, around 97 acres (39 ha) in area.

 

History

 

Canary Wharf is located on the West India Docks on the Isle of Dogs. As journalist José Luis Jiménez explains, the name of this location stems from its use during World War II as a storage area for agricultural exports—primarily tomatoes, cucumbers, and bananas—from the Canary Islands. Its remote position, far from the city center, even included the Canarian Docks on its outskirts.

 

West India Dock Company

 

From 1802 to the late 1980s, what would become the Canary Wharf Estate was a part of the Isle of Dogs (Millwall), Limehouse, and Poplar and was one of the busiest docks in the world. West India Docks was primarily developed by Robert Milligan (c. 1746–1809) who set up the West India Dock Company.

 

Port of London Authority

 

The Port of London Authority was established in 1909 and took control of West India Dock. The enterprise of Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, a Welsh shipping magnate who was a prominent figure in the Canary Islands, Spain, led to a constant stream of ships arriving into London's South Quay Dock and the naming of Canary Wharf, after the ships' origin. It was named after No. 32 berth of the West Wood Quay of the Import Dock. This was built in 1936 for Fruit Lines Ltd, a subsidiary of Fred Olsen Lines for the Mediterranean and Canary Islands fruit trade. It is located on the Isle of Dogs, the quay and warehouse were given the name Canary Wharf.

 

London Docklands Development Corporation

 

After the 1960s, when cargo became containerised, port industry began to decline, leading to all the docks being closed by 1980. After the docks closed in 1980, the British Government adopted policies to stimulate redevelopment of the area, including the creation of the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) in 1981 and the granting of Urban Enterprise Zone status to the Isle of Dogs in 1982.

 

The Canary Wharf of today began when Michael von Clemm, former chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB), came up with the idea to convert Canary Wharf into a back office. Further discussions with G Ware Travelstead led to proposals for a new business district and included the LDDC developing an inexpensive light metro scheme, the Docklands Light Railway, to make use of a large amount of redundant railway infrastructure and to improve access.

 

The project was sold to the Canadian company Olympia & York and construction began in 1988, master-planned by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with Yorke Rosenberg Mardall as their UK advisors, and subsequently by Koetter Kim. The first buildings were completed in 1991, including One Canada Square, which became the UK's tallest building at the time and a symbol of the regeneration of Docklands. By the time it opened, the London commercial property market had collapsed, and Olympia and York Canary Wharf Limited filed for bankruptcy in May 1992.

 

Initially, the City of London saw Canary Wharf as an existential threat. It modified its planning laws to expand the provision of new offices in the City of London, for example, creating offices above railway stations (Blackfriars) and roads (Alban Gate). The resulting oversupply of office space contributed to the failure of the Canary Wharf project.

 

Canary Wharf Group

 

In October 1995, an international consortium that included investors such as Alwaleed, bought control for $1.2 billion. Paul Reichmann, of Olympia & York, was named chairman, and Canary Wharf went public in 1999. The new company was called Canary Wharf Limited, and later became Canary Wharf Group.

 

In 1997, some residents living on the Isle of Dogs launched a lawsuit against Canary Wharf Ltd for private nuisance because the tower interfered with TV signals. The residents lost the case.

 

Recovery in the property market generally, coupled with continuing demand for large floorplate Grade A office space, slowly improved the level of interest. A critical event in the recovery was the much-delayed start of work on the Jubilee Line Extension, which the government wanted ready for the Millennium celebrations.

 

In March 2004, Canary Wharf Group plc. was taken over by a consortium of investors, backed by its largest shareholder Glick Family Investments and led by Morgan Stanley using a vehicle named Songbird Estates plc.

 

Corporations and agencies

 

Canary Wharf contains around 16,000,000 sq ft (1,500,000 m2) of office and retail space, of which around 7,900,000 sq ft (730,000 m2) (about 49%) is owned by Canary Wharf Group. Around 105,000 people work in Canary Wharf,[95] and it is home to the world or European headquarters of numerous major banks, professional services firms, and media organisations, including Barclays, Citigroup, Clifford Chance, Credit Suisse, Ernst & Young, Fitch Ratings, HSBC, Infosys, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, MetLife, Moody's, Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada, Deutsche Bank, S&P Global, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, State Street, The Economist Group and Thomson Reuters. Until 2018, Canary Wharf also hosted two European Union agencies, European Medicines Agency and European Banking Authority, that moved to Amsterdam and Paris respectively due to Brexit.

 

Leisure

 

Marina

 

West India Quays and Poplar Dock are two marinas that are used as moorings for barges and private leisure river craft and is owned by the Canal & River Trust.

 

Library

 

A local public library, called Idea Store Canary Wharf, is in Churchill Place shopping mall and run by Tower Hamlets Council which opened on Thursday 16 March 2006 as part of the Idea Store project and is the borough fourth Idea Store.

 

Cinema

 

Canary Wharf hosts two multiplexes (cinemas), one on West India Quay run by Cineworld. and another at Crossrail Place called Everyman Cinema.

 

Go Karting

 

An over 800m long electric karting facility exists within Cabot Square. The facility can accommodate up to 20 drivers at a single time. Karts can reach speeds of up to 45 mph.

 

Squares and public areas

 

Canada Square

 

Canada Square is one of the central squares at Canary Wharf. It is a large open space with grass, except during the winter when it is converted into an ice rink. The square is named after Canada, because the original developers of modern Canary Wharf, Olympia & York, wanted to reflect their heritage. Underneath the square is Canada Place shopping mall.

 

Westferry Circus

 

Westferry Circus is on the west side of Canary Wharf. It is a garden at ground level, and below is a roundabout allowing traffic to flow through. The garden is enclosed by bespoke hand-crafted ornamental railings and entrance gates by artist Giuseppe Lund. The area has a long history, dating back to 1812, when the Poplar and Greenwich Roads Company operated a horse ferry between Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs. It operated on the West Ferry and East Ferry Roads, which the names survived. Westferry Circus was chosen as the name for the roundabout and park by virtue of its proximity to Westferry Road.

 

Cabot Square

 

Cabot Square is one of the biggest squares at Canary Wharf, with a large fountain at the centre. The inner perimeter has additional fountains covered by trees. The square has large circular glass ventilation holes to allow gases to escape from the underground car park. The square is named after John Cabot and his son Sebastian, who were Italian explorers who settled in England in 1484.

 

Churchill Place

 

Churchill Place is an area on the east side of Canary Wharf. It is named after Winston Churchill.

 

Columbus Courtyard

 

A small square on the west side of Canary Wharf named after Christopher Columbus. The first phase of Canary Wharf was completed in 1992, 500 years after Columbus arrived in America.

 

Chancellor Passage

 

A passageway south of Cabot Square. Named after Richard Chancellor who sailed with Sir John Willoughby from Greenwich on their voyage through the White Sea to Moscow.

 

Wren Landing

 

Small area north of Cabot Square. Leads to North Dock footbridge towards Port East. Named after British architect Christopher Wren.

 

Montgomery Square

 

Located at the east end of Jubilee Park, Montgomery Square is an outdoor location for socialising. Events include street food markets, beach volleyball tournaments, padel tennis competition, and minigolf.

 

Parks and green spaces

 

Canary Wharf Group is enthusiastic about adding more green spaces and gardens to the dense urban environment. A total of 20 acres of landscaped parks, gardens and verdant squares complete with 1,000 trees, 4,000 shrubs and 70,000 seasonal plants are added each year.[110] Visitors are welcome to explore these parks and green spaces, which are ideal places for relaxation, social gatherings, performances, viewing outdoor public art, as well as hosting outdoor events and festivities.

 

Jubilee Park

 

Jubilee Park is a 10,000m² roof garden located above Jubilee Place, a shopping mall, and Canary Wharf Jubilee Station, an underground railway station. The park, opened in 2002 and was named in honour of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Jubilee Park is located in the financial district of Canary Wharf. The park's central feature is a raised serpentine water channel with rough stone walls. The curvilinear design of the water channel is intended to contrast to the scale and straightness of the surrounding buildings. In 2023, Jubilee Park won the Green Flag Award, recognising Jubilee Park as one of the United Kingdom's best parks

 

Crossrail Place Roof Garden

 

A 4,160 m2 (44,800 sq ft) roof garden, one of London's largest, houses on the top of seven-storey Crossrail Place structure, which contains the Elizabeth line Canary Wharf station. Opened to public in 2015, it lies almost exactly on the Meridian line splitting eastern and western hemispheres. The plants originating from the eastern hemisphere are planted to the East of the Meridian line in the garden, with those from the Western hemisphere on the opposite side. The design and development of Crossrail Place Roof Garden was honored by winning numerous prestigious international and United Kingdom awards. Selected notable awards include: "Best Urban Regeneration Project" at 2016 MIPIM awards in France, the first prize for the best "Innovative Design of a Contemporary Garden" at the 2017 European Garden Awards in Berlin, and a Highly Commended accolade at the 2016 Landscape Institute Awards in the category 'Design for a Small-Scale Development'.

 

Harbour Quay Garden

 

A newly opened garden, located at the strand of Wood Wharf, features a boardwalk for waterside wandering. The garden also offers family-friendly picnic spots and outdoor fitness equipment on the green lawn, where visitors can relax, view outdoor public art, and watch the water. Just around the corner, it has access to a new garden square, Harbord Square Park.

 

Harbord Square Park

 

Harbord Square Park, the newest garden square in Wood Wharf, continues the great London tradition of garden squares. It is open 24/7 and offers green space available for mindfulness activities and to support nearby residents' general wellbeing.

 

Eden Dock

 

In Oct 2024, in partnership with the Eden Project, the Canary Wharf group opened Eden dock. The waterfront green space can be accessed via Jubilee Plaza or Mackenzie Walk. It includes floating islands which are designed to encourage biodiversity.

 

Shopping malls

 

Canary Wharf shopping centre, ranked as one of the best in London, has five interconnected shopping malls: Canada Place, Cabot Place, Jubilee Place, Crossrail Place, and Churchill Place. The malls provide over 102,193 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft) of retail space, more than 310 shops from beauty, fashion, lifestyle, luxurious brands, health, and homeware, as well as 70 cafés, bars, and restaurants, eight grocery stores, five health clubs and a cinema. There are also numerous bars, restaurants, and food halls at street level, alongside plenty of outdoor seating enabling visitors to see the stunning wharf and riverside views.

 

Museums and archives

 

Opened in a Grade I listed Georgian warehouse by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2003, the Museum of London Docklands is one of the main attractions in the area. It is dedicated to the history of London's river, port, and people from Roman settlement to the present day. The museum offers a range of activities for children and families, including interactive displays and immersive activities.

 

Pokémon Go

 

Canary Wharf has been reported since 2017 as part of the Pokémon Go augmented reality game to being the home for the most wanted Pokémon gyms in London including Canary Wharf DLR station and Montgomery Square.

 

Canary Wharf Group published an official Pokémon map for PokéStops and Pokémon Gyms, the managing director for retail Camille Waxer said in 2016 that Pokémon Go has serious potential to attract new audiences to the area, particularly food and drink outlets which saw an increase in foot traffic.

 

(Wikipedia)

 

Canary Wharf (dt. „Kanaren-Kai“) ist ein Bürogebäudekomplex auf der Isle of Dogs im Londoner Stadtbezirk Tower Hamlets. Er befindet sich im Herzen der Docklands, dem ehemaligen Hafengebiet der britischen Hauptstadt. Canary Wharf steht in Konkurrenz zum historisch gewachsenen Finanzzentrum in der City of London. Hier stehen drei der höchsten Gebäude des Vereinigten Königreichs, One Canada Square, HSBC Tower und Citigroup Centre.

 

Wirtschaftszentrum

 

Zu den Unternehmen, die sich in Canary Wharf niedergelassen haben, gehören Finanzinstitute wie Credit Suisse, HSBC, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America und Barclays. Auch bedeutende Medienunternehmen haben hier ihre Hauptsitze, darunter The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Thomson Reuters und der Daily Mirror. Ebenfalls hier vertreten sind der Europa-Hauptsitz von Texaco, der Hauptsitz von Clifford Chance, eine der weltweit größten Anwaltssozietäten, sowie das Wirtschaftsprüfungsunternehmen KPMG. Bis zum Brexit war hier auch der Sitz der Europäischen Bankenaufsichtsbehörde (EBA).

 

Zu Beginn des Jahres betrug die offizielle Zahl der hier arbeitenden Angestellten 78.000, wovon 25 Prozent in den fünf umliegenden Stadtbezirken leben. Canary Wharf entwickelt sich auch immer mehr zu einem teuren und exklusiven Einkaufsviertel, insbesondere nach der Eröffnung des Jubilee-Place-Einkaufszentrums im Jahr 2004. Es gibt über 200 Läden mit mehr als 4.500 Verkaufsangestellten. Jede Woche gehen rund 500.000 Personen hierhin zum Einkaufen.

 

Canary Wharf verfügt über eine ausgezeichnete Anbindung an das Netz des öffentlichen Nahverkehrs. Seit 1991 hält an der Station Canary Wharf (DLR) die vollautomatische Stadtbahn Docklands Light Railway. 1999 wurde die Jubilee Line der London Underground eröffnet, die in der gleichnamigen, aber räumlich getrennten Station Canary Wharf (London Underground) hält, und 2022 wurde der Verkehr auf der neuen Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) aufgenommen. Der Flughafen London City liegt nur ein paar Kilometer östlich und kann mit regelmäßig verkehrenden Bussen, Taxis und mit der DLR in unter 15 Minuten erreicht werden. Vom Canary Wharf Pier aus stellen Schiffe auf der Themse weitere Verbindungen in Richtung Innenstadt her; die Thames Clippers verkehren unter der Woche alle 20 Minuten.

 

Geschichte

 

Canary Wharf war einst der Standort von Lagerhäusern inmitten der Docks. Der Name leitet sich ab vom Seehandel mit den Kanarischen Inseln, der von hier aus abgewickelt wurde. Während des 19. Jahrhunderts lagen hier die West India Docks, einer der verkehrsreichsten Häfen der Welt. In den 1960er Jahren setzte der Verfall der Hafen- und Industrieanlagen ein. Nachdem im Jahr 1980 das letzte Dock geschlossen worden war, beschloss die britische Regierung im Jahr 1981 ein Programm, mit dem ein 21 km² großes Gebiet neu belebt werden sollte. Um das Projekt zu koordinieren, wurde die Entwicklungsgesellschaft „London Docklands Development Corporation“ gegründet. In den ersten Jahren ließen sich hier Betriebe der Leichtindustrie nieder, der größte Mieter in Canary Wharf war ein TV-Produktionsstudio.

 

1984 besuchte Michael von Clemm, der Vorsitzende der Investmentbank Credit Suisse, im Auftrag eines Kunden die Docklands, um nach einem Standort für einen Lebensmittelverarbeitungsbetrieb Ausschau zu halten. Er war sich auch bewusst, dass die Büros der Bank in der City of London zu klein waren, vor allem im Hinblick auf die bevorstehende Deregulierung der Finanzmärkte im Jahr 1986. Von Clemm hatte die Idee, das Gebiet für Bürobauten zu nutzen. Allerdings war eine kritische Masse notwendig, um das ganze Vorhaben überhaupt rentabel werden zu lassen. Entsprechende Pläne wurden zusammen mit dem Unternehmen Morgan Stanley präsentiert, später allerdings wieder zu den Akten gelegt. Als 1987 die Docklands Light Railway eröffnet wurde, hatte man in Canary Wharf keine Station errichtet, da man nicht mit einer Entwicklung des Gebiets rechnete.

 

1988 übernahm das vom Immobilienunternehmer Paul Reichmann geleitete kanadische Unternehmen Olympia and York (O&Y) das Projekt und brachte es zur Baureife. Die Bauarbeiten begannen im selben Jahr, die erste Phase war 1992 abgeschlossen. O&Y, das auch das World Financial Center in New York gebaut hatte, verpflichtete sich, die Hälfte der Kosten für die geplante Verlängerung der Jubilee Line zu übernehmen. Zu Beginn der 1990er Jahre brach der weltweite Immobilienmarkt ein. Die Nachfrage nach Büroräumlichkeiten ging stark zurück und O&Y ging 1992 bankrott. Die obere Hälfte des Wolkenkratzers One Canada Square blieb ohne Mieter, Canary Wharf wurde zum Symbol der Immobilienkrise.

 

Im Februar 1996 explodierte in der Nähe von Canary Wharf an der Station South Quay der DLR eine Autobombe der IRA. Zwei Menschen wurden getötet, 39 verletzt. Es entstand dabei ein Sachschaden von 85 Millionen Pfund.

 

Im Dezember 1995 kaufte ein internationales Konsortium unter Vorsitz von Paul Reichmann[3] das Gelände. Damals waren hier rund 13.000 Arbeitsplätze angesiedelt, doch noch immer stand über die Hälfte der vorhandenen Büroliegenschaften leer. Ein wichtiges Ereignis für die Wiederbelebung des Projekts Canary Wharf war der Baubeginn der Jubilee Line, der mehrmals verschoben worden war. Von da an betrachteten Unternehmen das Gebiet zunehmend als Alternative zu den traditionellen Geschäftszentren. Die zunehmende Nachfrage ermöglichte neben der Fertigstellung der zurückgestellten Bauabschnitte auch die Realisierung zusätzlicher Projekte. Im März 2004 wurde die Betriebsgesellschaft Canary Wharf Group plc durch das von Morgan Stanley angeführte Investorenkonsortium Songbird Estates übernommen. Im Jahr 2004 belegten 70 Prozent der Büroflächen in Canary Wharf Banken.

 

Im Jahr 2014 wurde die erste bauliche Erweiterung seit der Finanzkrise 2008 genehmigt. Das am östlichen Ende der Canary Wharf befindliche Projekt Wood Wharf umfasst eine Fläche von 4,9 Millionen Quadratfuß[7], worauf insgesamt 30 Gebäude entstehen sollen. Als Herzstück soll der vom Schweizer Architekturbüro Herzog & de Meuron entworfene, 211 Meter und 57 Stockwerke hohe zylinderförmige Wohnturm errichtet werden.

 

Stand 2020 ist die Canary Wharf Group im Besitz des katarischen Staatsfonds und der kanadischen Immobiliengesellschaft Brookfield Properties.

 

Im Zuge der COVID-19-Pandemie zu Beginn des 2020er Jahrzehnts verkleinerten auch die in Canary Wharf ansässigen Unternehmen ihre Bürofleichen und lagerten Arbeiten und Mitarbeiter ins Homeoffice aus. In den 2020er Jahren kündigten viele große Unternehmen (darunter die Großbank HSBC, Moody’s, Clifford Chance) an, aus Canary Wharf auszuziehen. Der Exodus führt dazu, dass viele Gebäude enorm an Wert verloren. Gleichzeitig siedelten sich vermehrt Bars, Restaurants, Clubs, Fitness- und Freizeitcenter und andere kleinere Unternehmen wie Start-Ups in Canary Wharf an. In Wood Wharf wurden und werden Stand 2024 Appartmentkomplexe für mehr als 7000 Menschen gebaut.

 

Vorkommen in der Popkultur

 

In der Serie Doctor Who befindet sich im Bürokomplex das fiktive Torchwood-Institut, das im Finale der zweiten Staffel im Kampf gegen die Daleks und Cybermen zerstört wird. Die Ereignisse nach dieser Schlacht werden im Spin Off Torchwood erzählt.

 

(Wikipedia)

Pier Head, Liverpool.

 

The Pier Head has been a place that has drawn me back, time and time again since childhood.

 

Taken 4th June 2013. One I missed until now, going through my images from 2013.

British autograph card.

 

Tall, reedy, thin-browed, light-haired Margaret Leighton (1922-1976) was a British award-winning theatre and film actress. She appeared with her future husband Michael Wilding in the Hitchcock film Under Capricorn (1949). She won two Tony Awards for Broadway performances as Best Actress (Dramatic): in 1957 for 'Separate Tables' and in 1962 for Tennessee Williams' 'The Night of the Iguana'. 'Leighton received an Oscar nomination and a BAFTA award for her role in The Go-Between (Joseph Losey, 1971). She also won an Emmy Award for a 1970 television version of 'Hamlet'.

 

Margaret Leighton was born in Barnt Green, Worchestershire, England, in 1922, the daughter of a businessman. Expressing an early desire to act, she quit school at age 15 and auditioned and joined Sir Barry Jackson's Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Becoming one of his star students, he hired her as a stage manager and offered her the small role of Dorothy in the stage play 'Laugh with Me' (1938). Thereby, the play marked her professional debut on stage. The play was immediately taken to the BBC-TV, Laugh with Me (Herbert C. Prentice, 1938). During these productive repertory years, she involved herself in the classical plays by Chekov, Shakespeare, and Shaw. In 1944, Margaret made her London debut for the Old Vic Company playing the daughter of the troll king in 'Peer Gynt'. Joining the company under the auspices of Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Ralph Richardson, she earned distinction as a classical stage actress. In 1946, she made her Broadway debut as the Queen in 'Henry IV', starring Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson during a visit of the Old Vic to the U.S. The company performed a total of five plays from its repertoire before returning to London. The opulent actress with strikingly odd, yet fascinating facial features stole more than a few plays and films away from the stars with her stunning portrayals of neurotic, brittle matrons. Her unique brand of sophisticated eccentricity went on to captivate both Broadway and London audiences with her many theatre offerings, particularly her portrayals of Celia Coplestone in 'The Cocktail Party (1950) and Orinthia in a revival of 'The Apple Cart' (1953). Her New York performance as Mrs. Shankland in Terence Rattigan's drama 'Separate Tables' (1956) earned her a Tony Award. She returned to Broadway to play Beatrice in Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' in 1959, before returning in 1962 as Hannah in 'The Night of the Iguana' and earning her second Best Actress Tony trophy. She would continue to return to Broadway throughout the 1960s with the plays 'Tchin-Tchin', 'The Chinese Prime Minister', 'Slapstick Tragedy' and the heralded production of 'The Little Foxes (1967)', first playing Birdie before taking over the role of Regina.

 

During the 1950s and 1960s, Margaret Leighton would alternate between British and U.S. filming. She made her British debut as Catherine Winslow in Terrence Rattigan's The Winslow Boy (Anthony Asquith, 1948) starring Robert Donat. Then she co-starred opposite David Niven in the period biopic Bonnie Prince Charlie (Anthony Kimmins, 1948). Hitchcock used her next in one of his lesser known romantic crime films Under Capricorn (Alfred Hitchcock, 1949) before entangling herself in a romantic triangle with Celia Johnson and Noël Coward in The Astonished Heart (1950), which was both written and directed by Coward. In the crimer Calling Bulldog Drummond (Victor Saville, 1951), Margaret plays a Scotland Yard sergeant who pulls the master sleuth (Walter Pidgeon) out of retirement to infiltrate a vicious gang together, while in the mystery crime drama, Home at Seven (Ralph Richardson, 1952), the touching drama The Holly and the Ivy (George More O'Ferrall, 1952) and the saucy comedy The Passionate Stranger (Muriel Box, 1957), she reunited with her Old Vic theatre mentor Sir Ralph Richardson. Richardson was her frequent co-star on both stage and screen. She had played Roxane to his Cyrano in the 1946 London stage revival of 'Cyrano de Bergerac', one of Richardson's greatest stage successes. Margaret married (1947) and divorced (1955) noted publisher Max Reinhardt (of Reinhardt & Evans), known for his collection of letters and photographs from playwright and novelist George Bernard Shaw. Her second husband would be actor Laurence Harvey who starred in the British crime thriller The Good Die Young (Lewis Gilbert, 1954) in which Margaret made a co-starring appearance as his abused wife. They would marry later in 1957.

 

Margaret Leighton earned her first top cinematic billing as Helen Teckman in The Teckman Mystery (Wendy Toye, 1954) and reunited with David Niven in the military film Carrington V.C. (Anthony Asquith, 1954). Playing a Southern aristocrat in the U.S. filming of William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury (Martin Ritt, 1959) starring Yul Brynner, she followed that in the 1960s with a co-starring part opposite Peter Sellers in the comedy Waltz of the Toreadors (John Guillermin, 1962) and an all-star American cast headed by Henry Fonda in the potent political drama The Best Man (Franklin J. Schaffner, 1964). The black comedy The Loved One (Tony Richardson, 1965) and the dramatic 7 Women (John Ford, 1966), playing one of several ladies in peril at a Chinese mission, followed. Appearing in TV-movie versions of literary classics including 'Arms and the Man', 'As You LIke It' and 'The Confidential Clerk', Margaret began to make guest appearances on TV programs such as 'Suspicion,' 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents, 'The Alfred Hitchcock Hour', 'Playhouse 90', 'Ben Casey', 'Burke's Law', 'The F.B.I.', 'The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.' and 'Judd for the Defense', in addition to a recurring role on 'Dr. Kildare'. Divorced from Harvey in 1961, Margaret's third and final marriage to actor Michael Wilding in 1964 was an enduring matchup. The couple went on to co-star in the period piece Lady Caroline Lamb (Robert Bolt, 1972) starring Sarah Miles. Other notable screen credits around that time include The Madwoman of Chaillot (Bryan Forbes, 1969) and the TV movie, Great Expectations (Joseph Hardy, 1974) as Miss Havisham. Margaret would receive her only Oscar nomination for her support role in The Go-Between (Joseph Losey, 1971) starring Julie Christie and Alan Bates as Christie's manipulative, class-conscious mother. In 1971, Margaret was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but didn't let it slow her down for quite some time. She continued to perform in such films as Zee and Co. (Brian G. Hutton, 1972) with Elizabeth Taylor, Bequest to the Nation (James Cellan Jones, 1973), and the TV horror offering Frankenstein: The True Story (Jack Smight, 1973). By 1975 when she was no longer capable of walking, she continued to act giving an over-the-top comic performance in Trial by Combat (Kevin Connor, 1976). Her final TV performance was in the first season of Space: 1999 where she played Queen Arra in the episode "Collision Course. She was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1974 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to drama. She breathed her last in 1976 in Chichester hospital in Chichester, Sussex, at the age of 56. Margaret Leighton had no children in any of her marriages.

 

Sources: Gary Brumburgh (IMDb), Wikipedia, and IMDb.

 

And, please check out our blog European Film Star Postcards.

The Postcard

 

A postcard that was published by Gordon Fraser with photography by Eric de Maré. The image is a glossy real photograph.

 

On the back of the card the publishers provide the following information:

 

'London Westminster - The

Royal Albert Hall.

Captain Francis Fowke, R.E. designed the

Royal Albert Hall which was built in 1867-

1881. The interior comprises one vast, oval

amphitheatre in which 8,000 people can

be seated.

Mecca for concerts, choral events and

festivals, it is nevertheless notorious for its

poor acoustic properties.

The frieze, encircling the building below

the dome, by Armitage, Pickersgill. Marks

and Poynter, is in terracotta and represents

the Triumph of Arts and Letters'.

 

The card was posted in Kensington, London W8 on Tuesday the 20th. July 1965 to:

 

Martin,

Dalnaglar Castle,

Glenshee,

Perthshire,

Scotland.

 

The message on the divided back was as follows:

 

"More of the wonders of

London.

We are in the middle of a

tropical storm here.

Have bought Queen so am

expecting some 'In' love

tokens!

Love,

Sarah".

 

The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London. One of the United Kingdom's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity which receives no government funding. It can seat 5,272 people.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has been affectionately named "The Nation's Village Hall".

 

Since the hall's opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage. It is the venue for the Proms concerts, which have been held there every summer since 1941.

 

It is host to more than 390 shows in the main auditorium annually, including classical, rock and pop concerts, ballet, opera, film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment, sports, awards ceremonies, school and community events, and charity performances and banquets. A further 400 events are held each year in the non-auditorium areas.

 

The hall was originally supposed to have been called the Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but the name was changed to the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences by Queen Victoria upon laying the Hall's foundation stone in 1867, in memory of her husband, Prince Albert, who had died six years earlier.

 

History of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1800's

 

In 1851 the Great Exhibition, organised by Prince Albert, was held in Hyde Park, London. The Exhibition was a success, and this led Prince Albert to propose the creation of a group of permanent facilities for the public benefit, which came to be known as Albertopolis.

 

The Exhibition's Royal Commission bought Gore House, but it was slow to act, and in 1861 Prince Albert died without having seen his ideas come to fruition. However, a memorial was proposed for Hyde Park, with a Great Hall opposite.

 

The proposal was approved, and the site was purchased with some of the profits from the Exhibition. The Hall was designed by civil engineers Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Y. D. Scott of the Royal Engineers, and built by Lucas Brothers.

 

The designers were heavily influenced by ancient amphitheatres, but had also been exposed to the ideas of Gottfried Semper while he was working at the South Kensington Museum.

 

The recently opened Cirque d'Hiver in Paris was seen in the contemporary press as the design to outdo.

 

The Hall was constructed mainly of Fareham Red Brick, with terra cotta block decoration made by Gibbs and Canning Ltd. of Tamworth.

 

The dome (designed by Rowland Mason Ordish) was made of wrought iron and glazed. There was a trial assembly of the dome's iron framework in Manchester; then it was taken apart and transported to London by horse and cart.

 

When the time came for the supporting structure to be removed from the dome after reassembly in situ, only volunteers remained on-site in case the structure collapsed. It did drop – but only by five-sixteenths of an inch (8 mm).

 

The Hall was scheduled to be completed by Christmas Day 1870, and Queen Victoria visited a few weeks beforehand to inspect.

 

The official opening ceremony of the Royal Albert Hall was on the 29th. March 1871. A welcoming speech was given by Edward, the Prince of Wales because Queen Victoria was too overcome to speak;

 

"Her only recorded comment on the

Hall was that it reminded her of the

British constitution".

 

In the concert that followed, the Hall's acoustic problems immediately became apparent. Engineers first tried to remove the strong echo by suspending a canvas awning below the dome. This helped, and also sheltered concert-goers from the sun, but the problem was not solved - it used to be jokingly said:

 

"The Hall is the only place where

a British composer could be sure

of hearing his work twice".

 

In July 1871, French organist Camille Saint-Saëns performed Church Scene from Faust by Charles Gounod; The Orchestra described him as:

 

"An exceptional and distinguished

performer ... the effect was most

marvellous."

 

Initially lit by gas, the Hall contained a special system by which thousands of gas jets were lit within ten seconds. Though it was demonstrated as early as 1873 in the Hall, full electric lighting was not installed until 1888. During an early trial when a partial installation was made, one disgruntled patron wrote to The Times, declaring it to be:

 

"A very ghastly and unpleasant

innovation".

 

In May 1877, Richard Wagner conducted the first half of each of the eight concerts which made up the Grand Wagner Festival. After his turn with the baton, he handed it over to conductor Hans Richter and sat in a large armchair on the corner of the stage for the rest of each concert. Wagner's wife Cosima, the daughter of Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer Franz Liszt, was among the audience.

 

The Wine Society was founded at the Hall on the 4th. August 1874, after large quantities of cask wine were found in the cellars. A series of lunches were held to publicise the wines, and General Henry Scott proposed a co-operative company to buy and sell wines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1900's

 

In 1906 Elsie Fogerty founded the Central School of Speech and Drama at the Hall, using its West Theatre, now the Elgar Room. The school moved to Swiss Cottage in north London in 1957. Whilst the school was based at the Royal Albert Hall, students who graduated from its classes included Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, Harold Pinter, Laurence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft.

 

In 1911 Russian pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff performed at the Hall. The recital included his 'Prelude in C-sharp minor' and 'Elegie in E-flat minor'.

 

In 1933 German physicist Albert Einstein led the 'Einstein Meeting' at the hall for the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics, a British charity.

 

In 1936, the Hall was the scene of a giant rally celebrating the British Empire on the occasion of the centenary of Joseph Chamberlain's birth.

 

In October 1942, the Hall suffered minor damage during World War II bombing, but in general was left mostly untouched as German pilots used the distinctive structure as a landmark.

 

In 1949 the canvas awning was removed and replaced with fluted aluminium panels below the glass roof, in a new attempt to cure the echo. However the acoustics were not properly tackled until 1969 when large fibreglass acoustic diffusing discs (commonly referred to as "mushrooms" or "flying saucers") were installed below the ceiling.

 

In 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and from 1969–1988 the Miss World contest was staged at the venue.

 

In 1995, Greek keyboardist Yanni performed a concert there for his World Tour; the concert was recorded under the name of Live at Royal Albert Hall.

 

From 1996 until 2004, the Hall underwent a programme of renovation and development supported by a £20 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £20m from Arts Council England to enable it to meet the demands of the next century of events and performances.

 

Thirty "discreet projects" were designed and supervised by the architecture and engineering firm BDP without disrupting events. These projects included improved ventilation to the auditorium, more bars and restaurants, improved seating, better technical facilities, and improved backstage areas. Internally, the Circle seating was rebuilt during June 1996 to provide more legroom, better access, and improved sightlines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2000's

 

The largest project of the ongoing renovation and development was the building of a new south porch – door 12, accommodating a first-floor restaurant, a new ground floor box office and a below-ground loading bay.

 

Although the exterior of the building was largely unchanged, the south steps leading down to Prince Consort Road were demolished to allow the construction of underground vehicle access and a loading bay with accommodation for three HGVs carrying all the equipment brought by shows.

 

The steps were then reconstructed around a new south porch, named The Meitar Foyer after a significant donation from Mr & Mrs Meitar. The porch was built on a similar scale and style to the three pre-existing porches at Doors 3, 6 and 9: these works were undertaken by Taylor Woodrow.

 

The original steps featured in the early scenes of the 1965 film The Ipcress File. On the 4th. June 2004, the project received the Europa Nostra Award for remarkable achievement.

 

The East (Door 3) and West (Door 9) porches were glazed, and new bars opened along with ramps to improve disabled access. The Stalls were rebuilt in a four-week period in 2000 using steel supports, thereby allowing more space underneath for two new bars.

 

1,534 unique pivoting seats were installed, with an addition of 180 prime seats. The Choirs were rebuilt at the same time.

 

The whole building was redecorated in a style that reinforces its Victorian identity. 43,000 sq. ft (4,000 m2) of new carpets were laid in the rooms, stairs, and corridors – specially woven with a border that follows the oval curve of the building.

 

Between 2002 and 2004, there was a major rebuilding of the great organ (known as the Voice of Jupiter), built by "Father" Henry Willis in 1871 and rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison in 1924 and 1933.

 

The rebuilding was performed by Mander Organs, and it is now the second-largest pipe organ in the British Isles with 9,997 pipes in 147 stops. The largest is the Grand Organ in Liverpool Cathedral which has 10,268 pipes.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2010's

 

During the first half of 2011, changes were made to the backstage areas in order to relocate and increase the size of crew catering areas under the South Steps away from the stage and to create additional dressing rooms nearer to the stage.

 

During the summer of 2012, the staff canteen and some changing areas were expanded and refurbished. From January to May the Box Office area at Door 12 underwent further modernisation to include a new Café Bar on the ground floor, a new Box Office with shop counters, and additional toilets.

 

Upon opening it was renamed 'The Zvi and Ofra Meitar Porch and Foyer.' owing to a large donation from the couple.

 

In Autumn 2013, work began on replacing the Victorian steam heating system over three years and improving and cooling across the building. This work followed the summer Proms season during which temperatures were unusually high.

 

From January the Cafe Consort on the Grand Tier was closed permanently in preparation for a new restaurant at a cost of £1 million. Verdi – Italian Kitchen was officially opened on the 15th. April with a lunch or dinner menu of stone baked pizzas, pasta, and classic desserts.

 

Design of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Hall, a Grade I listed building, is an ellipse in plan, with its external major and minor axis of 272 and 236 feet (83 and 72 meters. The great glass and wrought-iron dome roofing the Hall is 135 ft (41 m) high.

 

Below the Arena floor there is room for two 4000 gallon water tanks, which are used for shows that flood the arena like Madame Butterfly.

 

The Hall was originally designed with a capacity for 8,000 people, and has accommodated as many as 12,000 (although present-day safety restrictions mean the maximum permitted capacity is now 5,272, including standing in the Gallery.

 

Around the outside of the building is an 800–foot–long terracotta mosaic frieze, depicting "The Triumph of Arts and Sciences", in reference to the Hall's dedication. Above the frieze is an inscription in 12-inch-high (30 cm) terracotta letters that combine historical fact and Biblical quotations:

 

"This hall was erected for the advancement

of the arts and sciences and works of industry

of all nations in fulfilment of the intention of

Albert Prince Consort.

The site was purchased with the proceeds of

the Great Exhibition of the year MDCCCLI.

The first stone of the Hall was laid by Her

Majesty Queen Victoria on the twentieth day

of May MDCCCLXVII and it was opened by Her

Majesty the Twenty Ninth of March in the year

MDCCCLXXI.

Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the victory and the majesty.

For all that is in the heaven and in the earth is

Thine. The wise and their works are in the hand

of God. Glory be to God on high and on earth

peace".

 

Events at The Royal Albert Hall

 

The first concert at the Hall was Arthur Sullivan's cantata On Shore and Sea, performed on the 1st. May 1871.

 

Many events are promoted by the Hall, and since the early 1970's promoter Raymond Gubbay has brought a range of events to the Hall including opera, ballet and classical music.

 

Events also include rock concerts, conferences, banquets, ballroom dancing, poetry recitals, educational talks, motor shows, ballet, opera, film screenings and circus shows.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has hosted many sporting events, including boxing, squash, table tennis, basketball, wrestling (including the first Sumo wrestling tournament to be held in London) as well as UFC 38 (the first UFC event to be held in the UK), tennis, and even a marathon.

 

The Hall first hosted boxing in 1918, when it hosted a tournament between British and American servicemen. There was a colour bar in place at the Hall, preventing black boxers from fighting there, between 1923 and 1932.

 

Greats of British boxing such as Frank Bruno, Prince Naseem Hamed, Henry Cooper and Lennox Lewis have all appeared at the venue. The Hall's boxing history was halted in 1999 when a court ordered that boxing and wrestling matches could no longer be held at the venue. In 2011 that decision was overturned. In 2019 Nicola Adams won the WBO Flyweight title which was the first fight for a world title at the venue since Marco Antonio Barrera took on Paul Lloyd in 1999.

 

On the 6th. April 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest which was broadcast in colour for the first time. The first Miss World contest broadcast in colour was also staged at the venue in 1969, and remained at the Hall every year until 1989.

 

One notable event was a Pink Floyd concert held on the 26th. June 1969. On that night they were banned from ever playing at the Hall again after shooting cannons, nailing things to the stage, and having a man in a gorilla suit roam the audience.

 

At one point, Rick Wright went to the pipe organ and began to play "The End of the Beginning", the final part of "Saucerful of Secrets", joined by the brass section of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (led by the conductor, Norman Smith) and the ladies of the Ealing Central Amateur Choir. A portion of the pipe organ recording is included on Pink Floyd's album The Endless River.

 

On the 18th. June 1985, British Gothic rock band The Sisters of Mercy recorded their live video album Wake at the Hall.

 

Between 1996 and 2008, the Hall hosted the annual National Television Awards, all of which were hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.

 

Benefit concerts include the 1997 Music for Montserrat concert, arranged and produced by George Martin. The event featured artists such as Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Paul McCartney.

 

In 2006, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour performed at the Hall for the first time since Pink Floyd's 1969 ban. He performed as part of his On an Island Tour. The shows were filmed and used for the live video release, Remember That Night (2007).

 

Rock band The Killers recorded their first live album, Live from the Royal Albert Hall in July 2009.

 

On the 5th. April 2010, Swedish progressive metal band Opeth recorded In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, as they became the first Death metal band ever to perform at the Hall. The concert was part of the band's Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology tour, made in celebration of their 20th. anniversary.

 

In July 2011, Janet Jackson performed three sold-out shows as part of her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour.

 

On the 2nd. October 2011, the Hall staged the 25th.-anniversary performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, which was broadcast live to cinemas across the world and filmed for DVD.

 

Lloyd Webber, the original London cast including Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, and four previous actors of the titular character, among others, were in attendance – Brightman and the previous Phantoms (aside from Crawford) performed an encore.

 

On the 22nd. September 2011, Adele performed a one-night-only concert as part of her tour. The concert was filmed for DVD, and screened at cinemas in 26 cities around the world.

 

Her performance debuted at number one in the United States with 96,000 copies sold, the highest one-week tally for a music DVD in four years. After one week, it became the best-selling music DVD of 2011. As of the 28th. November 2012, it had surpassed sales of one million copies in the United States and sales of three million copies worldwide.

 

It was the first music DVD to surpass sales of one million in the USA since the Eagles' Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne in 2005.

 

The 2012 Sunflower Jam charity concert featured Queen guitarist Brian May performing alongside bassist John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple, and vocalists Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, and Alice Cooper.

 

On the 24th. September 2012, Classic FM celebrated the 20th. anniversary of their launch with a concert at the Hall. The program featured live performances of works by Handel, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Parry, Vaughan Williams, Tchaikovsky and Karl Jenkins who conducted his piece The Benedictus from The Armed Man.

 

On the 19th. November 2012, the Hall hosted the 100th.-anniversary performance of the Royal Variety Performance, attended by the HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Duke of Edinburgh, with boy-band One Direction among the performers.

 

During his Rattle That Lock Tour, David Gilmour performed at the Royal Albert Hall eleven times between September 2015 and September 2016, once in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

 

On the 13th. November 2015, Canadian musician Devin Townsend recorded his second live album Ziltoid Live at the Royal Albert Hall.

 

Kylie Minogue performed at the Royal Albert Hall on the 11th. December 2015 and the 9th. - 10th. December 2016 as part of her "A Kylie Christmas" concert series.

 

On the 3rd. May 2016, singer-songwriter and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell played at the Hall in what would become the last UK show of his life as part of his "Higher Truth" European tour.

 

Cornell performed stripped-back acoustic renditions from his back-catalogue to rave reviews, including songs from the likes of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave and his solo work. Cornell died on the 18th. May 2017.

 

On the 22nd. April 2016, British rock band Bring Me the Horizon performed and recorded their Live at the Royal Albert Hall album, with accompaniment from the Parallax Orchestra conducted by Simon Dobson.

 

At a press conference held at the Hall in October 2016, Phil Collins announced his return to live performing with his Not Dead Yet Tour, which began in June 2017. The tour included five nights at the Hall which sold out in fifteen seconds.

 

In October 2017, American rock band Alter Bridge also recorded a live album accompanied by the Parallax Orchestra with Simon Dobson.

 

Also in 2017, the Hall hosted the 70th. British Academy Film Awards, often referred to as the BAFTAs, for the first time in 20 years, replacing the Royal Opera House at which the event had been held since 2008.

 

In 2018, WWE held its second United Kingdom Championship Tournament on the 18th. and 19th. June.

 

Also in 2018, the world premiere of PlayStation in Concert was organised at the Hall. It featured PlayStation game music from the 1990's up until then. It was arranged by Jim Fowler and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

In May 2019, Mariah Carey performed 3 shows as part of her Caution World Tour. Comedian Bill Burr filmed his 2019 special Paper Tiger at the Hall. In November 2020, One Direction member Niall Horan performed a one off live-streamed show in an empty Hall (during the COVID-19 pandemic) to raise money for charity.

 

Regular Events at the Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Choral Society

 

The Royal Choral Society is the longest-running regular performer at the Hall, having given its first performance as the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society on the 8th. May 1872. From 1876, it established the annual Good Friday performance of Handel's Messiah.

 

BBC Proms

 

The BBC Sir Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, known as "The Proms", is a popular annual eight-week summer season of daily classical music concerts and other events at the Hall.

 

In 1942, following the destruction of the Queen's Hall in an air raid, the Hall was chosen as the new venue for the proms. In 1944 with increased danger to the Hall, part of the proms were held in the Bedford Corn Exchange.

 

Following the end of World War II the proms continued in the Hall, and have done so annually every summer since. The event was founded in 1895, and now each season consists of over 70 concerts, in addition to a series of events at other venues across the United Kingdom on the last night.

 

In 2009, the total number of concerts reached 100 for the first time. Jiří Bělohlávek described The Proms as:

 

"The world's largest and most

democratic musical festival".

 

Proms is a term which arose from the original practice of the audience promenading, or strolling, in some areas during the concert. Proms concert-goers, particularly those who stand, are sometimes described as "Promenaders", but are most commonly referred to as "Prommers".

 

Tennis

 

Tennis was first played at the Hall in March 1970, and the ATP Champions Tour Masters has been played annually every December since 1997.

 

Classical Spectacular

 

Classical Spectacular, a Raymond Gubbay production, has been coming to the Hall since 1988. It combines popular classical music, lights and special effects.

 

Cirque du Soleil

 

Cirque du Soleil has performed annually, with a show being staged every January, since 2003. Cirque has had to adapt many of their touring shows to perform at the venue, modifying the set, usually built for arenas or big top tents instead.

 

Classic Brit Awards

 

Since 2000, the Classic Brit Awards has been hosted annually in May at the Hall. It is organised by the British Phonographic Industry.

 

Festival of Remembrance

 

The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is held annually the day before Remembrance Sunday.

 

Institute of Directors

 

For 60 years the Institute of Directors' Annual Convention has been synonymous with the Hall, although in 2011 and 2012 it was held at indigO2.

 

The English National Ballet

 

Since 1998 the English National Ballet has had several specially staged arena summer seasons in partnership with the Hall and Raymond Gubbay. These include Strictly Gershwin, June 2008 and 2011, Swan Lake, June 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013, Romeo & Juliet, June 2001 and 2005, and The Sleeping Beauty, April - June 2000.

 

Teenage Cancer Trust

 

Starting in the year 2000 the Teenage Cancer Trust has held annual charity concerts (with the exception of 2001). They started as a one-off event, but have expanded over the years to a week or more of evening events. Roger Daltrey of the Who has been intimately involved with the planning of the events.

 

Graduation Ceremonies

 

The Hall is used annually by the neighbouring Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art for graduation ceremonies. For several years the University of London and Kingston University also held their graduation ceremonies at the Hall.

 

Films, Premières and Live Orchestra Screenings

 

The venue has screened several films since the early silent days. It was the only London venue to show William Fox's The Queen of Sheba in the 1920's.

 

The Hall has hosted many premières, including the UK première of Fritz Lang's Die Nibelungen, 101 Dalmatians on the 4th. December 1996, the European première of Spandau Ballet's Soul Boys of the Western World, and three James Bond royal world premières - Die Another Day on the 18th. November 2002 (attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip), Skyfall on the 23rd. October 2012 (attended by Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall), and Spectre on the 26th. October 2015 (attended by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge).

 

The Hall held the first 3D world première of Titanic 3D, on the 27th. March 2012, with James Cameron and Kate Winslet in attendance.

 

Since 2009, the Hall has also curated regular seasons of English-language film-and-live-orchestra screenings, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gladiator, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Interstellar, The Matrix, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Back to the Future, Jaws, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and the world première of Titanic Live in Concert.

 

The only non-English-language movie to have been screened at the Hall is Baahubali: The Beginning (an Indian movie in Telugu and Tamil, but premiered with the Hindi dubbed version).

 

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

 

The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, one of the most prestigious prizes in the annual brass band contesting calendar, holds the Final of the Championship section at the Royal Albert Hall each October.

 

Beyond the Main Stage

 

The Hall hosts hundreds of events and activities beyond its main auditorium. There are regular free art exhibitions in the ground floor Amphi corridor, which can be viewed when attending events or on dedicated viewing dates.

 

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Hall on most days. The most common is the one-hour Grand Tour which includes most front-of-house areas, the auditorium, the Gallery and the Royal Retiring Room.

 

Other tours include Story of the Proms, Behind the Scenes, Inside Out and School tours.

 

Children's events include Storytelling and Music Sessions for ages four and under. These take place in the Door 9 Porch and Albert's Band sessions in the Elgar Room during school holidays.

 

"Live Music in Verdi" takes place in the Italian restaurant on a Friday night featuring different artists each week.

 

"Late Night Jazz" events in the Elgar Room, generally on a Thursday night, feature cabaret-style seating and a relaxed atmosphere with drinks available.

 

"Classical Coffee Mornings" are held on Sundays in the Elgar Room with musicians from the Royal College of Music accompanied with drinks and pastries.

 

Sunday brunch events take place in Verdi Italian restaurant and feature different genres of music.

 

Regular Performers at the Royal Albert Hall

 

Eric Clapton is a regular performer at the Hall. Since 1964, Clapton has performed at the Hall over 200 times, and has stated that performing at the venue is: "Like playing in my front room".

 

In December 1964, Clapton made his first appearance at the Hall with the Yardbirds. It was also the venue for his band Cream's farewell concerts in 1968 and reunion shows in 2005. He also instigated the Concert for George, which was held at the Hall on the 29th. November 2002 to pay tribute to Clapton's lifelong friend, former Beatle George Harrison. Clapton passed 200 shows at the Hall in 2015.

 

David Gilmour played at the Hall in support of two solo albums, while also releasing a live concert on September 2006 entitled Remember That Night which was recorded during his three nights playing at the Hall for his 2006 On an Island tour.

 

Notable guests were Robert Wyatt and David Bowie (who sang lead for "Arnold Layne" and "Comfortably Numb"). The live concert was televised by BBC One on the 9th. September 2007.

 

Gilmour returned to the Hall for four nights in September 2016 (where he was joined on stage by Benedict Cumberbatch for "Comfortably Numb"), having previously played five nights in 2015, to end his 34-day Rattle That Lock Tour. He also made an appearance on the 24th. April 2016 as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust event.

 

Shirley Bassey is one of the Hall's most prolific female headline performers, having appeared many times at the Hall since the 1970's. In 2001, she sang "Happy Birthday" for the Duke of Edinburgh's 80th. birthday concert. In 2007, she sang at Fashion Rocks in aid of the Prince's Trust.

 

On the 30th. March 2011, she sang at a gala celebrating the 80th. birthday of Mikhail Gorbachev. In May 2011, she performed at the Classic Brit Awards, singing "Goldfinger" in tribute to the recently deceased composer John Barry. On the 20th. June 2011, she returned and sang "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Goldfinger", accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as the climax to the memorial concert for Barry.

 

James Last appeared 90 times at the Hall between 1973 and 2015, making him the most frequent non–British performer to have played the venue.

 

Education and Outreach Programme

 

The Hall's education and outreach programme engages with more than 200,000 people a year. It includes workshops for local teenagers led by musicians such as Foals, Jake Bugg, Emeli Sandé, Nicola Benedetti, Alison Balsom and First Aid Kit, innovative science and maths lessons, visits to local residential homes from the venue's in-house group, Albert's Band, under the 'Songbook' banner, and the Friendship Matinee: an orchestral concert for community groups, with £5 admission.

 

Mis-labellings

 

A famous and widely bootlegged concert by Bob Dylan at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester on the 17th. May 1966 was mistakenly labelled the "Royal Albert Hall Concert".

 

In 1998, Columbia Records released an official recording, The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966, The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert. It maintains the erroneous title but does include details of the actual location.

 

Recordings from the Royal Albert Hall concerts on the 26th. and 27th. May 1966 were finally released by the artist in 2016 as The Real Royal Albert Hall 1966 Concert.

 

Another concert mislabelled as being at the Hall was by Creedence Clearwater Revival. An album by them entitled The Royal Albert Hall Concert was released in 1980. When Fantasy Records discovered the show on the album actually took place at the Oakland Coliseum, it retitled the album The Concert.

 

Pop Culture References

 

A large mural by Peter Blake, entitled Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, is displayed in the Hall's Café Bar. Unveiled in April 2014, it shows more than 400 famous figures who have appeared on the stage.

 

In 1955, English film director Alfred Hitchcock filmed the climax of The Man Who Knew Too Much at the Hall. The 15-minute sequence featured James Stewart, Doris Day and composer Bernard Herrmann, and was filmed partly in the Queen's Box.

 

Hitchcock was a long-time patron of the Hall and had already set the finale of his 1927 film, The Ring at the Hall, as well as his initial version of The Man Who Knew Too Much, starring Leslie Banks, Edna Best and Peter Lorre.

 

Other notable films shot at the Hall include Major Barbara, Love Story, The Seventh Veil, The Ipcress File, A Touch of Class, Shine, and Spice World.

 

In the song "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles, the Albert Hall is mentioned. The verse goes as follows:

 

"I read the news today, oh boy

four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire

and though the holes were rather small

they had to count them all

now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall

I'd love to turn you on".

 

The song "Session Man" by The Kinks references the Hall:

 

"He never will forget at all

The day he played at Albert Hall".

 

In the song "Shame" by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, Barlow mentions the Hall in his verse:

 

"I read your mind and tried to call,

my tears could fill the Albert Hall".

 

'Like a Rolling Stone'

 

So what else happened on the day that Sarah posted the card?

 

Well, the 20th. July 1965 marked the release of 'Like a Rolling Stone'.

 

'Like a Rolling Stone' is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released by Columbia Records. Its confrontational lyrics originated in an extended piece of verse Dylan wrote in June 1965, when he returned exhausted from a gruelling tour of England.

 

Dylan distilled this draft into four verses and a chorus. 'Like a Rolling Stone' was recorded a few weeks later as part of the sessions for the forthcoming album Highway 61 Revisited.

 

During a difficult two-day pre-production, Dylan struggled to find the essence of the song, which was demoed without success in 3/4 time. A breakthrough was made when it was tried in a rock music format, and rookie session musician Al Kooper improvised the organ riff for which the track is known.

 

Columbia Records were unhappy with both the song's length at over six minutes and its heavy electric sound, and were hesitant to release it.

 

It was only when, a month later, a copy was leaked to a new popular music club and heard by influential DJs that the song was put out as a single. Although radio stations were reluctant to play such a long track, 'Like a Rolling Stone' reached No. 2 in the US Billboard charts and became a worldwide hit.

 

Critics have described the track as revolutionary in its combination of different musical elements, the youthful, cynical sound of Dylan's voice, and the directness of the question "How does it feel?"

 

"Like a Rolling Stone" completed the transformation of Dylan's image from folk singer to rock star, and is considered one of the most influential compositions in postwar popular music.

 

According to review aggregator Acclaimed Music, 'Like a Rolling Stone' is the statistically most acclaimed song of all time.

 

Rolling Stone magazine listed the song at No. 1 in their "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list. The song has been covered by many artists, from the Jimi Hendrix Experience and the Rolling Stones to the Wailers and Green Day.

 

At an auction in 2014, Dylan's handwritten lyrics to the song fetched $2 million, a world record for a popular music manuscript.

British postcard in the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre series number 20. Photo: Angus McBean. Margaret Leighton as Ariel in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Stratford-upon-Avon, 1952.

 

Tall, reedy, thin-browed, light-haired Margaret Leighton (1922-1976) was a British award-winning theatre and film actress. She appeared with her future husband Michael Wilding in the Hitchcock film Under Capricorn (1949). She won two Tony Awards for Broadway performances as Best Actress (Dramatic): in 1957 for 'Separate Tables' and in 1962 for Tennessee Williams' 'The Night of the Iguana'. 'Leighton received an Oscar nomination and a BAFTA award for her role in The Go-Between (Joseph Losey, 1971). She also won an Emmy Award for a 1970 television version of 'Hamlet'.

 

Margaret Leighton was born in Barnt Green, Worchestershire, England, in 1922, the daughter of a businessman. Expressing an early desire to act, she quit school at age 15 and auditioned and joined Sir Barry Jackson's Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Becoming one of his star students, he hired her as a stage manager and offered her the small role of Dorothy in the stage play 'Laugh with Me' (1938). Thereby, the play marked her professional debut on stage. The play was immediately taken to the BBC-TV, Laugh with Me (Herbert C. Prentice, 1938). During these productive repertory years, she involved herself in the classical plays by Chekov, Shakespeare, and Shaw. In 1944, Margaret made her London debut for the Old Vic Company playing the daughter of the troll king in 'Peer Gynt'. Joining the company under the auspices of Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Ralph Richardson, she earned distinction as a classical stage actress. In 1946, she made her Broadway debut as the Queen in 'Henry IV', starring Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson during a visit of the Old Vic to the U.S. The company performed a total of five plays from its repertoire before returning to London. The opulent actress with strikingly odd, yet fascinating facial features stole more than a few plays and films away from the stars with her stunning portrayals of neurotic, brittle matrons. Her unique brand of sophisticated eccentricity went on to captivate both Broadway and London audiences with her many theatre offerings, particularly her portrayals of Celia Coplestone in 'The Cocktail Party (1950) and Orinthia in a revival of 'The Apple Cart' (1953). Her New York performance as Mrs. Shankland in Terence Rattigan's drama 'Separate Tables' (1956) earned her a Tony Award. She returned to Broadway to play Beatrice in Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' in 1959, before returning in 1962 as Hannah in 'The Night of the Iguana' and earning her second Best Actress Tony trophy. She would continue to return to Broadway throughout the 1960s with the plays 'Tchin-Tchin', 'The Chinese Prime Minister', 'Slapstick Tragedy' and the heralded production of 'The Little Foxes (1967)', first playing Birdie before taking over the role of Regina.

 

During the 1950s and 1960s, Margaret Leighton would alternate between British and U.S. filming. She made her British debut as Catherine Winslow in Terrence Rattigan's The Winslow Boy (Anthony Asquith, 1948) starring Robert Donat. Then she co-starred opposite David Niven in the period biopic Bonnie Prince Charlie (Anthony Kimmins, 1948). Hitchcock used her next in one of his lesser known romantic crime films Under Capricorn (Alfred Hitchcock, 1949) before entangling herself in a romantic triangle with Celia Johnson and Noël Coward in The Astonished Heart (1950), which was both written and directed by Coward. In the crimer Calling Bulldog Drummond (Victor Saville, 1951), Margaret plays a Scotland Yard sergeant who pulls the master sleuth (Walter Pidgeon) out of retirement to infiltrate a vicious gang together, while in the mystery crime drama, Home at Seven (Ralph Richardson, 1952), the touching drama The Holly and the Ivy (George More O'Ferrall, 1952) and the saucy comedy The Passionate Stranger (Muriel Box, 1957), she reunited with her Old Vic theatre mentor Sir Ralph Richardson. Richardson was her frequent co-star on both stage and screen. She had played Roxane to his Cyrano in the 1946 London stage revival of 'Cyrano de Bergerac', one of Richardson's greatest stage successes. Margaret married (1947) and divorced (1955) noted publisher Max Reinhardt (of Reinhardt & Evans), known for his collection of letters and photographs from playwright and novelist George Bernard Shaw. Her second husband would be actor Laurence Harvey who starred in the British crime thriller The Good Die Young (Lewis Gilbert, 1954) in which Margaret made a co-starring appearance as his abused wife. They would marry later in 1957.

 

Margaret Leighton earned her first top cinematic billing as Helen Teckman in The Teckman Mystery (Wendy Toye, 1954) and reunited with David Niven in the military film Carrington V.C. (Anthony Asquith, 1954). Playing a Southern aristocrat in the U.S. filming of William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury (Martin Ritt, 1959) starring Yul Brynner, she followed that in the 1960s with a co-starring part opposite Peter Sellers in the comedy Waltz of the Toreadors (John Guillermin, 1962) and an all-star American cast headed by Henry Fonda in the potent political drama The Best Man (Franklin J. Schaffner, 1964). The black comedy The Loved One (Tony Richardson, 1965) and the dramatic 7 Women (John Ford, 1966), playing one of several ladies in peril at a Chinese mission, followed. Appearing in TV-movie versions of literary classics including 'Arms and the Man', 'As You LIke It' and 'The Confidential Clerk', Margaret began to make guest appearances on TV programs such as 'Suspicion,' 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents, 'The Alfred Hitchcock Hour', 'Playhouse 90', 'Ben Casey', 'Burke's Law', 'The F.B.I.', 'The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.' and 'Judd for the Defense', in addition to a recurring role on 'Dr. Kildare'. Divorced from Harvey in 1961, Margaret's third and final marriage to actor Michael Wilding in 1964 was an enduring matchup. The couple went on to co-star in the period piece Lady Caroline Lamb (Robert Bolt, 1972) starring Sarah Miles. Other notable screen credits around that time include The Madwoman of Chaillot (Bryan Forbes, 1969) and the TV movie, Great Expectations (Joseph Hardy, 1974) as Miss Havisham. Margaret would receive her only Oscar nomination for her support role in The Go-Between (Joseph Losey, 1971) starring Julie Christie and Alan Bates as Christie's manipulative, class-conscious mother. In 1971, Margaret was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but didn't let it slow her down for quite some time. She continued to perform in such films as Zee and Co. (Brian G. Hutton, 1972) with Elizabeth Taylor, Bequest to the Nation (James Cellan Jones, 1973), and the TV horror offering Frankenstein: The True Story (Jack Smight, 1973). By 1975 when she was no longer capable of walking, she continued to act giving an over-the-top comic performance in Trial by Combat (Kevin Connor, 1976). Her final TV performance was in the first season of Space: 1999 where she played Queen Arra in the episode "Collision Course. She was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1974 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to drama. She breathed her last in 1976 in Chichester hospital in Chichester, Sussex, at the age of 56. Margaret Leighton had no children in any of her marriages.

 

Sources: Gary Brumburgh (IMDb), Wikipedia, and IMDb.

 

And, please check out our blog European Film Star Postcards.

Reuters Plaza

 

Canary Wharf is an area of London, England, located near the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Canary Wharf is defined by the Greater London Authority as being part of London's central business district, alongside Central London. Alongside the City of London, it constitutes one of the main financial centres in the United Kingdom and the world, containing many high-rise buildings including the third-tallest in the UK, One Canada Square, which opened on 26 August 1991.

 

Developed on the site of the former West India Docks in East London, Canary Wharf contains around 16,000,000 sq ft (1,500,000 m2) of office and retail space. It has many open areas and gardens, including Canada Square, Cabot Square, Westferry Circus, Jubilee Park, and Crossrail Place Roof Garden. Together with Heron Quays and Wood Wharf, it forms the Canary Wharf Estate, around 97 acres (39 ha) in area.

 

History

 

Canary Wharf is located on the West India Docks on the Isle of Dogs. As journalist José Luis Jiménez explains, the name of this location stems from its use during World War II as a storage area for agricultural exports—primarily tomatoes, cucumbers, and bananas—from the Canary Islands. Its remote position, far from the city center, even included the Canarian Docks on its outskirts.

 

West India Dock Company

 

From 1802 to the late 1980s, what would become the Canary Wharf Estate was a part of the Isle of Dogs (Millwall), Limehouse, and Poplar and was one of the busiest docks in the world. West India Docks was primarily developed by Robert Milligan (c. 1746–1809) who set up the West India Dock Company.

 

Port of London Authority

 

The Port of London Authority was established in 1909 and took control of West India Dock. The enterprise of Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, a Welsh shipping magnate who was a prominent figure in the Canary Islands, Spain, led to a constant stream of ships arriving into London's South Quay Dock and the naming of Canary Wharf, after the ships' origin. It was named after No. 32 berth of the West Wood Quay of the Import Dock. This was built in 1936 for Fruit Lines Ltd, a subsidiary of Fred Olsen Lines for the Mediterranean and Canary Islands fruit trade. It is located on the Isle of Dogs, the quay and warehouse were given the name Canary Wharf.

 

London Docklands Development Corporation

 

After the 1960s, when cargo became containerised, port industry began to decline, leading to all the docks being closed by 1980. After the docks closed in 1980, the British Government adopted policies to stimulate redevelopment of the area, including the creation of the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) in 1981 and the granting of Urban Enterprise Zone status to the Isle of Dogs in 1982.

 

The Canary Wharf of today began when Michael von Clemm, former chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB), came up with the idea to convert Canary Wharf into a back office. Further discussions with G Ware Travelstead led to proposals for a new business district and included the LDDC developing an inexpensive light metro scheme, the Docklands Light Railway, to make use of a large amount of redundant railway infrastructure and to improve access.

 

The project was sold to the Canadian company Olympia & York and construction began in 1988, master-planned by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with Yorke Rosenberg Mardall as their UK advisors, and subsequently by Koetter Kim. The first buildings were completed in 1991, including One Canada Square, which became the UK's tallest building at the time and a symbol of the regeneration of Docklands. By the time it opened, the London commercial property market had collapsed, and Olympia and York Canary Wharf Limited filed for bankruptcy in May 1992.

 

Initially, the City of London saw Canary Wharf as an existential threat. It modified its planning laws to expand the provision of new offices in the City of London, for example, creating offices above railway stations (Blackfriars) and roads (Alban Gate). The resulting oversupply of office space contributed to the failure of the Canary Wharf project.

 

Canary Wharf Group

 

In October 1995, an international consortium that included investors such as Alwaleed, bought control for $1.2 billion. Paul Reichmann, of Olympia & York, was named chairman, and Canary Wharf went public in 1999. The new company was called Canary Wharf Limited, and later became Canary Wharf Group.

 

In 1997, some residents living on the Isle of Dogs launched a lawsuit against Canary Wharf Ltd for private nuisance because the tower interfered with TV signals. The residents lost the case.

 

Recovery in the property market generally, coupled with continuing demand for large floorplate Grade A office space, slowly improved the level of interest. A critical event in the recovery was the much-delayed start of work on the Jubilee Line Extension, which the government wanted ready for the Millennium celebrations.

 

In March 2004, Canary Wharf Group plc. was taken over by a consortium of investors, backed by its largest shareholder Glick Family Investments and led by Morgan Stanley using a vehicle named Songbird Estates plc.

 

Corporations and agencies

 

Canary Wharf contains around 16,000,000 sq ft (1,500,000 m2) of office and retail space, of which around 7,900,000 sq ft (730,000 m2) (about 49%) is owned by Canary Wharf Group. Around 105,000 people work in Canary Wharf,[95] and it is home to the world or European headquarters of numerous major banks, professional services firms, and media organisations, including Barclays, Citigroup, Clifford Chance, Credit Suisse, Ernst & Young, Fitch Ratings, HSBC, Infosys, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, MetLife, Moody's, Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada, Deutsche Bank, S&P Global, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, State Street, The Economist Group and Thomson Reuters. Until 2018, Canary Wharf also hosted two European Union agencies, European Medicines Agency and European Banking Authority, that moved to Amsterdam and Paris respectively due to Brexit.

 

Leisure

 

Marina

 

West India Quays and Poplar Dock are two marinas that are used as moorings for barges and private leisure river craft and is owned by the Canal & River Trust.

 

Library

 

A local public library, called Idea Store Canary Wharf, is in Churchill Place shopping mall and run by Tower Hamlets Council which opened on Thursday 16 March 2006 as part of the Idea Store project and is the borough fourth Idea Store.

 

Cinema

 

Canary Wharf hosts two multiplexes (cinemas), one on West India Quay run by Cineworld. and another at Crossrail Place called Everyman Cinema.

 

Go Karting

 

An over 800m long electric karting facility exists within Cabot Square. The facility can accommodate up to 20 drivers at a single time. Karts can reach speeds of up to 45 mph.

 

Squares and public areas

 

Canada Square

 

Canada Square is one of the central squares at Canary Wharf. It is a large open space with grass, except during the winter when it is converted into an ice rink. The square is named after Canada, because the original developers of modern Canary Wharf, Olympia & York, wanted to reflect their heritage. Underneath the square is Canada Place shopping mall.

 

Westferry Circus

 

Westferry Circus is on the west side of Canary Wharf. It is a garden at ground level, and below is a roundabout allowing traffic to flow through. The garden is enclosed by bespoke hand-crafted ornamental railings and entrance gates by artist Giuseppe Lund. The area has a long history, dating back to 1812, when the Poplar and Greenwich Roads Company operated a horse ferry between Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs. It operated on the West Ferry and East Ferry Roads, which the names survived. Westferry Circus was chosen as the name for the roundabout and park by virtue of its proximity to Westferry Road.

 

Cabot Square

 

Cabot Square is one of the biggest squares at Canary Wharf, with a large fountain at the centre. The inner perimeter has additional fountains covered by trees. The square has large circular glass ventilation holes to allow gases to escape from the underground car park. The square is named after John Cabot and his son Sebastian, who were Italian explorers who settled in England in 1484.

 

Churchill Place

 

Churchill Place is an area on the east side of Canary Wharf. It is named after Winston Churchill.

 

Columbus Courtyard

 

A small square on the west side of Canary Wharf named after Christopher Columbus. The first phase of Canary Wharf was completed in 1992, 500 years after Columbus arrived in America.

 

Chancellor Passage

 

A passageway south of Cabot Square. Named after Richard Chancellor who sailed with Sir John Willoughby from Greenwich on their voyage through the White Sea to Moscow.

 

Wren Landing

 

Small area north of Cabot Square. Leads to North Dock footbridge towards Port East. Named after British architect Christopher Wren.

 

Montgomery Square

 

Located at the east end of Jubilee Park, Montgomery Square is an outdoor location for socialising. Events include street food markets, beach volleyball tournaments, padel tennis competition, and minigolf.

 

Parks and green spaces

 

Canary Wharf Group is enthusiastic about adding more green spaces and gardens to the dense urban environment. A total of 20 acres of landscaped parks, gardens and verdant squares complete with 1,000 trees, 4,000 shrubs and 70,000 seasonal plants are added each year.[110] Visitors are welcome to explore these parks and green spaces, which are ideal places for relaxation, social gatherings, performances, viewing outdoor public art, as well as hosting outdoor events and festivities.

 

Jubilee Park

 

Jubilee Park is a 10,000m² roof garden located above Jubilee Place, a shopping mall, and Canary Wharf Jubilee Station, an underground railway station. The park, opened in 2002 and was named in honour of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Jubilee Park is located in the financial district of Canary Wharf. The park's central feature is a raised serpentine water channel with rough stone walls. The curvilinear design of the water channel is intended to contrast to the scale and straightness of the surrounding buildings. In 2023, Jubilee Park won the Green Flag Award, recognising Jubilee Park as one of the United Kingdom's best parks

 

Crossrail Place Roof Garden

 

A 4,160 m2 (44,800 sq ft) roof garden, one of London's largest, houses on the top of seven-storey Crossrail Place structure, which contains the Elizabeth line Canary Wharf station. Opened to public in 2015, it lies almost exactly on the Meridian line splitting eastern and western hemispheres. The plants originating from the eastern hemisphere are planted to the East of the Meridian line in the garden, with those from the Western hemisphere on the opposite side. The design and development of Crossrail Place Roof Garden was honored by winning numerous prestigious international and United Kingdom awards. Selected notable awards include: "Best Urban Regeneration Project" at 2016 MIPIM awards in France, the first prize for the best "Innovative Design of a Contemporary Garden" at the 2017 European Garden Awards in Berlin, and a Highly Commended accolade at the 2016 Landscape Institute Awards in the category 'Design for a Small-Scale Development'.

 

Harbour Quay Garden

 

A newly opened garden, located at the strand of Wood Wharf, features a boardwalk for waterside wandering. The garden also offers family-friendly picnic spots and outdoor fitness equipment on the green lawn, where visitors can relax, view outdoor public art, and watch the water. Just around the corner, it has access to a new garden square, Harbord Square Park.

 

Harbord Square Park

 

Harbord Square Park, the newest garden square in Wood Wharf, continues the great London tradition of garden squares. It is open 24/7 and offers green space available for mindfulness activities and to support nearby residents' general wellbeing.

 

Eden Dock

 

In Oct 2024, in partnership with the Eden Project, the Canary Wharf group opened Eden dock. The waterfront green space can be accessed via Jubilee Plaza or Mackenzie Walk. It includes floating islands which are designed to encourage biodiversity.

 

Shopping malls

 

Canary Wharf shopping centre, ranked as one of the best in London, has five interconnected shopping malls: Canada Place, Cabot Place, Jubilee Place, Crossrail Place, and Churchill Place. The malls provide over 102,193 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft) of retail space, more than 310 shops from beauty, fashion, lifestyle, luxurious brands, health, and homeware, as well as 70 cafés, bars, and restaurants, eight grocery stores, five health clubs and a cinema. There are also numerous bars, restaurants, and food halls at street level, alongside plenty of outdoor seating enabling visitors to see the stunning wharf and riverside views.

 

Museums and archives

 

Opened in a Grade I listed Georgian warehouse by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2003, the Museum of London Docklands is one of the main attractions in the area. It is dedicated to the history of London's river, port, and people from Roman settlement to the present day. The museum offers a range of activities for children and families, including interactive displays and immersive activities.

 

Pokémon Go

 

Canary Wharf has been reported since 2017 as part of the Pokémon Go augmented reality game to being the home for the most wanted Pokémon gyms in London including Canary Wharf DLR station and Montgomery Square.

 

Canary Wharf Group published an official Pokémon map for PokéStops and Pokémon Gyms, the managing director for retail Camille Waxer said in 2016 that Pokémon Go has serious potential to attract new audiences to the area, particularly food and drink outlets which saw an increase in foot traffic.

 

(Wikipedia)

 

Canary Wharf (dt. „Kanaren-Kai“) ist ein Bürogebäudekomplex auf der Isle of Dogs im Londoner Stadtbezirk Tower Hamlets. Er befindet sich im Herzen der Docklands, dem ehemaligen Hafengebiet der britischen Hauptstadt. Canary Wharf steht in Konkurrenz zum historisch gewachsenen Finanzzentrum in der City of London. Hier stehen drei der höchsten Gebäude des Vereinigten Königreichs, One Canada Square, HSBC Tower und Citigroup Centre.

 

Wirtschaftszentrum

 

Zu den Unternehmen, die sich in Canary Wharf niedergelassen haben, gehören Finanzinstitute wie Credit Suisse, HSBC, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America und Barclays. Auch bedeutende Medienunternehmen haben hier ihre Hauptsitze, darunter The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Thomson Reuters und der Daily Mirror. Ebenfalls hier vertreten sind der Europa-Hauptsitz von Texaco, der Hauptsitz von Clifford Chance, eine der weltweit größten Anwaltssozietäten, sowie das Wirtschaftsprüfungsunternehmen KPMG. Bis zum Brexit war hier auch der Sitz der Europäischen Bankenaufsichtsbehörde (EBA).

 

Zu Beginn des Jahres betrug die offizielle Zahl der hier arbeitenden Angestellten 78.000, wovon 25 Prozent in den fünf umliegenden Stadtbezirken leben. Canary Wharf entwickelt sich auch immer mehr zu einem teuren und exklusiven Einkaufsviertel, insbesondere nach der Eröffnung des Jubilee-Place-Einkaufszentrums im Jahr 2004. Es gibt über 200 Läden mit mehr als 4.500 Verkaufsangestellten. Jede Woche gehen rund 500.000 Personen hierhin zum Einkaufen.

 

Canary Wharf verfügt über eine ausgezeichnete Anbindung an das Netz des öffentlichen Nahverkehrs. Seit 1991 hält an der Station Canary Wharf (DLR) die vollautomatische Stadtbahn Docklands Light Railway. 1999 wurde die Jubilee Line der London Underground eröffnet, die in der gleichnamigen, aber räumlich getrennten Station Canary Wharf (London Underground) hält, und 2022 wurde der Verkehr auf der neuen Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) aufgenommen. Der Flughafen London City liegt nur ein paar Kilometer östlich und kann mit regelmäßig verkehrenden Bussen, Taxis und mit der DLR in unter 15 Minuten erreicht werden. Vom Canary Wharf Pier aus stellen Schiffe auf der Themse weitere Verbindungen in Richtung Innenstadt her; die Thames Clippers verkehren unter der Woche alle 20 Minuten.

 

Geschichte

 

Canary Wharf war einst der Standort von Lagerhäusern inmitten der Docks. Der Name leitet sich ab vom Seehandel mit den Kanarischen Inseln, der von hier aus abgewickelt wurde. Während des 19. Jahrhunderts lagen hier die West India Docks, einer der verkehrsreichsten Häfen der Welt. In den 1960er Jahren setzte der Verfall der Hafen- und Industrieanlagen ein. Nachdem im Jahr 1980 das letzte Dock geschlossen worden war, beschloss die britische Regierung im Jahr 1981 ein Programm, mit dem ein 21 km² großes Gebiet neu belebt werden sollte. Um das Projekt zu koordinieren, wurde die Entwicklungsgesellschaft „London Docklands Development Corporation“ gegründet. In den ersten Jahren ließen sich hier Betriebe der Leichtindustrie nieder, der größte Mieter in Canary Wharf war ein TV-Produktionsstudio.

 

1984 besuchte Michael von Clemm, der Vorsitzende der Investmentbank Credit Suisse, im Auftrag eines Kunden die Docklands, um nach einem Standort für einen Lebensmittelverarbeitungsbetrieb Ausschau zu halten. Er war sich auch bewusst, dass die Büros der Bank in der City of London zu klein waren, vor allem im Hinblick auf die bevorstehende Deregulierung der Finanzmärkte im Jahr 1986. Von Clemm hatte die Idee, das Gebiet für Bürobauten zu nutzen. Allerdings war eine kritische Masse notwendig, um das ganze Vorhaben überhaupt rentabel werden zu lassen. Entsprechende Pläne wurden zusammen mit dem Unternehmen Morgan Stanley präsentiert, später allerdings wieder zu den Akten gelegt. Als 1987 die Docklands Light Railway eröffnet wurde, hatte man in Canary Wharf keine Station errichtet, da man nicht mit einer Entwicklung des Gebiets rechnete.

 

1988 übernahm das vom Immobilienunternehmer Paul Reichmann geleitete kanadische Unternehmen Olympia and York (O&Y) das Projekt und brachte es zur Baureife. Die Bauarbeiten begannen im selben Jahr, die erste Phase war 1992 abgeschlossen. O&Y, das auch das World Financial Center in New York gebaut hatte, verpflichtete sich, die Hälfte der Kosten für die geplante Verlängerung der Jubilee Line zu übernehmen. Zu Beginn der 1990er Jahre brach der weltweite Immobilienmarkt ein. Die Nachfrage nach Büroräumlichkeiten ging stark zurück und O&Y ging 1992 bankrott. Die obere Hälfte des Wolkenkratzers One Canada Square blieb ohne Mieter, Canary Wharf wurde zum Symbol der Immobilienkrise.

 

Im Februar 1996 explodierte in der Nähe von Canary Wharf an der Station South Quay der DLR eine Autobombe der IRA. Zwei Menschen wurden getötet, 39 verletzt. Es entstand dabei ein Sachschaden von 85 Millionen Pfund.

 

Im Dezember 1995 kaufte ein internationales Konsortium unter Vorsitz von Paul Reichmann[3] das Gelände. Damals waren hier rund 13.000 Arbeitsplätze angesiedelt, doch noch immer stand über die Hälfte der vorhandenen Büroliegenschaften leer. Ein wichtiges Ereignis für die Wiederbelebung des Projekts Canary Wharf war der Baubeginn der Jubilee Line, der mehrmals verschoben worden war. Von da an betrachteten Unternehmen das Gebiet zunehmend als Alternative zu den traditionellen Geschäftszentren. Die zunehmende Nachfrage ermöglichte neben der Fertigstellung der zurückgestellten Bauabschnitte auch die Realisierung zusätzlicher Projekte. Im März 2004 wurde die Betriebsgesellschaft Canary Wharf Group plc durch das von Morgan Stanley angeführte Investorenkonsortium Songbird Estates übernommen. Im Jahr 2004 belegten 70 Prozent der Büroflächen in Canary Wharf Banken.

 

Im Jahr 2014 wurde die erste bauliche Erweiterung seit der Finanzkrise 2008 genehmigt. Das am östlichen Ende der Canary Wharf befindliche Projekt Wood Wharf umfasst eine Fläche von 4,9 Millionen Quadratfuß[7], worauf insgesamt 30 Gebäude entstehen sollen. Als Herzstück soll der vom Schweizer Architekturbüro Herzog & de Meuron entworfene, 211 Meter und 57 Stockwerke hohe zylinderförmige Wohnturm errichtet werden.

 

Stand 2020 ist die Canary Wharf Group im Besitz des katarischen Staatsfonds und der kanadischen Immobiliengesellschaft Brookfield Properties.

 

Im Zuge der COVID-19-Pandemie zu Beginn des 2020er Jahrzehnts verkleinerten auch die in Canary Wharf ansässigen Unternehmen ihre Bürofleichen und lagerten Arbeiten und Mitarbeiter ins Homeoffice aus. In den 2020er Jahren kündigten viele große Unternehmen (darunter die Großbank HSBC, Moody’s, Clifford Chance) an, aus Canary Wharf auszuziehen. Der Exodus führt dazu, dass viele Gebäude enorm an Wert verloren. Gleichzeitig siedelten sich vermehrt Bars, Restaurants, Clubs, Fitness- und Freizeitcenter und andere kleinere Unternehmen wie Start-Ups in Canary Wharf an. In Wood Wharf wurden und werden Stand 2024 Appartmentkomplexe für mehr als 7000 Menschen gebaut.

 

Vorkommen in der Popkultur

 

In der Serie Doctor Who befindet sich im Bürokomplex das fiktive Torchwood-Institut, das im Finale der zweiten Staffel im Kampf gegen die Daleks und Cybermen zerstört wird. Die Ereignisse nach dieser Schlacht werden im Spin Off Torchwood erzählt.

 

(Wikipedia)

Canary Wharf is an area of London, England, located near the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Canary Wharf is defined by the Greater London Authority as being part of London's central business district, alongside Central London. Alongside the City of London, it constitutes one of the main financial centres in the United Kingdom and the world, containing many high-rise buildings including the third-tallest in the UK, One Canada Square, which opened on 26 August 1991.

 

Developed on the site of the former West India Docks in East London, Canary Wharf contains around 16,000,000 sq ft (1,500,000 m2) of office and retail space. It has many open areas and gardens, including Canada Square, Cabot Square, Westferry Circus, Jubilee Park, and Crossrail Place Roof Garden. Together with Heron Quays and Wood Wharf, it forms the Canary Wharf Estate, around 97 acres (39 ha) in area.

 

History

 

Canary Wharf is located on the West India Docks on the Isle of Dogs. As journalist José Luis Jiménez explains, the name of this location stems from its use during World War II as a storage area for agricultural exports—primarily tomatoes, cucumbers, and bananas—from the Canary Islands. Its remote position, far from the city center, even included the Canarian Docks on its outskirts.

 

West India Dock Company

 

From 1802 to the late 1980s, what would become the Canary Wharf Estate was a part of the Isle of Dogs (Millwall), Limehouse, and Poplar and was one of the busiest docks in the world. West India Docks was primarily developed by Robert Milligan (c. 1746–1809) who set up the West India Dock Company.

 

Port of London Authority

 

The Port of London Authority was established in 1909 and took control of West India Dock. The enterprise of Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, a Welsh shipping magnate who was a prominent figure in the Canary Islands, Spain, led to a constant stream of ships arriving into London's South Quay Dock and the naming of Canary Wharf, after the ships' origin. It was named after No. 32 berth of the West Wood Quay of the Import Dock. This was built in 1936 for Fruit Lines Ltd, a subsidiary of Fred Olsen Lines for the Mediterranean and Canary Islands fruit trade. It is located on the Isle of Dogs, the quay and warehouse were given the name Canary Wharf.

 

London Docklands Development Corporation

 

After the 1960s, when cargo became containerised, port industry began to decline, leading to all the docks being closed by 1980. After the docks closed in 1980, the British Government adopted policies to stimulate redevelopment of the area, including the creation of the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) in 1981 and the granting of Urban Enterprise Zone status to the Isle of Dogs in 1982.

 

The Canary Wharf of today began when Michael von Clemm, former chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB), came up with the idea to convert Canary Wharf into a back office. Further discussions with G Ware Travelstead led to proposals for a new business district and included the LDDC developing an inexpensive light metro scheme, the Docklands Light Railway, to make use of a large amount of redundant railway infrastructure and to improve access.

 

The project was sold to the Canadian company Olympia & York and construction began in 1988, master-planned by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with Yorke Rosenberg Mardall as their UK advisors, and subsequently by Koetter Kim. The first buildings were completed in 1991, including One Canada Square, which became the UK's tallest building at the time and a symbol of the regeneration of Docklands. By the time it opened, the London commercial property market had collapsed, and Olympia and York Canary Wharf Limited filed for bankruptcy in May 1992.

 

Initially, the City of London saw Canary Wharf as an existential threat. It modified its planning laws to expand the provision of new offices in the City of London, for example, creating offices above railway stations (Blackfriars) and roads (Alban Gate). The resulting oversupply of office space contributed to the failure of the Canary Wharf project.

 

Canary Wharf Group

 

In October 1995, an international consortium that included investors such as Alwaleed, bought control for $1.2 billion. Paul Reichmann, of Olympia & York, was named chairman, and Canary Wharf went public in 1999. The new company was called Canary Wharf Limited, and later became Canary Wharf Group.

 

In 1997, some residents living on the Isle of Dogs launched a lawsuit against Canary Wharf Ltd for private nuisance because the tower interfered with TV signals. The residents lost the case.

 

Recovery in the property market generally, coupled with continuing demand for large floorplate Grade A office space, slowly improved the level of interest. A critical event in the recovery was the much-delayed start of work on the Jubilee Line Extension, which the government wanted ready for the Millennium celebrations.

 

In March 2004, Canary Wharf Group plc. was taken over by a consortium of investors, backed by its largest shareholder Glick Family Investments and led by Morgan Stanley using a vehicle named Songbird Estates plc.

 

Corporations and agencies

 

Canary Wharf contains around 16,000,000 sq ft (1,500,000 m2) of office and retail space, of which around 7,900,000 sq ft (730,000 m2) (about 49%) is owned by Canary Wharf Group. Around 105,000 people work in Canary Wharf,[95] and it is home to the world or European headquarters of numerous major banks, professional services firms, and media organisations, including Barclays, Citigroup, Clifford Chance, Credit Suisse, Ernst & Young, Fitch Ratings, HSBC, Infosys, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, MetLife, Moody's, Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada, Deutsche Bank, S&P Global, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, State Street, The Economist Group and Thomson Reuters. Until 2018, Canary Wharf also hosted two European Union agencies, European Medicines Agency and European Banking Authority, that moved to Amsterdam and Paris respectively due to Brexit.

 

Leisure

 

Marina

 

West India Quays and Poplar Dock are two marinas that are used as moorings for barges and private leisure river craft and is owned by the Canal & River Trust.

 

Library

 

A local public library, called Idea Store Canary Wharf, is in Churchill Place shopping mall and run by Tower Hamlets Council which opened on Thursday 16 March 2006 as part of the Idea Store project and is the borough fourth Idea Store.

 

Cinema

 

Canary Wharf hosts two multiplexes (cinemas), one on West India Quay run by Cineworld. and another at Crossrail Place called Everyman Cinema.

 

Go Karting

 

An over 800m long electric karting facility exists within Cabot Square. The facility can accommodate up to 20 drivers at a single time. Karts can reach speeds of up to 45 mph.

 

Squares and public areas

 

Canada Square

 

Canada Square is one of the central squares at Canary Wharf. It is a large open space with grass, except during the winter when it is converted into an ice rink. The square is named after Canada, because the original developers of modern Canary Wharf, Olympia & York, wanted to reflect their heritage. Underneath the square is Canada Place shopping mall.

 

Westferry Circus

 

Westferry Circus is on the west side of Canary Wharf. It is a garden at ground level, and below is a roundabout allowing traffic to flow through. The garden is enclosed by bespoke hand-crafted ornamental railings and entrance gates by artist Giuseppe Lund. The area has a long history, dating back to 1812, when the Poplar and Greenwich Roads Company operated a horse ferry between Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs. It operated on the West Ferry and East Ferry Roads, which the names survived. Westferry Circus was chosen as the name for the roundabout and park by virtue of its proximity to Westferry Road.

 

Cabot Square

 

Cabot Square is one of the biggest squares at Canary Wharf, with a large fountain at the centre. The inner perimeter has additional fountains covered by trees. The square has large circular glass ventilation holes to allow gases to escape from the underground car park. The square is named after John Cabot and his son Sebastian, who were Italian explorers who settled in England in 1484.

 

Churchill Place

 

Churchill Place is an area on the east side of Canary Wharf. It is named after Winston Churchill.

 

Columbus Courtyard

 

A small square on the west side of Canary Wharf named after Christopher Columbus. The first phase of Canary Wharf was completed in 1992, 500 years after Columbus arrived in America.

 

Chancellor Passage

 

A passageway south of Cabot Square. Named after Richard Chancellor who sailed with Sir John Willoughby from Greenwich on their voyage through the White Sea to Moscow.

 

Wren Landing

 

Small area north of Cabot Square. Leads to North Dock footbridge towards Port East. Named after British architect Christopher Wren.

 

Montgomery Square

 

Located at the east end of Jubilee Park, Montgomery Square is an outdoor location for socialising. Events include street food markets, beach volleyball tournaments, padel tennis competition, and minigolf.

 

Parks and green spaces

 

Canary Wharf Group is enthusiastic about adding more green spaces and gardens to the dense urban environment. A total of 20 acres of landscaped parks, gardens and verdant squares complete with 1,000 trees, 4,000 shrubs and 70,000 seasonal plants are added each year.[110] Visitors are welcome to explore these parks and green spaces, which are ideal places for relaxation, social gatherings, performances, viewing outdoor public art, as well as hosting outdoor events and festivities.

 

Jubilee Park

 

Jubilee Park is a 10,000m² roof garden located above Jubilee Place, a shopping mall, and Canary Wharf Jubilee Station, an underground railway station. The park, opened in 2002 and was named in honour of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Jubilee Park is located in the financial district of Canary Wharf. The park's central feature is a raised serpentine water channel with rough stone walls. The curvilinear design of the water channel is intended to contrast to the scale and straightness of the surrounding buildings. In 2023, Jubilee Park won the Green Flag Award, recognising Jubilee Park as one of the United Kingdom's best parks

 

Crossrail Place Roof Garden

 

A 4,160 m2 (44,800 sq ft) roof garden, one of London's largest, houses on the top of seven-storey Crossrail Place structure, which contains the Elizabeth line Canary Wharf station. Opened to public in 2015, it lies almost exactly on the Meridian line splitting eastern and western hemispheres. The plants originating from the eastern hemisphere are planted to the East of the Meridian line in the garden, with those from the Western hemisphere on the opposite side. The design and development of Crossrail Place Roof Garden was honored by winning numerous prestigious international and United Kingdom awards. Selected notable awards include: "Best Urban Regeneration Project" at 2016 MIPIM awards in France, the first prize for the best "Innovative Design of a Contemporary Garden" at the 2017 European Garden Awards in Berlin, and a Highly Commended accolade at the 2016 Landscape Institute Awards in the category 'Design for a Small-Scale Development'.

 

Harbour Quay Garden

 

A newly opened garden, located at the strand of Wood Wharf, features a boardwalk for waterside wandering. The garden also offers family-friendly picnic spots and outdoor fitness equipment on the green lawn, where visitors can relax, view outdoor public art, and watch the water. Just around the corner, it has access to a new garden square, Harbord Square Park.

 

Harbord Square Park

 

Harbord Square Park, the newest garden square in Wood Wharf, continues the great London tradition of garden squares. It is open 24/7 and offers green space available for mindfulness activities and to support nearby residents' general wellbeing.

 

Eden Dock

 

In Oct 2024, in partnership with the Eden Project, the Canary Wharf group opened Eden dock. The waterfront green space can be accessed via Jubilee Plaza or Mackenzie Walk. It includes floating islands which are designed to encourage biodiversity.

 

Shopping malls

 

Canary Wharf shopping centre, ranked as one of the best in London, has five interconnected shopping malls: Canada Place, Cabot Place, Jubilee Place, Crossrail Place, and Churchill Place. The malls provide over 102,193 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft) of retail space, more than 310 shops from beauty, fashion, lifestyle, luxurious brands, health, and homeware, as well as 70 cafés, bars, and restaurants, eight grocery stores, five health clubs and a cinema. There are also numerous bars, restaurants, and food halls at street level, alongside plenty of outdoor seating enabling visitors to see the stunning wharf and riverside views.

 

Museums and archives

 

Opened in a Grade I listed Georgian warehouse by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2003, the Museum of London Docklands is one of the main attractions in the area. It is dedicated to the history of London's river, port, and people from Roman settlement to the present day. The museum offers a range of activities for children and families, including interactive displays and immersive activities.

 

Pokémon Go

 

Canary Wharf has been reported since 2017 as part of the Pokémon Go augmented reality game to being the home for the most wanted Pokémon gyms in London including Canary Wharf DLR station and Montgomery Square.

 

Canary Wharf Group published an official Pokémon map for PokéStops and Pokémon Gyms, the managing director for retail Camille Waxer said in 2016 that Pokémon Go has serious potential to attract new audiences to the area, particularly food and drink outlets which saw an increase in foot traffic.

 

(Wikipedia)

 

Canary Wharf (dt. „Kanaren-Kai“) ist ein Bürogebäudekomplex auf der Isle of Dogs im Londoner Stadtbezirk Tower Hamlets. Er befindet sich im Herzen der Docklands, dem ehemaligen Hafengebiet der britischen Hauptstadt. Canary Wharf steht in Konkurrenz zum historisch gewachsenen Finanzzentrum in der City of London. Hier stehen drei der höchsten Gebäude des Vereinigten Königreichs, One Canada Square, HSBC Tower und Citigroup Centre.

 

Wirtschaftszentrum

 

Zu den Unternehmen, die sich in Canary Wharf niedergelassen haben, gehören Finanzinstitute wie Credit Suisse, HSBC, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America und Barclays. Auch bedeutende Medienunternehmen haben hier ihre Hauptsitze, darunter The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Thomson Reuters und der Daily Mirror. Ebenfalls hier vertreten sind der Europa-Hauptsitz von Texaco, der Hauptsitz von Clifford Chance, eine der weltweit größten Anwaltssozietäten, sowie das Wirtschaftsprüfungsunternehmen KPMG. Bis zum Brexit war hier auch der Sitz der Europäischen Bankenaufsichtsbehörde (EBA).

 

Zu Beginn des Jahres betrug die offizielle Zahl der hier arbeitenden Angestellten 78.000, wovon 25 Prozent in den fünf umliegenden Stadtbezirken leben. Canary Wharf entwickelt sich auch immer mehr zu einem teuren und exklusiven Einkaufsviertel, insbesondere nach der Eröffnung des Jubilee-Place-Einkaufszentrums im Jahr 2004. Es gibt über 200 Läden mit mehr als 4.500 Verkaufsangestellten. Jede Woche gehen rund 500.000 Personen hierhin zum Einkaufen.

 

Canary Wharf verfügt über eine ausgezeichnete Anbindung an das Netz des öffentlichen Nahverkehrs. Seit 1991 hält an der Station Canary Wharf (DLR) die vollautomatische Stadtbahn Docklands Light Railway. 1999 wurde die Jubilee Line der London Underground eröffnet, die in der gleichnamigen, aber räumlich getrennten Station Canary Wharf (London Underground) hält, und 2022 wurde der Verkehr auf der neuen Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) aufgenommen. Der Flughafen London City liegt nur ein paar Kilometer östlich und kann mit regelmäßig verkehrenden Bussen, Taxis und mit der DLR in unter 15 Minuten erreicht werden. Vom Canary Wharf Pier aus stellen Schiffe auf der Themse weitere Verbindungen in Richtung Innenstadt her; die Thames Clippers verkehren unter der Woche alle 20 Minuten.

 

Geschichte

 

Canary Wharf war einst der Standort von Lagerhäusern inmitten der Docks. Der Name leitet sich ab vom Seehandel mit den Kanarischen Inseln, der von hier aus abgewickelt wurde. Während des 19. Jahrhunderts lagen hier die West India Docks, einer der verkehrsreichsten Häfen der Welt. In den 1960er Jahren setzte der Verfall der Hafen- und Industrieanlagen ein. Nachdem im Jahr 1980 das letzte Dock geschlossen worden war, beschloss die britische Regierung im Jahr 1981 ein Programm, mit dem ein 21 km² großes Gebiet neu belebt werden sollte. Um das Projekt zu koordinieren, wurde die Entwicklungsgesellschaft „London Docklands Development Corporation“ gegründet. In den ersten Jahren ließen sich hier Betriebe der Leichtindustrie nieder, der größte Mieter in Canary Wharf war ein TV-Produktionsstudio.

 

1984 besuchte Michael von Clemm, der Vorsitzende der Investmentbank Credit Suisse, im Auftrag eines Kunden die Docklands, um nach einem Standort für einen Lebensmittelverarbeitungsbetrieb Ausschau zu halten. Er war sich auch bewusst, dass die Büros der Bank in der City of London zu klein waren, vor allem im Hinblick auf die bevorstehende Deregulierung der Finanzmärkte im Jahr 1986. Von Clemm hatte die Idee, das Gebiet für Bürobauten zu nutzen. Allerdings war eine kritische Masse notwendig, um das ganze Vorhaben überhaupt rentabel werden zu lassen. Entsprechende Pläne wurden zusammen mit dem Unternehmen Morgan Stanley präsentiert, später allerdings wieder zu den Akten gelegt. Als 1987 die Docklands Light Railway eröffnet wurde, hatte man in Canary Wharf keine Station errichtet, da man nicht mit einer Entwicklung des Gebiets rechnete.

 

1988 übernahm das vom Immobilienunternehmer Paul Reichmann geleitete kanadische Unternehmen Olympia and York (O&Y) das Projekt und brachte es zur Baureife. Die Bauarbeiten begannen im selben Jahr, die erste Phase war 1992 abgeschlossen. O&Y, das auch das World Financial Center in New York gebaut hatte, verpflichtete sich, die Hälfte der Kosten für die geplante Verlängerung der Jubilee Line zu übernehmen. Zu Beginn der 1990er Jahre brach der weltweite Immobilienmarkt ein. Die Nachfrage nach Büroräumlichkeiten ging stark zurück und O&Y ging 1992 bankrott. Die obere Hälfte des Wolkenkratzers One Canada Square blieb ohne Mieter, Canary Wharf wurde zum Symbol der Immobilienkrise.

 

Im Februar 1996 explodierte in der Nähe von Canary Wharf an der Station South Quay der DLR eine Autobombe der IRA. Zwei Menschen wurden getötet, 39 verletzt. Es entstand dabei ein Sachschaden von 85 Millionen Pfund.

 

Im Dezember 1995 kaufte ein internationales Konsortium unter Vorsitz von Paul Reichmann[3] das Gelände. Damals waren hier rund 13.000 Arbeitsplätze angesiedelt, doch noch immer stand über die Hälfte der vorhandenen Büroliegenschaften leer. Ein wichtiges Ereignis für die Wiederbelebung des Projekts Canary Wharf war der Baubeginn der Jubilee Line, der mehrmals verschoben worden war. Von da an betrachteten Unternehmen das Gebiet zunehmend als Alternative zu den traditionellen Geschäftszentren. Die zunehmende Nachfrage ermöglichte neben der Fertigstellung der zurückgestellten Bauabschnitte auch die Realisierung zusätzlicher Projekte. Im März 2004 wurde die Betriebsgesellschaft Canary Wharf Group plc durch das von Morgan Stanley angeführte Investorenkonsortium Songbird Estates übernommen. Im Jahr 2004 belegten 70 Prozent der Büroflächen in Canary Wharf Banken.

 

Im Jahr 2014 wurde die erste bauliche Erweiterung seit der Finanzkrise 2008 genehmigt. Das am östlichen Ende der Canary Wharf befindliche Projekt Wood Wharf umfasst eine Fläche von 4,9 Millionen Quadratfuß[7], worauf insgesamt 30 Gebäude entstehen sollen. Als Herzstück soll der vom Schweizer Architekturbüro Herzog & de Meuron entworfene, 211 Meter und 57 Stockwerke hohe zylinderförmige Wohnturm errichtet werden.

 

Stand 2020 ist die Canary Wharf Group im Besitz des katarischen Staatsfonds und der kanadischen Immobiliengesellschaft Brookfield Properties.

 

Im Zuge der COVID-19-Pandemie zu Beginn des 2020er Jahrzehnts verkleinerten auch die in Canary Wharf ansässigen Unternehmen ihre Bürofleichen und lagerten Arbeiten und Mitarbeiter ins Homeoffice aus. In den 2020er Jahren kündigten viele große Unternehmen (darunter die Großbank HSBC, Moody’s, Clifford Chance) an, aus Canary Wharf auszuziehen. Der Exodus führt dazu, dass viele Gebäude enorm an Wert verloren. Gleichzeitig siedelten sich vermehrt Bars, Restaurants, Clubs, Fitness- und Freizeitcenter und andere kleinere Unternehmen wie Start-Ups in Canary Wharf an. In Wood Wharf wurden und werden Stand 2024 Appartmentkomplexe für mehr als 7000 Menschen gebaut.

 

Vorkommen in der Popkultur

 

In der Serie Doctor Who befindet sich im Bürokomplex das fiktive Torchwood-Institut, das im Finale der zweiten Staffel im Kampf gegen die Daleks und Cybermen zerstört wird. Die Ereignisse nach dieser Schlacht werden im Spin Off Torchwood erzählt.

 

(Wikipedia)

Aberystwyth is a university and seaside town as well as a community in Ceredigion, Wales. Located in the historic county of Cardiganshire, Aberystwyth means "the mouth of the Ystwyth". Aberystwyth University has been a major educational location in Wales since the establishment of University College Wales in 1872.

 

The town is situated on Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales, near the confluence of the River Ystwyth and Afon Rheidol. Following the reconstruction of the harbour, the Ystwyth skirts the town. The Rheidol passes through the town.

 

The seafront, with a pier, stretches from Constitution Hill at the north end of the Promenade to the harbour at the south. The beach is divided by the castle. The town is divided into five areas: Aberystwyth Town; Llanbadarn Fawr; Waunfawr; Llanbadarn; Trefechan; and the most populous, Penparcau.

 

In 2011 the population of the town was 13,040. This rises to nearly 19,000 for the larger conurbation of Aberystwyth and Llanbadarn Fawr.

  

Aberystwyth Bay from a 1748 survey by Lewis Morris (1701–1765)

The distance to Swansea is 55 miles (89 km); to Shrewsbury 60 miles (97 km); to Wrexham 63 miles (101 km); to Cardiff 76 miles (122 km); and to London 180 miles (290 km).

 

Aberystwyth is a university town and tourist destination, and forms a cultural link between North Wales and South Wales. Constitution Hill, scaled by the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, gives access to panoramic views and to other attractions at the summit, including a camera obscura. Scenic Mid Wales landscape within easy reach of the town includes the wilderness of the Cambrian Mountains, whose valleys contain forests and meadows which have changed little in centuries. A convenient way to access the interior is by the preserved narrow-gauge Vale of Rheidol Railway.

 

Although the town is relatively modern, there are a number of historic buildings, including the remains of the castle and the Old College of Aberystwyth University nearby. The Old College was originally built and opened in 1865 as a hotel, but after the owner's bankruptcy the shell of the building was sold to the university in 1867.

 

The new university campus overlooks Aberystwyth from Penglais Hill to the east of the town centre. The station, a terminus of the main railway, was built in 1924 in the typical style of the period, mainly in a mix of Gothic, Classical Revival, and Victorian architecture.

 

The town is the unofficial capital of Mid Wales, and several institutions have regional or national offices there. Public bodies located in the town include the National Library of Wales, which incorporates the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales, one of six British regional film archives. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales maintains and curates the National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW), providing the public with information about the built heritage of Wales. Aberystwyth is also the home to the national offices of UCAC and Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society), and the site of the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, the Welsh Books Council and the offices of the standard historical dictionary of Welsh, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru. A purpose built Welsh Government office and an adjoining office of Ceredigion County Council are also located in the town.

 

At the 2001 census, the population of the town was 15,935. This reduced to 13,040 at the 2011 census. Including neighbouring Llanbadarn Fawr, the population was 16,420, and the greater Aberystwyth conurbation having a population of 18,749 in 2011

 

Aberystwyth experiences an oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) similar to almost all of the United Kingdom. This is particularly pronounced due to its west coast location facing the Irish Sea. Air undergoes little land moderation and so temperatures closely reflect the sea temperature when winds are coming from the predominant onshore (westerly) direction. The nearest Met Office weather station is Gogerddan, 3 miles to the northeast, and at a similar elevation.

 

The absolute maximum temperature is 34.6 °C (94.3 °F), set during July 2006. This is also the July record maximum for all of Wales, suggesting that the area's low lying situation, aided by a possible föhn effect when winds are offshore can act to achieve high temperatures on occasion. Typically the warmest day will average 28.0 °C (82.4 °F) and 5.6 days will achieve a maximum of 25.1 °C (77.2 °F) or above.

 

The absolute minimum temperature is −13.5 °C (7.7 °F), set in January 2010. Typically 39.8 days will register an air frost.

 

Rainfall averages 1,112 mm (44 in) a year, with over 1mm recorded on 161 days. All averages refer to the 1981–2010 period.

 

There is evidence that during the Mesolithic Age the area of Tan-y-Bwlch at the foot of Pen Dinas (Penparcau) was used as a flint knapping floor for hunter-gatherers making weapons from flint that was deposited as the ice retreated.

 

The remains of a Celtic fortress on Pen Dinas (or more correctly 'Dinas Maelor'), a hill in Penparcau overlooking Aberystwyth, indicates that the site was inhabited before 700 BC. On a hill south of the present town, across the River Ystwyth, are the remains of a medieval ringfort believed to be the castle from which Princess Nest was abducted. This rare survival is now on private land and can only be accessed by arrangement.

 

The recorded history of Aberystwyth may be said to date from the building of a fortress in 1109 by Gilbert Fitz Richard (grandfather of Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow, the Cambro-Norman lord notable for his leading role in the Norman invasion of Ireland). Gilbert Fitz Richard was granted lands and the lordship of Cardigan by Henry I, including Cardigan Castle. The fortress built in Aberystwyth was located about a mile and a half south of today's town, on a hill over the south bank of the Ystwyth River, thus giving the settlement of Aberystwyth its name. The location is now known as Tan-Y-Castell.

 

Aberystwyth was usually under the control of the princes of Deheubarth, but its position close to the border with Gwynedd and Powys left it vulnerable to attacks from the leaders of those polities. The town was attacked by Gwenwynwyn ab Owain in 1197, an assault in which Maelgwn ap Rhys was captured. Llywelyn the Great attacked and seized the town in late 1208, building a castle there before withdrawing.

 

Edward I replaced Strongbow's castle in 1277, after its destruction by the Welsh. His castle was, however, built in a different location, at the current Castle Hill, the high point of the town. Between the years 1404 and 1408 Aberystwyth Castle was in the hands of Owain Glyndŵr but finally surrendered to Prince Harry (the future King Henry V of England). Shortly after this, the town was incorporated under the title of Ville de Lampadarn (the ancient name of the place being Llanbadarn Gaerog or the fortified Llanbadarn, to distinguish it from Llanbadarn Fawr, the village one mile (1.6 km) inland. It is thus styled in a Royal charter granted by Henry VIII but, by Elizabeth I's time, the town was invariably named Aberystwyth in all documents.

 

From 1639 to 1642, silver coins were minted at Aberystwyth Castle on behalf of the Royal Mint, using silver from local mines. £10,500 in currency was produced, equivalent to 2.5 million silver pennies.

 

In 1649, Parliamentarian troops razed the castle, although portions of three towers still exist. In 1988, an excavation within the castle area revealed a complete male skeleton, deliberately buried. Though skeletons rarely survive in Wales' acidic soil, this skeleton was probably preserved by the addition of lime from the collapsed building. Affectionately known as "Charlie" and now housed in the Ceredigion Museum in the town, he probably dates from the English Civil War period, and is likely to have died during the Parliamentarian siege. His image is featured in one of nine mosaics created to adorn the castle's walls.

 

The development of Aberystwyth's Port contributed to the town’s economic development during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Port improvements were carried out in both 1780 and 1836, with a new Customs House constructed in 1828. Rural industries and craftsmen were also an important part of life in this country town. The local trade directory for 1830 shows that there were in Aberystwyth: Twenty boot makers, eight bakers, two corn millers, eleven carpenters and joiners, one cooper, seven tailors, two dressmakers, two straw hat makers, two hat makers, three curriers, four saddlers, two tinsmiths, six maltsters, two skinners, four tanners, eight stonemasons, one brewer, four lime burners, three shipwrights, three wheelwrights, five cabinet makers, one nail maker, one rope maker and one sail maker.

 

The Cambrian Railways line from Machynlleth reached Aberystwyth in 1864, closely followed by rail links to Carmarthen, which resulted in the construction of the town's impressive station. The Cambrian line opened on Good Friday 1869, the same day that the new 292 metres (958 ft) Royal Pier (designed by Eugenius Birch) opened, attracting 7,000 visitors.

 

The railway's arrival gave rise to something of a Victorian tourist boom, with Aberystwyth becoming a significant holiday destination for working and middle class families from South Wales in particular. The town was once even billed as the "Biarritz of Wales". During this time, a number of hotels and fine townhouses were built including the Queens Hotel, later renamed Swyddfa'r Sir (County Office) when used as offices by the town council, and most recently used as the external scenes of the police station in the television show Hinterland. One of the largest of these hotels, "The Castle Hotel", was never completed as a hotel but, following bankruptcy, was sold cheaply to the Welsh National University Committee, a group of people dedicated to the creation of a Welsh University. The University College of Wales (later to become Aberystwyth University) was founded in 1872 in this building.

 

Aberystwyth was a contributory parliamentary borough until the Third Reform Act, which merged its representation into that of the county in 1885.

 

In 1895, various businessmen who had been behind the Aberystwyth New Harbour Company formed the Aberystwyth Improvement Company (AIC) to take over the works of the defunct Bourne Engineering & Electrical. In 1896, the AIC completed three projects: the new landside pavilion for the Royal Pier; built the Cambria Hotel (later the United Theological College) and formed Constitution Hill Ltd, to develop a Victorian theme park. Chief engineer George Croydon Marks designed all the AIC developments, including the United Kingdom's second longest funicular railway, which takes passengers up a 50% gradient to a park and camera obscura.

 

Aberystwyth hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1865, 1916, 1952 and 1992.

 

On the night of Friday, 14 January 1938, a storm with estimated wind speeds of up to 90 mph (140 km/h) struck the town. Most of the promenade was destroyed, along with 200 feet (60 m) of the pier. Many properties on the seafront were damaged, with every property from the King's Hall north affected; those on Victoria Terrace suffered the greatest damage. Work commenced on a protective coffer dam which continued into 1940, with total costs of construction coming to £70,000 (equivalent to £2.5 million today).

 

Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society) held their historic first protest on Trefechan Bridge in Aberystwyth, on 2 February 1963. The first independent Welsh Evangelical Church was established in Aberystwyth (see Evangelical Movement of Wales).

 

On 1 March 2005, Aberystwyth was granted Fairtrade Town status.

 

In March 2009 mayor Sue Jones-Davies, who had played the role of Judith Iscariot in the film Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979), organised a charity screening of the film. Principal actors Terry Jones and Michael Palin also attended. There is a popular, but incorrect, urban myth that the town had banned the film (as some authorities did) when it was first released.

 

During the aftermath storms from Cyclone Dirk on Friday 3 January 2014, the town was one of the worst hit in Wales. Properties on the adjoining promenade were then evacuated for the next five days, including 250 students from the University. Ceredigion Council appealed to the Welsh Assembly Government for funds, whilst Natural Resources Wales undertook surveys and emergency preventative measures.

 

North Parade, Aberystwyth was reported to be the most expensive street in Wales in 2018, based on property prices.

 

Penglais Nature Park (Welsh: Parc Natur Penglais) is a woodland overlooking the town. The park was created in 1995 from a disused quarry and surrounding woodland that had formerly been part of the Richardes family estate. In spring a carpet of bluebells bloom, in common with the many other bluebell woods.

 

The park covers 27 acres (11 ha). It was the first Nature reserve to open in Ceredigion and is the only UNESCO Man and Biosphere urban reserve in Wales.

 

Aberystwyth's local government administration has a two-tier structure consisting of two separate councils. As local government is a devolved matter in Wales, the legislation for both Councils is a responsibility of the Senedd.

 

Aberystwyth Town Council is the first tier of local government, which is the closest to the general public; there are 19 elected town councillors from five wards. The last elections were held in 2022. The council is responsible for cycle paths, public footpaths, CCTV, public Wi-Fi, bus shelters, parks, gardens (including the castle grounds and the skateboard park) and allotments. The council is a statutory body which is consulted regarding planning decisions in the town area and makes recommendations to the planning authority, Ceredigion County Council. The Town Council is also involved in leisure, tourism, business (through providing more than half of Menter Aberystwyth's funding in grants), licence applications, wellbeing and environmental health, recycling and refuse collection.

 

A borough council existed in Aberystwyth from 1832 and the Aberystwyth School Board was established in 1870.

 

Ceredigion County Council is another statutory body incorporated by Act of Parliament. It is the second tier of local government in the area and is a unitary authority with a wide range of powers and responsibility. The Council deals with roads (except trunk roads), street lighting, some highways, social services, children and family care, schools and public libraries. Aberystwyth elects six of the 42 councillors in five separate wards (Bronglais, Central, North and Rheidol wards elect one councillor each while Penparcau ward elects two).

 

Aberystwyth has five Senedd members, one of whom (Elin Jones) was elected as a constituency MS for Ceredigion, and four who are elected on the regional list for Mid and West Wales.

 

The town is in the Ceredigion constituency for elections to the House of Commons. Since June 2017, Aberystwyth's MP has been Plaid Cymru's Ben Lake.

 

The first ever public library in Aberystwyth was opened in Compton House, Pier Street on 13 October 1874. In 1882 the library was moved to the Assembly Rooms which were leased to the council for 21 years. The lease expired in 1903 and the library returned to Pier Street, this time to the Old Banking Library at the corner with Eastgate Street, although this was short lived. A Carnegie library was built in Aberystwyth in 1905, with a grant of £3,000. Located in Corporation Street, it was designed by the architect Walter Payton of Birmingham, who was one of 48 who entered the competition to design the building. It was formally opened on 20 April 1906 by Mrs Vaughan Davies, wife of the local MP. The town library moved to Aberystwyth Town Hall, now known as Canolfan Alun R. Edwards, following the building's refurbishment in 2012.

 

The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, is the national legal deposit library of Wales. Established in 1907, it is a Welsh Government sponsored body. According to Cyril Evans, the library's centenary events co-ordinator, "The library is considered to be one of the world's greatest libraries, and its international reputation is certainly something that all Welsh men and women are intensely ... proud of". Welsh is the main medium of communication within the organisation; it aims to deliver all public services in Welsh and English.

 

Aberystwyth Arts Centre is one of the largest and busiest arts centres in Wales. It encompasses a 312-seat theatre, 900-seat concert hall, 125-seat cinema, and has accompanied studio, galleries, plus public spaces which include cafes and a bar. Arad Goch is an Arts Council funded community theatre and art gallery based in the town. The premises holds a theatre, gallery, several art studios and meeting rooms, and a darkroom.

 

The town has three works by the Italian sculptor Mario Rutelli; the War Memorial on the promenade, the Tabernacle Chapel Memorial on Powell Street, and the statue of Edward VIII as Prince of Wales in the Old College. All are Grade II listed structures. Rutelli’s connection with the town came through Thomas Jenkins of Aberystwyth, who ran a shipping business. Jenkins was a frequent visitor to Italy where he admired Rutelli’s work. Jo Darke, in her work, The Monument Guide to England and Wales: A National Portrait in Bronze and Stone, describes Rutelli’s war memorial as “striking and rare” and suggests that the life-size statue of Edward VIII is the only recorded example.

 

Aberystwyth has a live music scene which has produced bands and artists such as: The Crocketts; The Hot Puppies; Murry the Hump; and The Lowland Hundred. The University Music Centre promotes a varied programme for instrumentalists, singers and listeners from the university and the wider community. The University chamber choir, The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers, have been singing in the town since 1950 and continue to hold a number of concerts throughout the year. Aberystwyth gives its name to a well known hymn tune composed by Joseph Parry.

 

Aberystwyth RFC is the local rugby union club and acts as a feeder club to professional side Scarlets. It was formed in 1947 and for the 2017/18 season played in the WRU Division One West. Aberystwyth Town F.C. is a semi-professional football club that was formed in 1884. The team currently compete in the Cymru Premier, Wales' top division. The town also has a cricket club which plays in local leagues, an athletics club (founded 1955), and boxing club in Penparcau. The town's golf course opened in 1911.

 

Ceredigion, the county in which Aberystwyth is located, is one of the four most Welsh-speaking counties in Wales and remained majority Welsh speaking until the 2011 census. Since the town's growth as a seaside resort in the Victorian era, it has been more anglicised than its hinterland and the rest of the county in general. The university has also attracted many English-speaking students from England, non-Welsh speaking parts of Wales and elsewhere. The 1891 census recorded that, of the 6635 inhabitants who completed the language section, 3482 (52.5%) were bilingual, 1751 (26.4%) were Welsh monoglots, and 1402 people (21.1%) were returned as English monoglots. Ceredigion (then named Cardiganshire) as a whole was 95.2% Welsh-speaking and 74.5% monoglot Welsh. Although the town remained majority Welsh-speaking for many more decades, English had already replaced Welsh in certain domains, such as entertainment and tourism. By 1961, only 50.0% of the town's population could speak Welsh, compared to 79.5% for Cardiganshire as a whole; by 1971, these numbers had fallen to 44.9% and 67.6% respectively. The 2001 census reported that, in the seven wards of Aberystwyth, 39% of the residents self-identified as able to speak or read or write Welsh. This is lower than Ceredigion as a whole (54%) but higher than Wales overall (19%).

 

Aberystwyth parish church is St Michael's and All Angels, located in Laura Place. The parish was a Rectoral Benefice until 2019, incorporating the Anglican churches of Holy Trinity, Santes Fair (services in Welsh) and Saint Anne's, Penparcau. The Rectoral Benefice has now been converted to a local ministry area (LMA). The church was built between 1886 and 1890, replacing an earlier church. It was designed in a Gothic Revival style and is a Grade II listed building.

 

In addition to the Anglican churches, there are many existing and former Welsh Calvinistic Methodist chapels that have these days merged into Saint David's (United Reformed) and Capel y Morfa (Welsh language services). A former Calvinistic Methodist Sunday school house, Ysgoldy Tanycae, is now the meeting place of the Elim Pentecostal church. Meanwhile there is a Wesleyan Methodist church, Saint Paul's Methodist Centre, located in Bath Street. An Independent Baptist church is located in Alfred Place. In 2021, amid some controversy, Aberystwyth's Catholic church, Saint Winefride's, was closed and the congregation relocated to a new-build church located in Penparcau.

 

There are a number of other smaller congregations, and many former churches that have now been converted to alternative use, such as the Academy bar.

 

Aberystwyth has two comprehensive schools serving the town and a wide rural area: Ysgol Gyfun Gymunedol Penweddig and Ysgol Penglais School. Ysgol Gyfun Gymunedol Penweddig uses Welsh as the primary language of tuition; Ysgol Penglais School teaches in English and in Welsh as a subject.

 

There are currently three primary schools within the town limits, which are: Plascrug, Saint Padarns (Roman Catholic) and Ysgol Gymraeg. Ysgol Gymraeg was the first designated Welsh medium school in Wales, originally established as a private school in 1939 by Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards as Ysgol Gymraeg yr Urdd.

 

Aberystwyth is home to Aberystwyth University (Welsh: Prifysgol Aberystwyth) whose predecessor, University College Wales, was founded in 1872 and renamed the 'University of Wales, Aberystwyth' in the mid-1990s. Prior to the college's establishment, Wales had very limited academic-degree capability through St David's College, Lampeter (founded in 1822, now the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David).

 

As well as having two cinemas and a golf course, the town's attractions include:

The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, a funicular railway

A Victorian camera obscura at the top of Constitution Hill.

The Vale of Rheidol steam railway (Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge)

Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

The Parc Penglais nature reserve

The Ystwyth Trail cycle path

National Library of Wales

Park Avenue. Football stadium home to Aberystwyth Town F.C.

The all organic dairy unit of Rachel's Organic is based in Glan yr Afon, and is the largest private sector employer in Aberystwyth.

 

The Cambrian News newspaper came to Aberystwyth from Bala in 1870, after it was purchased by Sir John Gibson. Printed in Oswestry, in May 1880 the paper integrated operations in a former Malthouse in Mill Street. Owned by the Read family from 1926, in 1993 printing was contracted out, enabling the move of editorial staff to the current open-plan offices on Llanbadarn Fawr Science Park. On the death of Henry Read, the paper was purchased in 1999 by Sir Ray Tindle, whose company owns more than 200 weekly newspapers in Britain. Now printed in tabloid format, Cambrian News is the second-largest weekly-print circulation newspaper in Wales, with 24,000 copies in six regional editorial versions, read by 60,000 weekly readers. The circulation area of mid, west and north Wales covers 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2).

 

Since the TV series Hinterland has been filmed in and around Aberystwyth, the area is being promoted as an opportunity for tourists to visit filming locations; many are well publicised.

 

Aberystwyth railway station is situated in the town centre and is the terminus of the scenic Cambrian Line. Transport for Wales Rail operate a mostly hourly service (with some two-hour intervals) to Shrewsbury via Machynlleth and Mid Wales, with nearly all trains continuing to Birmingham International. Connecting services from Dovey Junction provide a link to Gwynedd's west coast as far as Pwllheli, along the Cambrian Coast Line. There is no longer a southbound connection: the Carmarthen–Aberystwyth line was closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts.

 

Aberystwyth station is also the terminus of the Vale of Rheidol Railway, a steam-operated narrow gauge heritage railway. Constructed between 1901 and 1902, it was intended to ship mineral cargo, primarily lead, from Devil's Bridge down to Aberystwyth for trans-shipment. By the time it was finished, lead mining was in a deep downturn and—thanks to the Aberystwyth Improvement Company—the railway came to rely largely on the tourist industry, opening for passengers in December 1902. It still remains open for the summer season, with a journey of 12 miles (19 km).

 

In 1896, the Aberystwyth Improvement Company formed Constitution Hill Ltd which, under the direction of chief engineer George Croydon Marks, developed the United Kingdom's second longest funicular railway, the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, which takes passengers up a 50% gradient.

 

A TrawsCymru T1 service on the A4120 in Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is a hub for the TrawsCymru bus network, with four routes serving the town:

 

T1 - hourly service to Carmarthen (connects with T1S to Swansea, Monday-Saturday) via Aberaeron and Lampeter - with one service a day (Monday-Saturday) extended to Cardiff

T1C - daily express coach service to Cardiff, via Aberaeron, Carmarthen (connects with T1S to Swansea, Monday-Saturday), Swansea (Sunday & Bank Holidays only), Port Talbot Parkway and Bridgend

T2 - every 1–2 hours to Bangor via Machynlleth, Dolgellau (connects with T3 to Barmouth and Wrexham), Porthmadog and Caernarfon

T5 - hourly service to Haverfordwest via Aberaeron, New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard

(TrawsCymru services run less-frequently on Sundays.)

 

There is a daily National Express coach, service 409 to London via Birmingham, along with local bus services within the town and into the surrounding area.

 

The A44 and A487 meet with much traffic between North Wales and South West Wales passing through the town. The A4120 links the A44 and A487 between Llanbadarn Fawr and Penparcau, allowing through traffic to bypass the town centre.

 

The B4574 mountain road linking the town to Rhayader is described by the AA as one of the ten most scenic drives in the world.

 

The port of Aberystwyth, although it is small and relatively inconsequential today, used to be an important Atlantic Ocean entryway. It was used to ship locally, to Ireland and as a transatlantic departure point. Commercially, the once important Cardiganshire lead mines exported from this location.

 

The importance of maritime trade in the 19th century is reflected in the fact that a lifeboat has been based at Aberystwyth since 1843, when a 27 ft (8.2 m) boat powered by six oars was funded by public subscription and placed under the control of the harbourmaster. The RNLI took over the service in 1861 and established Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station which celebrated 150 years in 2011. The station uses the Atlantic 85-class inshore lifeboat Spirit of Friendship.

 

The Owl Service by Alan Garner, a well-known and -loved multi-award-winning classic published 1967, is set in north Wales and has two of its core characters —Gwyn and his mam (mother) Nancy— recently arrived from Aberystwyth for 3 weeks' work, with Nancy repeatedly threatening to return there immediately. They and the Welsh locals refer to it as "Aber"; the English characters use its full name.

Aberystwyth (albeit an alternative universe version) is the setting for the cult Louie Knight series by Malcolm Pryce, which transfers Chandleresque "noir" stories and dialogue to this small seaside town. This alternative reality features many landmarks of Aberystwyth, such as the University and the National Library of Wales, but the social situation is radically altered to more closely resemble the pulp/noir stereotypical "Dirty Town" that the narrative plays off. Most of the humour in the books is derived from the almost seamless juxtaposition of the real Aberystwyth and the fictional, noir Aberystwyth. Various aspects of Welsh culture are reflections of what you might expect to see in reality, but with a pulp twist – for example, prostitutes wear Welsh stovepipe hats.

Stripping Penguins Bare, the book 2 of Michael Carson's Benson Trilogy of comic novels, is set in the town and university in the 1960s.

The local writer Niall Griffiths has set many of his novels here and reflects local slang, settings, and even individuals. Grits and Sheepshagger are set wholly in Aberystwyth, which also features prominently in his other novels such as Kelly and Victor and Stump. He portrays a more gritty side of Aberystwyth.

‘Cofiwch Aberystwyth’ by science fiction writer Val Nolan, is a near-future post-apocalyptic novelette about three young urban explorers visiting Aberystwyth years after a nuclear disaster on the west coast of Wales. It was originally published in Interzone (magazine) and later anthologised in Best of British Science Fiction 2020. The title references the Cofiwch Dryweryn graffiti outside nearby Llanrhystyd, Ceredigion.

 

Television

Y Gwyll (2013–2016), a Welsh-language television programme, and the English-language version Hinterland , broadcast on S4C, BBC One Wales, BBC Four, and syndicated around the world, is set in Aberystwyth. It is filmed in and around the town, often in rural locations.

 

Film

Y Llyfrgell (2017) is an award-winning Welsh language film set in and around the National Library, which was filmed on location in 2016. The 2009 book on which it was based was released in English in 2022.

 

The following people and military units have received the Freedom of the Town of Aberystwyth.

Individuals

1912 – Sir John Williams

1912 – David Davies

1912 – Stuart Rendel

1922 – David Lloyd George

1923 – Lewis Pugh Evans

1923 – Matthew Vaughan-Davies

1923 – Sir Herbert Lewis

1928 – Stanley Baldwin

1936 – Sir David Charles Roberts

1936 – Ernest Vaughan

1951 – Winston Churchill

1956 – Sir David James

2011 – Fritz Pratschke

2015 – Jean Guezennec

 

Military Units

1955 – The Welsh Guards

 

Twinning

Arklow in Wicklow, Republic of Ireland Ireland

Kronberg im Taunus in Hesse Hesse, Germany Germany

Saint-Brieuc in Brittany Brittany, France France

Esquel in Patagonia, Argentina Argentina

The Postcard

 

A postally unused postcard bearing no publisher's name. The publishers have printed on the divided back of the card:

 

"London Royal Albert Hall.

The largest concert hall on

London, seating 10,000.

Also used for political and

other meetings".

 

The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London. One of the United Kingdom's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity which receives no government funding. It can seat 5,272 people.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has been affectionately named "The Nation's Village Hall".

 

Since the hall's opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage. It is the venue for the Proms concerts, which have been held there every summer since 1941.

 

It is host to more than 390 shows in the main auditorium annually, including classical, rock and pop concerts, ballet, opera, film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment, sports, awards ceremonies, school and community events, and charity performances and banquets. A further 400 events are held each year in the non-auditorium areas.

 

The hall was originally supposed to have been called the Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but the name was changed to the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences by Queen Victoria upon laying the Hall's foundation stone in 1867, in memory of her husband, Prince Albert, who had died six years earlier.

 

History of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1800's

 

In 1851 the Great Exhibition, organised by Prince Albert, was held in Hyde Park, London. The Exhibition was a success, and this led Prince Albert to propose the creation of a group of permanent facilities for the public benefit, which came to be known as Albertopolis.

 

The Exhibition's Royal Commission bought Gore House, but it was slow to act, and in 1861 Prince Albert died without having seen his ideas come to fruition. However, a memorial was proposed for Hyde Park, with a Great Hall opposite.

 

The proposal was approved, and the site was purchased with some of the profits from the Exhibition. The Hall was designed by civil engineers Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Y. D. Scott of the Royal Engineers, and built by Lucas Brothers.

 

The designers were heavily influenced by ancient amphitheatres, but had also been exposed to the ideas of Gottfried Semper while he was working at the South Kensington Museum.

 

The recently opened Cirque d'Hiver in Paris was seen in the contemporary press as the design to outdo.

 

The Hall was constructed mainly of Fareham Red Brick, with terra cotta block decoration made by Gibbs and Canning Ltd. of Tamworth.

 

The dome (designed by Rowland Mason Ordish) was made of wrought iron and glazed. There was a trial assembly of the dome's iron framework in Manchester; then it was taken apart and transported to London by horse and cart.

 

When the time came for the supporting structure to be removed from the dome after reassembly in situ, only volunteers remained on-site in case the structure collapsed. It did drop – but only by five-sixteenths of an inch (8 mm).

 

The Hall was scheduled to be completed by Christmas Day 1870, and Queen Victoria visited a few weeks beforehand to inspect.

 

The official opening ceremony of the Royal Albert Hall was on the 29th. March 1871. A welcoming speech was given by Edward, the Prince of Wales because Queen Victoria was too overcome to speak;

 

"Her only recorded comment on the

Hall was that it reminded her of the

British constitution".

 

In the concert that followed, the Hall's acoustic problems immediately became apparent. Engineers first tried to remove the strong echo by suspending a canvas awning below the dome. This helped, and also sheltered concert-goers from the sun, but the problem was not solved - it used to be jokingly said:

 

"The Hall is the only place where

a British composer could be sure

of hearing his work twice".

 

In July 1871, French organist Camille Saint-Saëns performed Church Scene from Faust by Charles Gounod; The Orchestra described him as:

 

"An exceptional and distinguished

performer ... the effect was most

marvellous."

 

Initially lit by gas, the Hall contained a special system by which thousands of gas jets were lit within ten seconds. Though it was demonstrated as early as 1873 in the Hall, full electric lighting was not installed until 1888. During an early trial when a partial installation was made, one disgruntled patron wrote to The Times, declaring it to be:

 

"A very ghastly and unpleasant

innovation".

 

In May 1877, Richard Wagner conducted the first half of each of the eight concerts which made up the Grand Wagner Festival. After his turn with the baton, he handed it over to conductor Hans Richter and sat in a large armchair on the corner of the stage for the rest of each concert. Wagner's wife Cosima, the daughter of Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer Franz Liszt, was among the audience.

 

The Wine Society was founded at the Hall on the 4th. August 1874, after large quantities of cask wine were found in the cellars. A series of lunches were held to publicise the wines, and General Henry Scott proposed a co-operative company to buy and sell wines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1900's

 

In 1906 Elsie Fogerty founded the Central School of Speech and Drama at the Hall, using its West Theatre, now the Elgar Room. The school moved to Swiss Cottage in north London in 1957. Whilst the school was based at the Royal Albert Hall, students who graduated from its classes included Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, Harold Pinter, Laurence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft.

 

In 1911 Russian pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff performed at the Hall. The recital included his 'Prelude in C-sharp minor' and 'Elegie in E-flat minor'.

 

In 1933 German physicist Albert Einstein led the 'Einstein Meeting' at the hall for the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics, a British charity.

 

In 1936, the Hall was the scene of a giant rally celebrating the British Empire on the occasion of the centenary of Joseph Chamberlain's birth.

 

In October 1942, the Hall suffered minor damage during World War II bombing, but in general was left mostly untouched as German pilots used the distinctive structure as a landmark.

 

In 1949 the canvas awning was removed and replaced with fluted aluminium panels below the glass roof, in a new attempt to cure the echo. However the acoustics were not properly tackled until 1969 when large fibreglass acoustic diffusing discs (commonly referred to as "mushrooms" or "flying saucers") were installed below the ceiling.

 

In 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and from 1969–1988 the Miss World contest was staged at the venue.

 

In 1995, Greek keyboardist Yanni performed a concert there for his World Tour; the concert was recorded under the name of Live at Royal Albert Hall.

 

From 1996 until 2004, the Hall underwent a programme of renovation and development supported by a £20 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £20m from Arts Council England to enable it to meet the demands of the next century of events and performances.

 

Thirty "discreet projects" were designed and supervised by the architecture and engineering firm BDP without disrupting events. These projects included improved ventilation to the auditorium, more bars and restaurants, improved seating, better technical facilities, and improved backstage areas. Internally, the Circle seating was rebuilt during June 1996 to provide more legroom, better access, and improved sightlines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2000's

 

The largest project of the ongoing renovation and development was the building of a new south porch – door 12, accommodating a first-floor restaurant, a new ground floor box office and a below-ground loading bay.

 

Although the exterior of the building was largely unchanged, the south steps leading down to Prince Consort Road were demolished to allow the construction of underground vehicle access and a loading bay with accommodation for three HGVs carrying all the equipment brought by shows.

 

The steps were then reconstructed around a new south porch, named The Meitar Foyer after a significant donation from Mr & Mrs Meitar. The porch was built on a similar scale and style to the three pre-existing porches at Doors 3, 6 and 9: these works were undertaken by Taylor Woodrow.

 

The original steps featured in the early scenes of the 1965 film The Ipcress File. On the 4th. June 2004, the project received the Europa Nostra Award for remarkable achievement.

 

The East (Door 3) and West (Door 9) porches were glazed, and new bars opened along with ramps to improve disabled access. The Stalls were rebuilt in a four-week period in 2000 using steel supports, thereby allowing more space underneath for two new bars.

 

1,534 unique pivoting seats were installed, with an addition of 180 prime seats. The Choirs were rebuilt at the same time.

 

The whole building was redecorated in a style that reinforces its Victorian identity. 43,000 sq. ft (4,000 m2) of new carpets were laid in the rooms, stairs, and corridors – specially woven with a border that follows the oval curve of the building.

 

Between 2002 and 2004, there was a major rebuilding of the great organ (known as the Voice of Jupiter), built by "Father" Henry Willis in 1871 and rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison in 1924 and 1933.

 

The rebuilding was performed by Mander Organs, and it is now the second-largest pipe organ in the British Isles with 9,997 pipes in 147 stops. The largest is the Grand Organ in Liverpool Cathedral which has 10,268 pipes.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2010's

 

During the first half of 2011, changes were made to the backstage areas in order to relocate and increase the size of crew catering areas under the South Steps away from the stage and to create additional dressing rooms nearer to the stage.

 

During the summer of 2012, the staff canteen and some changing areas were expanded and refurbished. From January to May the Box Office area at Door 12 underwent further modernisation to include a new Café Bar on the ground floor, a new Box Office with shop counters, and additional toilets.

 

Upon opening it was renamed 'The Zvi and Ofra Meitar Porch and Foyer.' owing to a large donation from the couple.

 

In Autumn 2013, work began on replacing the Victorian steam heating system over three years and improving and cooling across the building. This work followed the summer Proms season during which temperatures were unusually high.

 

From January the Cafe Consort on the Grand Tier was closed permanently in preparation for a new restaurant at a cost of £1 million. Verdi – Italian Kitchen was officially opened on the 15th. April with a lunch or dinner menu of stone baked pizzas, pasta, and classic desserts.

 

Design of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Hall, a Grade I listed building, is an ellipse in plan, with its external major and minor axis of 272 and 236 feet (83 and 72 meters. The great glass and wrought-iron dome roofing the Hall is 135 ft (41 m) high.

 

Below the Arena floor there is room for two 4000 gallon water tanks, which are used for shows that flood the arena like Madame Butterfly.

 

The Hall was originally designed with a capacity for 8,000 people, and has accommodated as many as 12,000 (although present-day safety restrictions mean the maximum permitted capacity is now 5,272, including standing in the Gallery.

 

Around the outside of the building is an 800–foot–long terracotta mosaic frieze, depicting "The Triumph of Arts and Sciences", in reference to the Hall's dedication. Above the frieze is an inscription in 12-inch-high (30 cm) terracotta letters that combine historical fact and Biblical quotations:

 

"This hall was erected for the advancement

of the arts and sciences and works of industry

of all nations in fulfilment of the intention of

Albert Prince Consort.

The site was purchased with the proceeds of

the Great Exhibition of the year MDCCCLI.

The first stone of the Hall was laid by Her

Majesty Queen Victoria on the twentieth day

of May MDCCCLXVII and it was opened by Her

Majesty the Twenty Ninth of March in the year

MDCCCLXXI.

Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the victory and the majesty.

For all that is in the heaven and in the earth is

Thine. The wise and their works are in the hand

of God. Glory be to God on high and on earth

peace".

 

Events at The Royal Albert Hall

 

The first concert at the Hall was Arthur Sullivan's cantata On Shore and Sea, performed on the 1st. May 1871.

 

Many events are promoted by the Hall, and since the early 1970's promoter Raymond Gubbay has brought a range of events to the Hall including opera, ballet and classical music.

 

Events also include rock concerts, conferences, banquets, ballroom dancing, poetry recitals, educational talks, motor shows, ballet, opera, film screenings and circus shows.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has hosted many sporting events, including boxing, squash, table tennis, basketball, wrestling (including the first Sumo wrestling tournament to be held in London) as well as UFC 38 (the first UFC event to be held in the UK), tennis, and even a marathon.

 

The Hall first hosted boxing in 1918, when it hosted a tournament between British and American servicemen. There was a colour bar in place at the Hall, preventing black boxers from fighting there, between 1923 and 1932.

 

Greats of British boxing such as Frank Bruno, Prince Naseem Hamed, Henry Cooper and Lennox Lewis have all appeared at the venue. The Hall's boxing history was halted in 1999 when a court ordered that boxing and wrestling matches could no longer be held at the venue. In 2011 that decision was overturned. In 2019 Nicola Adams won the WBO Flyweight title which was the first fight for a world title at the venue since Marco Antonio Barrera took on Paul Lloyd in 1999.

 

On the 6th. April 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest which was broadcast in colour for the first time. The first Miss World contest broadcast in colour was also staged at the venue in 1969, and remained at the Hall every year until 1989.

 

One notable event was a Pink Floyd concert held on the 26th. June 1969. On that night they were banned from ever playing at the Hall again after shooting cannons, nailing things to the stage, and having a man in a gorilla suit roam the audience.

 

At one point, Rick Wright went to the pipe organ and began to play "The End of the Beginning", the final part of "Saucerful of Secrets", joined by the brass section of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (led by the conductor, Norman Smith) and the ladies of the Ealing Central Amateur Choir. A portion of the pipe organ recording is included on Pink Floyd's album The Endless River.

 

On the 18th. June 1985, British Gothic rock band The Sisters of Mercy recorded their live video album Wake at the Hall.

 

Between 1996 and 2008, the Hall hosted the annual National Television Awards, all of which were hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.

 

Benefit concerts include the 1997 Music for Montserrat concert, arranged and produced by George Martin. The event featured artists such as Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Paul McCartney.

 

In 2006, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour performed at the Hall for the first time since Pink Floyd's 1969 ban. He performed as part of his On an Island Tour. The shows were filmed and used for the live video release, Remember That Night (2007).

 

Rock band The Killers recorded their first live album, Live from the Royal Albert Hall in July 2009.

 

On the 5th. April 2010, Swedish progressive metal band Opeth recorded In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, as they became the first Death metal band ever to perform at the Hall. The concert was part of the band's Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology tour, made in celebration of their 20th. anniversary.

 

In July 2011, Janet Jackson performed three sold-out shows as part of her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour.

 

On the 2nd. October 2011, the Hall staged the 25th.-anniversary performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, which was broadcast live to cinemas across the world and filmed for DVD.

 

Lloyd Webber, the original London cast including Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, and four previous actors of the titular character, among others, were in attendance – Brightman and the previous Phantoms (aside from Crawford) performed an encore.

 

On the 22nd. September 2011, Adele performed a one-night-only concert as part of her tour. The concert was filmed for DVD, and screened at cinemas in 26 cities around the world.

 

Her performance debuted at number one in the United States with 96,000 copies sold, the highest one-week tally for a music DVD in four years. After one week, it became the best-selling music DVD of 2011. As of the 28th. November 2012, it had surpassed sales of one million copies in the United States and sales of three million copies worldwide.

 

It was the first music DVD to surpass sales of one million in the USA since the Eagles' Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne in 2005.

 

The 2012 Sunflower Jam charity concert featured Queen guitarist Brian May performing alongside bassist John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple, and vocalists Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, and Alice Cooper.

 

On the 24th. September 2012, Classic FM celebrated the 20th. anniversary of their launch with a concert at the Hall. The program featured live performances of works by Handel, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Parry, Vaughan Williams, Tchaikovsky and Karl Jenkins who conducted his piece The Benedictus from The Armed Man.

 

On the 19th. November 2012, the Hall hosted the 100th.-anniversary performance of the Royal Variety Performance, attended by the HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Duke of Edinburgh, with boy-band One Direction among the performers.

 

During his Rattle That Lock Tour, David Gilmour performed at the Royal Albert Hall eleven times between September 2015 and September 2016, once in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

 

On the 13th. November 2015, Canadian musician Devin Townsend recorded his second live album Ziltoid Live at the Royal Albert Hall.

 

Kylie Minogue performed at the Royal Albert Hall on the 11th. December 2015 and the 9th. - 10th. December 2016 as part of her "A Kylie Christmas" concert series.

 

On the 3rd. May 2016, singer-songwriter and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell played at the Hall in what would become the last UK show of his life as part of his "Higher Truth" European tour.

 

Cornell performed stripped-back acoustic renditions from his back-catalogue to rave reviews, including songs from the likes of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave and his solo work. Cornell died on the 18th. May 2017.

 

On the 22nd. April 2016, British rock band Bring Me the Horizon performed and recorded their Live at the Royal Albert Hall album, with accompaniment from the Parallax Orchestra conducted by Simon Dobson.

 

At a press conference held at the Hall in October 2016, Phil Collins announced his return to live performing with his Not Dead Yet Tour, which began in June 2017. The tour included five nights at the Hall which sold out in fifteen seconds.

 

In October 2017, American rock band Alter Bridge also recorded a live album accompanied by the Parallax Orchestra with Simon Dobson.

 

Also in 2017, the Hall hosted the 70th. British Academy Film Awards, often referred to as the BAFTAs, for the first time in 20 years, replacing the Royal Opera House at which the event had been held since 2008.

 

In 2018, WWE held its second United Kingdom Championship Tournament on the 18th. and 19th. June.

 

Also in 2018, the world premiere of PlayStation in Concert was organised at the Hall. It featured PlayStation game music from the 1990's up until then. It was arranged by Jim Fowler and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

In May 2019, Mariah Carey performed 3 shows as part of her Caution World Tour. Comedian Bill Burr filmed his 2019 special Paper Tiger at the Hall. In November 2020, One Direction member Niall Horan performed a one off live-streamed show in an empty Hall (during the COVID-19 pandemic) to raise money for charity.

 

Regular Events at the Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Choral Society

 

The Royal Choral Society is the longest-running regular performer at the Hall, having given its first performance as the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society on the 8th. May 1872. From 1876, it established the annual Good Friday performance of Handel's Messiah.

 

BBC Proms

 

The BBC Sir Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, known as "The Proms", is a popular annual eight-week summer season of daily classical music concerts and other events at the Hall.

 

In 1942, following the destruction of the Queen's Hall in an air raid, the Hall was chosen as the new venue for the proms. In 1944 with increased danger to the Hall, part of the proms were held in the Bedford Corn Exchange.

 

Following the end of World War II the proms continued in the Hall, and have done so annually every summer since. The event was founded in 1895, and now each season consists of over 70 concerts, in addition to a series of events at other venues across the United Kingdom on the last night.

 

In 2009, the total number of concerts reached 100 for the first time. Jiří Bělohlávek described The Proms as:

 

"The world's largest and most

democratic musical festival".

 

Proms is a term which arose from the original practice of the audience promenading, or strolling, in some areas during the concert. Proms concert-goers, particularly those who stand, are sometimes described as "Promenaders", but are most commonly referred to as "Prommers".

 

Tennis

 

Tennis was first played at the Hall in March 1970, and the ATP Champions Tour Masters has been played annually every December since 1997.

 

Classical Spectacular

 

Classical Spectacular, a Raymond Gubbay production, has been coming to the Hall since 1988. It combines popular classical music, lights and special effects.

 

Cirque du Soleil

 

Cirque du Soleil has performed annually, with a show being staged every January, since 2003. Cirque has had to adapt many of their touring shows to perform at the venue, modifying the set, usually built for arenas or big top tents instead.

 

Classic Brit Awards

 

Since 2000, the Classic Brit Awards has been hosted annually in May at the Hall. It is organised by the British Phonographic Industry.

 

Festival of Remembrance

 

The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is held annually the day before Remembrance Sunday.

 

Institute of Directors

 

For 60 years the Institute of Directors' Annual Convention has been synonymous with the Hall, although in 2011 and 2012 it was held at indigO2.

 

The English National Ballet

 

Since 1998 the English National Ballet has had several specially staged arena summer seasons in partnership with the Hall and Raymond Gubbay. These include Strictly Gershwin, June 2008 and 2011, Swan Lake, June 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013, Romeo & Juliet, June 2001 and 2005, and The Sleeping Beauty, April - June 2000.

 

Teenage Cancer Trust

 

Starting in the year 2000 the Teenage Cancer Trust has held annual charity concerts (with the exception of 2001). They started as a one-off event, but have expanded over the years to a week or more of evening events. Roger Daltrey of the Who has been intimately involved with the planning of the events.

 

Graduation Ceremonies

 

The Hall is used annually by the neighbouring Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art for graduation ceremonies. For several years the University of London and Kingston University also held their graduation ceremonies at the Hall.

 

Films, Premières and Live Orchestra Screenings

 

The venue has screened several films since the early silent days. It was the only London venue to show William Fox's The Queen of Sheba in the 1920's.

 

The Hall has hosted many premières, including the UK première of Fritz Lang's Die Nibelungen, 101 Dalmatians on the 4th. December 1996, the European première of Spandau Ballet's Soul Boys of the Western World, and three James Bond royal world premières - Die Another Day on the 18th. November 2002 (attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip), Skyfall on the 23rd. October 2012 (attended by Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall), and Spectre on the 26th. October 2015 (attended by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge).

 

The Hall held the first 3D world première of Titanic 3D, on the 27th. March 2012, with James Cameron and Kate Winslet in attendance.

 

Since 2009, the Hall has also curated regular seasons of English-language film-and-live-orchestra screenings, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gladiator, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Interstellar, The Matrix, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Back to the Future, Jaws, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and the world première of Titanic Live in Concert.

 

The only non-English-language movie to have been screened at the Hall is Baahubali: The Beginning (an Indian movie in Telugu and Tamil, but premiered with the Hindi dubbed version).

 

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

 

The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, one of the most prestigious prizes in the annual brass band contesting calendar, holds the Final of the Championship section at the Royal Albert Hall each October.

 

Beyond the Main Stage

 

The Hall hosts hundreds of events and activities beyond its main auditorium. There are regular free art exhibitions in the ground floor Amphi corridor, which can be viewed when attending events or on dedicated viewing dates.

 

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Hall on most days. The most common is the one-hour Grand Tour which includes most front-of-house areas, the auditorium, the Gallery and the Royal Retiring Room.

 

Other tours include Story of the Proms, Behind the Scenes, Inside Out and School tours.

 

Children's events include Storytelling and Music Sessions for ages four and under. These take place in the Door 9 Porch and Albert's Band sessions in the Elgar Room during school holidays.

 

"Live Music in Verdi" takes place in the Italian restaurant on a Friday night featuring different artists each week.

 

"Late Night Jazz" events in the Elgar Room, generally on a Thursday night, feature cabaret-style seating and a relaxed atmosphere with drinks available.

 

"Classical Coffee Mornings" are held on Sundays in the Elgar Room with musicians from the Royal College of Music accompanied with drinks and pastries.

 

Sunday brunch events take place in Verdi Italian restaurant and feature different genres of music.

 

Regular Performers at the Royal Albert Hall

 

Eric Clapton is a regular performer at the Hall. Since 1964, Clapton has performed at the Hall over 200 times, and has stated that performing at the venue is: "Like playing in my front room".

 

In December 1964, Clapton made his first appearance at the Hall with the Yardbirds. It was also the venue for his band Cream's farewell concerts in 1968 and reunion shows in 2005. He also instigated the Concert for George, which was held at the Hall on the 29th. November 2002 to pay tribute to Clapton's lifelong friend, former Beatle George Harrison. Clapton passed 200 shows at the Hall in 2015.

 

David Gilmour played at the Hall in support of two solo albums, while also releasing a live concert on September 2006 entitled Remember That Night which was recorded during his three nights playing at the Hall for his 2006 On an Island tour.

 

Notable guests were Robert Wyatt and David Bowie (who sang lead for "Arnold Layne" and "Comfortably Numb"). The live concert was televised by BBC One on the 9th. September 2007.

 

Gilmour returned to the Hall for four nights in September 2016 (where he was joined on stage by Benedict Cumberbatch for "Comfortably Numb"), having previously played five nights in 2015, to end his 34-day Rattle That Lock Tour. He also made an appearance on the 24th. April 2016 as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust event.

 

Shirley Bassey is one of the Hall's most prolific female headline performers, having appeared many times at the Hall since the 1970's. In 2001, she sang "Happy Birthday" for the Duke of Edinburgh's 80th. birthday concert. In 2007, she sang at Fashion Rocks in aid of the Prince's Trust.

 

On the 30th. March 2011, she sang at a gala celebrating the 80th. birthday of Mikhail Gorbachev. In May 2011, she performed at the Classic Brit Awards, singing "Goldfinger" in tribute to the recently deceased composer John Barry. On the 20th. June 2011, she returned and sang "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Goldfinger", accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as the climax to the memorial concert for Barry.

 

James Last appeared 90 times at the Hall between 1973 and 2015, making him the most frequent non–British performer to have played the venue.

 

Education and Outreach Programme

 

The Hall's education and outreach programme engages with more than 200,000 people a year. It includes workshops for local teenagers led by musicians such as Foals, Jake Bugg, Emeli Sandé, Nicola Benedetti, Alison Balsom and First Aid Kit, innovative science and maths lessons, visits to local residential homes from the venue's in-house group, Albert's Band, under the 'Songbook' banner, and the Friendship Matinee: an orchestral concert for community groups, with £5 admission.

 

Mis-labellings

 

A famous and widely bootlegged concert by Bob Dylan at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester on the 17th. May 1966 was mistakenly labelled the "Royal Albert Hall Concert".

 

In 1998, Columbia Records released an official recording, The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966, The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert. It maintains the erroneous title but does include details of the actual location.

 

Recordings from the Royal Albert Hall concerts on the 26th. and 27th. May 1966 were finally released by the artist in 2016 as The Real Royal Albert Hall 1966 Concert.

 

Another concert mislabelled as being at the Hall was by Creedence Clearwater Revival. An album by them entitled The Royal Albert Hall Concert was released in 1980. When Fantasy Records discovered the show on the album actually took place at the Oakland Coliseum, it retitled the album The Concert.

 

Pop Culture References

 

A large mural by Peter Blake, entitled Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, is displayed in the Hall's Café Bar. Unveiled in April 2014, it shows more than 400 famous figures who have appeared on the stage.

 

In 1955, English film director Alfred Hitchcock filmed the climax of The Man Who Knew Too Much at the Hall. The 15-minute sequence featured James Stewart, Doris Day and composer Bernard Herrmann, and was filmed partly in the Queen's Box.

 

Hitchcock was a long-time patron of the Hall and had already set the finale of his 1927 film, The Ring at the Hall, as well as his initial version of The Man Who Knew Too Much, starring Leslie Banks, Edna Best and Peter Lorre.

 

Other notable films shot at the Hall include Major Barbara, Love Story, The Seventh Veil, The Ipcress File, A Touch of Class, Shine, and Spice World.

 

In the song "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles, the Albert Hall is mentioned. The verse goes as follows:

 

"I read the news today, oh boy

four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire

and though the holes were rather small

they had to count them all

now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall

I'd love to turn you on".

 

The song "Session Man" by The Kinks references the Hall:

 

"He never will forget at all

The day he played at Albert Hall".

 

In the song "Shame" by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, Barlow mentions the Hall in his verse:

 

"I read your mind and tried to call,

my tears could fill the Albert Hall".

Aberystwyth University is a public research university in Aberystwyth, Wales. Aberystwyth was a founding member institution of the former federal University of Wales. The university has over 8,000 students studying across three academic faculties and 17 departments.

 

Founded in 1872 as University College Wales, Aberystwyth, it became a founder member of the University of Wales in 1894, and changed its name to the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. In the mid-1990s, the university again changed its name to become the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. On 1 September 2007, the University of Wales ceased to be a federal university and Aberystwyth University became independent again.

 

In 2019, it became the first university to be named "University of the year for teaching quality" by The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide for two consecutive years. It is the first university in the world to be awarded Plastic Free University status (for single-use plastic items).

 

In the middle of the 19th century, eminent Welsh people were advocating the establishment of a university in the principality. One of these, Thomas Nicholas, whose book, Middle and High Class Schools, and University Education for Wales (1863), is said to have "exerted great influence on educated Welshmen".

 

Funded through public and private subscriptions, and with five regional committees (London, Manchester, Liverpool, North and South Wales) guaranteeing funds for the first three years' running costs, the university opened in October 1872 with 26 students. Thomas Charles Edwards was the principal. In October 1875, chapels in Wales raised the next tranche of funds from over 70,000 contributors. Until 1893, when the college joined the University of Wales as a founder member, students applying to Aberystwyth sat the University of London's entrance exams. Women were admitted in 1884.

 

In 1885, a fire damaged what is now known as the Old College, Aberystwyth, and in 1897 the first 14 acres of what became the main Penglais campus were purchased. Incorporated by Royal Charter in 1893, the university installed the Prince of Wales as chancellor in 1896, the same year it awarded an honorary degree to the British prime minister, William Gladstone.

 

The university's coat of arms dates from the 1880s. The shield features two red dragons to symbolise Wales, and an open book to symbolise learning. The crest, an eagle or phoenix above a flaming tower, may signify the college's rebirth after the 1885 fire. The motto is Nid Byd, Byd Heb Wybodaeth (a world without knowledge is no world at all).

 

In the early 1900s, the university added courses that included law, applied mathematics, pure mathematics and botany. The Department for International Politics, which Aberystwyth says is the oldest such department in the world, was founded in 1919. By 1977, the university's staff included eight Fellows of the Royal Society, such as Gwendolen Rees, the first Welsh woman to be elected an FRS.

 

The Department of Sports and Exercise Science was established in 2000. Joint honours psychology degrees were introduced in September 2007, and single honours psychology in 2009.

 

The chancellor of the university is The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, who took up the position in January 2018. The visitor of the university is an appointment made by the Privy Council, under the Royal Charter of the university. Since July 2014, the holder of this office is Mr Justice Sir Roderick Evans KC.

 

In 2011, the university appointed a new vice chancellor under whom the academic departments were restructured as larger subject-themed institutes.

 

In 2022, the university celebrated its 150th anniversar,y being established in 1872 (known at the time as The University College of Wales).

 

Aberystwyth is a university and seaside town as well as a community in Ceredigion, Wales. Located in the historic county of Cardiganshire, Aberystwyth means "the mouth of the Ystwyth". Aberystwyth University has been a major educational location in Wales since the establishment of University College Wales in 1872.

 

The town is situated on Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales, near the confluence of the River Ystwyth and Afon Rheidol. Following the reconstruction of the harbour, the Ystwyth skirts the town. The Rheidol passes through the town.

 

The seafront, with a pier, stretches from Constitution Hill at the north end of the Promenade to the harbour at the south. The beach is divided by the castle. The town is divided into five areas: Aberystwyth Town; Llanbadarn Fawr; Waunfawr; Llanbadarn; Trefechan; and the most populous, Penparcau.

 

In 2011 the population of the town was 13,040. This rises to nearly 19,000 for the larger conurbation of Aberystwyth and Llanbadarn Fawr.

  

Aberystwyth Bay from a 1748 survey by Lewis Morris (1701–1765)

The distance to Swansea is 55 miles (89 km); to Shrewsbury 60 miles (97 km); to Wrexham 63 miles (101 km); to Cardiff 76 miles (122 km); and to London 180 miles (290 km).

 

Aberystwyth is a university town and tourist destination, and forms a cultural link between North Wales and South Wales. Constitution Hill, scaled by the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, gives access to panoramic views and to other attractions at the summit, including a camera obscura. Scenic Mid Wales landscape within easy reach of the town includes the wilderness of the Cambrian Mountains, whose valleys contain forests and meadows which have changed little in centuries. A convenient way to access the interior is by the preserved narrow-gauge Vale of Rheidol Railway.

 

Although the town is relatively modern, there are a number of historic buildings, including the remains of the castle and the Old College of Aberystwyth University nearby. The Old College was originally built and opened in 1865 as a hotel, but after the owner's bankruptcy the shell of the building was sold to the university in 1867.

 

The new university campus overlooks Aberystwyth from Penglais Hill to the east of the town centre. The station, a terminus of the main railway, was built in 1924 in the typical style of the period, mainly in a mix of Gothic, Classical Revival, and Victorian architecture.

 

The town is the unofficial capital of Mid Wales, and several institutions have regional or national offices there. Public bodies located in the town include the National Library of Wales, which incorporates the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales, one of six British regional film archives. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales maintains and curates the National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW), providing the public with information about the built heritage of Wales. Aberystwyth is also the home to the national offices of UCAC and Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society), and the site of the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, the Welsh Books Council and the offices of the standard historical dictionary of Welsh, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru. A purpose built Welsh Government office and an adjoining office of Ceredigion County Council are also located in the town.

 

At the 2001 census, the population of the town was 15,935. This reduced to 13,040 at the 2011 census. Including neighbouring Llanbadarn Fawr, the population was 16,420, and the greater Aberystwyth conurbation having a population of 18,749 in 2011

 

Aberystwyth experiences an oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) similar to almost all of the United Kingdom. This is particularly pronounced due to its west coast location facing the Irish Sea. Air undergoes little land moderation and so temperatures closely reflect the sea temperature when winds are coming from the predominant onshore (westerly) direction. The nearest Met Office weather station is Gogerddan, 3 miles to the northeast, and at a similar elevation.

 

The absolute maximum temperature is 34.6 °C (94.3 °F), set during July 2006. This is also the July record maximum for all of Wales, suggesting that the area's low lying situation, aided by a possible föhn effect when winds are offshore can act to achieve high temperatures on occasion. Typically the warmest day will average 28.0 °C (82.4 °F) and 5.6 days will achieve a maximum of 25.1 °C (77.2 °F) or above.

 

The absolute minimum temperature is −13.5 °C (7.7 °F), set in January 2010. Typically 39.8 days will register an air frost.

 

Rainfall averages 1,112 mm (44 in) a year, with over 1mm recorded on 161 days. All averages refer to the 1981–2010 period.

 

There is evidence that during the Mesolithic Age the area of Tan-y-Bwlch at the foot of Pen Dinas (Penparcau) was used as a flint knapping floor for hunter-gatherers making weapons from flint that was deposited as the ice retreated.

 

The remains of a Celtic fortress on Pen Dinas (or more correctly 'Dinas Maelor'), a hill in Penparcau overlooking Aberystwyth, indicates that the site was inhabited before 700 BC. On a hill south of the present town, across the River Ystwyth, are the remains of a medieval ringfort believed to be the castle from which Princess Nest was abducted. This rare survival is now on private land and can only be accessed by arrangement.

 

The recorded history of Aberystwyth may be said to date from the building of a fortress in 1109 by Gilbert Fitz Richard (grandfather of Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow, the Cambro-Norman lord notable for his leading role in the Norman invasion of Ireland). Gilbert Fitz Richard was granted lands and the lordship of Cardigan by Henry I, including Cardigan Castle. The fortress built in Aberystwyth was located about a mile and a half south of today's town, on a hill over the south bank of the Ystwyth River, thus giving the settlement of Aberystwyth its name. The location is now known as Tan-Y-Castell.

 

Aberystwyth was usually under the control of the princes of Deheubarth, but its position close to the border with Gwynedd and Powys left it vulnerable to attacks from the leaders of those polities. The town was attacked by Gwenwynwyn ab Owain in 1197, an assault in which Maelgwn ap Rhys was captured. Llywelyn the Great attacked and seized the town in late 1208, building a castle there before withdrawing.

 

Edward I replaced Strongbow's castle in 1277, after its destruction by the Welsh. His castle was, however, built in a different location, at the current Castle Hill, the high point of the town. Between the years 1404 and 1408 Aberystwyth Castle was in the hands of Owain Glyndŵr but finally surrendered to Prince Harry (the future King Henry V of England). Shortly after this, the town was incorporated under the title of Ville de Lampadarn (the ancient name of the place being Llanbadarn Gaerog or the fortified Llanbadarn, to distinguish it from Llanbadarn Fawr, the village one mile (1.6 km) inland. It is thus styled in a Royal charter granted by Henry VIII but, by Elizabeth I's time, the town was invariably named Aberystwyth in all documents.

 

From 1639 to 1642, silver coins were minted at Aberystwyth Castle on behalf of the Royal Mint, using silver from local mines. £10,500 in currency was produced, equivalent to 2.5 million silver pennies.

 

In 1649, Parliamentarian troops razed the castle, although portions of three towers still exist. In 1988, an excavation within the castle area revealed a complete male skeleton, deliberately buried. Though skeletons rarely survive in Wales' acidic soil, this skeleton was probably preserved by the addition of lime from the collapsed building. Affectionately known as "Charlie" and now housed in the Ceredigion Museum in the town, he probably dates from the English Civil War period, and is likely to have died during the Parliamentarian siege. His image is featured in one of nine mosaics created to adorn the castle's walls.

 

The development of Aberystwyth's Port contributed to the town’s economic development during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Port improvements were carried out in both 1780 and 1836, with a new Customs House constructed in 1828. Rural industries and craftsmen were also an important part of life in this country town. The local trade directory for 1830 shows that there were in Aberystwyth: Twenty boot makers, eight bakers, two corn millers, eleven carpenters and joiners, one cooper, seven tailors, two dressmakers, two straw hat makers, two hat makers, three curriers, four saddlers, two tinsmiths, six maltsters, two skinners, four tanners, eight stonemasons, one brewer, four lime burners, three shipwrights, three wheelwrights, five cabinet makers, one nail maker, one rope maker and one sail maker.

 

The Cambrian Railways line from Machynlleth reached Aberystwyth in 1864, closely followed by rail links to Carmarthen, which resulted in the construction of the town's impressive station. The Cambrian line opened on Good Friday 1869, the same day that the new 292 metres (958 ft) Royal Pier (designed by Eugenius Birch) opened, attracting 7,000 visitors.

 

The railway's arrival gave rise to something of a Victorian tourist boom, with Aberystwyth becoming a significant holiday destination for working and middle class families from South Wales in particular. The town was once even billed as the "Biarritz of Wales". During this time, a number of hotels and fine townhouses were built including the Queens Hotel, later renamed Swyddfa'r Sir (County Office) when used as offices by the town council, and most recently used as the external scenes of the police station in the television show Hinterland. One of the largest of these hotels, "The Castle Hotel", was never completed as a hotel but, following bankruptcy, was sold cheaply to the Welsh National University Committee, a group of people dedicated to the creation of a Welsh University. The University College of Wales (later to become Aberystwyth University) was founded in 1872 in this building.

 

Aberystwyth was a contributory parliamentary borough until the Third Reform Act, which merged its representation into that of the county in 1885.

 

In 1895, various businessmen who had been behind the Aberystwyth New Harbour Company formed the Aberystwyth Improvement Company (AIC) to take over the works of the defunct Bourne Engineering & Electrical. In 1896, the AIC completed three projects: the new landside pavilion for the Royal Pier; built the Cambria Hotel (later the United Theological College) and formed Constitution Hill Ltd, to develop a Victorian theme park. Chief engineer George Croydon Marks designed all the AIC developments, including the United Kingdom's second longest funicular railway, which takes passengers up a 50% gradient to a park and camera obscura.

 

Aberystwyth hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1865, 1916, 1952 and 1992.

 

On the night of Friday, 14 January 1938, a storm with estimated wind speeds of up to 90 mph (140 km/h) struck the town. Most of the promenade was destroyed, along with 200 feet (60 m) of the pier. Many properties on the seafront were damaged, with every property from the King's Hall north affected; those on Victoria Terrace suffered the greatest damage. Work commenced on a protective coffer dam which continued into 1940, with total costs of construction coming to £70,000 (equivalent to £2.5 million today).

 

Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society) held their historic first protest on Trefechan Bridge in Aberystwyth, on 2 February 1963. The first independent Welsh Evangelical Church was established in Aberystwyth (see Evangelical Movement of Wales).

 

On 1 March 2005, Aberystwyth was granted Fairtrade Town status.

 

In March 2009 mayor Sue Jones-Davies, who had played the role of Judith Iscariot in the film Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979), organised a charity screening of the film. Principal actors Terry Jones and Michael Palin also attended. There is a popular, but incorrect, urban myth that the town had banned the film (as some authorities did) when it was first released.

 

During the aftermath storms from Cyclone Dirk on Friday 3 January 2014, the town was one of the worst hit in Wales. Properties on the adjoining promenade were then evacuated for the next five days, including 250 students from the University. Ceredigion Council appealed to the Welsh Assembly Government for funds, whilst Natural Resources Wales undertook surveys and emergency preventative measures.

 

North Parade, Aberystwyth was reported to be the most expensive street in Wales in 2018, based on property prices.

 

Penglais Nature Park (Welsh: Parc Natur Penglais) is a woodland overlooking the town. The park was created in 1995 from a disused quarry and surrounding woodland that had formerly been part of the Richardes family estate. In spring a carpet of bluebells bloom, in common with the many other bluebell woods.

 

The park covers 27 acres (11 ha). It was the first Nature reserve to open in Ceredigion and is the only UNESCO Man and Biosphere urban reserve in Wales.

 

Aberystwyth's local government administration has a two-tier structure consisting of two separate councils. As local government is a devolved matter in Wales, the legislation for both Councils is a responsibility of the Senedd.

 

Aberystwyth Town Council is the first tier of local government, which is the closest to the general public; there are 19 elected town councillors from five wards. The last elections were held in 2022. The council is responsible for cycle paths, public footpaths, CCTV, public Wi-Fi, bus shelters, parks, gardens (including the castle grounds and the skateboard park) and allotments. The council is a statutory body which is consulted regarding planning decisions in the town area and makes recommendations to the planning authority, Ceredigion County Council. The Town Council is also involved in leisure, tourism, business (through providing more than half of Menter Aberystwyth's funding in grants), licence applications, wellbeing and environmental health, recycling and refuse collection.

 

A borough council existed in Aberystwyth from 1832 and the Aberystwyth School Board was established in 1870.

 

Ceredigion County Council is another statutory body incorporated by Act of Parliament. It is the second tier of local government in the area and is a unitary authority with a wide range of powers and responsibility. The Council deals with roads (except trunk roads), street lighting, some highways, social services, children and family care, schools and public libraries. Aberystwyth elects six of the 42 councillors in five separate wards (Bronglais, Central, North and Rheidol wards elect one councillor each while Penparcau ward elects two).

 

Aberystwyth has five Senedd members, one of whom (Elin Jones) was elected as a constituency MS for Ceredigion, and four who are elected on the regional list for Mid and West Wales.

 

The town is in the Ceredigion constituency for elections to the House of Commons. Since June 2017, Aberystwyth's MP has been Plaid Cymru's Ben Lake.

 

The first ever public library in Aberystwyth was opened in Compton House, Pier Street on 13 October 1874. In 1882 the library was moved to the Assembly Rooms which were leased to the council for 21 years. The lease expired in 1903 and the library returned to Pier Street, this time to the Old Banking Library at the corner with Eastgate Street, although this was short lived. A Carnegie library was built in Aberystwyth in 1905, with a grant of £3,000. Located in Corporation Street, it was designed by the architect Walter Payton of Birmingham, who was one of 48 who entered the competition to design the building. It was formally opened on 20 April 1906 by Mrs Vaughan Davies, wife of the local MP. The town library moved to Aberystwyth Town Hall, now known as Canolfan Alun R. Edwards, following the building's refurbishment in 2012.

 

The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, is the national legal deposit library of Wales. Established in 1907, it is a Welsh Government sponsored body. According to Cyril Evans, the library's centenary events co-ordinator, "The library is considered to be one of the world's greatest libraries, and its international reputation is certainly something that all Welsh men and women are intensely ... proud of". Welsh is the main medium of communication within the organisation; it aims to deliver all public services in Welsh and English.

 

Aberystwyth Arts Centre is one of the largest and busiest arts centres in Wales. It encompasses a 312-seat theatre, 900-seat concert hall, 125-seat cinema, and has accompanied studio, galleries, plus public spaces which include cafes and a bar. Arad Goch is an Arts Council funded community theatre and art gallery based in the town. The premises holds a theatre, gallery, several art studios and meeting rooms, and a darkroom.

 

The town has three works by the Italian sculptor Mario Rutelli; the War Memorial on the promenade, the Tabernacle Chapel Memorial on Powell Street, and the statue of Edward VIII as Prince of Wales in the Old College. All are Grade II listed structures. Rutelli’s connection with the town came through Thomas Jenkins of Aberystwyth, who ran a shipping business. Jenkins was a frequent visitor to Italy where he admired Rutelli’s work. Jo Darke, in her work, The Monument Guide to England and Wales: A National Portrait in Bronze and Stone, describes Rutelli’s war memorial as “striking and rare” and suggests that the life-size statue of Edward VIII is the only recorded example.

 

Aberystwyth has a live music scene which has produced bands and artists such as: The Crocketts; The Hot Puppies; Murry the Hump; and The Lowland Hundred. The University Music Centre promotes a varied programme for instrumentalists, singers and listeners from the university and the wider community. The University chamber choir, The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers, have been singing in the town since 1950 and continue to hold a number of concerts throughout the year. Aberystwyth gives its name to a well known hymn tune composed by Joseph Parry.

 

Aberystwyth RFC is the local rugby union club and acts as a feeder club to professional side Scarlets. It was formed in 1947 and for the 2017/18 season played in the WRU Division One West. Aberystwyth Town F.C. is a semi-professional football club that was formed in 1884. The team currently compete in the Cymru Premier, Wales' top division. The town also has a cricket club which plays in local leagues, an athletics club (founded 1955), and boxing club in Penparcau. The town's golf course opened in 1911.

 

Ceredigion, the county in which Aberystwyth is located, is one of the four most Welsh-speaking counties in Wales and remained majority Welsh speaking until the 2011 census. Since the town's growth as a seaside resort in the Victorian era, it has been more anglicised than its hinterland and the rest of the county in general. The university has also attracted many English-speaking students from England, non-Welsh speaking parts of Wales and elsewhere. The 1891 census recorded that, of the 6635 inhabitants who completed the language section, 3482 (52.5%) were bilingual, 1751 (26.4%) were Welsh monoglots, and 1402 people (21.1%) were returned as English monoglots. Ceredigion (then named Cardiganshire) as a whole was 95.2% Welsh-speaking and 74.5% monoglot Welsh. Although the town remained majority Welsh-speaking for many more decades, English had already replaced Welsh in certain domains, such as entertainment and tourism. By 1961, only 50.0% of the town's population could speak Welsh, compared to 79.5% for Cardiganshire as a whole; by 1971, these numbers had fallen to 44.9% and 67.6% respectively. The 2001 census reported that, in the seven wards of Aberystwyth, 39% of the residents self-identified as able to speak or read or write Welsh. This is lower than Ceredigion as a whole (54%) but higher than Wales overall (19%).

 

Aberystwyth parish church is St Michael's and All Angels, located in Laura Place. The parish was a Rectoral Benefice until 2019, incorporating the Anglican churches of Holy Trinity, Santes Fair (services in Welsh) and Saint Anne's, Penparcau. The Rectoral Benefice has now been converted to a local ministry area (LMA). The church was built between 1886 and 1890, replacing an earlier church. It was designed in a Gothic Revival style and is a Grade II listed building.

 

In addition to the Anglican churches, there are many existing and former Welsh Calvinistic Methodist chapels that have these days merged into Saint David's (United Reformed) and Capel y Morfa (Welsh language services). A former Calvinistic Methodist Sunday school house, Ysgoldy Tanycae, is now the meeting place of the Elim Pentecostal church. Meanwhile there is a Wesleyan Methodist church, Saint Paul's Methodist Centre, located in Bath Street. An Independent Baptist church is located in Alfred Place. In 2021, amid some controversy, Aberystwyth's Catholic church, Saint Winefride's, was closed and the congregation relocated to a new-build church located in Penparcau.

 

There are a number of other smaller congregations, and many former churches that have now been converted to alternative use, such as the Academy bar.

 

Aberystwyth has two comprehensive schools serving the town and a wide rural area: Ysgol Gyfun Gymunedol Penweddig and Ysgol Penglais School. Ysgol Gyfun Gymunedol Penweddig uses Welsh as the primary language of tuition; Ysgol Penglais School teaches in English and in Welsh as a subject.

 

There are currently three primary schools within the town limits, which are: Plascrug, Saint Padarns (Roman Catholic) and Ysgol Gymraeg. Ysgol Gymraeg was the first designated Welsh medium school in Wales, originally established as a private school in 1939 by Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards as Ysgol Gymraeg yr Urdd.

 

Aberystwyth is home to Aberystwyth University (Welsh: Prifysgol Aberystwyth) whose predecessor, University College Wales, was founded in 1872 and renamed the 'University of Wales, Aberystwyth' in the mid-1990s. Prior to the college's establishment, Wales had very limited academic-degree capability through St David's College, Lampeter (founded in 1822, now the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David).

 

As well as having two cinemas and a golf course, the town's attractions include:

The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, a funicular railway

A Victorian camera obscura at the top of Constitution Hill.

The Vale of Rheidol steam railway (Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge)

Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

The Parc Penglais nature reserve

The Ystwyth Trail cycle path

National Library of Wales

Park Avenue. Football stadium home to Aberystwyth Town F.C.

The all organic dairy unit of Rachel's Organic is based in Glan yr Afon, and is the largest private sector employer in Aberystwyth.

 

The Cambrian News newspaper came to Aberystwyth from Bala in 1870, after it was purchased by Sir John Gibson. Printed in Oswestry, in May 1880 the paper integrated operations in a former Malthouse in Mill Street. Owned by the Read family from 1926, in 1993 printing was contracted out, enabling the move of editorial staff to the current open-plan offices on Llanbadarn Fawr Science Park. On the death of Henry Read, the paper was purchased in 1999 by Sir Ray Tindle, whose company owns more than 200 weekly newspapers in Britain. Now printed in tabloid format, Cambrian News is the second-largest weekly-print circulation newspaper in Wales, with 24,000 copies in six regional editorial versions, read by 60,000 weekly readers. The circulation area of mid, west and north Wales covers 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2).

 

Since the TV series Hinterland has been filmed in and around Aberystwyth, the area is being promoted as an opportunity for tourists to visit filming locations; many are well publicised.

 

Aberystwyth railway station is situated in the town centre and is the terminus of the scenic Cambrian Line. Transport for Wales Rail operate a mostly hourly service (with some two-hour intervals) to Shrewsbury via Machynlleth and Mid Wales, with nearly all trains continuing to Birmingham International. Connecting services from Dovey Junction provide a link to Gwynedd's west coast as far as Pwllheli, along the Cambrian Coast Line. There is no longer a southbound connection: the Carmarthen–Aberystwyth line was closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts.

 

Aberystwyth station is also the terminus of the Vale of Rheidol Railway, a steam-operated narrow gauge heritage railway. Constructed between 1901 and 1902, it was intended to ship mineral cargo, primarily lead, from Devil's Bridge down to Aberystwyth for trans-shipment. By the time it was finished, lead mining was in a deep downturn and—thanks to the Aberystwyth Improvement Company—the railway came to rely largely on the tourist industry, opening for passengers in December 1902. It still remains open for the summer season, with a journey of 12 miles (19 km).

 

In 1896, the Aberystwyth Improvement Company formed Constitution Hill Ltd which, under the direction of chief engineer George Croydon Marks, developed the United Kingdom's second longest funicular railway, the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, which takes passengers up a 50% gradient.

 

A TrawsCymru T1 service on the A4120 in Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is a hub for the TrawsCymru bus network, with four routes serving the town:

 

T1 - hourly service to Carmarthen (connects with T1S to Swansea, Monday-Saturday) via Aberaeron and Lampeter - with one service a day (Monday-Saturday) extended to Cardiff

T1C - daily express coach service to Cardiff, via Aberaeron, Carmarthen (connects with T1S to Swansea, Monday-Saturday), Swansea (Sunday & Bank Holidays only), Port Talbot Parkway and Bridgend

T2 - every 1–2 hours to Bangor via Machynlleth, Dolgellau (connects with T3 to Barmouth and Wrexham), Porthmadog and Caernarfon

T5 - hourly service to Haverfordwest via Aberaeron, New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard

(TrawsCymru services run less-frequently on Sundays.)

 

There is a daily National Express coach, service 409 to London via Birmingham, along with local bus services within the town and into the surrounding area.

 

The A44 and A487 meet with much traffic between North Wales and South West Wales passing through the town. The A4120 links the A44 and A487 between Llanbadarn Fawr and Penparcau, allowing through traffic to bypass the town centre.

 

The B4574 mountain road linking the town to Rhayader is described by the AA as one of the ten most scenic drives in the world.

 

The port of Aberystwyth, although it is small and relatively inconsequential today, used to be an important Atlantic Ocean entryway. It was used to ship locally, to Ireland and as a transatlantic departure point. Commercially, the once important Cardiganshire lead mines exported from this location.

 

The importance of maritime trade in the 19th century is reflected in the fact that a lifeboat has been based at Aberystwyth since 1843, when a 27 ft (8.2 m) boat powered by six oars was funded by public subscription and placed under the control of the harbourmaster. The RNLI took over the service in 1861 and established Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station which celebrated 150 years in 2011. The station uses the Atlantic 85-class inshore lifeboat Spirit of Friendship.

 

The Owl Service by Alan Garner, a well-known and -loved multi-award-winning classic published 1967, is set in north Wales and has two of its core characters —Gwyn and his mam (mother) Nancy— recently arrived from Aberystwyth for 3 weeks' work, with Nancy repeatedly threatening to return there immediately. They and the Welsh locals refer to it as "Aber"; the English characters use its full name.

Aberystwyth (albeit an alternative universe version) is the setting for the cult Louie Knight series by Malcolm Pryce, which transfers Chandleresque "noir" stories and dialogue to this small seaside town. This alternative reality features many landmarks of Aberystwyth, such as the University and the National Library of Wales, but the social situation is radically altered to more closely resemble the pulp/noir stereotypical "Dirty Town" that the narrative plays off. Most of the humour in the books is derived from the almost seamless juxtaposition of the real Aberystwyth and the fictional, noir Aberystwyth. Various aspects of Welsh culture are reflections of what you might expect to see in reality, but with a pulp twist – for example, prostitutes wear Welsh stovepipe hats.

Stripping Penguins Bare, the book 2 of Michael Carson's Benson Trilogy of comic novels, is set in the town and university in the 1960s.

The local writer Niall Griffiths has set many of his novels here and reflects local slang, settings, and even individuals. Grits and Sheepshagger are set wholly in Aberystwyth, which also features prominently in his other novels such as Kelly and Victor and Stump. He portrays a more gritty side of Aberystwyth.

‘Cofiwch Aberystwyth’ by science fiction writer Val Nolan, is a near-future post-apocalyptic novelette about three young urban explorers visiting Aberystwyth years after a nuclear disaster on the west coast of Wales. It was originally published in Interzone (magazine) and later anthologised in Best of British Science Fiction 2020. The title references the Cofiwch Dryweryn graffiti outside nearby Llanrhystyd, Ceredigion.

 

Television

Y Gwyll (2013–2016), a Welsh-language television programme, and the English-language version Hinterland , broadcast on S4C, BBC One Wales, BBC Four, and syndicated around the world, is set in Aberystwyth. It is filmed in and around the town, often in rural locations.

 

Film

Y Llyfrgell (2017) is an award-winning Welsh language film set in and around the National Library, which was filmed on location in 2016. The 2009 book on which it was based was released in English in 2022.

 

The following people and military units have received the Freedom of the Town of Aberystwyth.

Individuals

1912 – Sir John Williams

1912 – David Davies

1912 – Stuart Rendel

1922 – David Lloyd George

1923 – Lewis Pugh Evans

1923 – Matthew Vaughan-Davies

1923 – Sir Herbert Lewis

1928 – Stanley Baldwin

1936 – Sir David Charles Roberts

1936 – Ernest Vaughan

1951 – Winston Churchill

1956 – Sir David James

2011 – Fritz Pratschke

2015 – Jean Guezennec

 

Military Units

1955 – The Welsh Guards

 

Twinning

Arklow in Wicklow, Republic of Ireland Ireland

Kronberg im Taunus in Hesse Hesse, Germany Germany

Saint-Brieuc in Brittany Brittany, France France

Esquel in Patagonia, Argentina Argentina

Canary Wharf is an area of London, England, located near the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Canary Wharf is defined by the Greater London Authority as being part of London's central business district, alongside Central London. Alongside the City of London, it constitutes one of the main financial centres in the United Kingdom and the world, containing many high-rise buildings including the third-tallest in the UK, One Canada Square, which opened on 26 August 1991.

 

Developed on the site of the former West India Docks in East London, Canary Wharf contains around 16,000,000 sq ft (1,500,000 m2) of office and retail space. It has many open areas and gardens, including Canada Square, Cabot Square, Westferry Circus, Jubilee Park, and Crossrail Place Roof Garden. Together with Heron Quays and Wood Wharf, it forms the Canary Wharf Estate, around 97 acres (39 ha) in area.

 

History

 

Canary Wharf is located on the West India Docks on the Isle of Dogs. As journalist José Luis Jiménez explains, the name of this location stems from its use during World War II as a storage area for agricultural exports—primarily tomatoes, cucumbers, and bananas—from the Canary Islands. Its remote position, far from the city center, even included the Canarian Docks on its outskirts.

 

West India Dock Company

 

From 1802 to the late 1980s, what would become the Canary Wharf Estate was a part of the Isle of Dogs (Millwall), Limehouse, and Poplar and was one of the busiest docks in the world. West India Docks was primarily developed by Robert Milligan (c. 1746–1809) who set up the West India Dock Company.

 

Port of London Authority

 

The Port of London Authority was established in 1909 and took control of West India Dock. The enterprise of Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, a Welsh shipping magnate who was a prominent figure in the Canary Islands, Spain, led to a constant stream of ships arriving into London's South Quay Dock and the naming of Canary Wharf, after the ships' origin. It was named after No. 32 berth of the West Wood Quay of the Import Dock. This was built in 1936 for Fruit Lines Ltd, a subsidiary of Fred Olsen Lines for the Mediterranean and Canary Islands fruit trade. It is located on the Isle of Dogs, the quay and warehouse were given the name Canary Wharf.

 

London Docklands Development Corporation

 

After the 1960s, when cargo became containerised, port industry began to decline, leading to all the docks being closed by 1980. After the docks closed in 1980, the British Government adopted policies to stimulate redevelopment of the area, including the creation of the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) in 1981 and the granting of Urban Enterprise Zone status to the Isle of Dogs in 1982.

 

The Canary Wharf of today began when Michael von Clemm, former chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB), came up with the idea to convert Canary Wharf into a back office. Further discussions with G Ware Travelstead led to proposals for a new business district and included the LDDC developing an inexpensive light metro scheme, the Docklands Light Railway, to make use of a large amount of redundant railway infrastructure and to improve access.

 

The project was sold to the Canadian company Olympia & York and construction began in 1988, master-planned by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with Yorke Rosenberg Mardall as their UK advisors, and subsequently by Koetter Kim. The first buildings were completed in 1991, including One Canada Square, which became the UK's tallest building at the time and a symbol of the regeneration of Docklands. By the time it opened, the London commercial property market had collapsed, and Olympia and York Canary Wharf Limited filed for bankruptcy in May 1992.

 

Initially, the City of London saw Canary Wharf as an existential threat. It modified its planning laws to expand the provision of new offices in the City of London, for example, creating offices above railway stations (Blackfriars) and roads (Alban Gate). The resulting oversupply of office space contributed to the failure of the Canary Wharf project.

 

Canary Wharf Group

 

In October 1995, an international consortium that included investors such as Alwaleed, bought control for $1.2 billion. Paul Reichmann, of Olympia & York, was named chairman, and Canary Wharf went public in 1999. The new company was called Canary Wharf Limited, and later became Canary Wharf Group.

 

In 1997, some residents living on the Isle of Dogs launched a lawsuit against Canary Wharf Ltd for private nuisance because the tower interfered with TV signals. The residents lost the case.

 

Recovery in the property market generally, coupled with continuing demand for large floorplate Grade A office space, slowly improved the level of interest. A critical event in the recovery was the much-delayed start of work on the Jubilee Line Extension, which the government wanted ready for the Millennium celebrations.

 

In March 2004, Canary Wharf Group plc. was taken over by a consortium of investors, backed by its largest shareholder Glick Family Investments and led by Morgan Stanley using a vehicle named Songbird Estates plc.

 

Corporations and agencies

 

Canary Wharf contains around 16,000,000 sq ft (1,500,000 m2) of office and retail space, of which around 7,900,000 sq ft (730,000 m2) (about 49%) is owned by Canary Wharf Group. Around 105,000 people work in Canary Wharf,[95] and it is home to the world or European headquarters of numerous major banks, professional services firms, and media organisations, including Barclays, Citigroup, Clifford Chance, Credit Suisse, Ernst & Young, Fitch Ratings, HSBC, Infosys, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, MetLife, Moody's, Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada, Deutsche Bank, S&P Global, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, State Street, The Economist Group and Thomson Reuters. Until 2018, Canary Wharf also hosted two European Union agencies, European Medicines Agency and European Banking Authority, that moved to Amsterdam and Paris respectively due to Brexit.

 

Leisure

 

Marina

 

West India Quays and Poplar Dock are two marinas that are used as moorings for barges and private leisure river craft and is owned by the Canal & River Trust.

 

Library

 

A local public library, called Idea Store Canary Wharf, is in Churchill Place shopping mall and run by Tower Hamlets Council which opened on Thursday 16 March 2006 as part of the Idea Store project and is the borough fourth Idea Store.

 

Cinema

 

Canary Wharf hosts two multiplexes (cinemas), one on West India Quay run by Cineworld. and another at Crossrail Place called Everyman Cinema.

 

Go Karting

 

An over 800m long electric karting facility exists within Cabot Square. The facility can accommodate up to 20 drivers at a single time. Karts can reach speeds of up to 45 mph.

 

Squares and public areas

 

Canada Square

 

Canada Square is one of the central squares at Canary Wharf. It is a large open space with grass, except during the winter when it is converted into an ice rink. The square is named after Canada, because the original developers of modern Canary Wharf, Olympia & York, wanted to reflect their heritage. Underneath the square is Canada Place shopping mall.

 

Westferry Circus

 

Westferry Circus is on the west side of Canary Wharf. It is a garden at ground level, and below is a roundabout allowing traffic to flow through. The garden is enclosed by bespoke hand-crafted ornamental railings and entrance gates by artist Giuseppe Lund. The area has a long history, dating back to 1812, when the Poplar and Greenwich Roads Company operated a horse ferry between Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs. It operated on the West Ferry and East Ferry Roads, which the names survived. Westferry Circus was chosen as the name for the roundabout and park by virtue of its proximity to Westferry Road.

 

Cabot Square

 

Cabot Square is one of the biggest squares at Canary Wharf, with a large fountain at the centre. The inner perimeter has additional fountains covered by trees. The square has large circular glass ventilation holes to allow gases to escape from the underground car park. The square is named after John Cabot and his son Sebastian, who were Italian explorers who settled in England in 1484.

 

Churchill Place

 

Churchill Place is an area on the east side of Canary Wharf. It is named after Winston Churchill.

 

Columbus Courtyard

 

A small square on the west side of Canary Wharf named after Christopher Columbus. The first phase of Canary Wharf was completed in 1992, 500 years after Columbus arrived in America.

 

Chancellor Passage

 

A passageway south of Cabot Square. Named after Richard Chancellor who sailed with Sir John Willoughby from Greenwich on their voyage through the White Sea to Moscow.

 

Wren Landing

 

Small area north of Cabot Square. Leads to North Dock footbridge towards Port East. Named after British architect Christopher Wren.

 

Montgomery Square

 

Located at the east end of Jubilee Park, Montgomery Square is an outdoor location for socialising. Events include street food markets, beach volleyball tournaments, padel tennis competition, and minigolf.

 

Parks and green spaces

 

Canary Wharf Group is enthusiastic about adding more green spaces and gardens to the dense urban environment. A total of 20 acres of landscaped parks, gardens and verdant squares complete with 1,000 trees, 4,000 shrubs and 70,000 seasonal plants are added each year.[110] Visitors are welcome to explore these parks and green spaces, which are ideal places for relaxation, social gatherings, performances, viewing outdoor public art, as well as hosting outdoor events and festivities.

 

Jubilee Park

 

Jubilee Park is a 10,000m² roof garden located above Jubilee Place, a shopping mall, and Canary Wharf Jubilee Station, an underground railway station. The park, opened in 2002 and was named in honour of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Jubilee Park is located in the financial district of Canary Wharf. The park's central feature is a raised serpentine water channel with rough stone walls. The curvilinear design of the water channel is intended to contrast to the scale and straightness of the surrounding buildings. In 2023, Jubilee Park won the Green Flag Award, recognising Jubilee Park as one of the United Kingdom's best parks

 

Crossrail Place Roof Garden

 

A 4,160 m2 (44,800 sq ft) roof garden, one of London's largest, houses on the top of seven-storey Crossrail Place structure, which contains the Elizabeth line Canary Wharf station. Opened to public in 2015, it lies almost exactly on the Meridian line splitting eastern and western hemispheres. The plants originating from the eastern hemisphere are planted to the East of the Meridian line in the garden, with those from the Western hemisphere on the opposite side. The design and development of Crossrail Place Roof Garden was honored by winning numerous prestigious international and United Kingdom awards. Selected notable awards include: "Best Urban Regeneration Project" at 2016 MIPIM awards in France, the first prize for the best "Innovative Design of a Contemporary Garden" at the 2017 European Garden Awards in Berlin, and a Highly Commended accolade at the 2016 Landscape Institute Awards in the category 'Design for a Small-Scale Development'.

 

Harbour Quay Garden

 

A newly opened garden, located at the strand of Wood Wharf, features a boardwalk for waterside wandering. The garden also offers family-friendly picnic spots and outdoor fitness equipment on the green lawn, where visitors can relax, view outdoor public art, and watch the water. Just around the corner, it has access to a new garden square, Harbord Square Park.

 

Harbord Square Park

 

Harbord Square Park, the newest garden square in Wood Wharf, continues the great London tradition of garden squares. It is open 24/7 and offers green space available for mindfulness activities and to support nearby residents' general wellbeing.

 

Eden Dock

 

In Oct 2024, in partnership with the Eden Project, the Canary Wharf group opened Eden dock. The waterfront green space can be accessed via Jubilee Plaza or Mackenzie Walk. It includes floating islands which are designed to encourage biodiversity.

 

Shopping malls

 

Canary Wharf shopping centre, ranked as one of the best in London, has five interconnected shopping malls: Canada Place, Cabot Place, Jubilee Place, Crossrail Place, and Churchill Place. The malls provide over 102,193 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft) of retail space, more than 310 shops from beauty, fashion, lifestyle, luxurious brands, health, and homeware, as well as 70 cafés, bars, and restaurants, eight grocery stores, five health clubs and a cinema. There are also numerous bars, restaurants, and food halls at street level, alongside plenty of outdoor seating enabling visitors to see the stunning wharf and riverside views.

 

Museums and archives

 

Opened in a Grade I listed Georgian warehouse by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2003, the Museum of London Docklands is one of the main attractions in the area. It is dedicated to the history of London's river, port, and people from Roman settlement to the present day. The museum offers a range of activities for children and families, including interactive displays and immersive activities.

 

Pokémon Go

 

Canary Wharf has been reported since 2017 as part of the Pokémon Go augmented reality game to being the home for the most wanted Pokémon gyms in London including Canary Wharf DLR station and Montgomery Square.

 

Canary Wharf Group published an official Pokémon map for PokéStops and Pokémon Gyms, the managing director for retail Camille Waxer said in 2016 that Pokémon Go has serious potential to attract new audiences to the area, particularly food and drink outlets which saw an increase in foot traffic.

 

(Wikipedia)

 

Canary Wharf (dt. „Kanaren-Kai“) ist ein Bürogebäudekomplex auf der Isle of Dogs im Londoner Stadtbezirk Tower Hamlets. Er befindet sich im Herzen der Docklands, dem ehemaligen Hafengebiet der britischen Hauptstadt. Canary Wharf steht in Konkurrenz zum historisch gewachsenen Finanzzentrum in der City of London. Hier stehen drei der höchsten Gebäude des Vereinigten Königreichs, One Canada Square, HSBC Tower und Citigroup Centre.

 

Wirtschaftszentrum

 

Zu den Unternehmen, die sich in Canary Wharf niedergelassen haben, gehören Finanzinstitute wie Credit Suisse, HSBC, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America und Barclays. Auch bedeutende Medienunternehmen haben hier ihre Hauptsitze, darunter The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Thomson Reuters und der Daily Mirror. Ebenfalls hier vertreten sind der Europa-Hauptsitz von Texaco, der Hauptsitz von Clifford Chance, eine der weltweit größten Anwaltssozietäten, sowie das Wirtschaftsprüfungsunternehmen KPMG. Bis zum Brexit war hier auch der Sitz der Europäischen Bankenaufsichtsbehörde (EBA).

 

Zu Beginn des Jahres betrug die offizielle Zahl der hier arbeitenden Angestellten 78.000, wovon 25 Prozent in den fünf umliegenden Stadtbezirken leben. Canary Wharf entwickelt sich auch immer mehr zu einem teuren und exklusiven Einkaufsviertel, insbesondere nach der Eröffnung des Jubilee-Place-Einkaufszentrums im Jahr 2004. Es gibt über 200 Läden mit mehr als 4.500 Verkaufsangestellten. Jede Woche gehen rund 500.000 Personen hierhin zum Einkaufen.

 

Canary Wharf verfügt über eine ausgezeichnete Anbindung an das Netz des öffentlichen Nahverkehrs. Seit 1991 hält an der Station Canary Wharf (DLR) die vollautomatische Stadtbahn Docklands Light Railway. 1999 wurde die Jubilee Line der London Underground eröffnet, die in der gleichnamigen, aber räumlich getrennten Station Canary Wharf (London Underground) hält, und 2022 wurde der Verkehr auf der neuen Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) aufgenommen. Der Flughafen London City liegt nur ein paar Kilometer östlich und kann mit regelmäßig verkehrenden Bussen, Taxis und mit der DLR in unter 15 Minuten erreicht werden. Vom Canary Wharf Pier aus stellen Schiffe auf der Themse weitere Verbindungen in Richtung Innenstadt her; die Thames Clippers verkehren unter der Woche alle 20 Minuten.

 

Geschichte

 

Canary Wharf war einst der Standort von Lagerhäusern inmitten der Docks. Der Name leitet sich ab vom Seehandel mit den Kanarischen Inseln, der von hier aus abgewickelt wurde. Während des 19. Jahrhunderts lagen hier die West India Docks, einer der verkehrsreichsten Häfen der Welt. In den 1960er Jahren setzte der Verfall der Hafen- und Industrieanlagen ein. Nachdem im Jahr 1980 das letzte Dock geschlossen worden war, beschloss die britische Regierung im Jahr 1981 ein Programm, mit dem ein 21 km² großes Gebiet neu belebt werden sollte. Um das Projekt zu koordinieren, wurde die Entwicklungsgesellschaft „London Docklands Development Corporation“ gegründet. In den ersten Jahren ließen sich hier Betriebe der Leichtindustrie nieder, der größte Mieter in Canary Wharf war ein TV-Produktionsstudio.

 

1984 besuchte Michael von Clemm, der Vorsitzende der Investmentbank Credit Suisse, im Auftrag eines Kunden die Docklands, um nach einem Standort für einen Lebensmittelverarbeitungsbetrieb Ausschau zu halten. Er war sich auch bewusst, dass die Büros der Bank in der City of London zu klein waren, vor allem im Hinblick auf die bevorstehende Deregulierung der Finanzmärkte im Jahr 1986. Von Clemm hatte die Idee, das Gebiet für Bürobauten zu nutzen. Allerdings war eine kritische Masse notwendig, um das ganze Vorhaben überhaupt rentabel werden zu lassen. Entsprechende Pläne wurden zusammen mit dem Unternehmen Morgan Stanley präsentiert, später allerdings wieder zu den Akten gelegt. Als 1987 die Docklands Light Railway eröffnet wurde, hatte man in Canary Wharf keine Station errichtet, da man nicht mit einer Entwicklung des Gebiets rechnete.

 

1988 übernahm das vom Immobilienunternehmer Paul Reichmann geleitete kanadische Unternehmen Olympia and York (O&Y) das Projekt und brachte es zur Baureife. Die Bauarbeiten begannen im selben Jahr, die erste Phase war 1992 abgeschlossen. O&Y, das auch das World Financial Center in New York gebaut hatte, verpflichtete sich, die Hälfte der Kosten für die geplante Verlängerung der Jubilee Line zu übernehmen. Zu Beginn der 1990er Jahre brach der weltweite Immobilienmarkt ein. Die Nachfrage nach Büroräumlichkeiten ging stark zurück und O&Y ging 1992 bankrott. Die obere Hälfte des Wolkenkratzers One Canada Square blieb ohne Mieter, Canary Wharf wurde zum Symbol der Immobilienkrise.

 

Im Februar 1996 explodierte in der Nähe von Canary Wharf an der Station South Quay der DLR eine Autobombe der IRA. Zwei Menschen wurden getötet, 39 verletzt. Es entstand dabei ein Sachschaden von 85 Millionen Pfund.

 

Im Dezember 1995 kaufte ein internationales Konsortium unter Vorsitz von Paul Reichmann[3] das Gelände. Damals waren hier rund 13.000 Arbeitsplätze angesiedelt, doch noch immer stand über die Hälfte der vorhandenen Büroliegenschaften leer. Ein wichtiges Ereignis für die Wiederbelebung des Projekts Canary Wharf war der Baubeginn der Jubilee Line, der mehrmals verschoben worden war. Von da an betrachteten Unternehmen das Gebiet zunehmend als Alternative zu den traditionellen Geschäftszentren. Die zunehmende Nachfrage ermöglichte neben der Fertigstellung der zurückgestellten Bauabschnitte auch die Realisierung zusätzlicher Projekte. Im März 2004 wurde die Betriebsgesellschaft Canary Wharf Group plc durch das von Morgan Stanley angeführte Investorenkonsortium Songbird Estates übernommen. Im Jahr 2004 belegten 70 Prozent der Büroflächen in Canary Wharf Banken.

 

Im Jahr 2014 wurde die erste bauliche Erweiterung seit der Finanzkrise 2008 genehmigt. Das am östlichen Ende der Canary Wharf befindliche Projekt Wood Wharf umfasst eine Fläche von 4,9 Millionen Quadratfuß[7], worauf insgesamt 30 Gebäude entstehen sollen. Als Herzstück soll der vom Schweizer Architekturbüro Herzog & de Meuron entworfene, 211 Meter und 57 Stockwerke hohe zylinderförmige Wohnturm errichtet werden.

 

Stand 2020 ist die Canary Wharf Group im Besitz des katarischen Staatsfonds und der kanadischen Immobiliengesellschaft Brookfield Properties.

 

Im Zuge der COVID-19-Pandemie zu Beginn des 2020er Jahrzehnts verkleinerten auch die in Canary Wharf ansässigen Unternehmen ihre Bürofleichen und lagerten Arbeiten und Mitarbeiter ins Homeoffice aus. In den 2020er Jahren kündigten viele große Unternehmen (darunter die Großbank HSBC, Moody’s, Clifford Chance) an, aus Canary Wharf auszuziehen. Der Exodus führt dazu, dass viele Gebäude enorm an Wert verloren. Gleichzeitig siedelten sich vermehrt Bars, Restaurants, Clubs, Fitness- und Freizeitcenter und andere kleinere Unternehmen wie Start-Ups in Canary Wharf an. In Wood Wharf wurden und werden Stand 2024 Appartmentkomplexe für mehr als 7000 Menschen gebaut.

 

Vorkommen in der Popkultur

 

In der Serie Doctor Who befindet sich im Bürokomplex das fiktive Torchwood-Institut, das im Finale der zweiten Staffel im Kampf gegen die Daleks und Cybermen zerstört wird. Die Ereignisse nach dieser Schlacht werden im Spin Off Torchwood erzählt.

 

(Wikipedia)

British Real Photograph postcard, no. F.S. 63. Caption: Lovely Margaret Leighton won universal praise for her part as Flora Macdonald in Bonnie Prince Charlie. She is now co-starring with David Niven in The Elusive Pimpernel an Archer's production for London Films.

 

Tall, reedy, thin-browed, light-haired Margaret Leighton (1922-1976) was a British award-winning theatre and film actress. She appeared with her future husband Michael Wilding in the Hitchcock film Under Capricorn (1949). She won two Tony Awards for Broadway performances as Best Actress (Dramatic): in 1957 for 'Separate Tables' and in 1962 for Tennessee Williams' 'The Night of the Iguana'. 'Leighton received an Oscar nomination and a BAFTA award for her role in The Go-Between (Joseph Losey, 1971). She also won an Emmy Award for a 1970 television version of 'Hamlet'.

 

Margaret Leighton was born in Barnt Green, Worchestershire, England, in 1922, the daughter of a businessman. Expressing an early desire to act, she quit school at age 15 and auditioned and joined Sir Barry Jackson's Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Becoming one of his star students, he hired her as a stage manager and offered her the small role of Dorothy in the stage play 'Laugh with Me' (1938). Thereby, the play marked her professional debut on stage. The play was immediately taken to the BBC-TV, Laugh with Me (Herbert C. Prentice, 1938). During these productive repertory years, she involved herself in the classical plays by Chekov, Shakespeare, and Shaw. In 1944, Margaret made her London debut for the Old Vic Company playing the daughter of the troll king in 'Peer Gynt'. Joining the company under the auspices of Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Ralph Richardson, she earned distinction as a classical stage actress. In 1946, she made her Broadway debut as the Queen in 'Henry IV', starring Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson during a visit of the Old Vic to the U.S. The company performed a total of five plays from its repertoire before returning to London. The opulent actress with strikingly odd, yet fascinating facial features stole more than a few plays and films away from the stars with her stunning portrayals of neurotic, brittle matrons. Her unique brand of sophisticated eccentricity went on to captivate both Broadway and London audiences with her many theatre offerings, particularly her portrayals of Celia Coplestone in 'The Cocktail Party (1950) and Orinthia in a revival of 'The Apple Cart' (1953). Her New York performance as Mrs. Shankland in Terence Rattigan's drama 'Separate Tables' (1956) earned her a Tony Award. She returned to Broadway to play Beatrice in Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' in 1959, before returning in 1962 as Hannah in 'The Night of the Iguana' and earning her second Best Actress Tony trophy. She would continue to return to Broadway throughout the 1960s with the plays 'Tchin-Tchin', 'The Chinese Prime Minister', 'Slapstick Tragedy' and the heralded production of 'The Little Foxes (1967)', first playing Birdie before taking over the role of Regina.

 

During the 1950s and 1960s, Margaret Leighton would alternate between British and U.S. filming. She made her British debut as Catherine Winslow in Terrence Rattigan's The Winslow Boy (Anthony Asquith, 1948) starring Robert Donat. Then she co-starred opposite David Niven in the period biopic Bonnie Prince Charlie (Anthony Kimmins, 1948). Hitchcock used her next in one of his lesser known romantic crime films Under Capricorn (Alfred Hitchcock, 1949) before entangling herself in a romantic triangle with Celia Johnson and Noël Coward in The Astonished Heart (1950), which was both written and directed by Coward. In the crimer Calling Bulldog Drummond (Victor Saville, 1951), Margaret plays a Scotland Yard sergeant who pulls the master sleuth (Walter Pidgeon) out of retirement to infiltrate a vicious gang together, while in the mystery crime drama, Home at Seven (Ralph Richardson, 1952), the touching drama The Holly and the Ivy (George More O'Ferrall, 1952) and the saucy comedy The Passionate Stranger (Muriel Box, 1957), she reunited with her Old Vic theatre mentor Sir Ralph Richardson. Richardson was her frequent co-star on both stage and screen. She had played Roxane to his Cyrano in the 1946 London stage revival of 'Cyrano de Bergerac', one of Richardson's greatest stage successes. Margaret married (1947) and divorced (1955) noted publisher Max Reinhardt (of Reinhardt & Evans), known for his collection of letters and photographs from playwright and novelist George Bernard Shaw. Her second husband would be actor Laurence Harvey who starred in the British crime thriller The Good Die Young (Lewis Gilbert, 1954) in which Margaret made a co-starring appearance as his abused wife. They would marry later in 1957.

 

Margaret Leighton earned her first top cinematic billing as Helen Teckman in The Teckman Mystery (Wendy Toye, 1954) and reunited with David Niven in the military film Carrington V.C. (Anthony Asquith, 1954). Playing a Southern aristocrat in the U.S. filming of William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury (Martin Ritt, 1959) starring Yul Brynner, she followed that in the 1960s with a co-starring part opposite Peter Sellers in the comedy Waltz of the Toreadors (John Guillermin, 1962) and an all-star American cast headed by Henry Fonda in the potent political drama The Best Man (Franklin J. Schaffner, 1964). The black comedy The Loved One (Tony Richardson, 1965) and the dramatic 7 Women (John Ford, 1966), playing one of several ladies in peril at a Chinese mission, followed. Appearing in TV-movie versions of literary classics including 'Arms and the Man', 'As You LIke It' and 'The Confidential Clerk', Margaret began to make guest appearances on TV programs such as 'Suspicion,' 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents, 'The Alfred Hitchcock Hour', 'Playhouse 90', 'Ben Casey', 'Burke's Law', 'The F.B.I.', 'The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.' and 'Judd for the Defense', in addition to a recurring role on 'Dr. Kildare'. Divorced from Harvey in 1961, Margaret's third and final marriage to actor Michael Wilding in 1964 was an enduring matchup. The couple went on to co-star in the period piece Lady Caroline Lamb (Robert Bolt, 1972) starring Sarah Miles. Other notable screen credits around that time include The Madwoman of Chaillot (Bryan Forbes, 1969) and the TV movie, Great Expectations (Joseph Hardy, 1974) as Miss Havisham. Margaret would receive her only Oscar nomination for her support role in The Go-Between (Joseph Losey, 1971) starring Julie Christie and Alan Bates as Christie's manipulative, class-conscious mother. In 1971, Margaret was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but didn't let it slow her down for quite some time. She continued to perform in such films as Zee and Co. (Brian G. Hutton, 1972) with Elizabeth Taylor, Bequest to the Nation (James Cellan Jones, 1973), and the TV horror offering Frankenstein: The True Story (Jack Smight, 1973). By 1975 when she was no longer capable of walking, she continued to act giving an over-the-top comic performance in Trial by Combat (Kevin Connor, 1976). Her final TV performance was in the first season of Space: 1999 where she played Queen Arra in the episode "Collision Course. She was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1974 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to drama. She breathed her last in 1976 in Chichester hospital in Chichester, Sussex, at the age of 56. Margaret Leighton had no children in any of her marriages.

 

Sources: Gary Brumburgh (IMDb), Wikipedia, and IMDb.

 

And, please check out our blog European Film Star Postcards.

The Postcard

 

A postcard that was published by F. F. & Co.. It was posted in Bideford, Devon on Saturday the 9th. June 1906 to:

 

Mrs. C. H. Poole,

55 Upper Kincraig Street,

Roath,

Cardiff.

 

The message on the divided back was as follows:

 

"Moorhead.

Dear Nellie,

Have you received

the basket we sent

on Tuesday?

We have not heard

from you, so don't

know if you had it or

not.

Please write.

Hope you are all well

as it leaves us for the

present.

Goodbye from

Ethel".

 

The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London. One of the United Kingdom's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity which receives no government funding. It can seat 5,272 people.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has been affectionately named "The Nation's Village Hall".

 

Since the hall's opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage. It is the venue for the Proms concerts, which have been held there every summer since 1941.

 

It is host to more than 390 shows in the main auditorium annually, including classical, rock and pop concerts, ballet, opera, film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment, sports, awards ceremonies, school and community events, and charity performances and banquets. A further 400 events are held each year in the non-auditorium areas.

 

The hall was originally supposed to have been called the Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but the name was changed to the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences by Queen Victoria upon laying the Hall's foundation stone in 1867, in memory of her husband, Prince Albert, who had died six years earlier.

 

History of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1800's

 

In 1851 the Great Exhibition, organised by Prince Albert, was held in Hyde Park, London. The Exhibition was a success, and this led Prince Albert to propose the creation of a group of permanent facilities for the public benefit, which came to be known as Albertopolis.

 

The Exhibition's Royal Commission bought Gore House, but it was slow to act, and in 1861 Prince Albert died without having seen his ideas come to fruition. However, a memorial was proposed for Hyde Park, with a Great Hall opposite.

 

The proposal was approved, and the site was purchased with some of the profits from the Exhibition. The Hall was designed by civil engineers Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Y. D. Scott of the Royal Engineers, and built by Lucas Brothers.

 

The designers were heavily influenced by ancient amphitheatres, but had also been exposed to the ideas of Gottfried Semper while he was working at the South Kensington Museum.

 

The recently opened Cirque d'Hiver in Paris was seen in the contemporary press as the design to outdo.

 

The Hall was constructed mainly of Fareham Red Brick, with terra cotta block decoration made by Gibbs and Canning Ltd. of Tamworth.

 

The dome (designed by Rowland Mason Ordish) was made of wrought iron and glazed. There was a trial assembly of the dome's iron framework in Manchester; then it was taken apart and transported to London by horse and cart.

 

When the time came for the supporting structure to be removed from the dome after reassembly in situ, only volunteers remained on-site in case the structure collapsed. It did drop – but only by five-sixteenths of an inch (8 mm).

 

The Hall was scheduled to be completed by Christmas Day 1870, and Queen Victoria visited a few weeks beforehand to inspect.

 

The official opening ceremony of the Royal Albert Hall was on the 29th. March 1871. A welcoming speech was given by Edward, the Prince of Wales because Queen Victoria was too overcome to speak;

 

"Her only recorded comment on the

Hall was that it reminded her of the

British constitution".

 

In the concert that followed, the Hall's acoustic problems immediately became apparent. Engineers first tried to remove the strong echo by suspending a canvas awning below the dome. This helped, and also sheltered concert-goers from the sun, but the problem was not solved - it used to be jokingly said:

 

"The Hall is the only place where

a British composer could be sure

of hearing his work twice".

 

In July 1871, French organist Camille Saint-Saëns performed Church Scene from Faust by Charles Gounod; The Orchestra described him as:

 

"An exceptional and distinguished

performer ... the effect was most

marvellous."

 

Initially lit by gas, the Hall contained a special system by which thousands of gas jets were lit within ten seconds. Though it was demonstrated as early as 1873 in the Hall, full electric lighting was not installed until 1888. During an early trial when a partial installation was made, one disgruntled patron wrote to The Times, declaring it to be:

 

"A very ghastly and unpleasant

innovation".

 

In May 1877, Richard Wagner conducted the first half of each of the eight concerts which made up the Grand Wagner Festival. After his turn with the baton, he handed it over to conductor Hans Richter and sat in a large armchair on the corner of the stage for the rest of each concert. Wagner's wife Cosima, the daughter of Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer Franz Liszt, was among the audience.

 

The Wine Society was founded at the Hall on the 4th. August 1874, after large quantities of cask wine were found in the cellars. A series of lunches were held to publicise the wines, and General Henry Scott proposed a co-operative company to buy and sell wines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1900's

 

In 1906 Elsie Fogerty founded the Central School of Speech and Drama at the Hall, using its West Theatre, now the Elgar Room. The school moved to Swiss Cottage in north London in 1957. Whilst the school was based at the Royal Albert Hall, students who graduated from its classes included Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, Harold Pinter, Laurence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft.

 

In 1911 Russian pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff performed at the Hall. The recital included his 'Prelude in C-sharp minor' and 'Elegie in E-flat minor'.

 

In 1933 German physicist Albert Einstein led the 'Einstein Meeting' at the hall for the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics, a British charity.

 

In 1936, the Hall was the scene of a giant rally celebrating the British Empire on the occasion of the centenary of Joseph Chamberlain's birth.

 

In October 1942, the Hall suffered minor damage during World War II bombing, but in general was left mostly untouched as German pilots used the distinctive structure as a landmark.

 

In 1949 the canvas awning was removed and replaced with fluted aluminium panels below the glass roof, in a new attempt to cure the echo. However the acoustics were not properly tackled until 1969 when large fibreglass acoustic diffusing discs (commonly referred to as "mushrooms" or "flying saucers") were installed below the ceiling.

 

In 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and from 1969–1988 the Miss World contest was staged at the venue.

 

In 1995, Greek keyboardist Yanni performed a concert there for his World Tour; the concert was recorded under the name of Live at Royal Albert Hall.

 

From 1996 until 2004, the Hall underwent a programme of renovation and development supported by a £20 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £20m from Arts Council England to enable it to meet the demands of the next century of events and performances.

 

Thirty "discreet projects" were designed and supervised by the architecture and engineering firm BDP without disrupting events. These projects included improved ventilation to the auditorium, more bars and restaurants, improved seating, better technical facilities, and improved backstage areas. Internally, the Circle seating was rebuilt during June 1996 to provide more legroom, better access, and improved sightlines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2000's

 

The largest project of the ongoing renovation and development was the building of a new south porch – door 12, accommodating a first-floor restaurant, a new ground floor box office and a below-ground loading bay.

 

Although the exterior of the building was largely unchanged, the south steps leading down to Prince Consort Road were demolished to allow the construction of underground vehicle access and a loading bay with accommodation for three HGVs carrying all the equipment brought by shows.

 

The steps were then reconstructed around a new south porch, named The Meitar Foyer after a significant donation from Mr & Mrs Meitar. The porch was built on a similar scale and style to the three pre-existing porches at Doors 3, 6 and 9: these works were undertaken by Taylor Woodrow.

 

The original steps featured in the early scenes of the 1965 film The Ipcress File. On the 4th. June 2004, the project received the Europa Nostra Award for remarkable achievement.

 

The East (Door 3) and West (Door 9) porches were glazed, and new bars opened along with ramps to improve disabled access. The Stalls were rebuilt in a four-week period in 2000 using steel supports, thereby allowing more space underneath for two new bars.

 

1,534 unique pivoting seats were installed, with an addition of 180 prime seats. The Choirs were rebuilt at the same time.

 

The whole building was redecorated in a style that reinforces its Victorian identity. 43,000 sq. ft (4,000 m2) of new carpets were laid in the rooms, stairs, and corridors – specially woven with a border that follows the oval curve of the building.

 

Between 2002 and 2004, there was a major rebuilding of the great organ (known as the Voice of Jupiter), built by "Father" Henry Willis in 1871 and rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison in 1924 and 1933.

 

The rebuilding was performed by Mander Organs, and it is now the second-largest pipe organ in the British Isles with 9,997 pipes in 147 stops. The largest is the Grand Organ in Liverpool Cathedral which has 10,268 pipes.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2010's

 

During the first half of 2011, changes were made to the backstage areas in order to relocate and increase the size of crew catering areas under the South Steps away from the stage and to create additional dressing rooms nearer to the stage.

 

During the summer of 2012, the staff canteen and some changing areas were expanded and refurbished. From January to May the Box Office area at Door 12 underwent further modernisation to include a new Café Bar on the ground floor, a new Box Office with shop counters, and additional toilets.

 

Upon opening it was renamed 'The Zvi and Ofra Meitar Porch and Foyer.' owing to a large donation from the couple.

 

In Autumn 2013, work began on replacing the Victorian steam heating system over three years and improving and cooling across the building. This work followed the summer Proms season during which temperatures were unusually high.

 

From January the Cafe Consort on the Grand Tier was closed permanently in preparation for a new restaurant at a cost of £1 million. Verdi – Italian Kitchen was officially opened on the 15th. April with a lunch or dinner menu of stone baked pizzas, pasta, and classic desserts.

 

Design of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Hall, a Grade I listed building, is an ellipse in plan, with its external major and minor axis of 272 and 236 feet (83 and 72 meters. The great glass and wrought-iron dome roofing the Hall is 135 ft (41 m) high.

 

Below the Arena floor there is room for two 4000 gallon water tanks, which are used for shows that flood the arena like Madame Butterfly.

 

The Hall was originally designed with a capacity for 8,000 people, and has accommodated as many as 12,000 (although present-day safety restrictions mean the maximum permitted capacity is now 5,272, including standing in the Gallery.

 

Around the outside of the building is an 800–foot–long terracotta mosaic frieze, depicting "The Triumph of Arts and Sciences", in reference to the Hall's dedication. Above the frieze is an inscription in 12-inch-high (30 cm) terracotta letters that combine historical fact and Biblical quotations:

 

"This hall was erected for the advancement

of the arts and sciences and works of industry

of all nations in fulfilment of the intention of

Albert Prince Consort.

The site was purchased with the proceeds of

the Great Exhibition of the year MDCCCLI.

The first stone of the Hall was laid by Her

Majesty Queen Victoria on the twentieth day

of May MDCCCLXVII and it was opened by Her

Majesty the Twenty Ninth of March in the year

MDCCCLXXI.

Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the victory and the majesty.

For all that is in the heaven and in the earth is

Thine. The wise and their works are in the hand

of God. Glory be to God on high and on earth

peace".

 

Events at The Royal Albert Hall

 

The first concert at the Hall was Arthur Sullivan's cantata On Shore and Sea, performed on the 1st. May 1871.

 

Many events are promoted by the Hall, and since the early 1970's promoter Raymond Gubbay has brought a range of events to the Hall including opera, ballet and classical music.

 

Events also include rock concerts, conferences, banquets, ballroom dancing, poetry recitals, educational talks, motor shows, ballet, opera, film screenings and circus shows.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has hosted many sporting events, including boxing, squash, table tennis, basketball, wrestling (including the first Sumo wrestling tournament to be held in London) as well as UFC 38 (the first UFC event to be held in the UK), tennis, and even a marathon.

 

The Hall first hosted boxing in 1918, when it hosted a tournament between British and American servicemen. There was a colour bar in place at the Hall, preventing black boxers from fighting there, between 1923 and 1932.

 

Greats of British boxing such as Frank Bruno, Prince Naseem Hamed, Henry Cooper and Lennox Lewis have all appeared at the venue. The Hall's boxing history was halted in 1999 when a court ordered that boxing and wrestling matches could no longer be held at the venue. In 2011 that decision was overturned. In 2019 Nicola Adams won the WBO Flyweight title which was the first fight for a world title at the venue since Marco Antonio Barrera took on Paul Lloyd in 1999.

 

On the 6th. April 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest which was broadcast in colour for the first time. The first Miss World contest broadcast in colour was also staged at the venue in 1969, and remained at the Hall every year until 1989.

 

One notable event was a Pink Floyd concert held on the 26th. June 1969. On that night they were banned from ever playing at the Hall again after shooting cannons, nailing things to the stage, and having a man in a gorilla suit roam the audience.

 

At one point, Rick Wright went to the pipe organ and began to play "The End of the Beginning", the final part of "Saucerful of Secrets", joined by the brass section of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (led by the conductor, Norman Smith) and the ladies of the Ealing Central Amateur Choir. A portion of the pipe organ recording is included on Pink Floyd's album The Endless River.

 

On the 18th. June 1985, British Gothic rock band The Sisters of Mercy recorded their live video album Wake at the Hall.

 

Between 1996 and 2008, the Hall hosted the annual National Television Awards, all of which were hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.

 

Benefit concerts include the 1997 Music for Montserrat concert, arranged and produced by George Martin. The event featured artists such as Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Paul McCartney.

 

In 2006, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour performed at the Hall for the first time since Pink Floyd's 1969 ban. He performed as part of his On an Island Tour. The shows were filmed and used for the live video release, Remember That Night (2007).

 

Rock band The Killers recorded their first live album, Live from the Royal Albert Hall in July 2009.

 

On the 5th. April 2010, Swedish progressive metal band Opeth recorded In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, as they became the first Death metal band ever to perform at the Hall. The concert was part of the band's Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology tour, made in celebration of their 20th. anniversary.

 

In July 2011, Janet Jackson performed three sold-out shows as part of her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour.

 

On the 2nd. October 2011, the Hall staged the 25th.-anniversary performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, which was broadcast live to cinemas across the world and filmed for DVD.

 

Lloyd Webber, the original London cast including Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, and four previous actors of the titular character, among others, were in attendance – Brightman and the previous Phantoms (aside from Crawford) performed an encore.

 

On the 22nd. September 2011, Adele performed a one-night-only concert as part of her tour. The concert was filmed for DVD, and screened at cinemas in 26 cities around the world.

 

Her performance debuted at number one in the United States with 96,000 copies sold, the highest one-week tally for a music DVD in four years. After one week, it became the best-selling music DVD of 2011. As of the 28th. November 2012, it had surpassed sales of one million copies in the United States and sales of three million copies worldwide.

 

It was the first music DVD to surpass sales of one million in the USA since the Eagles' Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne in 2005.

 

The 2012 Sunflower Jam charity concert featured Queen guitarist Brian May performing alongside bassist John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple, and vocalists Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, and Alice Cooper.

 

On the 24th. September 2012, Classic FM celebrated the 20th. anniversary of their launch with a concert at the Hall. The program featured live performances of works by Handel, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Parry, Vaughan Williams, Tchaikovsky and Karl Jenkins who conducted his piece The Benedictus from The Armed Man.

 

On the 19th. November 2012, the Hall hosted the 100th.-anniversary performance of the Royal Variety Performance, attended by the HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Duke of Edinburgh, with boy-band One Direction among the performers.

 

During his Rattle That Lock Tour, David Gilmour performed at the Royal Albert Hall eleven times between September 2015 and September 2016, once in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

 

On the 13th. November 2015, Canadian musician Devin Townsend recorded his second live album Ziltoid Live at the Royal Albert Hall.

 

Kylie Minogue performed at the Royal Albert Hall on the 11th. December 2015 and the 9th. - 10th. December 2016 as part of her "A Kylie Christmas" concert series.

 

On the 3rd. May 2016, singer-songwriter and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell played at the Hall in what would become the last UK show of his life as part of his "Higher Truth" European tour.

 

Cornell performed stripped-back acoustic renditions from his back-catalogue to rave reviews, including songs from the likes of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave and his solo work. Cornell died on the 18th. May 2017.

 

On the 22nd. April 2016, British rock band Bring Me the Horizon performed and recorded their Live at the Royal Albert Hall album, with accompaniment from the Parallax Orchestra conducted by Simon Dobson.

 

At a press conference held at the Hall in October 2016, Phil Collins announced his return to live performing with his Not Dead Yet Tour, which began in June 2017. The tour included five nights at the Hall which sold out in fifteen seconds.

 

In October 2017, American rock band Alter Bridge also recorded a live album accompanied by the Parallax Orchestra with Simon Dobson.

 

Also in 2017, the Hall hosted the 70th. British Academy Film Awards, often referred to as the BAFTAs, for the first time in 20 years, replacing the Royal Opera House at which the event had been held since 2008.

 

In 2018, WWE held its second United Kingdom Championship Tournament on the 18th. and 19th. June.

 

Also in 2018, the world premiere of PlayStation in Concert was organised at the Hall. It featured PlayStation game music from the 1990's up until then. It was arranged by Jim Fowler and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

In May 2019, Mariah Carey performed 3 shows as part of her Caution World Tour. Comedian Bill Burr filmed his 2019 special Paper Tiger at the Hall. In November 2020, One Direction member Niall Horan performed a one off live-streamed show in an empty Hall (during the COVID-19 pandemic) to raise money for charity.

 

Regular Events at the Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Choral Society

 

The Royal Choral Society is the longest-running regular performer at the Hall, having given its first performance as the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society on the 8th. May 1872. From 1876, it established the annual Good Friday performance of Handel's Messiah.

 

BBC Proms

 

The BBC Sir Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, known as "The Proms", is a popular annual eight-week summer season of daily classical music concerts and other events at the Hall.

 

In 1942, following the destruction of the Queen's Hall in an air raid, the Hall was chosen as the new venue for the proms. In 1944 with increased danger to the Hall, part of the proms were held in the Bedford Corn Exchange.

 

Following the end of World War II the proms continued in the Hall, and have done so annually every summer since. The event was founded in 1895, and now each season consists of over 70 concerts, in addition to a series of events at other venues across the United Kingdom on the last night.

 

In 2009, the total number of concerts reached 100 for the first time. Jiří Bělohlávek described The Proms as:

 

"The world's largest and most

democratic musical festival".

 

Proms is a term which arose from the original practice of the audience promenading, or strolling, in some areas during the concert. Proms concert-goers, particularly those who stand, are sometimes described as "Promenaders", but are most commonly referred to as "Prommers".

 

Tennis

 

Tennis was first played at the Hall in March 1970, and the ATP Champions Tour Masters has been played annually every December since 1997.

 

Classical Spectacular

 

Classical Spectacular, a Raymond Gubbay production, has been coming to the Hall since 1988. It combines popular classical music, lights and special effects.

 

Cirque du Soleil

 

Cirque du Soleil has performed annually, with a show being staged every January, since 2003. Cirque has had to adapt many of their touring shows to perform at the venue, modifying the set, usually built for arenas or big top tents instead.

 

Classic Brit Awards

 

Since 2000, the Classic Brit Awards has been hosted annually in May at the Hall. It is organised by the British Phonographic Industry.

 

Festival of Remembrance

 

The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is held annually the day before Remembrance Sunday.

 

Institute of Directors

 

For 60 years the Institute of Directors' Annual Convention has been synonymous with the Hall, although in 2011 and 2012 it was held at indigO2.

 

The English National Ballet

 

Since 1998 the English National Ballet has had several specially staged arena summer seasons in partnership with the Hall and Raymond Gubbay. These include Strictly Gershwin, June 2008 and 2011, Swan Lake, June 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013, Romeo & Juliet, June 2001 and 2005, and The Sleeping Beauty, April - June 2000.

 

Teenage Cancer Trust

 

Starting in the year 2000 the Teenage Cancer Trust has held annual charity concerts (with the exception of 2001). They started as a one-off event, but have expanded over the years to a week or more of evening events. Roger Daltrey of the Who has been intimately involved with the planning of the events.

 

Graduation Ceremonies

 

The Hall is used annually by the neighbouring Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art for graduation ceremonies. For several years the University of London and Kingston University also held their graduation ceremonies at the Hall.

 

Films, Premières and Live Orchestra Screenings

 

The venue has screened several films since the early silent days. It was the only London venue to show William Fox's The Queen of Sheba in the 1920's.

 

The Hall has hosted many premières, including the UK première of Fritz Lang's Die Nibelungen, 101 Dalmatians on the 4th. December 1996, the European première of Spandau Ballet's Soul Boys of the Western World, and three James Bond royal world premières - Die Another Day on the 18th. November 2002 (attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip), Skyfall on the 23rd. October 2012 (attended by Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall), and Spectre on the 26th. October 2015 (attended by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge).

 

The Hall held the first 3D world première of Titanic 3D, on the 27th. March 2012, with James Cameron and Kate Winslet in attendance.

 

Since 2009, the Hall has also curated regular seasons of English-language film-and-live-orchestra screenings, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gladiator, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Interstellar, The Matrix, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Back to the Future, Jaws, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and the world première of Titanic Live in Concert.

 

The only non-English-language movie to have been screened at the Hall is Baahubali: The Beginning (an Indian movie in Telugu and Tamil, but premiered with the Hindi dubbed version).

 

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

 

The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, one of the most prestigious prizes in the annual brass band contesting calendar, holds the Final of the Championship section at the Royal Albert Hall each October.

 

Beyond the Main Stage

 

The Hall hosts hundreds of events and activities beyond its main auditorium. There are regular free art exhibitions in the ground floor Amphi corridor, which can be viewed when attending events or on dedicated viewing dates.

 

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Hall on most days. The most common is the one-hour Grand Tour which includes most front-of-house areas, the auditorium, the Gallery and the Royal Retiring Room.

 

Other tours include Story of the Proms, Behind the Scenes, Inside Out and School tours.

 

Children's events include Storytelling and Music Sessions for ages four and under. These take place in the Door 9 Porch and Albert's Band sessions in the Elgar Room during school holidays.

 

"Live Music in Verdi" takes place in the Italian restaurant on a Friday night featuring different artists each week.

 

"Late Night Jazz" events in the Elgar Room, generally on a Thursday night, feature cabaret-style seating and a relaxed atmosphere with drinks available.

 

"Classical Coffee Mornings" are held on Sundays in the Elgar Room with musicians from the Royal College of Music accompanied with drinks and pastries.

 

Sunday brunch events take place in Verdi Italian restaurant and feature different genres of music.

 

Regular Performers at the Royal Albert Hall

 

Eric Clapton is a regular performer at the Hall. Since 1964, Clapton has performed at the Hall over 200 times, and has stated that performing at the venue is: "Like playing in my front room".

 

In December 1964, Clapton made his first appearance at the Hall with the Yardbirds. It was also the venue for his band Cream's farewell concerts in 1968 and reunion shows in 2005. He also instigated the Concert for George, which was held at the Hall on the 29th. November 2002 to pay tribute to Clapton's lifelong friend, former Beatle George Harrison. Clapton passed 200 shows at the Hall in 2015.

 

David Gilmour played at the Hall in support of two solo albums, while also releasing a live concert on September 2006 entitled Remember That Night which was recorded during his three nights playing at the Hall for his 2006 On an Island tour.

 

Notable guests were Robert Wyatt and David Bowie (who sang lead for "Arnold Layne" and "Comfortably Numb"). The live concert was televised by BBC One on the 9th. September 2007.

 

Gilmour returned to the Hall for four nights in September 2016 (where he was joined on stage by Benedict Cumberbatch for "Comfortably Numb"), having previously played five nights in 2015, to end his 34-day Rattle That Lock Tour. He also made an appearance on the 24th. April 2016 as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust event.

 

Shirley Bassey is one of the Hall's most prolific female headline performers, having appeared many times at the Hall since the 1970's. In 2001, she sang "Happy Birthday" for the Duke of Edinburgh's 80th. birthday concert. In 2007, she sang at Fashion Rocks in aid of the Prince's Trust.

 

On the 30th. March 2011, she sang at a gala celebrating the 80th. birthday of Mikhail Gorbachev. In May 2011, she performed at the Classic Brit Awards, singing "Goldfinger" in tribute to the recently deceased composer John Barry. On the 20th. June 2011, she returned and sang "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Goldfinger", accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as the climax to the memorial concert for Barry.

 

James Last appeared 90 times at the Hall between 1973 and 2015, making him the most frequent non–British performer to have played the venue.

 

Education and Outreach Programme

 

The Hall's education and outreach programme engages with more than 200,000 people a year. It includes workshops for local teenagers led by musicians such as Foals, Jake Bugg, Emeli Sandé, Nicola Benedetti, Alison Balsom and First Aid Kit, innovative science and maths lessons, visits to local residential homes from the venue's in-house group, Albert's Band, under the 'Songbook' banner, and the Friendship Matinee: an orchestral concert for community groups, with £5 admission.

 

Mis-labellings

 

A famous and widely bootlegged concert by Bob Dylan at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester on the 17th. May 1966 was mistakenly labelled the "Royal Albert Hall Concert".

 

In 1998, Columbia Records released an official recording, The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966, The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert. It maintains the erroneous title but does include details of the actual location.

 

Recordings from the Royal Albert Hall concerts on the 26th. and 27th. May 1966 were finally released by the artist in 2016 as The Real Royal Albert Hall 1966 Concert.

 

Another concert mislabelled as being at the Hall was by Creedence Clearwater Revival. An album by them entitled The Royal Albert Hall Concert was released in 1980. When Fantasy Records discovered the show on the album actually took place at the Oakland Coliseum, it retitled the album The Concert.

 

Pop Culture References

 

A large mural by Peter Blake, entitled Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, is displayed in the Hall's Café Bar. Unveiled in April 2014, it shows more than 400 famous figures who have appeared on the stage.

 

In 1955, English film director Alfred Hitchcock filmed the climax of The Man Who Knew Too Much at the Hall. The 15-minute sequence featured James Stewart, Doris Day and composer Bernard Herrmann, and was filmed partly in the Queen's Box.

 

Hitchcock was a long-time patron of the Hall and had already set the finale of his 1927 film, The Ring at the Hall, as well as his initial version of The Man Who Knew Too Much, starring Leslie Banks, Edna Best and Peter Lorre.

 

Other notable films shot at the Hall include Major Barbara, Love Story, The Seventh Veil, The Ipcress File, A Touch of Class, Shine, and Spice World.

 

In the song "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles, the Albert Hall is mentioned. The verse goes as follows:

 

"I read the news today, oh boy

four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire

and though the holes were rather small

they had to count them all

now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall

I'd love to turn you on".

 

The song "Session Man" by The Kinks references the Hall:

 

"He never will forget at all

The day he played at Albert Hall".

 

In the song "Shame" by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, Barlow mentions the Hall in his verse:

 

"I read your mind and tried to call,

my tears could fill the Albert Hall".

 

The Melbourne Glaciarium

 

So what else happened on the day that Ethel posted the card to Nellie?

 

Well, the 9th. June 1906 marked the opening of the Melbourne Glaciarium in City Road, South Melbourne.

 

The Melbourne Glaciarium (also known as the Glaci) was the second indoor ice skating facility built in Australia after the Adelaide Glaciarium.

 

The Glaci hosted the first game of ice hockey played in Australia. At the time the Melbourne Glaciarium was opened, it was the 3rd. largest indoor ice rink in the world.

 

The rink closed in 1957 and was demolished soon after.

 

The Opening of the Melbourne Glaciarium

 

The Melbourne Glaciarium was officially opened at 3:00pm on the 9th. June 1906 with the then-Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sir Henry Weedon attending the opening ceremony.

 

2500 people, invited by the directors, attended the opening of the Glaciarium, where an exhibition of "free skating" was conducted by Professor Brewer.

 

The professor's performance was followed by 50 experienced skaters skating to orchestral music.

 

Later that evening the Glaciarium was opened to the general public and was filled to capacity. There was an exhibition of ice hockey given by Professor Brewer and other instructors.

The Buxton Memorial Fountain is a memorial and drinking fountain in London, the United Kingdom, that commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the British Empire in 1834, and in particular, the role of British parliamentarians in the abolition campaign.

 

It was commissioned by Charles Buxton MP, and was dedicated to his father Thomas Fowell Buxton along with William Wilberforce, Thomas Clarkson, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Henry Brougham and Stephen Lushington, all of whom were involved in the abolition. It was designed by Charles Buxton, who was himself an amateur architect, in collaboration with the neo-Gothic architect Samuel Sanders Teulon (1812–1873) in 1865. It coincided with the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which effectively ended slavery in the United States. The memorial was completed in February 1866.

 

It was originally constructed in Parliament Square, erected at a cost of £1,200. As part of the postwar redesign of the square it was removed in 1949 and not reinstated in its present position in Victoria Tower Gardens until 1957. There were eight decorative figures of British rulers on it, but four were stolen in 1960 and four in 1971. They were replaced by fibreglass figures in 1980. By 2005 these were missing, and the fountain was no longer working. Between autumn 2006 and February 2007 restoration works were carried out. The restored fountain was unveiled on 27 March 2007 as part of the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the act to abolish the slave trade.

 

A memorial plaque commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Anti-Slavery Society was added in 1989.

 

Description

The base is octagonal, about twelve feet in diameter, having open arches on the eight sides, supported on clustered shafts of polished Devonshire marble around a large central shaft, with four massive granite basins. Surmounting the pinnacles at the angles of the octagon are eight figures of bronze, representing the different rulers of England; the Britons represented by Caractacus, the Romans by Constantine, the Danes by Canute, the Saxons by Alfred, the Normans by William the Conqueror, and so on, ending with Queen Victoria. The fountain bears an inscription to the effect that it is "intended as a memorial of those members of Parliament who, with Mr. Wilberforce, advocated the abolition of the British slave-trade, achieved in 1807; and of those members of Parliament who, with Sir T. Fowell Buxton, advocated the emancipation of the slaves throughout the British dominions, achieved in 1834. It was designed and built by Mr. Charles Buxton, M.P., in 1865, the year of the final extinction of the slave-trade and of the abolition of slavery in the United States."

 

Charles Buxton (18 November 1822 – 10 August 1871) was an English brewer, philanthropist, writer and member of Parliament.

 

Personal life and architectural legacy

Buxton was born on 18 November 1822 in Cromer, Norfolk, the third son of Sir Thomas Buxton, 1st Baronet, a notable brewer, MP and social reformer, and followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a partner in the brewery of Truman, Hanbury, Buxton, & Co in Brick Lane, Spitalfields, London, and then an MP. He served as Liberal MP for Newport, Isle of Wight (1857–1859), Maidstone (1859–1865) and East Surrey (1865–1871). His son Sydney Buxton was also an MP and governor of South Africa.

 

On 7 February 1850, he married Emily Mary Holland, the eldest daughter of physician Henry Holland (physician to Queen Victoria and later president of the Royal Institution).

 

Around 1850, he commissioned construction of a small detached, but ornate, house, Foxholm (Grade II-listed architecturally) on Redhill Road, then in Wisley but now in Cobham, for the Chaplain to Queen Victoria.

 

On 4 May 1860 he was commissioned Lieutenant in the part-time 3rd (Truman, Hanbury, Buxton) Tower Hamlets Rifle Volunteer Corps raised by his nephew Sir Fowell Buxton, 3rd Baronet from employees of the family brewery. The unit became part of the 1st Administrative Battalion, Tower Hamlets Rifle Volunteer Corps in which Charles Buxton became Major and then Lieutenant-Colonel on 1 June 1861. He left the unit in the later 1860s but was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 1st (Poplar) Tower Hamlets Artillery Volunteer Corps on 15 August 1870.

 

In 1860 he had his own house, Foxwarren Park, built on the neighbouring estate between a golf course and the Site of Special Scientific Interest which is Ockham and Wisley Commons. It is a Grade II* listed building. The building is stark Neo-Gothic: polychrome brickwork, red with blue diapering, and terracotta dressings, renewed plain-tiled roofs with crow-stepped gables.

 

He died on 10 August 1871. His probate was sworn in 1871 in a broad bracket of "under £250,000 (equivalent to about £24,800,000 in 2021)".

 

His younger son was first and last Earl Buxton: Sydney Buxton, 1st Earl Buxton.

 

Anti-slavery parliamentary campaigners' memorial fountain

Following his father's death, Buxton commissioned architect Samuel Sanders Teulon to design the Buxton Memorial Fountain to commemorate his father's role, with others, in the abolition of slavery. The fountain was initially erected in Parliament Square but was later moved to its current position in Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster. It carries the dedication:

 

Erected in 1865 by Charles Buxton MP in commemoration of the emancipation of slaves 1834 and in memory of his father, Sir T Fowell Buxton, and those associated with him: Wilberforce, Clarkson, Macaulay, Brougham, Dr Lushington and others.

 

Published works

He produced Memoirs of Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Baronet, with Selections from his Correspondence, first published in 1848. He later wrote a history, Slavery and Freedom in the British West Indies, published in 1860.

 

Samuel Sanders Teulon (2 March 1812 – 2 May 1873) was an English Gothic Revival architect, noted for his use of polychrome brickwork and the complex planning of his buildings.

 

Family

Teulon was born in 1812 in Greenwich, Kent, the son of a cabinet-maker from a French Huguenot family. His younger brother William Milford Teulon (1823–1900) also became an architect.

 

Career

He was articled to George Legg, and later worked as an assistant to the Bermondsey-based architect George Porter. He also studied in the drawing schools of the Royal Academy. He set up his own independent practice in 1838, and in 1840 won the competition to design some almshouses for the Dyers' Company at Ball's Pond, Islington. After this his practice expanded rapidly. During the next few years his works mainly consisted of parish schools, parsonages and similar buildings, mostly in the Home Counties.

 

He was a friend of George Gilbert Scott and became a member of the Council of the Royal Institute of British Architects on 6 January 1835. Between 1841 and 1842 he undertook a long study tour of continental Europe with Ewan Christian who remained a lifelong friend and became his executor. Also in company during the tour was Horace Jones who was later knighted and became architect to the Corporation of the City of London and Hayter Lewis, later Professor of Architecture at University College, London.

 

He built his first church, the Early English-style St Paul, Bermondsey, in 1846. Soon after this he designed St Stephen, Southwark, a building adapted to its square site by being planned in the form of a Greek cross, with the recessed angles filled in by the tower, vestry, chancel aisles.[2] Teulon's religious views were Low Church, and his patrons were predominantly members of established aristocratic families who shared his outlook. In 1848 he received a commission from the 7th Duke of Bedford to design cottages for the Thorney estate, and the next year he built Tortworth Court, Gloucestershire, a substantial mansion in a kind of Neo-Tudor style, with a large central tower, for the Earl of Ducie. Other clients included John Sumner, archbishop of Canterbury, who commissioned Christ Church in Croydon; the Duke of Marlborough, for whom he refitted the chapel at Blenheim Palace in 1857-9; the 10th Duke of St Albans and Prince Albert.

 

His work included the remodelling of several unfashionable 18th-century churches to suit contemporary tastes. Archibald Tait, the Bishop of London, praised his alterations at St. Mary's, Ealing, as "the transformation of a Georgian monstrosity into the semblance of a Byzantine Basilica".

 

As well as Gothic Revival churches, he designed several country houses and even complete villages, as he did at Hunstanworth in County Durham in 1863.

 

Style

Despite his classical training, Teulon's early designs were mostly in imitation of Tudor and Elizabethan styles, and he soon became an enthusiastic follower of the latest developments of the Gothic Revival He was an enthusiastic user of Polychrome brickwork. His planning was often elaborate: Henry-Russell Hitchcock called his mansion at Elvetham Park in Hampshire "so complex in its composition and so varied in its detailing that it quite defies description". Some of his later work was, however, more restrained: for instance at St Stephen's Church, Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead, (1869–76) the exterior is of purple-brown brick, of subtly varied tones with light stone trimming. The massing of the building is also simpler than in his earlier designs.

 

Death

For the last 20 years of his life until his death on 2 May 1873, Teulon lived in one of four Georgian mansions on Hampstead Green which were demolished at the start of the twentieth century to make way for Hampstead General Hospital, which was itself demolished in the 1970s and replaced by The Royal Free Hospital. Opposite his home he designed St Stephen's Church, Rosslyn Hill. He is buried on the west side of Highgate Cemetery, not far from the family vault of his former neighbour on Hampstead Green, Rowland Hill.

 

His great great great nephew, Alan Teulon, published a book on S.S. Teulon in 2009. He was survived by four sons and four daughters.

 

Works

St James's Vicarage, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire; additional wing 1844 (now demolished)

St Mary's Rectory, North Creake, Norfolk; 1845

Holkham Hall, Norfolk, porch 1847

St Paul's Parish Church, Bermondsey; 1848 (demolished 1961)

All Saints' Parish Church, Icklesham, East Sussex; restoration 1848–49

Church of the Holy Spirit, Rye Harbour, East Sussex; 1848–49

Owlpen House, Owlpen, Gloucestershire; 1848 (demolished 1955-6, apart from the stables and lodge)

Thorney Model Village, Cambridgeshire; from 1848

St Mary's Parish Church, Pakenham, Suffolk; alterations 1849

Queen's Terrace, Windsor, Berkshire; 1849

St Paul's Church, Sandgate, Kent; 1849

St Peter's Church, Great Birch, Essex; 1849–50

Tortworth Court, Tortworth, Gloucestershire; 1849–52

St John's Parish Church, Rushford, Norfolk; restoration c.1850

St Mary's Parish Church, Benwick, Cambridgeshire; 1850 (now demolished)

St Mary's Parsonage, Grendon, Northamptonshire; 1850

St Mary's Church, Riseholme, Lincolnshire 1851

St John's Parish Church, Kingscote, Gloucestershire; restoration 1851

Christ Church, Croydon, Surrey; 1851–1852 (largely destroyed 1985)

Holy Trinity Parish Church, Hastings, East Sussex; rebuilding 1851–59

St Andrew's Parish Church, Brettenham, Norfolk; restorations and remodelling 1852

St James' Church, Edgbaston, Birmingham; 1852

St Margaret's Parish Church, Angmering, West Sussex; restoration 1852–53

St John's Church, Ladywood, Birmingham; 1852–54

Estate cottages, Windsor, Berkshire; 1853

St Andrew's Church, Watford; 1853-57

School in Oxford Road, Woodstock, Oxfordshire; 1854

A cottage, Tortworth, Gloucestershire; 1854

Sandringham House, Norfolk, porch and conservatory 1854

Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire; alterations 1854

Schoolmaster's house and chapel, Curridge, Berkshire; 1854–55

Christ Church Parish Church, Fosbury, Wiltshire; 1854–56

St Andrew's Parish Church, Lambeth, London; 1855

St Mary's Vicarage, Steeple Barton, Oxfordshire; 1856

St John the Baptist's Parish Church, Burringham, Lincolnshire; 1856–57

Gisborough Hall, Guisborough, North Yorkshire; 1857 (also attributed to William Milford Teulon)

Church of St Mary the Virgin, Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey; internal alterations 1857

St Thomas's Church, Pearman Street, Lambeth; 1857 (demolished)

Shadwell Court, Rushford, Norfolk; extensions & remodelling 1857–60

All Saints' Parish Church, Wordwell, Suffolk; restoration 1857 and 1866

St Giles's Parish Church, Uley, Gloucestershire; rebuilding 1857–58

St Mary's Parish Church, Alderbury, Wiltshire; 1857–58

Holy Trinity Parish Church, Oare, Wiltshire; 1857–58 - Pevsner considered it "the ugliest church in Wiltshire".

All Saints' Parish Church, Middleton Stoney, Oxfordshire; rebuilding 1858

St Bartholomew's Parish Church, Newington Bagpath, Gloucestershire; rebuilt chancel 1858

Browne's Charity Almshouses and Chapel, South Weald, Essex 1858

St James's Parish Church, Leckhampstead, Berkshire; 1858–60

Prince Albert's Workshops, Windsor Great Park, Berkshire; 1858–61

St Stephen's Parish Church, Manciple Street, Southwark; 1859 (demolished 1965)

St John the Baptist's Parish Church, Netherfield, East Sussex; 1859

Christ Church, Wimbledon, London; 1859–60

Elvetham Hall, Elvetham, Hampshire; 1859–60

Hawkleyhurst House, Hawkley, Hampshire; 1860

St Mary's Vicarage, Gainford, County Durham; 1860

St Silas' Church, Penton Street, Islington; 1860, completed 1863 by E.P. Loftus Brock

Queen Victoria’s Teahouse, Frogmore; c.1860

St Bartholomew's Parish Church, Nympsfield, Gloucestershire; rebuilt church 1861–63

St Mark's Parish Church, Silvertown, London; 1861–62(now the Brick Lane Music Hall)

Huntley Manor, Huntley, Gloucestershire; 1862

Bestwood Lodge, Bestwood, Nottinghamshire; 1862–65

St John the Baptist's Parish Church, Huntley, Gloucestershire; 1863

Village of Hunstanworth, County Durham; 1863

St Thomas's Parish Church, Agar Town, London; 1863 (now demolished)

All Saints Church, Benhilton, Sutton, London; 1863

St Mary's Parish Church, Woodchester, Gloucestershire; 1863–64

Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor Great Park, Berkshire; 1863–66

St Peter and St Paul's Parish Church, Hawkley, Hampshire; 1865

St Mary's Parish Church, Horsham, Sussex; south aisle 1865

Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire; alterations 1865

St George's Parish Church, Hanworth, Middlesex; spire 1865

Buxton Memorial Fountain in Victoria Tower Gardens, London; 1865

Tyndale Monument, North Nibley, Gloucestershire; 1866

St Paul's Parish Church, Greenwich; 1866

St Margaret's Parish Church, Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk; 1866-7

St Mary's Parish Church, Ealing, London; 1866–73

St Andrew's and St John's School, Roupell Street, Lambeth; c.1868

Lychgate to Church of St. Peter, South Weald, Essex 1868

Church of St. Peter, South Weald, Essex 1868

St Stephen's Parish Church, Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead, London; 1869-71

The Court House, St Andrew Holborn, London; 1870

St John the Baptist's Parish Church, Windsor, Berkshire; alterations 1869–73

Woodlands Vale, Ryde, Isle of Wight; 1870–71

St Frideswide's Parish Church, New Osney, Oxford; 1870–71

Holy Trinity Parish Church, Leicester; remodelling 1871

St Andrew's Parish Church, Eastern Green, Coventry; 1875

Embrook House, Sandgate, Kent; 1852 (demolished)

Riseholme Hall, Stable block (perhaps) Riseholme, Lincolnshire 1840–45

Canary Wharf is an area of London, England, located near the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Canary Wharf is defined by the Greater London Authority as being part of London's central business district, alongside Central London. Alongside the City of London, it constitutes one of the main financial centres in the United Kingdom and the world, containing many high-rise buildings including the third-tallest in the UK, One Canada Square, which opened on 26 August 1991.

 

Developed on the site of the former West India Docks in East London, Canary Wharf contains around 16,000,000 sq ft (1,500,000 m2) of office and retail space. It has many open areas and gardens, including Canada Square, Cabot Square, Westferry Circus, Jubilee Park, and Crossrail Place Roof Garden. Together with Heron Quays and Wood Wharf, it forms the Canary Wharf Estate, around 97 acres (39 ha) in area.

 

History

 

Canary Wharf is located on the West India Docks on the Isle of Dogs. As journalist José Luis Jiménez explains, the name of this location stems from its use during World War II as a storage area for agricultural exports—primarily tomatoes, cucumbers, and bananas—from the Canary Islands. Its remote position, far from the city center, even included the Canarian Docks on its outskirts.

 

West India Dock Company

 

From 1802 to the late 1980s, what would become the Canary Wharf Estate was a part of the Isle of Dogs (Millwall), Limehouse, and Poplar and was one of the busiest docks in the world. West India Docks was primarily developed by Robert Milligan (c. 1746–1809) who set up the West India Dock Company.

 

Port of London Authority

 

The Port of London Authority was established in 1909 and took control of West India Dock. The enterprise of Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, a Welsh shipping magnate who was a prominent figure in the Canary Islands, Spain, led to a constant stream of ships arriving into London's South Quay Dock and the naming of Canary Wharf, after the ships' origin. It was named after No. 32 berth of the West Wood Quay of the Import Dock. This was built in 1936 for Fruit Lines Ltd, a subsidiary of Fred Olsen Lines for the Mediterranean and Canary Islands fruit trade. It is located on the Isle of Dogs, the quay and warehouse were given the name Canary Wharf.

 

London Docklands Development Corporation

 

After the 1960s, when cargo became containerised, port industry began to decline, leading to all the docks being closed by 1980. After the docks closed in 1980, the British Government adopted policies to stimulate redevelopment of the area, including the creation of the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) in 1981 and the granting of Urban Enterprise Zone status to the Isle of Dogs in 1982.

 

The Canary Wharf of today began when Michael von Clemm, former chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB), came up with the idea to convert Canary Wharf into a back office. Further discussions with G Ware Travelstead led to proposals for a new business district and included the LDDC developing an inexpensive light metro scheme, the Docklands Light Railway, to make use of a large amount of redundant railway infrastructure and to improve access.

 

The project was sold to the Canadian company Olympia & York and construction began in 1988, master-planned by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with Yorke Rosenberg Mardall as their UK advisors, and subsequently by Koetter Kim. The first buildings were completed in 1991, including One Canada Square, which became the UK's tallest building at the time and a symbol of the regeneration of Docklands. By the time it opened, the London commercial property market had collapsed, and Olympia and York Canary Wharf Limited filed for bankruptcy in May 1992.

 

Initially, the City of London saw Canary Wharf as an existential threat. It modified its planning laws to expand the provision of new offices in the City of London, for example, creating offices above railway stations (Blackfriars) and roads (Alban Gate). The resulting oversupply of office space contributed to the failure of the Canary Wharf project.

 

Canary Wharf Group

 

In October 1995, an international consortium that included investors such as Alwaleed, bought control for $1.2 billion. Paul Reichmann, of Olympia & York, was named chairman, and Canary Wharf went public in 1999. The new company was called Canary Wharf Limited, and later became Canary Wharf Group.

 

In 1997, some residents living on the Isle of Dogs launched a lawsuit against Canary Wharf Ltd for private nuisance because the tower interfered with TV signals. The residents lost the case.

 

Recovery in the property market generally, coupled with continuing demand for large floorplate Grade A office space, slowly improved the level of interest. A critical event in the recovery was the much-delayed start of work on the Jubilee Line Extension, which the government wanted ready for the Millennium celebrations.

 

In March 2004, Canary Wharf Group plc. was taken over by a consortium of investors, backed by its largest shareholder Glick Family Investments and led by Morgan Stanley using a vehicle named Songbird Estates plc.

 

Corporations and agencies

 

Canary Wharf contains around 16,000,000 sq ft (1,500,000 m2) of office and retail space, of which around 7,900,000 sq ft (730,000 m2) (about 49%) is owned by Canary Wharf Group. Around 105,000 people work in Canary Wharf,[95] and it is home to the world or European headquarters of numerous major banks, professional services firms, and media organisations, including Barclays, Citigroup, Clifford Chance, Credit Suisse, Ernst & Young, Fitch Ratings, HSBC, Infosys, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, MetLife, Moody's, Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada, Deutsche Bank, S&P Global, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, State Street, The Economist Group and Thomson Reuters. Until 2018, Canary Wharf also hosted two European Union agencies, European Medicines Agency and European Banking Authority, that moved to Amsterdam and Paris respectively due to Brexit.

 

Leisure

 

Marina

 

West India Quays and Poplar Dock are two marinas that are used as moorings for barges and private leisure river craft and is owned by the Canal & River Trust.

 

Library

 

A local public library, called Idea Store Canary Wharf, is in Churchill Place shopping mall and run by Tower Hamlets Council which opened on Thursday 16 March 2006 as part of the Idea Store project and is the borough fourth Idea Store.

 

Cinema

 

Canary Wharf hosts two multiplexes (cinemas), one on West India Quay run by Cineworld. and another at Crossrail Place called Everyman Cinema.

 

Go Karting

 

An over 800m long electric karting facility exists within Cabot Square. The facility can accommodate up to 20 drivers at a single time. Karts can reach speeds of up to 45 mph.

 

Squares and public areas

 

Canada Square

 

Canada Square is one of the central squares at Canary Wharf. It is a large open space with grass, except during the winter when it is converted into an ice rink. The square is named after Canada, because the original developers of modern Canary Wharf, Olympia & York, wanted to reflect their heritage. Underneath the square is Canada Place shopping mall.

 

Westferry Circus

 

Westferry Circus is on the west side of Canary Wharf. It is a garden at ground level, and below is a roundabout allowing traffic to flow through. The garden is enclosed by bespoke hand-crafted ornamental railings and entrance gates by artist Giuseppe Lund. The area has a long history, dating back to 1812, when the Poplar and Greenwich Roads Company operated a horse ferry between Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs. It operated on the West Ferry and East Ferry Roads, which the names survived. Westferry Circus was chosen as the name for the roundabout and park by virtue of its proximity to Westferry Road.

 

Cabot Square

 

Cabot Square is one of the biggest squares at Canary Wharf, with a large fountain at the centre. The inner perimeter has additional fountains covered by trees. The square has large circular glass ventilation holes to allow gases to escape from the underground car park. The square is named after John Cabot and his son Sebastian, who were Italian explorers who settled in England in 1484.

 

Churchill Place

 

Churchill Place is an area on the east side of Canary Wharf. It is named after Winston Churchill.

 

Columbus Courtyard

 

A small square on the west side of Canary Wharf named after Christopher Columbus. The first phase of Canary Wharf was completed in 1992, 500 years after Columbus arrived in America.

 

Chancellor Passage

 

A passageway south of Cabot Square. Named after Richard Chancellor who sailed with Sir John Willoughby from Greenwich on their voyage through the White Sea to Moscow.

 

Wren Landing

 

Small area north of Cabot Square. Leads to North Dock footbridge towards Port East. Named after British architect Christopher Wren.

 

Montgomery Square

 

Located at the east end of Jubilee Park, Montgomery Square is an outdoor location for socialising. Events include street food markets, beach volleyball tournaments, padel tennis competition, and minigolf.

 

Parks and green spaces

 

Canary Wharf Group is enthusiastic about adding more green spaces and gardens to the dense urban environment. A total of 20 acres of landscaped parks, gardens and verdant squares complete with 1,000 trees, 4,000 shrubs and 70,000 seasonal plants are added each year.[110] Visitors are welcome to explore these parks and green spaces, which are ideal places for relaxation, social gatherings, performances, viewing outdoor public art, as well as hosting outdoor events and festivities.

 

Jubilee Park

 

Jubilee Park is a 10,000m² roof garden located above Jubilee Place, a shopping mall, and Canary Wharf Jubilee Station, an underground railway station. The park, opened in 2002 and was named in honour of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Jubilee Park is located in the financial district of Canary Wharf. The park's central feature is a raised serpentine water channel with rough stone walls. The curvilinear design of the water channel is intended to contrast to the scale and straightness of the surrounding buildings. In 2023, Jubilee Park won the Green Flag Award, recognising Jubilee Park as one of the United Kingdom's best parks

 

Crossrail Place Roof Garden

 

A 4,160 m2 (44,800 sq ft) roof garden, one of London's largest, houses on the top of seven-storey Crossrail Place structure, which contains the Elizabeth line Canary Wharf station. Opened to public in 2015, it lies almost exactly on the Meridian line splitting eastern and western hemispheres. The plants originating from the eastern hemisphere are planted to the East of the Meridian line in the garden, with those from the Western hemisphere on the opposite side. The design and development of Crossrail Place Roof Garden was honored by winning numerous prestigious international and United Kingdom awards. Selected notable awards include: "Best Urban Regeneration Project" at 2016 MIPIM awards in France, the first prize for the best "Innovative Design of a Contemporary Garden" at the 2017 European Garden Awards in Berlin, and a Highly Commended accolade at the 2016 Landscape Institute Awards in the category 'Design for a Small-Scale Development'.

 

Harbour Quay Garden

 

A newly opened garden, located at the strand of Wood Wharf, features a boardwalk for waterside wandering. The garden also offers family-friendly picnic spots and outdoor fitness equipment on the green lawn, where visitors can relax, view outdoor public art, and watch the water. Just around the corner, it has access to a new garden square, Harbord Square Park.

 

Harbord Square Park

 

Harbord Square Park, the newest garden square in Wood Wharf, continues the great London tradition of garden squares. It is open 24/7 and offers green space available for mindfulness activities and to support nearby residents' general wellbeing.

 

Eden Dock

 

In Oct 2024, in partnership with the Eden Project, the Canary Wharf group opened Eden dock. The waterfront green space can be accessed via Jubilee Plaza or Mackenzie Walk. It includes floating islands which are designed to encourage biodiversity.

 

Shopping malls

 

Canary Wharf shopping centre, ranked as one of the best in London, has five interconnected shopping malls: Canada Place, Cabot Place, Jubilee Place, Crossrail Place, and Churchill Place. The malls provide over 102,193 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft) of retail space, more than 310 shops from beauty, fashion, lifestyle, luxurious brands, health, and homeware, as well as 70 cafés, bars, and restaurants, eight grocery stores, five health clubs and a cinema. There are also numerous bars, restaurants, and food halls at street level, alongside plenty of outdoor seating enabling visitors to see the stunning wharf and riverside views.

 

Museums and archives

 

Opened in a Grade I listed Georgian warehouse by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2003, the Museum of London Docklands is one of the main attractions in the area. It is dedicated to the history of London's river, port, and people from Roman settlement to the present day. The museum offers a range of activities for children and families, including interactive displays and immersive activities.

 

Pokémon Go

 

Canary Wharf has been reported since 2017 as part of the Pokémon Go augmented reality game to being the home for the most wanted Pokémon gyms in London including Canary Wharf DLR station and Montgomery Square.

 

Canary Wharf Group published an official Pokémon map for PokéStops and Pokémon Gyms, the managing director for retail Camille Waxer said in 2016 that Pokémon Go has serious potential to attract new audiences to the area, particularly food and drink outlets which saw an increase in foot traffic.

 

(Wikipedia)

 

Canary Wharf (dt. „Kanaren-Kai“) ist ein Bürogebäudekomplex auf der Isle of Dogs im Londoner Stadtbezirk Tower Hamlets. Er befindet sich im Herzen der Docklands, dem ehemaligen Hafengebiet der britischen Hauptstadt. Canary Wharf steht in Konkurrenz zum historisch gewachsenen Finanzzentrum in der City of London. Hier stehen drei der höchsten Gebäude des Vereinigten Königreichs, One Canada Square, HSBC Tower und Citigroup Centre.

 

Wirtschaftszentrum

 

Zu den Unternehmen, die sich in Canary Wharf niedergelassen haben, gehören Finanzinstitute wie Credit Suisse, HSBC, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America und Barclays. Auch bedeutende Medienunternehmen haben hier ihre Hauptsitze, darunter The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Thomson Reuters und der Daily Mirror. Ebenfalls hier vertreten sind der Europa-Hauptsitz von Texaco, der Hauptsitz von Clifford Chance, eine der weltweit größten Anwaltssozietäten, sowie das Wirtschaftsprüfungsunternehmen KPMG. Bis zum Brexit war hier auch der Sitz der Europäischen Bankenaufsichtsbehörde (EBA).

 

Zu Beginn des Jahres betrug die offizielle Zahl der hier arbeitenden Angestellten 78.000, wovon 25 Prozent in den fünf umliegenden Stadtbezirken leben. Canary Wharf entwickelt sich auch immer mehr zu einem teuren und exklusiven Einkaufsviertel, insbesondere nach der Eröffnung des Jubilee-Place-Einkaufszentrums im Jahr 2004. Es gibt über 200 Läden mit mehr als 4.500 Verkaufsangestellten. Jede Woche gehen rund 500.000 Personen hierhin zum Einkaufen.

 

Canary Wharf verfügt über eine ausgezeichnete Anbindung an das Netz des öffentlichen Nahverkehrs. Seit 1991 hält an der Station Canary Wharf (DLR) die vollautomatische Stadtbahn Docklands Light Railway. 1999 wurde die Jubilee Line der London Underground eröffnet, die in der gleichnamigen, aber räumlich getrennten Station Canary Wharf (London Underground) hält, und 2022 wurde der Verkehr auf der neuen Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) aufgenommen. Der Flughafen London City liegt nur ein paar Kilometer östlich und kann mit regelmäßig verkehrenden Bussen, Taxis und mit der DLR in unter 15 Minuten erreicht werden. Vom Canary Wharf Pier aus stellen Schiffe auf der Themse weitere Verbindungen in Richtung Innenstadt her; die Thames Clippers verkehren unter der Woche alle 20 Minuten.

 

Geschichte

 

Canary Wharf war einst der Standort von Lagerhäusern inmitten der Docks. Der Name leitet sich ab vom Seehandel mit den Kanarischen Inseln, der von hier aus abgewickelt wurde. Während des 19. Jahrhunderts lagen hier die West India Docks, einer der verkehrsreichsten Häfen der Welt. In den 1960er Jahren setzte der Verfall der Hafen- und Industrieanlagen ein. Nachdem im Jahr 1980 das letzte Dock geschlossen worden war, beschloss die britische Regierung im Jahr 1981 ein Programm, mit dem ein 21 km² großes Gebiet neu belebt werden sollte. Um das Projekt zu koordinieren, wurde die Entwicklungsgesellschaft „London Docklands Development Corporation“ gegründet. In den ersten Jahren ließen sich hier Betriebe der Leichtindustrie nieder, der größte Mieter in Canary Wharf war ein TV-Produktionsstudio.

 

1984 besuchte Michael von Clemm, der Vorsitzende der Investmentbank Credit Suisse, im Auftrag eines Kunden die Docklands, um nach einem Standort für einen Lebensmittelverarbeitungsbetrieb Ausschau zu halten. Er war sich auch bewusst, dass die Büros der Bank in der City of London zu klein waren, vor allem im Hinblick auf die bevorstehende Deregulierung der Finanzmärkte im Jahr 1986. Von Clemm hatte die Idee, das Gebiet für Bürobauten zu nutzen. Allerdings war eine kritische Masse notwendig, um das ganze Vorhaben überhaupt rentabel werden zu lassen. Entsprechende Pläne wurden zusammen mit dem Unternehmen Morgan Stanley präsentiert, später allerdings wieder zu den Akten gelegt. Als 1987 die Docklands Light Railway eröffnet wurde, hatte man in Canary Wharf keine Station errichtet, da man nicht mit einer Entwicklung des Gebiets rechnete.

 

1988 übernahm das vom Immobilienunternehmer Paul Reichmann geleitete kanadische Unternehmen Olympia and York (O&Y) das Projekt und brachte es zur Baureife. Die Bauarbeiten begannen im selben Jahr, die erste Phase war 1992 abgeschlossen. O&Y, das auch das World Financial Center in New York gebaut hatte, verpflichtete sich, die Hälfte der Kosten für die geplante Verlängerung der Jubilee Line zu übernehmen. Zu Beginn der 1990er Jahre brach der weltweite Immobilienmarkt ein. Die Nachfrage nach Büroräumlichkeiten ging stark zurück und O&Y ging 1992 bankrott. Die obere Hälfte des Wolkenkratzers One Canada Square blieb ohne Mieter, Canary Wharf wurde zum Symbol der Immobilienkrise.

 

Im Februar 1996 explodierte in der Nähe von Canary Wharf an der Station South Quay der DLR eine Autobombe der IRA. Zwei Menschen wurden getötet, 39 verletzt. Es entstand dabei ein Sachschaden von 85 Millionen Pfund.

 

Im Dezember 1995 kaufte ein internationales Konsortium unter Vorsitz von Paul Reichmann[3] das Gelände. Damals waren hier rund 13.000 Arbeitsplätze angesiedelt, doch noch immer stand über die Hälfte der vorhandenen Büroliegenschaften leer. Ein wichtiges Ereignis für die Wiederbelebung des Projekts Canary Wharf war der Baubeginn der Jubilee Line, der mehrmals verschoben worden war. Von da an betrachteten Unternehmen das Gebiet zunehmend als Alternative zu den traditionellen Geschäftszentren. Die zunehmende Nachfrage ermöglichte neben der Fertigstellung der zurückgestellten Bauabschnitte auch die Realisierung zusätzlicher Projekte. Im März 2004 wurde die Betriebsgesellschaft Canary Wharf Group plc durch das von Morgan Stanley angeführte Investorenkonsortium Songbird Estates übernommen. Im Jahr 2004 belegten 70 Prozent der Büroflächen in Canary Wharf Banken.

 

Im Jahr 2014 wurde die erste bauliche Erweiterung seit der Finanzkrise 2008 genehmigt. Das am östlichen Ende der Canary Wharf befindliche Projekt Wood Wharf umfasst eine Fläche von 4,9 Millionen Quadratfuß[7], worauf insgesamt 30 Gebäude entstehen sollen. Als Herzstück soll der vom Schweizer Architekturbüro Herzog & de Meuron entworfene, 211 Meter und 57 Stockwerke hohe zylinderförmige Wohnturm errichtet werden.

 

Stand 2020 ist die Canary Wharf Group im Besitz des katarischen Staatsfonds und der kanadischen Immobiliengesellschaft Brookfield Properties.

 

Im Zuge der COVID-19-Pandemie zu Beginn des 2020er Jahrzehnts verkleinerten auch die in Canary Wharf ansässigen Unternehmen ihre Bürofleichen und lagerten Arbeiten und Mitarbeiter ins Homeoffice aus. In den 2020er Jahren kündigten viele große Unternehmen (darunter die Großbank HSBC, Moody’s, Clifford Chance) an, aus Canary Wharf auszuziehen. Der Exodus führt dazu, dass viele Gebäude enorm an Wert verloren. Gleichzeitig siedelten sich vermehrt Bars, Restaurants, Clubs, Fitness- und Freizeitcenter und andere kleinere Unternehmen wie Start-Ups in Canary Wharf an. In Wood Wharf wurden und werden Stand 2024 Appartmentkomplexe für mehr als 7000 Menschen gebaut.

 

Vorkommen in der Popkultur

 

In der Serie Doctor Who befindet sich im Bürokomplex das fiktive Torchwood-Institut, das im Finale der zweiten Staffel im Kampf gegen die Daleks und Cybermen zerstört wird. Die Ereignisse nach dieser Schlacht werden im Spin Off Torchwood erzählt.

 

(Wikipedia)

Vintage card. Photo: London Films. Margaret Leighton in The Elusive Pimpernel (Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger, 1949).

 

Tall, reedy, thin-browed, light-haired Margaret Leighton (1922-1976) was a British award-winning theatre and film actress. She appeared with her future husband Michael Wilding in the Hitchcock film Under Capricorn (1949). She won two Tony Awards for Broadway performances as Best Actress (Dramatic): in 1957 for 'Separate Tables' and in 1962 for Tennessee Williams' 'The Night of the Iguana'. 'Leighton received an Oscar nomination and a BAFTA award for her role in The Go-Between (Joseph Losey, 1971). She also won an Emmy Award for a 1970 television version of 'Hamlet'.

 

Margaret Leighton was born in Barnt Green, Worchestershire, England, in 1922, the daughter of a businessman. Expressing an early desire to act, she quit school at age 15 and auditioned and joined Sir Barry Jackson's Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Becoming one of his star students, he hired her as a stage manager and offered her the small role of Dorothy in the stage play 'Laugh with Me' (1938). Thereby, the play marked her professional debut on stage. The play was immediately taken to the BBC-TV, Laugh with Me (Herbert C. Prentice, 1938). During these productive repertory years, she involved herself in the classical plays by Chekov, Shakespeare, and Shaw. In 1944, Margaret made her London debut for the Old Vic Company playing the daughter of the troll king in 'Peer Gynt'. Joining the company under the auspices of Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Ralph Richardson, she earned distinction as a classical stage actress. In 1946, she made her Broadway debut as the Queen in 'Henry IV', starring Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson during a visit of the Old Vic to the U.S. The company performed a total of five plays from its repertoire before returning to London. The opulent actress with strikingly odd, yet fascinating facial features stole more than a few plays and films away from the stars with her stunning portrayals of neurotic, brittle matrons. Her unique brand of sophisticated eccentricity went on to captivate both Broadway and London audiences with her many theatre offerings, particularly her portrayals of Celia Coplestone in 'The Cocktail Party (1950) and Orinthia in a revival of 'The Apple Cart' (1953). Her New York performance as Mrs. Shankland in Terence Rattigan's drama 'Separate Tables' (1956) earned her a Tony Award. She returned to Broadway to play Beatrice in Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing'in 1959, before returning in 1962 as Hannah in 'The Night of the Iguana' and earning her second Best Actress Tony trophy. She would continue to return to Broadway throughout the 1960s with the plays 'Tchin-Tchin', 'The Chinese Prime Minister', 'Slapstick Tragedy' and the 1967 heralded production of 'The Little Foxes', first playing Birdie before taking over the role of Regina.

 

During the 1950s and 1960s, Margaret Leighton would alternate between British and U.S. filming. She made her British debut as Catherine Winslow in Terrence Rattigan's The Winslow Boy (Anthony Asquith, 1948) starring Robert Donat. Then she co-starred opposite David Niven in the period biopic Bonnie Prince Charlie (Anthony Kimmins, 1948). Hitchcock used her next in one of his lesser known romantic crime films Under Capricorn (Alfred Hitchcock, 1949) before entangling herself in a romantic triangle with Celia Johnson and Noël Coward in The Astonished Heart (1950), which was both written and directed by Coward. In the crimer Calling Bulldog Drummond (Victor Saville, 1951), Margaret plays a Scotland Yard sergeant who pulls the master sleuth (Walter Pidgeon) out of retirement to infiltrate a vicious gang together, while in the mystery crime drama, Home at Seven (Ralph Richardson, 1952), the touching drama The Holly and the Ivy (George More O'Ferrall, 1952) and the saucy comedy The Passionate Stranger (Muriel Box, 1957), she reunited with her Old Vic theatre mentor Sir Ralph Richardson. Richardson was her frequent co-star on both stage and screen. She had played Roxane to his Cyrano in the 1946 London stage revival of 'Cyrano de Bergerac', one of Richardson's greatest stage successes. Margaret married (1947) and divorced (1955) noted publisher Max Reinhardt (of Reinhardt & Evans), known for his collection of letters and photographs from playwright and novelist George Bernard Shaw. Her second husband would be actor Laurence Harvey who starred in the British crime thriller The Good Die Young (Lewis Gilbert, 1954) in which Margaret made a co-starring appearance as his abused wife. They would marry later in 1957.

 

Margaret Leighton earned her first top cinematic billing as Helen Teckman in The Teckman Mystery (Wendy Toye, 1954) and reunited with David Niven in the military film Carrington V.C. (Anthony Asquith, 1954). Playing a Southern aristocrat in the U.S. filming of William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury (Martin Ritt, 1959) starring Yul Brynner, she followed that in the 1960's with a co-star part opposite Peter Sellers in the comedy Waltz of the Toreadors (John Guillermin, 1962) and an all-star American cast headed by Henry Fonda in the potent political drama The Best Man (Franklin J. Schaffner, 1964). The black comedy The Loved One (Tony Richardson, 1965) and the dramatic 7 Women (John Ford, 1966), playing one of several ladies in peril at a Chinese mission, followed. Appearing in TV-movie versions of literary classics including 'Arms and the Man', 'As You LIke It' and 'The Confidential Clerk', Margaret began to make guest appearances on TV programs such as 'Suspicion,' 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents, 'The Alfred Hitchcock Hour', 'Playhouse 90', 'Ben Casey', 'Burke's Law', 'The F.B.I.', 'The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.' and 'Judd for the Defense', in addition to a recurring role on 'Dr. Kildare'. Divorced from Harvey in 1961, Margaret's third and final marriage to actor Michael Wilding in 1964 was an enduring matchup. The couple went on to co-star in the period piece Lady Caroline Lamb (Robert Bolt, 1972) starring Sarah Miles. Other notable screen credits around that time include The Madwoman of Chaillot (Bryan Forbes, 1969) and the TV movie, Great Expectations (Joseph Hardy, 1974) as Miss Havisham. Margaret would receive her only Oscar nomination for her support role in The Go-Between (Joseph Losey, 1971) starring Julie Christie and Alan Bates as Christie's manipulative, class-conscious mother. In 1971, Margaret was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but didn't let it slow her down for quite some time. She continued to perform in such films as Zee and Co. (Brian G. Hutton, 1972) with Elizabeth Taylor, Bequest to the Nation (James Cellan Jones, 1973), and the TV horror offering Frankenstein: The True Story (Jack Smight, 1973). By 1975 when she was no longer capable of walking, she continued to act giving an over-the-top comic performance in Trial by Combat (Kevin Connor, 1976). Her final TV performance was in the first season of Space: 1999 where she played Queen Arra in the episode "Collision Course. She was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1974 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to drama. She breathed her last in 1976 in Chichester hospital in Chichester, Sussex, at the age of 56. Margaret Leighton had no children in any of her marriages.

 

Sources: Gary Brumburgh (IMDb), Wikipedia, and IMDb.

 

And, please check out our blog European Film Star Postcards.

taken by my son James

 

Large wall tablet with flanking ionic columns and surmounting sculpture of Lion crushing a Serpent.

 

Inscription

THE MEN FROM THE SERVICE OF/ THE METROPOLITAN RAILWAY COMPANY/ WHOSE NAMES ARE INSCRIBED BELOW WERE AMONG/ THOSE WHO AT THE CALL OF KING AND COUNTRY/ LEFT ALL THAT WAS DEAR TO THEM, ENDURED HARDSHIP/ FACED DANGER, AND FINALLY PASSED OUT OF THE SIGHT OF/ MEN BY THE PATH OF DUTY AND SELF-SACRIFICE, GIVING/ UP THEIR OWN LIVES THAT OTHERS MIGHT LIVE IN FREEDOM/LET THOSE THAT COME AFTER SEE TO IT THAT THEIR NAMES BE NOT FORGOTTEN/ (NAMES)/ 1914-1918/ ERECTED BY THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND STAFF/ OF THE RAILWAY.

R Charles W Clark FRIBA (Designer)

Joseph Whitehead & Sons (Builder)

 

Unveiled on 11th November 1920 by Sir Clarendon G Hyde the deputy chairman.

 

Richard A. Andrews

George Armstrong

Albert Atkins

Frederick J. Bailey

Clifford Baldwin

John Baldwin

Edward H. Bancroft

John Barker

Alfred W. Barlow

William J. Berry

Frank H. Biddle

Arthur A. Bishop

Stanley Biswell

Eustace A. Blackburn

Albert J. Boyce

William R. Bradford

Edward R. Burgess

John Camm

Fergus W. Cannon

Frederick W. Chapman

Henry T. Clayton

Frederick B. Cole

Frederick L. Cole

Arthur E. Coleman

Harry J. Collins

Thomas D. Coombes

Roderick C. Coster

Charles M. Cox

Joseph R. Cox

Alfred Craft

Thomas Craft

Daniel Crone

Alfred J. Darvill

John W. Dawson

William J. Death

John Doe

Albert A. Edwards

Harry Ellis

Edward Ellson

Arthur W. Evans

Francis J. Ford

Leslie G. Franklin

Thomas Fuller

Richard W. Godfrey

Frederick G. Gray

Horace W. Guildford

Frederick J. Gunn

William Hales

Albert E. Hamilton

Edward W. Hamilton

William T. Harding

Ernest W. Harvey

Joseph Hawker

Reuben E. Hawkes

Victor A. Hicks

James A. Higgins

Cyril M. Hodgkinson

Frederick Hooper

Walter A. Horsler

James H. Howlett

Ernest E. Hughes

Walter G. Hughes

William L. Hurley

John C. Innocent

Roland Jackson

Thomas S. Jarvis

Percy W. Jones

Ronald W. King

Charles F. Kingston

George W. Kingston

Albert W. Larkin

Harry F. Leach

Arthur W. Leaper

Edwin J. Lester

Charles E. Lett

Arthur Lewis

Arthur Lewis

Lewis Lilley

Willis Lucas

George A. Mercer

William C. Merry

George Morgan

Clem H. Newman

George Newman

Reuben S. Newth

Stanley G. Norton

George Palmer

Edward Paxton

William G. Paxton

Leonard G. Payne

Jesse Pearce

Robert Pearce

George A. Penney

George Prentice

Harry R. Ransom

Mark A. Ravening

William R. Rice

Richard W. Richards

Dennis H. Rolfe

William J. Rowe

William T. Rushman

Edwin Ryder

Percy G. Sabey

James Sarchfield

George Sargent

Frederick J. Short

Edward C. Simmonds

Henry A. Simpson

Albert E. Skinner

Andrew A. Smith

Stanley Springsguth

Albert Stagg

Richard Stanborough

Samuel Swann

Charles Swansbury

Ernest E. Taunt

Frederick G. Tearall

Walter Troke

Charles Wager

Frederick J. Wagstaff

Edmund Walsh

Stanley Ward

Stanley Warlow

William Warrener

George Watts

Arthur Westall

Frank Wheeler

Henry R. Wheeler

Ernest J. White

Percy W. White

Albert Wilder

William Wilkinson

Albert J. Williams

Alfred G. Willmer

George R. Willy

Robert C. Winter

John L. Woolfe

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St_Michael_and_All_Angels...

 

St Michael's Church is a parish church in the town of Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales. St Michael's is the fourth church to stand on the site. The first dated from the 15th century but was in ruins by the mid-18th century. Its replacement only stood for some forty years before itself being replaced in 1829-1833 with a church designed by Edward Haycock Sr. of Shrewsbury. Nothing of the two earlier buildings remains. The Haycock church was itself superseded by the present church, built by Nicholson & Son of Hereford in 1886-1890. A fragment of the Haycock church remains to the west of the current building.

 

St Michael's is an active parish church in the Diocese of St Davids. At the end of the 20th century it claimed the largest Anglican congregation in Wales. It is designated by Cadw as a Grade II listed building.

 

The town of Aberystwyth developed around the Norman castle. Four churches have stood on the site. In the 15th century a church dedicated to St Mary was constructed between the castle and the sea. This church, in ruins by 1748, and its short-lived successor, were replaced by a third church constructed in 1829-1833 by Edward Haycock Sr. Haycock was commissioned by William Edward Powell. a local landowner and Conservative politician who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Cardiganshire from 1816 until shortly before he died in 1854. Powell was made High Sheriff in 1810 and Lord Lieutenant of Cardiganshire in 1817. He lived at Nanteos and developed much of Aberystwyth in the 1820s; including Laura Place which fronts the present church.

 

By the later 19th century, the accelerating development of Aberystwyth as a seaside resort brought calls for a larger, and more impressive church. A later William Powell donated further land at Laura Place for the building of a new church in the 1880s. Powell commissioned designs for the new structure from Nicholson & Son of Hereford and the present church was built between 1886-1890. The west vestry is all that remains of Haycock's church, This fragment is a Grade II listed building.

 

The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard celebrated the opening of the new church on 3 October 1890, congratulating "all those who desire to see the town beautified, or who think that a building devoted to the highest purpose should be of the best that human beings can devise and reasonably provide". Further work was carried out on the development of the church in the first half of the 20th century. Major repairs were undertaken to the church roof in the 21st century, following storm damage from Cyclone Dirk.

 

St Michael's remains an active parish church in the Evangelical tradition. Services are regularly held. In the late 20th/early 21st centuries, the church claimed the largest Anglican congregation in Wales. The church is administered by the Archdeaconry of Cardigan within the Diocese of St Davids.

 

The "large and prosperous church" is built on a three-nave plan, with a vestry and a West tower. A planned spire was never built. The construction materials are York sandstone rubble and Westmoreland slate roofs. The style is Gothic Revival, drawing on English Decorated Gothic. Thomas Lloyd, Julian Orbach and Robert Scourfield, in their Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion volume in the Pevsner Buildings of Wales series, consider it "old-fashioned", even at the time of its construction.

 

The interior is faced with Bath limestone and decorated with banding in a contrasting red sandstone. It contains a chancel rood screen by W. D. Caröe dating from the early 20th century. Carved panels in a memorial chapel at the front of the church commemorate the dead of Aberystwyth from the First and Second World Wars. The chapel was constructed in 1992 and involved the moving of the rood screen. The stained glass is mainly by Alfred Hemming, although the East window is the work of Heaton, Butler and Bayne. St Michael's is a Grade II listed building.

 

Aberystwyth is a university and seaside town as well as a community in Ceredigion, Wales. Located in the historic county of Cardiganshire, Aberystwyth means "the mouth of the Ystwyth". Aberystwyth University has been a major educational location in Wales since the establishment of University College Wales in 1872.

 

The town is situated on Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales, near the confluence of the River Ystwyth and Afon Rheidol. Following the reconstruction of the harbour, the Ystwyth skirts the town. The Rheidol passes through the town.

 

The seafront, with a pier, stretches from Constitution Hill at the north end of the Promenade to the harbour at the south. The beach is divided by the castle. The town is divided into five areas: Aberystwyth Town; Llanbadarn Fawr; Waunfawr; Llanbadarn; Trefechan; and the most populous, Penparcau.

 

In 2011 the population of the town was 13,040. This rises to nearly 19,000 for the larger conurbation of Aberystwyth and Llanbadarn Fawr.

  

Aberystwyth Bay from a 1748 survey by Lewis Morris (1701–1765)

The distance to Swansea is 55 miles (89 km); to Shrewsbury 60 miles (97 km); to Wrexham 63 miles (101 km); to Cardiff 76 miles (122 km); and to London 180 miles (290 km).

 

Aberystwyth is a university town and tourist destination, and forms a cultural link between North Wales and South Wales. Constitution Hill, scaled by the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, gives access to panoramic views and to other attractions at the summit, including a camera obscura. Scenic Mid Wales landscape within easy reach of the town includes the wilderness of the Cambrian Mountains, whose valleys contain forests and meadows which have changed little in centuries. A convenient way to access the interior is by the preserved narrow-gauge Vale of Rheidol Railway.

 

Although the town is relatively modern, there are a number of historic buildings, including the remains of the castle and the Old College of Aberystwyth University nearby. The Old College was originally built and opened in 1865 as a hotel, but after the owner's bankruptcy the shell of the building was sold to the university in 1867.

 

The new university campus overlooks Aberystwyth from Penglais Hill to the east of the town centre. The station, a terminus of the main railway, was built in 1924 in the typical style of the period, mainly in a mix of Gothic, Classical Revival, and Victorian architecture.

 

The town is the unofficial capital of Mid Wales, and several institutions have regional or national offices there. Public bodies located in the town include the National Library of Wales, which incorporates the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales, one of six British regional film archives. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales maintains and curates the National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW), providing the public with information about the built heritage of Wales. Aberystwyth is also the home to the national offices of UCAC and Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society), and the site of the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, the Welsh Books Council and the offices of the standard historical dictionary of Welsh, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru. A purpose built Welsh Government office and an adjoining office of Ceredigion County Council are also located in the town.

 

At the 2001 census, the population of the town was 15,935. This reduced to 13,040 at the 2011 census. Including neighbouring Llanbadarn Fawr, the population was 16,420, and the greater Aberystwyth conurbation having a population of 18,749 in 2011

 

Aberystwyth experiences an oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) similar to almost all of the United Kingdom. This is particularly pronounced due to its west coast location facing the Irish Sea. Air undergoes little land moderation and so temperatures closely reflect the sea temperature when winds are coming from the predominant onshore (westerly) direction. The nearest Met Office weather station is Gogerddan, 3 miles to the northeast, and at a similar elevation.

 

The absolute maximum temperature is 34.6 °C (94.3 °F), set during July 2006. This is also the July record maximum for all of Wales, suggesting that the area's low lying situation, aided by a possible föhn effect when winds are offshore can act to achieve high temperatures on occasion. Typically the warmest day will average 28.0 °C (82.4 °F) and 5.6 days will achieve a maximum of 25.1 °C (77.2 °F) or above.

 

The absolute minimum temperature is −13.5 °C (7.7 °F), set in January 2010. Typically 39.8 days will register an air frost.

 

Rainfall averages 1,112 mm (44 in) a year, with over 1mm recorded on 161 days. All averages refer to the 1981–2010 period.

 

There is evidence that during the Mesolithic Age the area of Tan-y-Bwlch at the foot of Pen Dinas (Penparcau) was used as a flint knapping floor for hunter-gatherers making weapons from flint that was deposited as the ice retreated.

 

The remains of a Celtic fortress on Pen Dinas (or more correctly 'Dinas Maelor'), a hill in Penparcau overlooking Aberystwyth, indicates that the site was inhabited before 700 BC. On a hill south of the present town, across the River Ystwyth, are the remains of a medieval ringfort believed to be the castle from which Princess Nest was abducted. This rare survival is now on private land and can only be accessed by arrangement.

 

The recorded history of Aberystwyth may be said to date from the building of a fortress in 1109 by Gilbert Fitz Richard (grandfather of Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow, the Cambro-Norman lord notable for his leading role in the Norman invasion of Ireland). Gilbert Fitz Richard was granted lands and the lordship of Cardigan by Henry I, including Cardigan Castle. The fortress built in Aberystwyth was located about a mile and a half south of today's town, on a hill over the south bank of the Ystwyth River, thus giving the settlement of Aberystwyth its name. The location is now known as Tan-Y-Castell.

 

Aberystwyth was usually under the control of the princes of Deheubarth, but its position close to the border with Gwynedd and Powys left it vulnerable to attacks from the leaders of those polities. The town was attacked by Gwenwynwyn ab Owain in 1197, an assault in which Maelgwn ap Rhys was captured. Llywelyn the Great attacked and seized the town in late 1208, building a castle there before withdrawing.

 

Edward I replaced Strongbow's castle in 1277, after its destruction by the Welsh. His castle was, however, built in a different location, at the current Castle Hill, the high point of the town. Between the years 1404 and 1408 Aberystwyth Castle was in the hands of Owain Glyndŵr but finally surrendered to Prince Harry (the future King Henry V of England). Shortly after this, the town was incorporated under the title of Ville de Lampadarn (the ancient name of the place being Llanbadarn Gaerog or the fortified Llanbadarn, to distinguish it from Llanbadarn Fawr, the village one mile (1.6 km) inland. It is thus styled in a Royal charter granted by Henry VIII but, by Elizabeth I's time, the town was invariably named Aberystwyth in all documents.

 

From 1639 to 1642, silver coins were minted at Aberystwyth Castle on behalf of the Royal Mint, using silver from local mines. £10,500 in currency was produced, equivalent to 2.5 million silver pennies.

 

In 1649, Parliamentarian troops razed the castle, although portions of three towers still exist. In 1988, an excavation within the castle area revealed a complete male skeleton, deliberately buried. Though skeletons rarely survive in Wales' acidic soil, this skeleton was probably preserved by the addition of lime from the collapsed building. Affectionately known as "Charlie" and now housed in the Ceredigion Museum in the town, he probably dates from the English Civil War period, and is likely to have died during the Parliamentarian siege. His image is featured in one of nine mosaics created to adorn the castle's walls.

 

The development of Aberystwyth's Port contributed to the town’s economic development during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Port improvements were carried out in both 1780 and 1836, with a new Customs House constructed in 1828. Rural industries and craftsmen were also an important part of life in this country town. The local trade directory for 1830 shows that there were in Aberystwyth: Twenty boot makers, eight bakers, two corn millers, eleven carpenters and joiners, one cooper, seven tailors, two dressmakers, two straw hat makers, two hat makers, three curriers, four saddlers, two tinsmiths, six maltsters, two skinners, four tanners, eight stonemasons, one brewer, four lime burners, three shipwrights, three wheelwrights, five cabinet makers, one nail maker, one rope maker and one sail maker.

 

The Cambrian Railways line from Machynlleth reached Aberystwyth in 1864, closely followed by rail links to Carmarthen, which resulted in the construction of the town's impressive station. The Cambrian line opened on Good Friday 1869, the same day that the new 292 metres (958 ft) Royal Pier (designed by Eugenius Birch) opened, attracting 7,000 visitors.

 

The railway's arrival gave rise to something of a Victorian tourist boom, with Aberystwyth becoming a significant holiday destination for working and middle class families from South Wales in particular. The town was once even billed as the "Biarritz of Wales". During this time, a number of hotels and fine townhouses were built including the Queens Hotel, later renamed Swyddfa'r Sir (County Office) when used as offices by the town council, and most recently used as the external scenes of the police station in the television show Hinterland. One of the largest of these hotels, "The Castle Hotel", was never completed as a hotel but, following bankruptcy, was sold cheaply to the Welsh National University Committee, a group of people dedicated to the creation of a Welsh University. The University College of Wales (later to become Aberystwyth University) was founded in 1872 in this building.

 

Aberystwyth was a contributory parliamentary borough until the Third Reform Act, which merged its representation into that of the county in 1885.

 

In 1895, various businessmen who had been behind the Aberystwyth New Harbour Company formed the Aberystwyth Improvement Company (AIC) to take over the works of the defunct Bourne Engineering & Electrical. In 1896, the AIC completed three projects: the new landside pavilion for the Royal Pier; built the Cambria Hotel (later the United Theological College) and formed Constitution Hill Ltd, to develop a Victorian theme park. Chief engineer George Croydon Marks designed all the AIC developments, including the United Kingdom's second longest funicular railway, which takes passengers up a 50% gradient to a park and camera obscura.

 

Aberystwyth hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1865, 1916, 1952 and 1992.

 

On the night of Friday, 14 January 1938, a storm with estimated wind speeds of up to 90 mph (140 km/h) struck the town. Most of the promenade was destroyed, along with 200 feet (60 m) of the pier. Many properties on the seafront were damaged, with every property from the King's Hall north affected; those on Victoria Terrace suffered the greatest damage. Work commenced on a protective coffer dam which continued into 1940, with total costs of construction coming to £70,000 (equivalent to £2.5 million today).

 

Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society) held their historic first protest on Trefechan Bridge in Aberystwyth, on 2 February 1963. The first independent Welsh Evangelical Church was established in Aberystwyth (see Evangelical Movement of Wales).

 

On 1 March 2005, Aberystwyth was granted Fairtrade Town status.

 

In March 2009 mayor Sue Jones-Davies, who had played the role of Judith Iscariot in the film Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979), organised a charity screening of the film. Principal actors Terry Jones and Michael Palin also attended. There is a popular, but incorrect, urban myth that the town had banned the film (as some authorities did) when it was first released.

 

During the aftermath storms from Cyclone Dirk on Friday 3 January 2014, the town was one of the worst hit in Wales. Properties on the adjoining promenade were then evacuated for the next five days, including 250 students from the University. Ceredigion Council appealed to the Welsh Assembly Government for funds, whilst Natural Resources Wales undertook surveys and emergency preventative measures.

 

North Parade, Aberystwyth was reported to be the most expensive street in Wales in 2018, based on property prices.

 

Penglais Nature Park (Welsh: Parc Natur Penglais) is a woodland overlooking the town. The park was created in 1995 from a disused quarry and surrounding woodland that had formerly been part of the Richardes family estate. In spring a carpet of bluebells bloom, in common with the many other bluebell woods.

 

The park covers 27 acres (11 ha). It was the first Nature reserve to open in Ceredigion and is the only UNESCO Man and Biosphere urban reserve in Wales.

 

Aberystwyth's local government administration has a two-tier structure consisting of two separate councils. As local government is a devolved matter in Wales, the legislation for both Councils is a responsibility of the Senedd.

 

Aberystwyth Town Council is the first tier of local government, which is the closest to the general public; there are 19 elected town councillors from five wards. The last elections were held in 2022. The council is responsible for cycle paths, public footpaths, CCTV, public Wi-Fi, bus shelters, parks, gardens (including the castle grounds and the skateboard park) and allotments. The council is a statutory body which is consulted regarding planning decisions in the town area and makes recommendations to the planning authority, Ceredigion County Council. The Town Council is also involved in leisure, tourism, business (through providing more than half of Menter Aberystwyth's funding in grants), licence applications, wellbeing and environmental health, recycling and refuse collection.

 

A borough council existed in Aberystwyth from 1832 and the Aberystwyth School Board was established in 1870.

 

Ceredigion County Council is another statutory body incorporated by Act of Parliament. It is the second tier of local government in the area and is a unitary authority with a wide range of powers and responsibility. The Council deals with roads (except trunk roads), street lighting, some highways, social services, children and family care, schools and public libraries. Aberystwyth elects six of the 42 councillors in five separate wards (Bronglais, Central, North and Rheidol wards elect one councillor each while Penparcau ward elects two).

 

Aberystwyth has five Senedd members, one of whom (Elin Jones) was elected as a constituency MS for Ceredigion, and four who are elected on the regional list for Mid and West Wales.

 

The town is in the Ceredigion constituency for elections to the House of Commons. Since June 2017, Aberystwyth's MP has been Plaid Cymru's Ben Lake.

 

The first ever public library in Aberystwyth was opened in Compton House, Pier Street on 13 October 1874. In 1882 the library was moved to the Assembly Rooms which were leased to the council for 21 years. The lease expired in 1903 and the library returned to Pier Street, this time to the Old Banking Library at the corner with Eastgate Street, although this was short lived. A Carnegie library was built in Aberystwyth in 1905, with a grant of £3,000. Located in Corporation Street, it was designed by the architect Walter Payton of Birmingham, who was one of 48 who entered the competition to design the building. It was formally opened on 20 April 1906 by Mrs Vaughan Davies, wife of the local MP. The town library moved to Aberystwyth Town Hall, now known as Canolfan Alun R. Edwards, following the building's refurbishment in 2012.

 

The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, is the national legal deposit library of Wales. Established in 1907, it is a Welsh Government sponsored body. According to Cyril Evans, the library's centenary events co-ordinator, "The library is considered to be one of the world's greatest libraries, and its international reputation is certainly something that all Welsh men and women are intensely ... proud of". Welsh is the main medium of communication within the organisation; it aims to deliver all public services in Welsh and English.

 

Aberystwyth Arts Centre is one of the largest and busiest arts centres in Wales. It encompasses a 312-seat theatre, 900-seat concert hall, 125-seat cinema, and has accompanied studio, galleries, plus public spaces which include cafes and a bar. Arad Goch is an Arts Council funded community theatre and art gallery based in the town. The premises holds a theatre, gallery, several art studios and meeting rooms, and a darkroom.

 

The town has three works by the Italian sculptor Mario Rutelli; the War Memorial on the promenade, the Tabernacle Chapel Memorial on Powell Street, and the statue of Edward VIII as Prince of Wales in the Old College. All are Grade II listed structures. Rutelli’s connection with the town came through Thomas Jenkins of Aberystwyth, who ran a shipping business. Jenkins was a frequent visitor to Italy where he admired Rutelli’s work. Jo Darke, in her work, The Monument Guide to England and Wales: A National Portrait in Bronze and Stone, describes Rutelli’s war memorial as “striking and rare” and suggests that the life-size statue of Edward VIII is the only recorded example.

 

Aberystwyth has a live music scene which has produced bands and artists such as: The Crocketts; The Hot Puppies; Murry the Hump; and The Lowland Hundred. The University Music Centre promotes a varied programme for instrumentalists, singers and listeners from the university and the wider community. The University chamber choir, The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers, have been singing in the town since 1950 and continue to hold a number of concerts throughout the year. Aberystwyth gives its name to a well known hymn tune composed by Joseph Parry.

 

Aberystwyth RFC is the local rugby union club and acts as a feeder club to professional side Scarlets. It was formed in 1947 and for the 2017/18 season played in the WRU Division One West. Aberystwyth Town F.C. is a semi-professional football club that was formed in 1884. The team currently compete in the Cymru Premier, Wales' top division. The town also has a cricket club which plays in local leagues, an athletics club (founded 1955), and boxing club in Penparcau. The town's golf course opened in 1911.

 

Ceredigion, the county in which Aberystwyth is located, is one of the four most Welsh-speaking counties in Wales and remained majority Welsh speaking until the 2011 census. Since the town's growth as a seaside resort in the Victorian era, it has been more anglicised than its hinterland and the rest of the county in general. The university has also attracted many English-speaking students from England, non-Welsh speaking parts of Wales and elsewhere. The 1891 census recorded that, of the 6635 inhabitants who completed the language section, 3482 (52.5%) were bilingual, 1751 (26.4%) were Welsh monoglots, and 1402 people (21.1%) were returned as English monoglots. Ceredigion (then named Cardiganshire) as a whole was 95.2% Welsh-speaking and 74.5% monoglot Welsh. Although the town remained majority Welsh-speaking for many more decades, English had already replaced Welsh in certain domains, such as entertainment and tourism. By 1961, only 50.0% of the town's population could speak Welsh, compared to 79.5% for Cardiganshire as a whole; by 1971, these numbers had fallen to 44.9% and 67.6% respectively. The 2001 census reported that, in the seven wards of Aberystwyth, 39% of the residents self-identified as able to speak or read or write Welsh. This is lower than Ceredigion as a whole (54%) but higher than Wales overall (19%).

 

Aberystwyth parish church is St Michael's and All Angels, located in Laura Place. The parish was a Rectoral Benefice until 2019, incorporating the Anglican churches of Holy Trinity, Santes Fair (services in Welsh) and Saint Anne's, Penparcau. The Rectoral Benefice has now been converted to a local ministry area (LMA). The church was built between 1886 and 1890, replacing an earlier church. It was designed in a Gothic Revival style and is a Grade II listed building.

 

In addition to the Anglican churches, there are many existing and former Welsh Calvinistic Methodist chapels that have these days merged into Saint David's (United Reformed) and Capel y Morfa (Welsh language services). A former Calvinistic Methodist Sunday school house, Ysgoldy Tanycae, is now the meeting place of the Elim Pentecostal church. Meanwhile there is a Wesleyan Methodist church, Saint Paul's Methodist Centre, located in Bath Street. An Independent Baptist church is located in Alfred Place. In 2021, amid some controversy, Aberystwyth's Catholic church, Saint Winefride's, was closed and the congregation relocated to a new-build church located in Penparcau.

 

There are a number of other smaller congregations, and many former churches that have now been converted to alternative use, such as the Academy bar.

 

Aberystwyth has two comprehensive schools serving the town and a wide rural area: Ysgol Gyfun Gymunedol Penweddig and Ysgol Penglais School. Ysgol Gyfun Gymunedol Penweddig uses Welsh as the primary language of tuition; Ysgol Penglais School teaches in English and in Welsh as a subject.

 

There are currently three primary schools within the town limits, which are: Plascrug, Saint Padarns (Roman Catholic) and Ysgol Gymraeg. Ysgol Gymraeg was the first designated Welsh medium school in Wales, originally established as a private school in 1939 by Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards as Ysgol Gymraeg yr Urdd.

 

Aberystwyth is home to Aberystwyth University (Welsh: Prifysgol Aberystwyth) whose predecessor, University College Wales, was founded in 1872 and renamed the 'University of Wales, Aberystwyth' in the mid-1990s. Prior to the college's establishment, Wales had very limited academic-degree capability through St David's College, Lampeter (founded in 1822, now the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David).

 

As well as having two cinemas and a golf course, the town's attractions include:

The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, a funicular railway

A Victorian camera obscura at the top of Constitution Hill.

The Vale of Rheidol steam railway (Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge)

Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

The Parc Penglais nature reserve

The Ystwyth Trail cycle path

National Library of Wales

Park Avenue. Football stadium home to Aberystwyth Town F.C.

The all organic dairy unit of Rachel's Organic is based in Glan yr Afon, and is the largest private sector employer in Aberystwyth.

 

The Cambrian News newspaper came to Aberystwyth from Bala in 1870, after it was purchased by Sir John Gibson. Printed in Oswestry, in May 1880 the paper integrated operations in a former Malthouse in Mill Street. Owned by the Read family from 1926, in 1993 printing was contracted out, enabling the move of editorial staff to the current open-plan offices on Llanbadarn Fawr Science Park. On the death of Henry Read, the paper was purchased in 1999 by Sir Ray Tindle, whose company owns more than 200 weekly newspapers in Britain. Now printed in tabloid format, Cambrian News is the second-largest weekly-print circulation newspaper in Wales, with 24,000 copies in six regional editorial versions, read by 60,000 weekly readers. The circulation area of mid, west and north Wales covers 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2).

 

Since the TV series Hinterland has been filmed in and around Aberystwyth, the area is being promoted as an opportunity for tourists to visit filming locations; many are well publicised.

 

Aberystwyth railway station is situated in the town centre and is the terminus of the scenic Cambrian Line. Transport for Wales Rail operate a mostly hourly service (with some two-hour intervals) to Shrewsbury via Machynlleth and Mid Wales, with nearly all trains continuing to Birmingham International. Connecting services from Dovey Junction provide a link to Gwynedd's west coast as far as Pwllheli, along the Cambrian Coast Line. There is no longer a southbound connection: the Carmarthen–Aberystwyth line was closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts.

 

Aberystwyth station is also the terminus of the Vale of Rheidol Railway, a steam-operated narrow gauge heritage railway. Constructed between 1901 and 1902, it was intended to ship mineral cargo, primarily lead, from Devil's Bridge down to Aberystwyth for trans-shipment. By the time it was finished, lead mining was in a deep downturn and—thanks to the Aberystwyth Improvement Company—the railway came to rely largely on the tourist industry, opening for passengers in December 1902. It still remains open for the summer season, with a journey of 12 miles (19 km).

 

In 1896, the Aberystwyth Improvement Company formed Constitution Hill Ltd which, under the direction of chief engineer George Croydon Marks, developed the United Kingdom's second longest funicular railway, the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, which takes passengers up a 50% gradient.

 

A TrawsCymru T1 service on the A4120 in Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is a hub for the TrawsCymru bus network, with four routes serving the town:

 

T1 - hourly service to Carmarthen (connects with T1S to Swansea, Monday-Saturday) via Aberaeron and Lampeter - with one service a day (Monday-Saturday) extended to Cardiff

T1C - daily express coach service to Cardiff, via Aberaeron, Carmarthen (connects with T1S to Swansea, Monday-Saturday), Swansea (Sunday & Bank Holidays only), Port Talbot Parkway and Bridgend

T2 - every 1–2 hours to Bangor via Machynlleth, Dolgellau (connects with T3 to Barmouth and Wrexham), Porthmadog and Caernarfon

T5 - hourly service to Haverfordwest via Aberaeron, New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard

(TrawsCymru services run less-frequently on Sundays.)

 

There is a daily National Express coach, service 409 to London via Birmingham, along with local bus services within the town and into the surrounding area.

 

The A44 and A487 meet with much traffic between North Wales and South West Wales passing through the town. The A4120 links the A44 and A487 between Llanbadarn Fawr and Penparcau, allowing through traffic to bypass the town centre.

 

The B4574 mountain road linking the town to Rhayader is described by the AA as one of the ten most scenic drives in the world.

 

The port of Aberystwyth, although it is small and relatively inconsequential today, used to be an important Atlantic Ocean entryway. It was used to ship locally, to Ireland and as a transatlantic departure point. Commercially, the once important Cardiganshire lead mines exported from this location.

 

The importance of maritime trade in the 19th century is reflected in the fact that a lifeboat has been based at Aberystwyth since 1843, when a 27 ft (8.2 m) boat powered by six oars was funded by public subscription and placed under the control of the harbourmaster. The RNLI took over the service in 1861 and established Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station which celebrated 150 years in 2011. The station uses the Atlantic 85-class inshore lifeboat Spirit of Friendship.

 

The Owl Service by Alan Garner, a well-known and -loved multi-award-winning classic published 1967, is set in north Wales and has two of its core characters —Gwyn and his mam (mother) Nancy— recently arrived from Aberystwyth for 3 weeks' work, with Nancy repeatedly threatening to return there immediately. They and the Welsh locals refer to it as "Aber"; the English characters use its full name.

Aberystwyth (albeit an alternative universe version) is the setting for the cult Louie Knight series by Malcolm Pryce, which transfers Chandleresque "noir" stories and dialogue to this small seaside town. This alternative reality features many landmarks of Aberystwyth, such as the University and the National Library of Wales, but the social situation is radically altered to more closely resemble the pulp/noir stereotypical "Dirty Town" that the narrative plays off. Most of the humour in the books is derived from the almost seamless juxtaposition of the real Aberystwyth and the fictional, noir Aberystwyth. Various aspects of Welsh culture are reflections of what you might expect to see in reality, but with a pulp twist – for example, prostitutes wear Welsh stovepipe hats.

Stripping Penguins Bare, the book 2 of Michael Carson's Benson Trilogy of comic novels, is set in the town and university in the 1960s.

The local writer Niall Griffiths has set many of his novels here and reflects local slang, settings, and even individuals. Grits and Sheepshagger are set wholly in Aberystwyth, which also features prominently in his other novels such as Kelly and Victor and Stump. He portrays a more gritty side of Aberystwyth.

‘Cofiwch Aberystwyth’ by science fiction writer Val Nolan, is a near-future post-apocalyptic novelette about three young urban explorers visiting Aberystwyth years after a nuclear disaster on the west coast of Wales. It was originally published in Interzone (magazine) and later anthologised in Best of British Science Fiction 2020. The title references the Cofiwch Dryweryn graffiti outside nearby Llanrhystyd, Ceredigion.

 

Television

Y Gwyll (2013–2016), a Welsh-language television programme, and the English-language version Hinterland , broadcast on S4C, BBC One Wales, BBC Four, and syndicated around the world, is set in Aberystwyth. It is filmed in and around the town, often in rural locations.

 

Film

Y Llyfrgell (2017) is an award-winning Welsh language film set in and around the National Library, which was filmed on location in 2016. The 2009 book on which it was based was released in English in 2022.

 

The following people and military units have received the Freedom of the Town of Aberystwyth.

Individuals

1912 – Sir John Williams

1912 – David Davies

1912 – Stuart Rendel

1922 – David Lloyd George

1923 – Lewis Pugh Evans

1923 – Matthew Vaughan-Davies

1923 – Sir Herbert Lewis

1928 – Stanley Baldwin

1936 – Sir David Charles Roberts

1936 – Ernest Vaughan

1951 – Winston Churchill

1956 – Sir David James

2011 – Fritz Pratschke

2015 – Jean Guezennec

 

Military Units

1955 – The Welsh Guards

 

Twinning

Arklow in Wicklow, Republic of Ireland Ireland

Kronberg im Taunus in Hesse Hesse, Germany Germany

Saint-Brieuc in Brittany Brittany, France France

Esquel in Patagonia, Argentina Argentina

So who was this Alfred Lewis Jones then. Having risen at the age of twelve as an apprentice to the Africa Steamship Company in 1857, to finally own shipping companies, coal mines and interests in the West Indies, Jamaca, and the Canary Islands. He also introduced the banana to Great Britain in 1884. He Donated a large sum of money that founded the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the first school in the world that specialised in tropicad diseases. Quite a man.

The Postcard

 

A postcard bearing no publisher's name that was posted on Monday the 15th. February 1909 to:

 

Miss E. Huxtable,

11, Upper Fleet Street,

Swansea,

South Wales.

 

The pencilled message on the divided back was as follows:

 

"Forest Gate,

London E.

Having a very pleasant

time, a whirl of excitement

in London.

Don't know when I shall

return. I will write again.

Hoping you are all well

at home.

Kind regards,

G. Hill."

 

The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London. One of the United Kingdom's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity which receives no government funding. It can seat 5,272 people.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has been affectionately named "The Nation's Village Hall".

 

Since the hall's opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage. It is the venue for the Proms concerts, which have been held there every summer since 1941.

 

It is host to more than 390 shows in the main auditorium annually, including classical, rock and pop concerts, ballet, opera, film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment, sports, awards ceremonies, school and community events, and charity performances and banquets. A further 400 events are held each year in the non-auditorium areas.

 

The hall was originally supposed to have been called the Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but the name was changed to the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences by Queen Victoria upon laying the Hall's foundation stone in 1867, in memory of her husband, Prince Albert, who had died six years earlier.

 

History of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1800's

 

In 1851 the Great Exhibition, organised by Prince Albert, was held in Hyde Park, London. The Exhibition was a success, and this led Prince Albert to propose the creation of a group of permanent facilities for the public benefit, which came to be known as Albertopolis.

 

The Exhibition's Royal Commission bought Gore House, but it was slow to act, and in 1861 Prince Albert died without having seen his ideas come to fruition. However, a memorial was proposed for Hyde Park, with a Great Hall opposite.

 

The proposal was approved, and the site was purchased with some of the profits from the Exhibition. The Hall was designed by civil engineers Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Y. D. Scott of the Royal Engineers, and built by Lucas Brothers.

 

The designers were heavily influenced by ancient amphitheatres, but had also been exposed to the ideas of Gottfried Semper while he was working at the South Kensington Museum.

 

The recently opened Cirque d'Hiver in Paris was seen in the contemporary press as the design to outdo.

 

The Hall was constructed mainly of Fareham Red Brick, with terra cotta block decoration made by Gibbs and Canning Ltd. of Tamworth.

 

The dome (designed by Rowland Mason Ordish) was made of wrought iron and glazed. There was a trial assembly of the dome's iron framework in Manchester; then it was taken apart and transported to London by horse and cart.

 

When the time came for the supporting structure to be removed from the dome after reassembly in situ, only volunteers remained on-site in case the structure collapsed. It did drop – but only by five-sixteenths of an inch (8 mm).

 

The Hall was scheduled to be completed by Christmas Day 1870, and Queen Victoria visited a few weeks beforehand to inspect.

 

The official opening ceremony of the Royal Albert Hall was on the 29th. March 1871. A welcoming speech was given by Edward, the Prince of Wales because Queen Victoria was too overcome to speak;

 

"Her only recorded comment on the

Hall was that it reminded her of the

British constitution".

 

In the concert that followed, the Hall's acoustic problems immediately became apparent. Engineers first tried to remove the strong echo by suspending a canvas awning below the dome. This helped, and also sheltered concert-goers from the sun, but the problem was not solved - it used to be jokingly said:

 

"The Hall is the only place where

a British composer could be sure

of hearing his work twice".

 

In July 1871, French organist Camille Saint-Saëns performed Church Scene from Faust by Charles Gounod; The Orchestra described him as:

 

"An exceptional and distinguished

performer ... the effect was most

marvellous."

 

Initially lit by gas, the Hall contained a special system by which thousands of gas jets were lit within ten seconds. Though it was demonstrated as early as 1873 in the Hall, full electric lighting was not installed until 1888. During an early trial when a partial installation was made, one disgruntled patron wrote to The Times, declaring it to be:

 

"A very ghastly and unpleasant

innovation".

 

In May 1877, Richard Wagner conducted the first half of each of the eight concerts which made up the Grand Wagner Festival. After his turn with the baton, he handed it over to conductor Hans Richter and sat in a large armchair on the corner of the stage for the rest of each concert. Wagner's wife Cosima, the daughter of Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer Franz Liszt, was among the audience.

 

The Wine Society was founded at the Hall on the 4th. August 1874, after large quantities of cask wine were found in the cellars. A series of lunches were held to publicise the wines, and General Henry Scott proposed a co-operative company to buy and sell wines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1900's

 

In 1906 Elsie Fogerty founded the Central School of Speech and Drama at the Hall, using its West Theatre, now the Elgar Room. The school moved to Swiss Cottage in north London in 1957. Whilst the school was based at the Royal Albert Hall, students who graduated from its classes included Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, Harold Pinter, Laurence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft.

 

In 1911 Russian pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff performed at the Hall. The recital included his 'Prelude in C-sharp minor' and 'Elegie in E-flat minor'.

 

In 1933 German physicist Albert Einstein led the 'Einstein Meeting' at the hall for the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics, a British charity.

 

In 1936, the Hall was the scene of a giant rally celebrating the British Empire on the occasion of the centenary of Joseph Chamberlain's birth.

 

In October 1942, the Hall suffered minor damage during World War II bombing, but in general was left mostly untouched as German pilots used the distinctive structure as a landmark.

 

In 1949 the canvas awning was removed and replaced with fluted aluminium panels below the glass roof, in a new attempt to cure the echo. However the acoustics were not properly tackled until 1969 when large fibreglass acoustic diffusing discs (commonly referred to as "mushrooms" or "flying saucers") were installed below the ceiling.

 

In 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and from 1969–1988 the Miss World contest was staged at the venue.

 

In 1995, Greek keyboardist Yanni performed a concert there for his World Tour; the concert was recorded under the name of Live at Royal Albert Hall.

 

From 1996 until 2004, the Hall underwent a programme of renovation and development supported by a £20 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £20m from Arts Council England to enable it to meet the demands of the next century of events and performances.

 

Thirty "discreet projects" were designed and supervised by the architecture and engineering firm BDP without disrupting events. These projects included improved ventilation to the auditorium, more bars and restaurants, improved seating, better technical facilities, and improved backstage areas. Internally, the Circle seating was rebuilt during June 1996 to provide more legroom, better access, and improved sightlines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2000's

 

The largest project of the ongoing renovation and development was the building of a new south porch – door 12, accommodating a first-floor restaurant, a new ground floor box office and a below-ground loading bay.

 

Although the exterior of the building was largely unchanged, the south steps leading down to Prince Consort Road were demolished to allow the construction of underground vehicle access and a loading bay with accommodation for three HGVs carrying all the equipment brought by shows.

 

The steps were then reconstructed around a new south porch, named The Meitar Foyer after a significant donation from Mr & Mrs Meitar. The porch was built on a similar scale and style to the three pre-existing porches at Doors 3, 6 and 9: these works were undertaken by Taylor Woodrow.

 

The original steps featured in the early scenes of the 1965 film The Ipcress File. On the 4th. June 2004, the project received the Europa Nostra Award for remarkable achievement.

 

The East (Door 3) and West (Door 9) porches were glazed, and new bars opened along with ramps to improve disabled access. The Stalls were rebuilt in a four-week period in 2000 using steel supports, thereby allowing more space underneath for two new bars.

 

1,534 unique pivoting seats were installed, with an addition of 180 prime seats. The Choirs were rebuilt at the same time.

 

The whole building was redecorated in a style that reinforces its Victorian identity. 43,000 sq. ft (4,000 m2) of new carpets were laid in the rooms, stairs, and corridors – specially woven with a border that follows the oval curve of the building.

 

Between 2002 and 2004, there was a major rebuilding of the great organ (known as the Voice of Jupiter), built by "Father" Henry Willis in 1871 and rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison in 1924 and 1933.

 

The rebuilding was performed by Mander Organs, and it is now the second-largest pipe organ in the British Isles with 9,997 pipes in 147 stops. The largest is the Grand Organ in Liverpool Cathedral which has 10,268 pipes.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2010's

 

During the first half of 2011, changes were made to the backstage areas in order to relocate and increase the size of crew catering areas under the South Steps away from the stage and to create additional dressing rooms nearer to the stage.

 

During the summer of 2012, the staff canteen and some changing areas were expanded and refurbished. From January to May the Box Office area at Door 12 underwent further modernisation to include a new Café Bar on the ground floor, a new Box Office with shop counters, and additional toilets.

 

Upon opening it was renamed 'The Zvi and Ofra Meitar Porch and Foyer.' owing to a large donation from the couple.

 

In Autumn 2013, work began on replacing the Victorian steam heating system over three years and improving and cooling across the building. This work followed the summer Proms season during which temperatures were unusually high.

 

From January the Cafe Consort on the Grand Tier was closed permanently in preparation for a new restaurant at a cost of £1 million. Verdi – Italian Kitchen was officially opened on the 15th. April with a lunch or dinner menu of stone baked pizzas, pasta, and classic desserts.

 

Design of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Hall, a Grade I listed building, is an ellipse in plan, with its external major and minor axis of 272 and 236 feet (83 and 72 meters. The great glass and wrought-iron dome roofing the Hall is 135 ft (41 m) high.

 

Below the Arena floor there is room for two 4000 gallon water tanks, which are used for shows that flood the arena like Madame Butterfly.

 

The Hall was originally designed with a capacity for 8,000 people, and has accommodated as many as 12,000 (although present-day safety restrictions mean the maximum permitted capacity is now 5,272, including standing in the Gallery.

 

Around the outside of the building is an 800–foot–long terracotta mosaic frieze, depicting "The Triumph of Arts and Sciences", in reference to the Hall's dedication. Above the frieze is an inscription in 12-inch-high (30 cm) terracotta letters that combine historical fact and Biblical quotations:

 

"This hall was erected for the advancement

of the arts and sciences and works of industry

of all nations in fulfilment of the intention of

Albert Prince Consort.

The site was purchased with the proceeds of

the Great Exhibition of the year MDCCCLI.

The first stone of the Hall was laid by Her

Majesty Queen Victoria on the twentieth day

of May MDCCCLXVII and it was opened by Her

Majesty the Twenty Ninth of March in the year

MDCCCLXXI.

Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the victory and the majesty.

For all that is in the heaven and in the earth is

Thine. The wise and their works are in the hand

of God. Glory be to God on high and on earth

peace".

 

Events at The Royal Albert Hall

 

The first concert at the Hall was Arthur Sullivan's cantata On Shore and Sea, performed on the 1st. May 1871.

 

Many events are promoted by the Hall, and since the early 1970's promoter Raymond Gubbay has brought a range of events to the Hall including opera, ballet and classical music.

 

Events also include rock concerts, conferences, banquets, ballroom dancing, poetry recitals, educational talks, motor shows, ballet, opera, film screenings and circus shows.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has hosted many sporting events, including boxing, squash, table tennis, basketball, wrestling (including the first Sumo wrestling tournament to be held in London) as well as UFC 38 (the first UFC event to be held in the UK), tennis, and even a marathon.

 

The Hall first hosted boxing in 1918, when it hosted a tournament between British and American servicemen. There was a colour bar in place at the Hall, preventing black boxers from fighting there, between 1923 and 1932.

 

Greats of British boxing such as Frank Bruno, Prince Naseem Hamed, Henry Cooper and Lennox Lewis have all appeared at the venue. The Hall's boxing history was halted in 1999 when a court ordered that boxing and wrestling matches could no longer be held at the venue. In 2011 that decision was overturned. In 2019 Nicola Adams won the WBO Flyweight title which was the first fight for a world title at the venue since Marco Antonio Barrera took on Paul Lloyd in 1999.

 

On the 6th. April 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest which was broadcast in colour for the first time. The first Miss World contest broadcast in colour was also staged at the venue in 1969, and remained at the Hall every year until 1989.

 

One notable event was a Pink Floyd concert held on the 26th. June 1969. On that night they were banned from ever playing at the Hall again after shooting cannons, nailing things to the stage, and having a man in a gorilla suit roam the audience.

 

At one point, Rick Wright went to the pipe organ and began to play "The End of the Beginning", the final part of "Saucerful of Secrets", joined by the brass section of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (led by the conductor, Norman Smith) and the ladies of the Ealing Central Amateur Choir. A portion of the pipe organ recording is included on Pink Floyd's album The Endless River.

 

On the 18th. June 1985, British Gothic rock band The Sisters of Mercy recorded their live video album Wake at the Hall.

 

Between 1996 and 2008, the Hall hosted the annual National Television Awards, all of which were hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.

 

Benefit concerts include the 1997 Music for Montserrat concert, arranged and produced by George Martin. The event featured artists such as Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Paul McCartney.

 

In 2006, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour performed at the Hall for the first time since Pink Floyd's 1969 ban. He performed as part of his On an Island Tour. The shows were filmed and used for the live video release, Remember That Night (2007).

 

Rock band The Killers recorded their first live album, Live from the Royal Albert Hall in July 2009.

 

On the 5th. April 2010, Swedish progressive metal band Opeth recorded In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, as they became the first Death metal band ever to perform at the Hall. The concert was part of the band's Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology tour, made in celebration of their 20th. anniversary.

 

In July 2011, Janet Jackson performed three sold-out shows as part of her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour.

 

On the 2nd. October 2011, the Hall staged the 25th.-anniversary performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, which was broadcast live to cinemas across the world and filmed for DVD.

 

Lloyd Webber, the original London cast including Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, and four previous actors of the titular character, among others, were in attendance – Brightman and the previous Phantoms (aside from Crawford) performed an encore.

 

On the 22nd. September 2011, Adele performed a one-night-only concert as part of her tour. The concert was filmed for DVD, and screened at cinemas in 26 cities around the world.

 

Her performance debuted at number one in the United States with 96,000 copies sold, the highest one-week tally for a music DVD in four years. After one week, it became the best-selling music DVD of 2011. As of the 28th. November 2012, it had surpassed sales of one million copies in the United States and sales of three million copies worldwide.

 

It was the first music DVD to surpass sales of one million in the USA since the Eagles' Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne in 2005.

 

The 2012 Sunflower Jam charity concert featured Queen guitarist Brian May performing alongside bassist John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple, and vocalists Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, and Alice Cooper.

 

On the 24th. September 2012, Classic FM celebrated the 20th. anniversary of their launch with a concert at the Hall. The program featured live performances of works by Handel, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Parry, Vaughan Williams, Tchaikovsky and Karl Jenkins who conducted his piece The Benedictus from The Armed Man.

 

On the 19th. November 2012, the Hall hosted the 100th.-anniversary performance of the Royal Variety Performance, attended by the HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Duke of Edinburgh, with boy-band One Direction among the performers.

 

During his Rattle That Lock Tour, David Gilmour performed at the Royal Albert Hall eleven times between September 2015 and September 2016, once in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

 

On the 13th. November 2015, Canadian musician Devin Townsend recorded his second live album Ziltoid Live at the Royal Albert Hall.

 

Kylie Minogue performed at the Royal Albert Hall on the 11th. December 2015 and the 9th. - 10th. December 2016 as part of her "A Kylie Christmas" concert series.

 

On the 3rd. May 2016, singer-songwriter and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell played at the Hall in what would become the last UK show of his life as part of his "Higher Truth" European tour.

 

Cornell performed stripped-back acoustic renditions from his back-catalogue to rave reviews, including songs from the likes of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave and his solo work. Cornell died on the 18th. May 2017.

 

On the 22nd. April 2016, British rock band Bring Me the Horizon performed and recorded their Live at the Royal Albert Hall album, with accompaniment from the Parallax Orchestra conducted by Simon Dobson.

 

At a press conference held at the Hall in October 2016, Phil Collins announced his return to live performing with his Not Dead Yet Tour, which began in June 2017. The tour included five nights at the Hall which sold out in fifteen seconds.

 

In October 2017, American rock band Alter Bridge also recorded a live album accompanied by the Parallax Orchestra with Simon Dobson.

 

Also in 2017, the Hall hosted the 70th. British Academy Film Awards, often referred to as the BAFTAs, for the first time in 20 years, replacing the Royal Opera House at which the event had been held since 2008.

 

In 2018, WWE held its second United Kingdom Championship Tournament on the 18th. and 19th. June.

 

Also in 2018, the world premiere of PlayStation in Concert was organised at the Hall. It featured PlayStation game music from the 1990's up until then. It was arranged by Jim Fowler and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

In May 2019, Mariah Carey performed 3 shows as part of her Caution World Tour. Comedian Bill Burr filmed his 2019 special Paper Tiger at the Hall. In November 2020, One Direction member Niall Horan performed a one off live-streamed show in an empty Hall (during the COVID-19 pandemic) to raise money for charity.

 

Regular Events at the Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Choral Society

 

The Royal Choral Society is the longest-running regular performer at the Hall, having given its first performance as the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society on the 8th. May 1872. From 1876, it established the annual Good Friday performance of Handel's Messiah.

 

BBC Proms

 

The BBC Sir Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, known as "The Proms", is a popular annual eight-week summer season of daily classical music concerts and other events at the Hall.

 

In 1942, following the destruction of the Queen's Hall in an air raid, the Hall was chosen as the new venue for the proms. In 1944 with increased danger to the Hall, part of the proms were held in the Bedford Corn Exchange.

 

Following the end of World War II the proms continued in the Hall, and have done so annually every summer since. The event was founded in 1895, and now each season consists of over 70 concerts, in addition to a series of events at other venues across the United Kingdom on the last night.

 

In 2009, the total number of concerts reached 100 for the first time. Jiří Bělohlávek described The Proms as:

 

"The world's largest and most

democratic musical festival".

 

Proms is a term which arose from the original practice of the audience promenading, or strolling, in some areas during the concert. Proms concert-goers, particularly those who stand, are sometimes described as "Promenaders", but are most commonly referred to as "Prommers".

 

Tennis

 

Tennis was first played at the Hall in March 1970, and the ATP Champions Tour Masters has been played annually every December since 1997.

 

Classical Spectacular

 

Classical Spectacular, a Raymond Gubbay production, has been coming to the Hall since 1988. It combines popular classical music, lights and special effects.

 

Cirque du Soleil

 

Cirque du Soleil has performed annually, with a show being staged every January, since 2003. Cirque has had to adapt many of their touring shows to perform at the venue, modifying the set, usually built for arenas or big top tents instead.

 

Classic Brit Awards

 

Since 2000, the Classic Brit Awards has been hosted annually in May at the Hall. It is organised by the British Phonographic Industry.

 

Festival of Remembrance

 

The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is held annually the day before Remembrance Sunday.

 

Institute of Directors

 

For 60 years the Institute of Directors' Annual Convention has been synonymous with the Hall, although in 2011 and 2012 it was held at indigO2.

 

The English National Ballet

 

Since 1998 the English National Ballet has had several specially staged arena summer seasons in partnership with the Hall and Raymond Gubbay. These include Strictly Gershwin, June 2008 and 2011, Swan Lake, June 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013, Romeo & Juliet, June 2001 and 2005, and The Sleeping Beauty, April - June 2000.

 

Teenage Cancer Trust

 

Starting in the year 2000 the Teenage Cancer Trust has held annual charity concerts (with the exception of 2001). They started as a one-off event, but have expanded over the years to a week or more of evening events. Roger Daltrey of the Who has been intimately involved with the planning of the events.

 

Graduation Ceremonies

 

The Hall is used annually by the neighbouring Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art for graduation ceremonies. For several years the University of London and Kingston University also held their graduation ceremonies at the Hall.

 

Films, Premières and Live Orchestra Screenings

 

The venue has screened several films since the early silent days. It was the only London venue to show William Fox's The Queen of Sheba in the 1920's.

 

The Hall has hosted many premières, including the UK première of Fritz Lang's Die Nibelungen, 101 Dalmatians on the 4th. December 1996, the European première of Spandau Ballet's Soul Boys of the Western World, and three James Bond royal world premières - Die Another Day on the 18th. November 2002 (attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip), Skyfall on the 23rd. October 2012 (attended by Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall), and Spectre on the 26th. October 2015 (attended by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge).

 

The Hall held the first 3D world première of Titanic 3D, on the 27th. March 2012, with James Cameron and Kate Winslet in attendance.

 

Since 2009, the Hall has also curated regular seasons of English-language film-and-live-orchestra screenings, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gladiator, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Interstellar, The Matrix, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Back to the Future, Jaws, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and the world première of Titanic Live in Concert.

 

The only non-English-language movie to have been screened at the Hall is Baahubali: The Beginning (an Indian movie in Telugu and Tamil, but premiered with the Hindi dubbed version).

 

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

 

The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, one of the most prestigious prizes in the annual brass band contesting calendar, holds the Final of the Championship section at the Royal Albert Hall each October.

 

Beyond the Main Stage

 

The Hall hosts hundreds of events and activities beyond its main auditorium. There are regular free art exhibitions in the ground floor Amphi corridor, which can be viewed when attending events or on dedicated viewing dates.

 

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Hall on most days. The most common is the one-hour Grand Tour which includes most front-of-house areas, the auditorium, the Gallery and the Royal Retiring Room.

 

Other tours include Story of the Proms, Behind the Scenes, Inside Out and School tours.

 

Children's events include Storytelling and Music Sessions for ages four and under. These take place in the Door 9 Porch and Albert's Band sessions in the Elgar Room during school holidays.

 

"Live Music in Verdi" takes place in the Italian restaurant on a Friday night featuring different artists each week.

 

"Late Night Jazz" events in the Elgar Room, generally on a Thursday night, feature cabaret-style seating and a relaxed atmosphere with drinks available.

 

"Classical Coffee Mornings" are held on Sundays in the Elgar Room with musicians from the Royal College of Music accompanied with drinks and pastries.

 

Sunday brunch events take place in Verdi Italian restaurant and feature different genres of music.

 

Regular Performers at the Royal Albert Hall

 

Eric Clapton is a regular performer at the Hall. Since 1964, Clapton has performed at the Hall over 200 times, and has stated that performing at the venue is: "Like playing in my front room".

 

In December 1964, Clapton made his first appearance at the Hall with the Yardbirds. It was also the venue for his band Cream's farewell concerts in 1968 and reunion shows in 2005. He also instigated the Concert for George, which was held at the Hall on the 29th. November 2002 to pay tribute to Clapton's lifelong friend, former Beatle George Harrison. Clapton passed 200 shows at the Hall in 2015.

 

David Gilmour played at the Hall in support of two solo albums, while also releasing a live concert on September 2006 entitled Remember That Night which was recorded during his three nights playing at the Hall for his 2006 On an Island tour.

 

Notable guests were Robert Wyatt and David Bowie (who sang lead for "Arnold Layne" and "Comfortably Numb"). The live concert was televised by BBC One on the 9th. September 2007.

 

Gilmour returned to the Hall for four nights in September 2016 (where he was joined on stage by Benedict Cumberbatch for "Comfortably Numb"), having previously played five nights in 2015, to end his 34-day Rattle That Lock Tour. He also made an appearance on the 24th. April 2016 as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust event.

 

Shirley Bassey is one of the Hall's most prolific female headline performers, having appeared many times at the Hall since the 1970's. In 2001, she sang "Happy Birthday" for the Duke of Edinburgh's 80th. birthday concert. In 2007, she sang at Fashion Rocks in aid of the Prince's Trust.

 

On the 30th. March 2011, she sang at a gala celebrating the 80th. birthday of Mikhail Gorbachev. In May 2011, she performed at the Classic Brit Awards, singing "Goldfinger" in tribute to the recently deceased composer John Barry. On the 20th. June 2011, she returned and sang "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Goldfinger", accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as the climax to the memorial concert for Barry.

 

James Last appeared 90 times at the Hall between 1973 and 2015, making him the most frequent non–British performer to have played the venue.

 

Education and Outreach Programme

 

The Hall's education and outreach programme engages with more than 200,000 people a year. It includes workshops for local teenagers led by musicians such as Foals, Jake Bugg, Emeli Sandé, Nicola Benedetti, Alison Balsom and First Aid Kit, innovative science and maths lessons, visits to local residential homes from the venue's in-house group, Albert's Band, under the 'Songbook' banner, and the Friendship Matinee: an orchestral concert for community groups, with £5 admission.

 

Mis-labellings

 

A famous and widely bootlegged concert by Bob Dylan at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester on the 17th. May 1966 was mistakenly labelled the "Royal Albert Hall Concert".

 

In 1998, Columbia Records released an official recording, The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966, The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert. It maintains the erroneous title but does include details of the actual location.

 

Recordings from the Royal Albert Hall concerts on the 26th. and 27th. May 1966 were finally released by the artist in 2016 as The Real Royal Albert Hall 1966 Concert.

 

Another concert mislabelled as being at the Hall was by Creedence Clearwater Revival. An album by them entitled The Royal Albert Hall Concert was released in 1980. When Fantasy Records discovered the show on the album actually took place at the Oakland Coliseum, it retitled the album The Concert.

 

Pop Culture References

 

A large mural by Peter Blake, entitled Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, is displayed in the Hall's Café Bar. Unveiled in April 2014, it shows more than 400 famous figures who have appeared on the stage.

 

In 1955, English film director Alfred Hitchcock filmed the climax of The Man Who Knew Too Much at the Hall. The 15-minute sequence featured James Stewart, Doris Day and composer Bernard Herrmann, and was filmed partly in the Queen's Box.

 

Hitchcock was a long-time patron of the Hall and had already set the finale of his 1927 film, The Ring at the Hall, as well as his initial version of The Man Who Knew Too Much, starring Leslie Banks, Edna Best and Peter Lorre.

 

Other notable films shot at the Hall include Major Barbara, Love Story, The Seventh Veil, The Ipcress File, A Touch of Class, Shine, and Spice World.

 

In the song "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles, the Albert Hall is mentioned. The verse goes as follows:

 

"I read the news today, oh boy

four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire

and though the holes were rather small

they had to count them all

now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall

I'd love to turn you on".

 

The song "Session Man" by The Kinks references the Hall:

 

"He never will forget at all

The day he played at Albert Hall".

 

In the song "Shame" by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, Barlow mentions the Hall in his verse:

 

"I read your mind and tried to call,

my tears could fill the Albert Hall".

 

Arizona and New Mexico

 

So what else happened on the day that the card was posted?

 

Well, on the 15th. February 1909, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill for statehood for the territories of Arizona and New Mexico.

 

The Senate Territories Committee tabled the bill on the 27th. February 1909 after Minnesota's Senator Knute Nelson charged that New Mexican officials were corrupt. The two states were admitted in 1912.

 

The Arizona Rangers

 

Also on that day, the Arizona Territorial Legislature voted to abolish the eight-year old Arizona Rangers, a law enforcement body modeled after the Texas Rangers.

 

Since the creation of the Arizona Rangers on the 13th. March 1901, 107 men had served as Rangers.

 

Miep Gies

 

The 15th. February 1909 also marked the birth in Vienna of Miep Gies.

 

Miep was an Austrian-born Dutch humanitarian who helped hide Anne Frank and preserved her diary. Miep died in 2010.

The Postcard

 

A postally unused postcard that was published by C. W. Faulkner & Co. of London E.C. The card was printed in Germany.

 

Although the card was not posted, someone has written the following on the divided back:

 

"Dear Mary,

Thank you very much.

From M. Arnold.

22-8-05."

 

The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London. One of the United Kingdom's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity which receives no government funding. It can seat 5,272 people.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has been affectionately named "The Nation's Village Hall".

 

Since the hall's opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage. It is the venue for the Proms concerts, which have been held there every summer since 1941.

 

It is host to more than 390 shows in the main auditorium annually, including classical, rock and pop concerts, ballet, opera, film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment, sports, awards ceremonies, school and community events, and charity performances and banquets. A further 400 events are held each year in the non-auditorium areas.

 

The hall was originally supposed to have been called the Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but the name was changed to the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences by Queen Victoria upon laying the Hall's foundation stone in 1867, in memory of her husband, Prince Albert, who had died six years earlier.

 

History of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1800's

 

In 1851 the Great Exhibition, organised by Prince Albert, was held in Hyde Park, London. The Exhibition was a success, and this led Prince Albert to propose the creation of a group of permanent facilities for the public benefit, which came to be known as Albertopolis.

 

The Exhibition's Royal Commission bought Gore House, but it was slow to act, and in 1861 Prince Albert died without having seen his ideas come to fruition. However, a memorial was proposed for Hyde Park, with a Great Hall opposite.

 

The proposal was approved, and the site was purchased with some of the profits from the Exhibition. The Hall was designed by civil engineers Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Y. D. Scott of the Royal Engineers, and built by Lucas Brothers.

 

The designers were heavily influenced by ancient amphitheatres, but had also been exposed to the ideas of Gottfried Semper while he was working at the South Kensington Museum.

 

The recently opened Cirque d'Hiver in Paris was seen in the contemporary press as the design to outdo.

 

The Hall was constructed mainly of Fareham Red Brick, with terra cotta block decoration made by Gibbs and Canning Ltd. of Tamworth.

 

The dome (designed by Rowland Mason Ordish) was made of wrought iron and glazed. There was a trial assembly of the dome's iron framework in Manchester; then it was taken apart and transported to London by horse and cart.

 

When the time came for the supporting structure to be removed from the dome after reassembly in situ, only volunteers remained on-site in case the structure collapsed. It did drop – but only by five-sixteenths of an inch (8 mm).

 

The Hall was scheduled to be completed by Christmas Day 1870, and Queen Victoria visited a few weeks beforehand to inspect.

 

The official opening ceremony of the Royal Albert Hall was on the 29th. March 1871. A welcoming speech was given by Edward, the Prince of Wales because Queen Victoria was too overcome to speak;

 

"Her only recorded comment on the

Hall was that it reminded her of the

British constitution".

 

In the concert that followed, the Hall's acoustic problems immediately became apparent. Engineers first tried to remove the strong echo by suspending a canvas awning below the dome. This helped, and also sheltered concert-goers from the sun, but the problem was not solved - it used to be jokingly said:

 

"The Hall is the only place where

a British composer could be sure

of hearing his work twice".

 

In July 1871, French organist Camille Saint-Saëns performed Church Scene from Faust by Charles Gounod; The Orchestra described him as:

 

"An exceptional and distinguished

performer ... the effect was most

marvellous."

 

Initially lit by gas, the Hall contained a special system by which thousands of gas jets were lit within ten seconds. Though it was demonstrated as early as 1873 in the Hall, full electric lighting was not installed until 1888. During an early trial when a partial installation was made, one disgruntled patron wrote to The Times, declaring it to be:

 

"A very ghastly and unpleasant

innovation".

 

In May 1877, Richard Wagner conducted the first half of each of the eight concerts which made up the Grand Wagner Festival. After his turn with the baton, he handed it over to conductor Hans Richter and sat in a large armchair on the corner of the stage for the rest of each concert. Wagner's wife Cosima, the daughter of Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer Franz Liszt, was among the audience.

 

The Wine Society was founded at the Hall on the 4th. August 1874, after large quantities of cask wine were found in the cellars. A series of lunches were held to publicise the wines, and General Henry Scott proposed a co-operative company to buy and sell wines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1900's

 

In 1906 Elsie Fogerty founded the Central School of Speech and Drama at the Hall, using its West Theatre, now the Elgar Room. The school moved to Swiss Cottage in north London in 1957. Whilst the school was based at the Royal Albert Hall, students who graduated from its classes included Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, Harold Pinter, Laurence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft.

 

In 1911 Russian pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff performed at the Hall. The recital included his 'Prelude in C-sharp minor' and 'Elegie in E-flat minor'.

 

In 1933 German physicist Albert Einstein led the 'Einstein Meeting' at the hall for the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics, a British charity.

 

In 1936, the Hall was the scene of a giant rally celebrating the British Empire on the occasion of the centenary of Joseph Chamberlain's birth.

 

In October 1942, the Hall suffered minor damage during World War II bombing, but in general was left mostly untouched as German pilots used the distinctive structure as a landmark.

 

In 1949 the canvas awning was removed and replaced with fluted aluminium panels below the glass roof, in a new attempt to cure the echo. However the acoustics were not properly tackled until 1969 when large fibreglass acoustic diffusing discs (commonly referred to as "mushrooms" or "flying saucers") were installed below the ceiling.

 

In 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and from 1969–1988 the Miss World contest was staged at the venue.

 

In 1995, Greek keyboardist Yanni performed a concert there for his World Tour; the concert was recorded under the name of Live at Royal Albert Hall.

 

From 1996 until 2004, the Hall underwent a programme of renovation and development supported by a £20 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £20m from Arts Council England to enable it to meet the demands of the next century of events and performances.

 

Thirty "discreet projects" were designed and supervised by the architecture and engineering firm BDP without disrupting events. These projects included improved ventilation to the auditorium, more bars and restaurants, improved seating, better technical facilities, and improved backstage areas. Internally, the Circle seating was rebuilt during June 1996 to provide more legroom, better access, and improved sightlines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2000's

 

The largest project of the ongoing renovation and development was the building of a new south porch – door 12, accommodating a first-floor restaurant, a new ground floor box office and a below-ground loading bay.

 

Although the exterior of the building was largely unchanged, the south steps leading down to Prince Consort Road were demolished to allow the construction of underground vehicle access and a loading bay with accommodation for three HGVs carrying all the equipment brought by shows.

 

The steps were then reconstructed around a new south porch, named The Meitar Foyer after a significant donation from Mr & Mrs Meitar. The porch was built on a similar scale and style to the three pre-existing porches at Doors 3, 6 and 9: these works were undertaken by Taylor Woodrow.

 

The original steps featured in the early scenes of the 1965 film The Ipcress File. On the 4th. June 2004, the project received the Europa Nostra Award for remarkable achievement.

 

The East (Door 3) and West (Door 9) porches were glazed, and new bars opened along with ramps to improve disabled access. The Stalls were rebuilt in a four-week period in 2000 using steel supports, thereby allowing more space underneath for two new bars.

 

1,534 unique pivoting seats were installed, with an addition of 180 prime seats. The Choirs were rebuilt at the same time.

 

The whole building was redecorated in a style that reinforces its Victorian identity. 43,000 sq. ft (4,000 m2) of new carpets were laid in the rooms, stairs, and corridors – specially woven with a border that follows the oval curve of the building.

 

Between 2002 and 2004, there was a major rebuilding of the great organ (known as the Voice of Jupiter), built by "Father" Henry Willis in 1871 and rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison in 1924 and 1933.

 

The rebuilding was performed by Mander Organs, and it is now the second-largest pipe organ in the British Isles with 9,997 pipes in 147 stops. The largest is the Grand Organ in Liverpool Cathedral which has 10,268 pipes.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2010's

 

During the first half of 2011, changes were made to the backstage areas in order to relocate and increase the size of crew catering areas under the South Steps away from the stage and to create additional dressing rooms nearer to the stage.

 

During the summer of 2012, the staff canteen and some changing areas were expanded and refurbished. From January to May the Box Office area at Door 12 underwent further modernisation to include a new Café Bar on the ground floor, a new Box Office with shop counters, and additional toilets.

 

Upon opening it was renamed 'The Zvi and Ofra Meitar Porch and Foyer.' owing to a large donation from the couple.

 

In Autumn 2013, work began on replacing the Victorian steam heating system over three years and improving and cooling across the building. This work followed the summer Proms season during which temperatures were unusually high.

 

From January the Cafe Consort on the Grand Tier was closed permanently in preparation for a new restaurant at a cost of £1 million. Verdi – Italian Kitchen was officially opened on the 15th. April with a lunch or dinner menu of stone baked pizzas, pasta, and classic desserts.

 

Design of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Hall, a Grade I listed building, is an ellipse in plan, with its external major and minor axis of 272 and 236 feet (83 and 72 meters. The great glass and wrought-iron dome roofing the Hall is 135 ft (41 m) high.

 

Below the Arena floor there is room for two 4000 gallon water tanks, which are used for shows that flood the arena like Madame Butterfly.

 

The Hall was originally designed with a capacity for 8,000 people, and has accommodated as many as 12,000 (although present-day safety restrictions mean the maximum permitted capacity is now 5,272, including standing in the Gallery.

 

Around the outside of the building is an 800–foot–long terracotta mosaic frieze, depicting "The Triumph of Arts and Sciences", in reference to the Hall's dedication. Above the frieze is an inscription in 12-inch-high (30 cm) terracotta letters that combine historical fact and Biblical quotations:

 

"This hall was erected for the advancement

of the arts and sciences and works of industry

of all nations in fulfilment of the intention of

Albert Prince Consort.

The site was purchased with the proceeds of

the Great Exhibition of the year MDCCCLI.

The first stone of the Hall was laid by Her

Majesty Queen Victoria on the twentieth day

of May MDCCCLXVII and it was opened by Her

Majesty the Twenty Ninth of March in the year

MDCCCLXXI.

Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the victory and the majesty.

For all that is in the heaven and in the earth is

Thine. The wise and their works are in the hand

of God. Glory be to God on high and on earth

peace".

 

Events at The Royal Albert Hall

 

The first concert at the Hall was Arthur Sullivan's cantata On Shore and Sea, performed on the 1st. May 1871.

 

Many events are promoted by the Hall, and since the early 1970's promoter Raymond Gubbay has brought a range of events to the Hall including opera, ballet and classical music.

 

Events also include rock concerts, conferences, banquets, ballroom dancing, poetry recitals, educational talks, motor shows, ballet, opera, film screenings and circus shows.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has hosted many sporting events, including boxing, squash, table tennis, basketball, wrestling (including the first Sumo wrestling tournament to be held in London) as well as UFC 38 (the first UFC event to be held in the UK), tennis, and even a marathon.

 

The Hall first hosted boxing in 1918, when it hosted a tournament between British and American servicemen. There was a colour bar in place at the Hall, preventing black boxers from fighting there, between 1923 and 1932.

 

Greats of British boxing such as Frank Bruno, Prince Naseem Hamed, Henry Cooper and Lennox Lewis have all appeared at the venue. The Hall's boxing history was halted in 1999 when a court ordered that boxing and wrestling matches could no longer be held at the venue. In 2011 that decision was overturned. In 2019 Nicola Adams won the WBO Flyweight title which was the first fight for a world title at the venue since Marco Antonio Barrera took on Paul Lloyd in 1999.

 

On the 6th. April 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest which was broadcast in colour for the first time. The first Miss World contest broadcast in colour was also staged at the venue in 1969, and remained at the Hall every year until 1989.

 

One notable event was a Pink Floyd concert held on the 26th. June 1969. On that night they were banned from ever playing at the Hall again after shooting cannons, nailing things to the stage, and having a man in a gorilla suit roam the audience.

 

At one point, Rick Wright went to the pipe organ and began to play "The End of the Beginning", the final part of "Saucerful of Secrets", joined by the brass section of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (led by the conductor, Norman Smith) and the ladies of the Ealing Central Amateur Choir. A portion of the pipe organ recording is included on Pink Floyd's album The Endless River.

 

On the 18th. June 1985, British Gothic rock band The Sisters of Mercy recorded their live video album Wake at the Hall.

 

Between 1996 and 2008, the Hall hosted the annual National Television Awards, all of which were hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.

 

Benefit concerts include the 1997 Music for Montserrat concert, arranged and produced by George Martin. The event featured artists such as Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Paul McCartney.

 

In 2006, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour performed at the Hall for the first time since Pink Floyd's 1969 ban. He performed as part of his On an Island Tour. The shows were filmed and used for the live video release, Remember That Night (2007).

 

Rock band The Killers recorded their first live album, Live from the Royal Albert Hall in July 2009.

 

On the 5th. April 2010, Swedish progressive metal band Opeth recorded In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, as they became the first Death metal band ever to perform at the Hall. The concert was part of the band's Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology tour, made in celebration of their 20th. anniversary.

 

In July 2011, Janet Jackson performed three sold-out shows as part of her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour.

 

On the 2nd. October 2011, the Hall staged the 25th.-anniversary performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, which was broadcast live to cinemas across the world and filmed for DVD.

 

Lloyd Webber, the original London cast including Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, and four previous actors of the titular character, among others, were in attendance – Brightman and the previous Phantoms (aside from Crawford) performed an encore.

 

On the 22nd. September 2011, Adele performed a one-night-only concert as part of her tour. The concert was filmed for DVD, and screened at cinemas in 26 cities around the world.

 

Her performance debuted at number one in the United States with 96,000 copies sold, the highest one-week tally for a music DVD in four years. After one week, it became the best-selling music DVD of 2011. As of the 28th. November 2012, it had surpassed sales of one million copies in the United States and sales of three million copies worldwide.

 

It was the first music DVD to surpass sales of one million in the USA since the Eagles' Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne in 2005.

 

The 2012 Sunflower Jam charity concert featured Queen guitarist Brian May performing alongside bassist John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple, and vocalists Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, and Alice Cooper.

 

On the 24th. September 2012, Classic FM celebrated the 20th. anniversary of their launch with a concert at the Hall. The program featured live performances of works by Handel, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Parry, Vaughan Williams, Tchaikovsky and Karl Jenkins who conducted his piece The Benedictus from The Armed Man.

 

On the 19th. November 2012, the Hall hosted the 100th.-anniversary performance of the Royal Variety Performance, attended by the HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Duke of Edinburgh, with boy-band One Direction among the performers.

 

During his Rattle That Lock Tour, David Gilmour performed at the Royal Albert Hall eleven times between September 2015 and September 2016, once in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

 

On the 13th. November 2015, Canadian musician Devin Townsend recorded his second live album Ziltoid Live at the Royal Albert Hall.

 

Kylie Minogue performed at the Royal Albert Hall on the 11th. December 2015 and the 9th. - 10th. December 2016 as part of her "A Kylie Christmas" concert series.

 

On the 3rd. May 2016, singer-songwriter and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell played at the Hall in what would become the last UK show of his life as part of his "Higher Truth" European tour.

 

Cornell performed stripped-back acoustic renditions from his back-catalogue to rave reviews, including songs from the likes of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave and his solo work. Cornell died on the 18th. May 2017.

 

On the 22nd. April 2016, British rock band Bring Me the Horizon performed and recorded their Live at the Royal Albert Hall album, with accompaniment from the Parallax Orchestra conducted by Simon Dobson.

 

At a press conference held at the Hall in October 2016, Phil Collins announced his return to live performing with his Not Dead Yet Tour, which began in June 2017. The tour included five nights at the Hall which sold out in fifteen seconds.

 

In October 2017, American rock band Alter Bridge also recorded a live album accompanied by the Parallax Orchestra with Simon Dobson.

 

Also in 2017, the Hall hosted the 70th. British Academy Film Awards, often referred to as the BAFTAs, for the first time in 20 years, replacing the Royal Opera House at which the event had been held since 2008.

 

In 2018, WWE held its second United Kingdom Championship Tournament on the 18th. and 19th. June.

 

Also in 2018, the world premiere of PlayStation in Concert was organised at the Hall. It featured PlayStation game music from the 1990's up until then. It was arranged by Jim Fowler and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

In May 2019, Mariah Carey performed 3 shows as part of her Caution World Tour. Comedian Bill Burr filmed his 2019 special Paper Tiger at the Hall. In November 2020, One Direction member Niall Horan performed a one off live-streamed show in an empty Hall (during the COVID-19 pandemic) to raise money for charity.

 

Regular Events at the Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Choral Society

 

The Royal Choral Society is the longest-running regular performer at the Hall, having given its first performance as the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society on the 8th. May 1872. From 1876, it established the annual Good Friday performance of Handel's Messiah.

 

BBC Proms

 

The BBC Sir Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, known as "The Proms", is a popular annual eight-week summer season of daily classical music concerts and other events at the Hall.

 

In 1942, following the destruction of the Queen's Hall in an air raid, the Hall was chosen as the new venue for the proms. In 1944 with increased danger to the Hall, part of the proms were held in the Bedford Corn Exchange.

 

Following the end of World War II the proms continued in the Hall, and have done so annually every summer since. The event was founded in 1895, and now each season consists of over 70 concerts, in addition to a series of events at other venues across the United Kingdom on the last night.

 

In 2009, the total number of concerts reached 100 for the first time. Jiří Bělohlávek described The Proms as:

 

"The world's largest and most

democratic musical festival".

 

Proms is a term which arose from the original practice of the audience promenading, or strolling, in some areas during the concert. Proms concert-goers, particularly those who stand, are sometimes described as "Promenaders", but are most commonly referred to as "Prommers".

 

Tennis

 

Tennis was first played at the Hall in March 1970, and the ATP Champions Tour Masters has been played annually every December since 1997.

 

Classical Spectacular

 

Classical Spectacular, a Raymond Gubbay production, has been coming to the Hall since 1988. It combines popular classical music, lights and special effects.

 

Cirque du Soleil

 

Cirque du Soleil has performed annually, with a show being staged every January, since 2003. Cirque has had to adapt many of their touring shows to perform at the venue, modifying the set, usually built for arenas or big top tents instead.

 

Classic Brit Awards

 

Since 2000, the Classic Brit Awards has been hosted annually in May at the Hall. It is organised by the British Phonographic Industry.

 

Festival of Remembrance

 

The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is held annually the day before Remembrance Sunday.

 

Institute of Directors

 

For 60 years the Institute of Directors' Annual Convention has been synonymous with the Hall, although in 2011 and 2012 it was held at indigO2.

 

The English National Ballet

 

Since 1998 the English National Ballet has had several specially staged arena summer seasons in partnership with the Hall and Raymond Gubbay. These include Strictly Gershwin, June 2008 and 2011, Swan Lake, June 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013, Romeo & Juliet, June 2001 and 2005, and The Sleeping Beauty, April - June 2000.

 

Teenage Cancer Trust

 

Starting in the year 2000 the Teenage Cancer Trust has held annual charity concerts (with the exception of 2001). They started as a one-off event, but have expanded over the years to a week or more of evening events. Roger Daltrey of the Who has been intimately involved with the planning of the events.

 

Graduation Ceremonies

 

The Hall is used annually by the neighbouring Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art for graduation ceremonies. For several years the University of London and Kingston University also held their graduation ceremonies at the Hall.

 

Films, Premières and Live Orchestra Screenings

 

The venue has screened several films since the early silent days. It was the only London venue to show William Fox's The Queen of Sheba in the 1920's.

 

The Hall has hosted many premières, including the UK première of Fritz Lang's Die Nibelungen, 101 Dalmatians on the 4th. December 1996, the European première of Spandau Ballet's Soul Boys of the Western World, and three James Bond royal world premières - Die Another Day on the 18th. November 2002 (attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip), Skyfall on the 23rd. October 2012 (attended by Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall), and Spectre on the 26th. October 2015 (attended by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge).

 

The Hall held the first 3D world première of Titanic 3D, on the 27th. March 2012, with James Cameron and Kate Winslet in attendance.

 

Since 2009, the Hall has also curated regular seasons of English-language film-and-live-orchestra screenings, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gladiator, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Interstellar, The Matrix, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Back to the Future, Jaws, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and the world première of Titanic Live in Concert.

 

The only non-English-language movie to have been screened at the Hall is Baahubali: The Beginning (an Indian movie in Telugu and Tamil, but premiered with the Hindi dubbed version).

 

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

 

The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, one of the most prestigious prizes in the annual brass band contesting calendar, holds the Final of the Championship section at the Royal Albert Hall each October.

 

Beyond the Main Stage

 

The Hall hosts hundreds of events and activities beyond its main auditorium. There are regular free art exhibitions in the ground floor Amphi corridor, which can be viewed when attending events or on dedicated viewing dates.

 

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Hall on most days. The most common is the one-hour Grand Tour which includes most front-of-house areas, the auditorium, the Gallery and the Royal Retiring Room.

 

Other tours include Story of the Proms, Behind the Scenes, Inside Out and School tours.

 

Children's events include Storytelling and Music Sessions for ages four and under. These take place in the Door 9 Porch and Albert's Band sessions in the Elgar Room during school holidays.

 

"Live Music in Verdi" takes place in the Italian restaurant on a Friday night featuring different artists each week.

 

"Late Night Jazz" events in the Elgar Room, generally on a Thursday night, feature cabaret-style seating and a relaxed atmosphere with drinks available.

 

"Classical Coffee Mornings" are held on Sundays in the Elgar Room with musicians from the Royal College of Music accompanied with drinks and pastries.

 

Sunday brunch events take place in Verdi Italian restaurant and feature different genres of music.

 

Regular Performers at the Royal Albert Hall

 

Eric Clapton is a regular performer at the Hall. Since 1964, Clapton has performed at the Hall over 200 times, and has stated that performing at the venue is: "Like playing in my front room".

 

In December 1964, Clapton made his first appearance at the Hall with the Yardbirds. It was also the venue for his band Cream's farewell concerts in 1968 and reunion shows in 2005. He also instigated the Concert for George, which was held at the Hall on the 29th. November 2002 to pay tribute to Clapton's lifelong friend, former Beatle George Harrison. Clapton passed 200 shows at the Hall in 2015.

 

David Gilmour played at the Hall in support of two solo albums, while also releasing a live concert on September 2006 entitled Remember That Night which was recorded during his three nights playing at the Hall for his 2006 On an Island tour.

 

Notable guests were Robert Wyatt and David Bowie (who sang lead for "Arnold Layne" and "Comfortably Numb"). The live concert was televised by BBC One on the 9th. September 2007.

 

Gilmour returned to the Hall for four nights in September 2016 (where he was joined on stage by Benedict Cumberbatch for "Comfortably Numb"), having previously played five nights in 2015, to end his 34-day Rattle That Lock Tour. He also made an appearance on the 24th. April 2016 as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust event.

 

Shirley Bassey is one of the Hall's most prolific female headline performers, having appeared many times at the Hall since the 1970's. In 2001, she sang "Happy Birthday" for the Duke of Edinburgh's 80th. birthday concert. In 2007, she sang at Fashion Rocks in aid of the Prince's Trust.

 

On the 30th. March 2011, she sang at a gala celebrating the 80th. birthday of Mikhail Gorbachev. In May 2011, she performed at the Classic Brit Awards, singing "Goldfinger" in tribute to the recently deceased composer John Barry. On the 20th. June 2011, she returned and sang "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Goldfinger", accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as the climax to the memorial concert for Barry.

 

James Last appeared 90 times at the Hall between 1973 and 2015, making him the most frequent non–British performer to have played the venue.

 

Education and Outreach Programme

 

The Hall's education and outreach programme engages with more than 200,000 people a year. It includes workshops for local teenagers led by musicians such as Foals, Jake Bugg, Emeli Sandé, Nicola Benedetti, Alison Balsom and First Aid Kit, innovative science and maths lessons, visits to local residential homes from the venue's in-house group, Albert's Band, under the 'Songbook' banner, and the Friendship Matinee: an orchestral concert for community groups, with £5 admission.

 

Mis-labellings

 

A famous and widely bootlegged concert by Bob Dylan at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester on the 17th. May 1966 was mistakenly labelled the "Royal Albert Hall Concert".

 

In 1998, Columbia Records released an official recording, The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966, The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert. It maintains the erroneous title but does include details of the actual location.

 

Recordings from the Royal Albert Hall concerts on the 26th. and 27th. May 1966 were finally released by the artist in 2016 as The Real Royal Albert Hall 1966 Concert.

 

Another concert mislabelled as being at the Hall was by Creedence Clearwater Revival. An album by them entitled The Royal Albert Hall Concert was released in 1980. When Fantasy Records discovered the show on the album actually took place at the Oakland Coliseum, it retitled the album The Concert.

 

Pop Culture References

 

A large mural by Peter Blake, entitled Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, is displayed in the Hall's Café Bar. Unveiled in April 2014, it shows more than 400 famous figures who have appeared on the stage.

 

In 1955, English film director Alfred Hitchcock filmed the climax of The Man Who Knew Too Much at the Hall. The 15-minute sequence featured James Stewart, Doris Day and composer Bernard Herrmann, and was filmed partly in the Queen's Box.

 

Hitchcock was a long-time patron of the Hall and had already set the finale of his 1927 film, The Ring at the Hall, as well as his initial version of The Man Who Knew Too Much, starring Leslie Banks, Edna Best and Peter Lorre.

 

Other notable films shot at the Hall include Major Barbara, Love Story, The Seventh Veil, The Ipcress File, A Touch of Class, Shine, and Spice World.

 

In the song "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles, the Albert Hall is mentioned. The verse goes as follows:

 

"I read the news today, oh boy

four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire

and though the holes were rather small

they had to count them all

now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall

I'd love to turn you on".

 

The song "Session Man" by The Kinks references the Hall:

 

"He never will forget at all

The day he played at Albert Hall".

 

In the song "Shame" by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, Barlow mentions the Hall in his verse:

 

"I read your mind and tried to call,

my tears could fill the Albert Hall".

 

The Minox Subminiature Camera

 

So what else happened on Tuesday the 22nd. August 1905?

 

Well, the day marked the birth in Riga, Russian Empire (now Latvia), of Walter Zapp.

 

Walter was an inventor whose greatest creation was the Minox subminiature camera.

 

In 1932, while living in Estonia, Walter began developing the subminiature camera by first creating wooden models, which led to the first prototype in 1936. It was introduced to the market in 1938.

 

Minox cameras were made by VEF (Valsts Elektrotehniskā Fabrika) in Latvia. VEF ultimately made 17,000 Minox cameras.

 

During the Spring 1941 Resettlement of Baltic Germans, Walter Zapp moved to Germany. From 1941 to 1945, he worked on the development of electron microscopy for AEG in Berlin.

 

After World War II, in 1945, he founded the Minox GmbH in Wetzlar, Germany. The company still exists.

 

The innovative design and technical solutions of Zapp's camera were patented around the world. VEF received 66 patents in 18 countries for Zapp's inventions.

 

Later in the 1960's, Zapp was named as the inventor in several patents granted to Minox GmbH for improvements and modifications to a subminiature camera. In the beginning of the 1990's, Zapp patented his last invention, the Minox T8 pocket telescope.

 

Eesti Post issued a Europa postage stamp in 1994 to commemorate Walter Zapp and his patented invention (Estonian patent No. 2628), the Minox subminiature camera.

 

In 2001, Walter Zapp received an honorary doctorate of the Latvian Academy of Sciences and was decorated with the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana for his special services to the Republic of Estonia.

 

The Death of Walter Zapp

 

Walter died at the age of 97 in Binningen near Basel, Switzerland on the 17th. July 2003.

The Postcard

 

A postally unused Valentine's Series postcard. Having modestly stated on the back of the card that they are 'Famous Throughout the World' and that the image is a real photograph, they go on to say:

 

'The Albert Hall, Kensington,

capable of holding 8,000

persons, is the scene of many

great concerts and gatherings'.

 

Although the card was not posted, someone has written "April 1942" on the back, which is presumably the month in which they visited the Albert Hall.

 

Note the poster for Hiawatha. This was a dramatised version of Scenes from the Song of Hiawatha (1898-1900) by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912). The text was by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and it was produced by T.C. Fairbairn.

 

For fourteen years between 1924 and 1939, this spectacular production of Hiawatha was an essential attraction of the London summer season.

 

First mounted as a fund-raising exercise for the Royal National Institute for the Blind, the run of eight performances in May 1924 was so successful that Fairbairn re-booked the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Choral Society for a fortnight the following year - and then, after a two-year gap, every year until 1939.

 

From 1925 the cast ran to 1,000 performers, including 200 dancers, and Fairbairn's skill in handling these vast forces and imaginative use of the hall's huge arena have passed into history.

 

There is also a poster featuring an Empire Ball. Empire Balls were held at the Albert Hall in 1920, 1924 and 1930, and saw guests dress as nations from around the British Empire.

 

The photograph was therefore taken in either 1924 or 1930. Further research into the other posters would probably narrow it down to a specific year.

 

The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London. One of the United Kingdom's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity which receives no government funding. It can seat 5,272 people.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has been affectionately named "The Nation's Village Hall".

 

Since the hall's opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage. It is the venue for the Proms concerts, which have been held there every summer since 1941.

 

It is host to more than 390 shows in the main auditorium annually, including classical, rock and pop concerts, ballet, opera, film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment, sports, awards ceremonies, school and community events, and charity performances and banquets. A further 400 events are held each year in the non-auditorium areas.

 

The hall was originally supposed to have been called the Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but the name was changed to the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences by Queen Victoria upon laying the Hall's foundation stone in 1867, in memory of her husband, Prince Albert, who had died six years earlier.

 

History of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1800's

 

In 1851 the Great Exhibition, organised by Prince Albert, was held in Hyde Park, London. The Exhibition was a success, and this led Prince Albert to propose the creation of a group of permanent facilities for the public benefit, which came to be known as Albertopolis.

 

The Exhibition's Royal Commission bought Gore House, but it was slow to act, and in 1861 Prince Albert died without having seen his ideas come to fruition. However, a memorial was proposed for Hyde Park, with a Great Hall opposite.

 

The proposal was approved, and the site was purchased with some of the profits from the Exhibition. The Hall was designed by civil engineers Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Y. D. Scott of the Royal Engineers, and built by Lucas Brothers.

 

The designers were heavily influenced by ancient amphitheatres, but had also been exposed to the ideas of Gottfried Semper while he was working at the South Kensington Museum.

 

The recently opened Cirque d'Hiver in Paris was seen in the contemporary press as the design to outdo.

 

The Hall was constructed mainly of Fareham Red Brick, with terra cotta block decoration made by Gibbs and Canning Ltd. of Tamworth.

 

The dome (designed by Rowland Mason Ordish) was made of wrought iron and glazed. There was a trial assembly of the dome's iron framework in Manchester; then it was taken apart and transported to London by horse and cart.

 

When the time came for the supporting structure to be removed from the dome after reassembly in situ, only volunteers remained on-site in case the structure collapsed. It did drop – but only by five-sixteenths of an inch (8 mm).

 

The Hall was scheduled to be completed by Christmas Day 1870, and Queen Victoria visited a few weeks beforehand to inspect.

 

The official opening ceremony of the Royal Albert Hall was on the 29th. March 1871. A welcoming speech was given by Edward, the Prince of Wales because Queen Victoria was too overcome to speak;

 

"Her only recorded comment on the

Hall was that it reminded her of the

British constitution".

 

In the concert that followed, the Hall's acoustic problems immediately became apparent. Engineers first tried to remove the strong echo by suspending a canvas awning below the dome. This helped, and also sheltered concert-goers from the sun, but the problem was not solved - it used to be jokingly said:

 

"The Hall is the only place where

a British composer could be sure

of hearing his work twice".

 

In July 1871, French organist Camille Saint-Saëns performed Church Scene from Faust by Charles Gounod; The Orchestra described him as:

 

"An exceptional and distinguished

performer ... the effect was most

marvellous."

 

Initially lit by gas, the Hall contained a special system by which thousands of gas jets were lit within ten seconds. Though it was demonstrated as early as 1873 in the Hall, full electric lighting was not installed until 1888. During an early trial when a partial installation was made, one disgruntled patron wrote to The Times, declaring it to be:

 

"A very ghastly and unpleasant

innovation".

 

In May 1877, Richard Wagner conducted the first half of each of the eight concerts which made up the Grand Wagner Festival. After his turn with the baton, he handed it over to conductor Hans Richter and sat in a large armchair on the corner of the stage for the rest of each concert. Wagner's wife Cosima, the daughter of Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer Franz Liszt, was among the audience.

 

The Wine Society was founded at the Hall on the 4th. August 1874, after large quantities of cask wine were found in the cellars. A series of lunches were held to publicise the wines, and General Henry Scott proposed a co-operative company to buy and sell wines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1900's

 

In 1906 Elsie Fogerty founded the Central School of Speech and Drama at the Hall, using its West Theatre, now the Elgar Room. The school moved to Swiss Cottage in north London in 1957. Whilst the school was based at the Royal Albert Hall, students who graduated from its classes included Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, Harold Pinter, Laurence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft.

 

In 1911 Russian pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff performed at the Hall. The recital included his 'Prelude in C-sharp minor' and 'Elegie in E-flat minor'.

 

In 1933 German physicist Albert Einstein led the 'Einstein Meeting' at the hall for the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics, a British charity.

 

In 1936, the Hall was the scene of a giant rally celebrating the British Empire on the occasion of the centenary of Joseph Chamberlain's birth.

 

In October 1942, the Hall suffered minor damage during World War II bombing, but in general was left mostly untouched as German pilots used the distinctive structure as a landmark.

 

In 1949 the canvas awning was removed and replaced with fluted aluminium panels below the glass roof, in a new attempt to cure the echo. However the acoustics were not properly tackled until 1969 when large fibreglass acoustic diffusing discs (commonly referred to as "mushrooms" or "flying saucers") were installed below the ceiling.

 

In 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and from 1969–1988 the Miss World contest was staged at the venue.

 

In 1995, Greek keyboardist Yanni performed a concert there for his World Tour; the concert was recorded under the name of Live at Royal Albert Hall.

 

From 1996 until 2004, the Hall underwent a programme of renovation and development supported by a £20 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £20m from Arts Council England to enable it to meet the demands of the next century of events and performances.

 

Thirty "discreet projects" were designed and supervised by the architecture and engineering firm BDP without disrupting events. These projects included improved ventilation to the auditorium, more bars and restaurants, improved seating, better technical facilities, and improved backstage areas. Internally, the Circle seating was rebuilt during June 1996 to provide more legroom, better access, and improved sightlines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2000's

 

The largest project of the ongoing renovation and development was the building of a new south porch – door 12, accommodating a first-floor restaurant, a new ground floor box office and a below-ground loading bay.

 

Although the exterior of the building was largely unchanged, the south steps leading down to Prince Consort Road were demolished to allow the construction of underground vehicle access and a loading bay with accommodation for three HGVs carrying all the equipment brought by shows.

 

The steps were then reconstructed around a new south porch, named The Meitar Foyer after a significant donation from Mr & Mrs Meitar. The porch was built on a similar scale and style to the three pre-existing porches at Doors 3, 6 and 9: these works were undertaken by Taylor Woodrow.

 

The original steps featured in the early scenes of the 1965 film The Ipcress File. On the 4th. June 2004, the project received the Europa Nostra Award for remarkable achievement.

 

The East (Door 3) and West (Door 9) porches were glazed, and new bars opened along with ramps to improve disabled access. The Stalls were rebuilt in a four-week period in 2000 using steel supports, thereby allowing more space underneath for two new bars.

 

1,534 unique pivoting seats were installed, with an addition of 180 prime seats. The Choirs were rebuilt at the same time.

 

The whole building was redecorated in a style that reinforces its Victorian identity. 43,000 sq. ft (4,000 m2) of new carpets were laid in the rooms, stairs, and corridors – specially woven with a border that follows the oval curve of the building.

 

Between 2002 and 2004, there was a major rebuilding of the great organ (known as the Voice of Jupiter), built by "Father" Henry Willis in 1871 and rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison in 1924 and 1933.

 

The rebuilding was performed by Mander Organs, and it is now the second-largest pipe organ in the British Isles with 9,997 pipes in 147 stops. The largest is the Grand Organ in Liverpool Cathedral which has 10,268 pipes.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2010's

 

During the first half of 2011, changes were made to the backstage areas in order to relocate and increase the size of crew catering areas under the South Steps away from the stage and to create additional dressing rooms nearer to the stage.

 

During the summer of 2012, the staff canteen and some changing areas were expanded and refurbished. From January to May the Box Office area at Door 12 underwent further modernisation to include a new Café Bar on the ground floor, a new Box Office with shop counters, and additional toilets.

 

Upon opening it was renamed 'The Zvi and Ofra Meitar Porch and Foyer.' owing to a large donation from the couple.

 

In Autumn 2013, work began on replacing the Victorian steam heating system over three years and improving and cooling across the building. This work followed the summer Proms season during which temperatures were unusually high.

 

From January the Cafe Consort on the Grand Tier was closed permanently in preparation for a new restaurant at a cost of £1 million. Verdi – Italian Kitchen was officially opened on the 15th. April with a lunch or dinner menu of stone baked pizzas, pasta, and classic desserts.

 

Design of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Hall, a Grade I listed building, is an ellipse in plan, with its external major and minor axis of 272 and 236 feet (83 and 72 meters. The great glass and wrought-iron dome roofing the Hall is 135 ft (41 m) high.

 

Below the Arena floor there is room for two 4000 gallon water tanks, which are used for shows that flood the arena like Madame Butterfly.

 

The Hall was originally designed with a capacity for 8,000 people, and has accommodated as many as 12,000 (although present-day safety restrictions mean the maximum permitted capacity is now 5,272, including standing in the Gallery.

 

Around the outside of the building is an 800–foot–long terracotta mosaic frieze, depicting "The Triumph of Arts and Sciences", in reference to the Hall's dedication. Above the frieze is an inscription in 12-inch-high (30 cm) terracotta letters that combine historical fact and Biblical quotations:

 

"This hall was erected for the advancement

of the arts and sciences and works of industry

of all nations in fulfilment of the intention of

Albert Prince Consort.

The site was purchased with the proceeds of

the Great Exhibition of the year MDCCCLI.

The first stone of the Hall was laid by Her

Majesty Queen Victoria on the twentieth day

of May MDCCCLXVII and it was opened by Her

Majesty the Twenty Ninth of March in the year

MDCCCLXXI.

Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the victory and the majesty.

For all that is in the heaven and in the earth is

Thine. The wise and their works are in the hand

of God. Glory be to God on high and on earth

peace".

 

Events at The Royal Albert Hall

 

The first concert at the Hall was Arthur Sullivan's cantata On Shore and Sea, performed on the 1st. May 1871.

 

Many events are promoted by the Hall, and since the early 1970's promoter Raymond Gubbay has brought a range of events to the Hall including opera, ballet and classical music.

 

Events also include rock concerts, conferences, banquets, ballroom dancing, poetry recitals, educational talks, motor shows, ballet, opera, film screenings and circus shows.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has hosted many sporting events, including boxing, squash, table tennis, basketball, wrestling (including the first Sumo wrestling tournament to be held in London) as well as UFC 38 (the first UFC event to be held in the UK), tennis, and even a marathon.

 

The Hall first hosted boxing in 1918, when it hosted a tournament between British and American servicemen. There was a colour bar in place at the Hall, preventing black boxers from fighting there, between 1923 and 1932.

 

Greats of British boxing such as Frank Bruno, Prince Naseem Hamed, Henry Cooper and Lennox Lewis have all appeared at the venue. The Hall's boxing history was halted in 1999 when a court ordered that boxing and wrestling matches could no longer be held at the venue. In 2011 that decision was overturned. In 2019 Nicola Adams won the WBO Flyweight title which was the first fight for a world title at the venue since Marco Antonio Barrera took on Paul Lloyd in 1999.

 

On the 6th. April 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest which was broadcast in colour for the first time. The first Miss World contest broadcast in colour was also staged at the venue in 1969, and remained at the Hall every year until 1989.

 

One notable event was a Pink Floyd concert held on the 26th. June 1969. On that night they were banned from ever playing at the Hall again after shooting cannons, nailing things to the stage, and having a man in a gorilla suit roam the audience.

 

At one point, Rick Wright went to the pipe organ and began to play "The End of the Beginning", the final part of "Saucerful of Secrets", joined by the brass section of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (led by the conductor, Norman Smith) and the ladies of the Ealing Central Amateur Choir. A portion of the pipe organ recording is included on Pink Floyd's album The Endless River.

 

On the 18th. June 1985, British Gothic rock band The Sisters of Mercy recorded their live video album Wake at the Hall.

 

Between 1996 and 2008, the Hall hosted the annual National Television Awards, all of which were hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.

 

Benefit concerts include the 1997 Music for Montserrat concert, arranged and produced by George Martin. The event featured artists such as Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Paul McCartney.

 

In 2006, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour performed at the Hall for the first time since Pink Floyd's 1969 ban. He performed as part of his On an Island Tour. The shows were filmed and used for the live video release, Remember That Night (2007).

 

Rock band The Killers recorded their first live album, Live from the Royal Albert Hall in July 2009.

 

On the 5th. April 2010, Swedish progressive metal band Opeth recorded In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, as they became the first Death metal band ever to perform at the Hall. The concert was part of the band's Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology tour, made in celebration of their 20th. anniversary.

 

In July 2011, Janet Jackson performed three sold-out shows as part of her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour.

 

On the 2nd. October 2011, the Hall staged the 25th.-anniversary performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, which was broadcast live to cinemas across the world and filmed for DVD.

 

Lloyd Webber, the original London cast including Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, and four previous actors of the titular character, among others, were in attendance – Brightman and the previous Phantoms (aside from Crawford) performed an encore.

 

On the 22nd. September 2011, Adele performed a one-night-only concert as part of her tour. The concert was filmed for DVD, and screened at cinemas in 26 cities around the world.

 

Her performance debuted at number one in the United States with 96,000 copies sold, the highest one-week tally for a music DVD in four years. After one week, it became the best-selling music DVD of 2011. As of the 28th. November 2012, it had surpassed sales of one million copies in the United States and sales of three million copies worldwide.

 

It was the first music DVD to surpass sales of one million in the USA since the Eagles' Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne in 2005.

 

The 2012 Sunflower Jam charity concert featured Queen guitarist Brian May performing alongside bassist John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple, and vocalists Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, and Alice Cooper.

 

On the 24th. September 2012, Classic FM celebrated the 20th. anniversary of their launch with a concert at the Hall. The program featured live performances of works by Handel, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Parry, Vaughan Williams, Tchaikovsky and Karl Jenkins who conducted his piece The Benedictus from The Armed Man.

 

On the 19th. November 2012, the Hall hosted the 100th.-anniversary performance of the Royal Variety Performance, attended by the HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Duke of Edinburgh, with boy-band One Direction among the performers.

 

During his Rattle That Lock Tour, David Gilmour performed at the Royal Albert Hall eleven times between September 2015 and September 2016, once in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

 

On the 13th. November 2015, Canadian musician Devin Townsend recorded his second live album Ziltoid Live at the Royal Albert Hall.

 

Kylie Minogue performed at the Royal Albert Hall on the 11th. December 2015 and the 9th. - 10th. December 2016 as part of her "A Kylie Christmas" concert series.

 

On the 3rd. May 2016, singer-songwriter and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell played at the Hall in what would become the last UK show of his life as part of his "Higher Truth" European tour.

 

Cornell performed stripped-back acoustic renditions from his back-catalogue to rave reviews, including songs from the likes of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave and his solo work. Cornell died on the 18th. May 2017.

 

On the 22nd. April 2016, British rock band Bring Me the Horizon performed and recorded their Live at the Royal Albert Hall album, with accompaniment from the Parallax Orchestra conducted by Simon Dobson.

 

At a press conference held at the Hall in October 2016, Phil Collins announced his return to live performing with his Not Dead Yet Tour, which began in June 2017. The tour included five nights at the Hall which sold out in fifteen seconds.

 

In October 2017, American rock band Alter Bridge also recorded a live album accompanied by the Parallax Orchestra with Simon Dobson.

 

Also in 2017, the Hall hosted the 70th. British Academy Film Awards, often referred to as the BAFTAs, for the first time in 20 years, replacing the Royal Opera House at which the event had been held since 2008.

 

In 2018, WWE held its second United Kingdom Championship Tournament on the 18th. and 19th. June.

 

Also in 2018, the world premiere of PlayStation in Concert was organised at the Hall. It featured PlayStation game music from the 1990's up until then. It was arranged by Jim Fowler and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

In May 2019, Mariah Carey performed 3 shows as part of her Caution World Tour. Comedian Bill Burr filmed his 2019 special Paper Tiger at the Hall. In November 2020, One Direction member Niall Horan performed a one off live-streamed show in an empty Hall (during the COVID-19 pandemic) to raise money for charity.

 

Regular Events at the Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Choral Society

 

The Royal Choral Society is the longest-running regular performer at the Hall, having given its first performance as the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society on the 8th. May 1872. From 1876, it established the annual Good Friday performance of Handel's Messiah.

 

BBC Proms

 

The BBC Sir Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, known as "The Proms", is a popular annual eight-week summer season of daily classical music concerts and other events at the Hall.

 

In 1942, following the destruction of the Queen's Hall in an air raid, the Hall was chosen as the new venue for the proms. In 1944 with increased danger to the Hall, part of the proms were held in the Bedford Corn Exchange.

 

Following the end of World War II the proms continued in the Hall, and have done so annually every summer since. The event was founded in 1895, and now each season consists of over 70 concerts, in addition to a series of events at other venues across the United Kingdom on the last night.

 

In 2009, the total number of concerts reached 100 for the first time. Jiří Bělohlávek described The Proms as:

 

"The world's largest and most

democratic musical festival".

 

Proms is a term which arose from the original practice of the audience promenading, or strolling, in some areas during the concert. Proms concert-goers, particularly those who stand, are sometimes described as "Promenaders", but are most commonly referred to as "Prommers".

 

Tennis

 

Tennis was first played at the Hall in March 1970, and the ATP Champions Tour Masters has been played annually every December since 1997.

 

Classical Spectacular

 

Classical Spectacular, a Raymond Gubbay production, has been coming to the Hall since 1988. It combines popular classical music, lights and special effects.

 

Cirque du Soleil

 

Cirque du Soleil has performed annually, with a show being staged every January, since 2003. Cirque has had to adapt many of their touring shows to perform at the venue, modifying the set, usually built for arenas or big top tents instead.

 

Classic Brit Awards

 

Since 2000, the Classic Brit Awards has been hosted annually in May at the Hall. It is organised by the British Phonographic Industry.

 

Festival of Remembrance

 

The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is held annually the day before Remembrance Sunday.

 

Institute of Directors

 

For 60 years the Institute of Directors' Annual Convention has been synonymous with the Hall, although in 2011 and 2012 it was held at indigO2.

 

The English National Ballet

 

Since 1998 the English National Ballet has had several specially staged arena summer seasons in partnership with the Hall and Raymond Gubbay. These include Strictly Gershwin, June 2008 and 2011, Swan Lake, June 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013, Romeo & Juliet, June 2001 and 2005, and The Sleeping Beauty, April - June 2000.

 

Teenage Cancer Trust

 

Starting in the year 2000 the Teenage Cancer Trust has held annual charity concerts (with the exception of 2001). They started as a one-off event, but have expanded over the years to a week or more of evening events. Roger Daltrey of the Who has been intimately involved with the planning of the events.

 

Graduation Ceremonies

 

The Hall is used annually by the neighbouring Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art for graduation ceremonies. For several years the University of London and Kingston University also held their graduation ceremonies at the Hall.

 

Films, Premières and Live Orchestra Screenings

 

The venue has screened several films since the early silent days. It was the only London venue to show William Fox's The Queen of Sheba in the 1920's.

 

The Hall has hosted many premières, including the UK première of Fritz Lang's Die Nibelungen, 101 Dalmatians on the 4th. December 1996, the European première of Spandau Ballet's Soul Boys of the Western World, and three James Bond royal world premières - Die Another Day on the 18th. November 2002 (attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip), Skyfall on the 23rd. October 2012 (attended by Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall), and Spectre on the 26th. October 2015 (attended by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge).

 

The Hall held the first 3D world première of Titanic 3D, on the 27th. March 2012, with James Cameron and Kate Winslet in attendance.

 

Since 2009, the Hall has also curated regular seasons of English-language film-and-live-orchestra screenings, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gladiator, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Interstellar, The Matrix, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Back to the Future, Jaws, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and the world première of Titanic Live in Concert.

 

The only non-English-language movie to have been screened at the Hall is Baahubali: The Beginning (an Indian movie in Telugu and Tamil, but premiered with the Hindi dubbed version).

 

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

 

The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, one of the most prestigious prizes in the annual brass band contesting calendar, holds the Final of the Championship section at the Royal Albert Hall each October.

 

Beyond the Main Stage

 

The Hall hosts hundreds of events and activities beyond its main auditorium. There are regular free art exhibitions in the ground floor Amphi corridor, which can be viewed when attending events or on dedicated viewing dates.

 

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Hall on most days. The most common is the one-hour Grand Tour which includes most front-of-house areas, the auditorium, the Gallery and the Royal Retiring Room.

 

Other tours include Story of the Proms, Behind the Scenes, Inside Out and School tours.

 

Children's events include Storytelling and Music Sessions for ages four and under. These take place in the Door 9 Porch and Albert's Band sessions in the Elgar Room during school holidays.

 

"Live Music in Verdi" takes place in the Italian restaurant on a Friday night featuring different artists each week.

 

"Late Night Jazz" events in the Elgar Room, generally on a Thursday night, feature cabaret-style seating and a relaxed atmosphere with drinks available.

 

"Classical Coffee Mornings" are held on Sundays in the Elgar Room with musicians from the Royal College of Music accompanied with drinks and pastries.

 

Sunday brunch events take place in Verdi Italian restaurant and feature different genres of music.

 

Regular Performers at the Royal Albert Hall

 

Eric Clapton is a regular performer at the Hall. Since 1964, Clapton has performed at the Hall over 200 times, and has stated that performing at the venue is: "Like playing in my front room".

 

In December 1964, Clapton made his first appearance at the Hall with the Yardbirds. It was also the venue for his band Cream's farewell concerts in 1968 and reunion shows in 2005. He also instigated the Concert for George, which was held at the Hall on the 29th. November 2002 to pay tribute to Clapton's lifelong friend, former Beatle George Harrison. Clapton passed 200 shows at the Hall in 2015.

 

David Gilmour played at the Hall in support of two solo albums, while also releasing a live concert on September 2006 entitled Remember That Night which was recorded during his three nights playing at the Hall for his 2006 On an Island tour.

 

Notable guests were Robert Wyatt and David Bowie (who sang lead for "Arnold Layne" and "Comfortably Numb"). The live concert was televised by BBC One on the 9th. September 2007.

 

Gilmour returned to the Hall for four nights in September 2016 (where he was joined on stage by Benedict Cumberbatch for "Comfortably Numb"), having previously played five nights in 2015, to end his 34-day Rattle That Lock Tour. He also made an appearance on the 24th. April 2016 as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust event.

 

Shirley Bassey is one of the Hall's most prolific female headline performers, having appeared many times at the Hall since the 1970's. In 2001, she sang "Happy Birthday" for the Duke of Edinburgh's 80th. birthday concert. In 2007, she sang at Fashion Rocks in aid of the Prince's Trust.

 

On the 30th. March 2011, she sang at a gala celebrating the 80th. birthday of Mikhail Gorbachev. In May 2011, she performed at the Classic Brit Awards, singing "Goldfinger" in tribute to the recently deceased composer John Barry. On the 20th. June 2011, she returned and sang "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Goldfinger", accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as the climax to the memorial concert for Barry.

 

James Last appeared 90 times at the Hall between 1973 and 2015, making him the most frequent non–British performer to have played the venue.

 

Education and Outreach Programme

 

The Hall's education and outreach programme engages with more than 200,000 people a year. It includes workshops for local teenagers led by musicians such as Foals, Jake Bugg, Emeli Sandé, Nicola Benedetti, Alison Balsom and First Aid Kit, innovative science and maths lessons, visits to local residential homes from the venue's in-house group, Albert's Band, under the 'Songbook' banner, and the Friendship Matinee: an orchestral concert for community groups, with £5 admission.

 

Mis-labellings

 

A famous and widely bootlegged concert by Bob Dylan at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester on the 17th. May 1966 was mistakenly labelled the "Royal Albert Hall Concert".

 

In 1998, Columbia Records released an official recording, The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966, The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert. It maintains the erroneous title but does include details of the actual location.

 

Recordings from the Royal Albert Hall concerts on the 26th. and 27th. May 1966 were finally released by the artist in 2016 as The Real Royal Albert Hall 1966 Concert.

 

Another concert mislabelled as being at the Hall was by Creedence Clearwater Revival. An album by them entitled The Royal Albert Hall Concert was released in 1980. When Fantasy Records discovered the show on the album actually took place at the Oakland Coliseum, it retitled the album The Concert.

 

Pop Culture References

 

A large mural by Peter Blake, entitled Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, is displayed in the Hall's Café Bar. Unveiled in April 2014, it shows more than 400 famous figures who have appeared on the stage.

 

In 1955, English film director Alfred Hitchcock filmed the climax of The Man Who Knew Too Much at the Hall. The 15-minute sequence featured James Stewart, Doris Day and composer Bernard Herrmann, and was filmed partly in the Queen's Box.

 

Hitchcock was a long-time patron of the Hall and had already set the finale of his 1927 film, The Ring at the Hall, as well as his initial version of The Man Who Knew Too Much, starring Leslie Banks, Edna Best and Peter Lorre.

 

Other notable films shot at the Hall include Major Barbara, Love Story, The Seventh Veil, The Ipcress File, A Touch of Class, Shine, and Spice World.

 

In the song "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles, the Albert Hall is mentioned. The verse goes as follows:

 

"I read the news today, oh boy

four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire

and though the holes were rather small

they had to count them all

now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall

I'd love to turn you on".

 

The song "Session Man" by The Kinks references the Hall:

 

"He never will forget at all

The day he played at Albert Hall".

 

In the song "Shame" by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, Barlow mentions the Hall in his verse:

 

"I read your mind and tried to call,

my tears could fill the Albert Hall".

The Postcard

 

A postcard bearing no publisher's name which was posted in London on Thursday the 23rd. August 1906 to:

 

Miss Humm,

Evelyn House,

Witham,

Essex.

 

The message on the back of the card was as follows:

 

"Dear N,

You will be surprised to know

I came home tonight (Thursday)

by the 5 o'clock train as mother

is very ill.

I shall return to Witham tomorrow

(Friday) by the 7.45.

Hope to see you at the station

if you are disengaged.

Tell you all when I see you.

Love from Gert".

 

The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London. One of the United Kingdom's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity which receives no government funding. It can seat 5,272 people.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has been affectionately named "The Nation's Village Hall".

 

Since the hall's opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage. It is the venue for the Proms concerts, which have been held there every summer since 1941.

 

It is host to more than 390 shows in the main auditorium annually, including classical, rock and pop concerts, ballet, opera, film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment, sports, awards ceremonies, school and community events, and charity performances and banquets. A further 400 events are held each year in the non-auditorium areas.

 

The hall was originally supposed to have been called the Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but the name was changed to the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences by Queen Victoria upon laying the Hall's foundation stone in 1867, in memory of her husband, Prince Albert, who had died six years earlier.

 

History of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1800's

 

In 1851 the Great Exhibition, organised by Prince Albert, was held in Hyde Park, London. The Exhibition was a success, and this led Prince Albert to propose the creation of a group of permanent facilities for the public benefit, which came to be known as Albertopolis.

 

The Exhibition's Royal Commission bought Gore House, but it was slow to act, and in 1861 Prince Albert died without having seen his ideas come to fruition. However, a memorial was proposed for Hyde Park, with a Great Hall opposite.

 

The proposal was approved, and the site was purchased with some of the profits from the Exhibition. The Hall was designed by civil engineers Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Y. D. Scott of the Royal Engineers, and built by Lucas Brothers.

 

The designers were heavily influenced by ancient amphitheatres, but had also been exposed to the ideas of Gottfried Semper while he was working at the South Kensington Museum.

 

The recently opened Cirque d'Hiver in Paris was seen in the contemporary press as the design to outdo.

 

The Hall was constructed mainly of Fareham Red Brick, with terra cotta block decoration made by Gibbs and Canning Ltd. of Tamworth.

 

The dome (designed by Rowland Mason Ordish) was made of wrought iron and glazed. There was a trial assembly of the dome's iron framework in Manchester; then it was taken apart and transported to London by horse and cart.

 

When the time came for the supporting structure to be removed from the dome after reassembly in situ, only volunteers remained on-site in case the structure collapsed. It did drop – but only by five-sixteenths of an inch (8 mm).

 

The Hall was scheduled to be completed by Christmas Day 1870, and Queen Victoria visited a few weeks beforehand to inspect.

 

The official opening ceremony of the Royal Albert Hall was on the 29th. March 1871. A welcoming speech was given by Edward, the Prince of Wales because Queen Victoria was too overcome to speak;

 

"Her only recorded comment on the

Hall was that it reminded her of the

British constitution".

 

In the concert that followed, the Hall's acoustic problems immediately became apparent. Engineers first tried to remove the strong echo by suspending a canvas awning below the dome. This helped, and also sheltered concert-goers from the sun, but the problem was not solved - it used to be jokingly said:

 

"The Hall is the only place where

a British composer could be sure

of hearing his work twice".

 

In July 1871, French organist Camille Saint-Saëns performed Church Scene from Faust by Charles Gounod; The Orchestra described him as:

 

"An exceptional and distinguished

performer ... the effect was most

marvellous."

 

Initially lit by gas, the Hall contained a special system by which thousands of gas jets were lit within ten seconds. Though it was demonstrated as early as 1873 in the Hall, full electric lighting was not installed until 1888. During an early trial when a partial installation was made, one disgruntled patron wrote to The Times, declaring it to be:

 

"A very ghastly and unpleasant

innovation".

 

In May 1877, Richard Wagner conducted the first half of each of the eight concerts which made up the Grand Wagner Festival. After his turn with the baton, he handed it over to conductor Hans Richter and sat in a large armchair on the corner of the stage for the rest of each concert. Wagner's wife Cosima, the daughter of Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer Franz Liszt, was among the audience.

 

The Wine Society was founded at the Hall on the 4th. August 1874, after large quantities of cask wine were found in the cellars. A series of lunches were held to publicise the wines, and General Henry Scott proposed a co-operative company to buy and sell wines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1900's

 

In 1906 Elsie Fogerty founded the Central School of Speech and Drama at the Hall, using its West Theatre, now the Elgar Room. The school moved to Swiss Cottage in north London in 1957. Whilst the school was based at the Royal Albert Hall, students who graduated from its classes included Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, Harold Pinter, Laurence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft.

 

In 1911 Russian pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff performed at the Hall. The recital included his 'Prelude in C-sharp minor' and 'Elegie in E-flat minor'.

 

In 1933 German physicist Albert Einstein led the 'Einstein Meeting' at the hall for the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics, a British charity.

 

In 1936, the Hall was the scene of a giant rally celebrating the British Empire on the occasion of the centenary of Joseph Chamberlain's birth.

 

In October 1942, the Hall suffered minor damage during World War II bombing, but in general was left mostly untouched as German pilots used the distinctive structure as a landmark.

 

In 1949 the canvas awning was removed and replaced with fluted aluminium panels below the glass roof, in a new attempt to cure the echo. However the acoustics were not properly tackled until 1969 when large fibreglass acoustic diffusing discs (commonly referred to as "mushrooms" or "flying saucers") were installed below the ceiling.

 

In 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and from 1969–1988 the Miss World contest was staged at the venue.

 

In 1995, Greek keyboardist Yanni performed a concert there for his World Tour; the concert was recorded under the name of Live at Royal Albert Hall.

 

From 1996 until 2004, the Hall underwent a programme of renovation and development supported by a £20 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £20m from Arts Council England to enable it to meet the demands of the next century of events and performances.

 

Thirty "discreet projects" were designed and supervised by the architecture and engineering firm BDP without disrupting events. These projects included improved ventilation to the auditorium, more bars and restaurants, improved seating, better technical facilities, and improved backstage areas. Internally, the Circle seating was rebuilt during June 1996 to provide more legroom, better access, and improved sightlines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2000's

 

The largest project of the ongoing renovation and development was the building of a new south porch – door 12, accommodating a first-floor restaurant, a new ground floor box office and a below-ground loading bay.

 

Although the exterior of the building was largely unchanged, the south steps leading down to Prince Consort Road were demolished to allow the construction of underground vehicle access and a loading bay with accommodation for three HGVs carrying all the equipment brought by shows.

 

The steps were then reconstructed around a new south porch, named The Meitar Foyer after a significant donation from Mr & Mrs Meitar. The porch was built on a similar scale and style to the three pre-existing porches at Doors 3, 6 and 9: these works were undertaken by Taylor Woodrow.

 

The original steps featured in the early scenes of the 1965 film The Ipcress File. On the 4th. June 2004, the project received the Europa Nostra Award for remarkable achievement.

 

The East (Door 3) and West (Door 9) porches were glazed, and new bars opened along with ramps to improve disabled access. The Stalls were rebuilt in a four-week period in 2000 using steel supports, thereby allowing more space underneath for two new bars.

 

1,534 unique pivoting seats were installed, with an addition of 180 prime seats. The Choirs were rebuilt at the same time.

 

The whole building was redecorated in a style that reinforces its Victorian identity. 43,000 sq. ft (4,000 m2) of new carpets were laid in the rooms, stairs, and corridors – specially woven with a border that follows the oval curve of the building.

 

Between 2002 and 2004, there was a major rebuilding of the great organ (known as the Voice of Jupiter), built by "Father" Henry Willis in 1871 and rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison in 1924 and 1933.

 

The rebuilding was performed by Mander Organs, and it is now the second-largest pipe organ in the British Isles with 9,997 pipes in 147 stops. The largest is the Grand Organ in Liverpool Cathedral which has 10,268 pipes.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2010's

 

During the first half of 2011, changes were made to the backstage areas in order to relocate and increase the size of crew catering areas under the South Steps away from the stage and to create additional dressing rooms nearer to the stage.

 

During the summer of 2012, the staff canteen and some changing areas were expanded and refurbished. From January to May the Box Office area at Door 12 underwent further modernisation to include a new Café Bar on the ground floor, a new Box Office with shop counters, and additional toilets.

 

Upon opening it was renamed 'The Zvi and Ofra Meitar Porch and Foyer.' owing to a large donation from the couple.

 

In Autumn 2013, work began on replacing the Victorian steam heating system over three years and improving and cooling across the building. This work followed the summer Proms season during which temperatures were unusually high.

 

From January the Cafe Consort on the Grand Tier was closed permanently in preparation for a new restaurant at a cost of £1 million. Verdi – Italian Kitchen was officially opened on the 15th. April with a lunch or dinner menu of stone baked pizzas, pasta, and classic desserts.

 

Design of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Hall, a Grade I listed building, is an ellipse in plan, with its external major and minor axis of 272 and 236 feet (83 and 72 meters. The great glass and wrought-iron dome roofing the Hall is 135 ft (41 m) high.

 

Below the Arena floor there is room for two 4000 gallon water tanks, which are used for shows that flood the arena like Madame Butterfly.

 

The Hall was originally designed with a capacity for 8,000 people, and has accommodated as many as 12,000 (although present-day safety restrictions mean the maximum permitted capacity is now 5,272, including standing in the Gallery.

 

Around the outside of the building is an 800–foot–long terracotta mosaic frieze, depicting "The Triumph of Arts and Sciences", in reference to the Hall's dedication. Above the frieze is an inscription in 12-inch-high (30 cm) terracotta letters that combine historical fact and Biblical quotations:

 

"This hall was erected for the advancement

of the arts and sciences and works of industry

of all nations in fulfilment of the intention of

Albert Prince Consort.

The site was purchased with the proceeds of

the Great Exhibition of the year MDCCCLI.

The first stone of the Hall was laid by Her

Majesty Queen Victoria on the twentieth day

of May MDCCCLXVII and it was opened by Her

Majesty the Twenty Ninth of March in the year

MDCCCLXXI.

Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the victory and the majesty.

For all that is in the heaven and in the earth is

Thine. The wise and their works are in the hand

of God. Glory be to God on high and on earth

peace".

 

Events at The Royal Albert Hall

 

The first concert at the Hall was Arthur Sullivan's cantata On Shore and Sea, performed on the 1st. May 1871.

 

Many events are promoted by the Hall, and since the early 1970's promoter Raymond Gubbay has brought a range of events to the Hall including opera, ballet and classical music.

 

Events also include rock concerts, conferences, banquets, ballroom dancing, poetry recitals, educational talks, motor shows, ballet, opera, film screenings and circus shows.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has hosted many sporting events, including boxing, squash, table tennis, basketball, wrestling (including the first Sumo wrestling tournament to be held in London) as well as UFC 38 (the first UFC event to be held in the UK), tennis, and even a marathon.

 

The Hall first hosted boxing in 1918, when it hosted a tournament between British and American servicemen. There was a colour bar in place at the Hall, preventing black boxers from fighting there, between 1923 and 1932.

 

Greats of British boxing such as Frank Bruno, Prince Naseem Hamed, Henry Cooper and Lennox Lewis have all appeared at the venue. The Hall's boxing history was halted in 1999 when a court ordered that boxing and wrestling matches could no longer be held at the venue. In 2011 that decision was overturned. In 2019 Nicola Adams won the WBO Flyweight title which was the first fight for a world title at the venue since Marco Antonio Barrera took on Paul Lloyd in 1999.

 

On the 6th. April 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest which was broadcast in colour for the first time. The first Miss World contest broadcast in colour was also staged at the venue in 1969, and remained at the Hall every year until 1989.

 

One notable event was a Pink Floyd concert held on the 26th. June 1969. On that night they were banned from ever playing at the Hall again after shooting cannons, nailing things to the stage, and having a man in a gorilla suit roam the audience.

 

At one point, Rick Wright went to the pipe organ and began to play "The End of the Beginning", the final part of "Saucerful of Secrets", joined by the brass section of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (led by the conductor, Norman Smith) and the ladies of the Ealing Central Amateur Choir. A portion of the pipe organ recording is included on Pink Floyd's album The Endless River.

 

On the 18th. June 1985, British Gothic rock band The Sisters of Mercy recorded their live video album Wake at the Hall.

 

Between 1996 and 2008, the Hall hosted the annual National Television Awards, all of which were hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.

 

Benefit concerts include the 1997 Music for Montserrat concert, arranged and produced by George Martin. The event featured artists such as Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Paul McCartney.

 

In 2006, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour performed at the Hall for the first time since Pink Floyd's 1969 ban. He performed as part of his On an Island Tour. The shows were filmed and used for the live video release, Remember That Night (2007).

 

Rock band The Killers recorded their first live album, Live from the Royal Albert Hall in July 2009.

 

On the 5th. April 2010, Swedish progressive metal band Opeth recorded In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, as they became the first Death metal band ever to perform at the Hall. The concert was part of the band's Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology tour, made in celebration of their 20th. anniversary.

 

In July 2011, Janet Jackson performed three sold-out shows as part of her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour.

 

On the 2nd. October 2011, the Hall staged the 25th.-anniversary performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, which was broadcast live to cinemas across the world and filmed for DVD.

 

Lloyd Webber, the original London cast including Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, and four previous actors of the titular character, among others, were in attendance – Brightman and the previous Phantoms (aside from Crawford) performed an encore.

 

On the 22nd. September 2011, Adele performed a one-night-only concert as part of her tour. The concert was filmed for DVD, and screened at cinemas in 26 cities around the world.

 

Her performance debuted at number one in the United States with 96,000 copies sold, the highest one-week tally for a music DVD in four years. After one week, it became the best-selling music DVD of 2011. As of the 28th. November 2012, it had surpassed sales of one million copies in the United States and sales of three million copies worldwide.

 

It was the first music DVD to surpass sales of one million in the USA since the Eagles' Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne in 2005.

 

The 2012 Sunflower Jam charity concert featured Queen guitarist Brian May performing alongside bassist John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple, and vocalists Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, and Alice Cooper.

 

On the 24th. September 2012, Classic FM celebrated the 20th. anniversary of their launch with a concert at the Hall. The program featured live performances of works by Handel, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Parry, Vaughan Williams, Tchaikovsky and Karl Jenkins who conducted his piece The Benedictus from The Armed Man.

 

On the 19th. November 2012, the Hall hosted the 100th.-anniversary performance of the Royal Variety Performance, attended by the HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Duke of Edinburgh, with boy-band One Direction among the performers.

 

During his Rattle That Lock Tour, David Gilmour performed at the Royal Albert Hall eleven times between September 2015 and September 2016, once in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

 

On the 13th. November 2015, Canadian musician Devin Townsend recorded his second live album Ziltoid Live at the Royal Albert Hall.

 

Kylie Minogue performed at the Royal Albert Hall on the 11th. December 2015 and the 9th. - 10th. December 2016 as part of her "A Kylie Christmas" concert series.

 

On the 3rd. May 2016, singer-songwriter and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell played at the Hall in what would become the last UK show of his life as part of his "Higher Truth" European tour.

 

Cornell performed stripped-back acoustic renditions from his back-catalogue to rave reviews, including songs from the likes of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave and his solo work. Cornell died on the 18th. May 2017.

 

On the 22nd. April 2016, British rock band Bring Me the Horizon performed and recorded their Live at the Royal Albert Hall album, with accompaniment from the Parallax Orchestra conducted by Simon Dobson.

 

At a press conference held at the Hall in October 2016, Phil Collins announced his return to live performing with his Not Dead Yet Tour, which began in June 2017. The tour included five nights at the Hall which sold out in fifteen seconds.

 

In October 2017, American rock band Alter Bridge also recorded a live album accompanied by the Parallax Orchestra with Simon Dobson.

 

Also in 2017, the Hall hosted the 70th. British Academy Film Awards, often referred to as the BAFTAs, for the first time in 20 years, replacing the Royal Opera House at which the event had been held since 2008.

 

In 2018, WWE held its second United Kingdom Championship Tournament on the 18th. and 19th. June.

 

Also in 2018, the world premiere of PlayStation in Concert was organised at the Hall. It featured PlayStation game music from the 1990's up until then. It was arranged by Jim Fowler and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

In May 2019, Mariah Carey performed 3 shows as part of her Caution World Tour. Comedian Bill Burr filmed his 2019 special Paper Tiger at the Hall. In November 2020, One Direction member Niall Horan performed a one off live-streamed show in an empty Hall (during the COVID-19 pandemic) to raise money for charity.

 

Regular Events at the Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Choral Society

 

The Royal Choral Society is the longest-running regular performer at the Hall, having given its first performance as the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society on the 8th. May 1872. From 1876, it established the annual Good Friday performance of Handel's Messiah.

 

BBC Proms

 

The BBC Sir Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, known as "The Proms", is a popular annual eight-week summer season of daily classical music concerts and other events at the Hall.

 

In 1942, following the destruction of the Queen's Hall in an air raid, the Hall was chosen as the new venue for the proms. In 1944 with increased danger to the Hall, part of the proms were held in the Bedford Corn Exchange.

 

Following the end of World War II the proms continued in the Hall, and have done so annually every summer since. The event was founded in 1895, and now each season consists of over 70 concerts, in addition to a series of events at other venues across the United Kingdom on the last night.

 

In 2009, the total number of concerts reached 100 for the first time. Jiří Bělohlávek described The Proms as:

 

"The world's largest and most

democratic musical festival".

 

Proms is a term which arose from the original practice of the audience promenading, or strolling, in some areas during the concert. Proms concert-goers, particularly those who stand, are sometimes described as "Promenaders", but are most commonly referred to as "Prommers".

 

Tennis

 

Tennis was first played at the Hall in March 1970, and the ATP Champions Tour Masters has been played annually every December since 1997.

 

Classical Spectacular

 

Classical Spectacular, a Raymond Gubbay production, has been coming to the Hall since 1988. It combines popular classical music, lights and special effects.

 

Cirque du Soleil

 

Cirque du Soleil has performed annually, with a show being staged every January, since 2003. Cirque has had to adapt many of their touring shows to perform at the venue, modifying the set, usually built for arenas or big top tents instead.

 

Classic Brit Awards

 

Since 2000, the Classic Brit Awards has been hosted annually in May at the Hall. It is organised by the British Phonographic Industry.

 

Festival of Remembrance

 

The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is held annually the day before Remembrance Sunday.

 

Institute of Directors

 

For 60 years the Institute of Directors' Annual Convention has been synonymous with the Hall, although in 2011 and 2012 it was held at indigO2.

 

The English National Ballet

 

Since 1998 the English National Ballet has had several specially staged arena summer seasons in partnership with the Hall and Raymond Gubbay. These include Strictly Gershwin, June 2008 and 2011, Swan Lake, June 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013, Romeo & Juliet, June 2001 and 2005, and The Sleeping Beauty, April - June 2000.

 

Teenage Cancer Trust

 

Starting in the year 2000 the Teenage Cancer Trust has held annual charity concerts (with the exception of 2001). They started as a one-off event, but have expanded over the years to a week or more of evening events. Roger Daltrey of the Who has been intimately involved with the planning of the events.

 

Graduation Ceremonies

 

The Hall is used annually by the neighbouring Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art for graduation ceremonies. For several years the University of London and Kingston University also held their graduation ceremonies at the Hall.

 

Films, Premières and Live Orchestra Screenings

 

The venue has screened several films since the early silent days. It was the only London venue to show William Fox's The Queen of Sheba in the 1920's.

 

The Hall has hosted many premières, including the UK première of Fritz Lang's Die Nibelungen, 101 Dalmatians on the 4th. December 1996, the European première of Spandau Ballet's Soul Boys of the Western World, and three James Bond royal world premières - Die Another Day on the 18th. November 2002 (attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip), Skyfall on the 23rd. October 2012 (attended by Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall), and Spectre on the 26th. October 2015 (attended by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge).

 

The Hall held the first 3D world première of Titanic 3D, on the 27th. March 2012, with James Cameron and Kate Winslet in attendance.

 

Since 2009, the Hall has also curated regular seasons of English-language film-and-live-orchestra screenings, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gladiator, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Interstellar, The Matrix, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Back to the Future, Jaws, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and the world première of Titanic Live in Concert.

 

The only non-English-language movie to have been screened at the Hall is Baahubali: The Beginning (an Indian movie in Telugu and Tamil, but premiered with the Hindi dubbed version).

 

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

 

The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, one of the most prestigious prizes in the annual brass band contesting calendar, holds the Final of the Championship section at the Royal Albert Hall each October.

 

Beyond the Main Stage

 

The Hall hosts hundreds of events and activities beyond its main auditorium. There are regular free art exhibitions in the ground floor Amphi corridor, which can be viewed when attending events or on dedicated viewing dates.

 

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Hall on most days. The most common is the one-hour Grand Tour which includes most front-of-house areas, the auditorium, the Gallery and the Royal Retiring Room.

 

Other tours include Story of the Proms, Behind the Scenes, Inside Out and School tours.

 

Children's events include Storytelling and Music Sessions for ages four and under. These take place in the Door 9 Porch and Albert's Band sessions in the Elgar Room during school holidays.

 

"Live Music in Verdi" takes place in the Italian restaurant on a Friday night featuring different artists each week.

 

"Late Night Jazz" events in the Elgar Room, generally on a Thursday night, feature cabaret-style seating and a relaxed atmosphere with drinks available.

 

"Classical Coffee Mornings" are held on Sundays in the Elgar Room with musicians from the Royal College of Music accompanied with drinks and pastries.

 

Sunday brunch events take place in Verdi Italian restaurant and feature different genres of music.

 

Regular Performers at the Royal Albert Hall

 

Eric Clapton is a regular performer at the Hall. Since 1964, Clapton has performed at the Hall over 200 times, and has stated that performing at the venue is: "Like playing in my front room".

 

In December 1964, Clapton made his first appearance at the Hall with the Yardbirds. It was also the venue for his band Cream's farewell concerts in 1968 and reunion shows in 2005. He also instigated the Concert for George, which was held at the Hall on the 29th. November 2002 to pay tribute to Clapton's lifelong friend, former Beatle George Harrison. Clapton passed 200 shows at the Hall in 2015.

 

David Gilmour played at the Hall in support of two solo albums, while also releasing a live concert on September 2006 entitled Remember That Night which was recorded during his three nights playing at the Hall for his 2006 On an Island tour.

 

Notable guests were Robert Wyatt and David Bowie (who sang lead for "Arnold Layne" and "Comfortably Numb"). The live concert was televised by BBC One on the 9th. September 2007.

 

Gilmour returned to the Hall for four nights in September 2016 (where he was joined on stage by Benedict Cumberbatch for "Comfortably Numb"), having previously played five nights in 2015, to end his 34-day Rattle That Lock Tour. He also made an appearance on the 24th. April 2016 as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust event.

 

Shirley Bassey is one of the Hall's most prolific female headline performers, having appeared many times at the Hall since the 1970's. In 2001, she sang "Happy Birthday" for the Duke of Edinburgh's 80th. birthday concert. In 2007, she sang at Fashion Rocks in aid of the Prince's Trust.

 

On the 30th. March 2011, she sang at a gala celebrating the 80th. birthday of Mikhail Gorbachev. In May 2011, she performed at the Classic Brit Awards, singing "Goldfinger" in tribute to the recently deceased composer John Barry. On the 20th. June 2011, she returned and sang "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Goldfinger", accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as the climax to the memorial concert for Barry.

 

James Last appeared 90 times at the Hall between 1973 and 2015, making him the most frequent non–British performer to have played the venue.

 

Education and Outreach Programme

 

The Hall's education and outreach programme engages with more than 200,000 people a year. It includes workshops for local teenagers led by musicians such as Foals, Jake Bugg, Emeli Sandé, Nicola Benedetti, Alison Balsom and First Aid Kit, innovative science and maths lessons, visits to local residential homes from the venue's in-house group, Albert's Band, under the 'Songbook' banner, and the Friendship Matinee: an orchestral concert for community groups, with £5 admission.

 

Mis-labellings

 

A famous and widely bootlegged concert by Bob Dylan at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester on the 17th. May 1966 was mistakenly labelled the "Royal Albert Hall Concert".

 

In 1998, Columbia Records released an official recording, The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966, The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert. It maintains the erroneous title but does include details of the actual location.

 

Recordings from the Royal Albert Hall concerts on the 26th. and 27th. May 1966 were finally released by the artist in 2016 as The Real Royal Albert Hall 1966 Concert.

 

Another concert mislabelled as being at the Hall was by Creedence Clearwater Revival. An album by them entitled The Royal Albert Hall Concert was released in 1980. When Fantasy Records discovered the show on the album actually took place at the Oakland Coliseum, it retitled the album The Concert.

 

Pop Culture References

 

A large mural by Peter Blake, entitled Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, is displayed in the Hall's Café Bar. Unveiled in April 2014, it shows more than 400 famous figures who have appeared on the stage.

 

In 1955, English film director Alfred Hitchcock filmed the climax of The Man Who Knew Too Much at the Hall. The 15-minute sequence featured James Stewart, Doris Day and composer Bernard Herrmann, and was filmed partly in the Queen's Box.

 

Hitchcock was a long-time patron of the Hall and had already set the finale of his 1927 film, The Ring at the Hall, as well as his initial version of The Man Who Knew Too Much, starring Leslie Banks, Edna Best and Peter Lorre.

 

Other notable films shot at the Hall include Major Barbara, Love Story, The Seventh Veil, The Ipcress File, A Touch of Class, Shine, and Spice World.

 

In the song "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles, the Albert Hall is mentioned. The verse goes as follows:

 

"I read the news today, oh boy

four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire

and though the holes were rather small

they had to count them all

now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall

I'd love to turn you on".

 

The song "Session Man" by The Kinks references the Hall:

 

"He never will forget at all

The day he played at Albert Hall".

 

In the song "Shame" by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, Barlow mentions the Hall in his verse:

 

"I read your mind and tried to call,

my tears could fill the Albert Hall".

 

René Pineton de Chambrun

 

So what else happened on the day that Gert posted the card?

 

Well, the 23rd. August 1906 marked the birth in Paris of René Aldebert Pineton de Chambrun. He was a French-American aristocrat, lawyer, businessman and author.

 

He practised law at the Court of Appeals of Paris and the New York State Bar Association.

 

He was the author of several books about World War II. He served as legal counsel to his father-in-law, Vichy France Prime Minister Pierre Laval.

 

He defended Coco Chanel in her lawsuit against Pierre Wertheimer over her marketing rights to Chanel No. 5.

 

He was the chairman of Baccarat, the crystal manufacturer, from 1960 to 1992.

 

Death

 

René died in Paris on the 19th. May 2002,

The Story of Gresford Colliery Explosion.

GRESFORD. Wrexham. Denbighshire. 22nd. September, 1934.

The Gresford Colliery was owned by the United Westminster Wrexham Collieries, Limited and was at the village of Gresford about two and half miles to the north of Wrexham. The mine had two shafts the downcast which was known as the “Dennis” and the upcast which was called the “Martin”. Coal was wound at the Dennis and materials down the Martin shaft. Men were raised and lowered in both shafts. the sinking of the shafts started in 1908 and coal was first wound in June, 1911 so the pit was not “newly opened” within the provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1911 and the provision that there must be two intake roadways from each seam did not apply to the colliery.

The mine employed about 2,200 persons, 1,850 below ground and 350 at the surface. Three seams were worked at the colliery. They were the Main, Crank and Brassey but by the time of the explosion the workings in the latter were idle. There were two main working areas in the Main Seam, these were the Dennis and The Slant.

The explosion occurred in the Dennis area, this was made up of five districts each worked on the longwall system. These districts were known as 20’s, 61’s, 109’s (which included 92’s), 14’s and 29’s and employed 280 men on the day shift, 240 on the afternoon shift and 195 on the night shift.

Coal was got and wound on the morning and afternoon shifts and some coal was wound on Friday and Saturday nights. The packs and faces were moved during the night shift. The weekly output of coal from each of the Districts during the ten weeks prior to the explosion was 928 tons from the 20’s, 732 from the 61’s, 813 from the 109’s, 1,617 from the 14’s and 1,340 from the 29’s.

The explosion occurred shortly before 8 a.m. on Saturday when there were 480 men at work.

The men working in the Slant area knew nothing until the word came for them to get out. Many of these men went to assist with the work to put out the fires now raging in the Dennis section.

News of disaster became known early on Saturday morning and relatives of the night shift men rushed to colliery. Rescue men from Gresford and Llay Main Collieries rushed to colliery to fight the fires and doctors and nurses, St John Ambulance men and Wrexham Fire Brigade were quickly on scene. A party went down the mine Including Mr. T. Boydell, the Divisional Inspector and District Inspector when it was found that the location of the explosion was about three quarters of a mile from pit bottom and that fire and smoke were intense.

Within a short time seven bodies had been recovered and brought to surface and Rescue parties under Mr. H. Herbert, superintendent of the Rescue Station at Wrexham, equipped with gas masks and apparatus, were working underground.

There was continual activity at pit head with cages being raised and lowered at frequent intervals containing the rescuers and large quantities of sand in paper bags, then in sacks, then loads of stone dust and dozens of fire extinguishers. One of rescuers described the scene underground as “a blazing wall of fire”. Rescue appliances were rushed from Lancashire and batches of men arrived from various parts of the county to offer their help.

Lorries loaded with sand continually drove into the pit yards and were unloaded at the pit head into sacks by a host of volunteers including the Vicar of Rhosddu, The Rev. G.R. Davies. Dozens of these sacks were taken underground but the bulk of them remained at the surface to underline the seriousness of situation. The pile of sacks led to rumours that the mine was to be sealed but this was denied by management.

Relays of rescue workers were going down pit in teams of four and grim realisation of what had happened came to hundreds of silent men, women and children on pit banks when the bodies of two of rescue men were brought to surface. They were taken to the ambulance room where artificial respiration was tried for half an hour before they were pronounced dead and removed to the temporary mortuary.

They were:

Daniel Hughes, Second Avenue Llay and William Hughes, Jacksons Cottages, New Rhosrobin, both members of Llay Main Rescue Team and were in first party to descend after the explosion. To add to the bitterness, news came that a member of the same party, John Lewis of Railway Terrace, Cefnybedd, was missing and had not been recovered.

The “Leader” reported of the scenes at temporary mortuary:

What a tragic sight, a scene which brought tears to the eyes of many while a comrade sat silently weeping in the rescue station.

Writing about the rescue men the “Leader” reporter said:

"I was standing near the ambulance room not far from the pit head on Saturday morning just at the time when the ambulance men and doctors were trying to revive the two rescue men who had been overcome whilst engaged below. Dr. J.E.H. Davies of Wrexham, the veteran St. John officer was in charge and the men were working for all they were worth, trying to revive them. News soon came out, however that they were dead. They had sacrificed their lives for their friends. There was scarcely time to realise the tragic nature of the announcement before another party of rescuers with their masks and apparatus could be seen coming along on their way to the pit bottom again, there to continue to fight for the men entrapped below. Few who saw these things will forget the courage of these rescue parties returning to the scene of death and passing near the building in which the dead bodies of their comrades in the Rescue Brigades were lying."

The rescuers shook their heads when asked for news of any progress. All they would say was, “Things are pretty bad.” The state below was reflected by the strain that showed in their faces.

Very little information was available apart from the fact that an explosion had occurred in the Dennis District and parts of the Main Dennis Road were on fire. Rumours were rife and it was not until 10 a.m. that colliery management issued an official statement:

The managing director, Mr. H. Dyke Dennis wishes to state that it is feared there has been an explosion at Gresford Colliery near Wrexham in the main district. As far as can be ascertained the number of men involved is approximately 100 and the Inspectors of mines and colliery officials are present underground.

Almost immediately after the explosion it became known that about half of the men who were not working in the district where the explosion occurred, had reached the surface safely but there was great uncertainty as to the number trapped in the mine. At an early stage, the number given was 102 but it was not until Sunday evening that an official figure of 261 was announced.

Mr. H. Dyke Dennis, the managing director of the colliery explained how the original estimate of 102 men missing came to be made. He said:

In the early confusion many lamps were missing, but it was discovered later that some of the men to whom they belonged were safe, having thrown the lamps away in the rush to escape. It was because of this that the first estimate of about 100 had perished. This estimate was made in good faith, and in the honest belief that it was accurate.

Men women and children were waiting in the drenching rain. The men, many of whom knew better than others the prospects which confronted their comrades, and in some cases their own fathers, sons and brothers bravely consoled the women. Time passed slowly and anxiety increased but hope remained and a ceaseless vigil was kept.

Mr. William Jones, a rescue worker and one of the most experienced miners at the pit said:

"I have just come back from facing a wall of flame through which we cannot break. At the moment there are 100 men in the fire-fighting party near the main shaft. We made little progress. We attacked the fire with fire extinguishers and by throwing sand against the flames. We were able to advance about twenty yards but we could go no further. We came across a number of bodies and sent them up."

As the morning wore on the work went on but the fire was burning fiercely with timber at the sides of the roads ablaze. It was hoped that three firemen with the trapped men would have gathered them where the air was breathable. Volunteers came forward in increasing numbers and men went down the pit in relays. During Saturday afternoon Sir Henry Walker, H.M. Chief Inspector of Mines arrived at the colliery and at 6 p.m. the following official statement was issued:

"The fire on the main road which is preventing exploration of the mine has been fought throughout the day and the latest report is that it is being overcome. It may be that beyond the fire, men may be found alive and it is with this hope that no effort is being spared but in any event the death toll will be heavy."

Work went on all through the night and when Sunday arrived there were reports that good progress had been made and it was hoped that the men in 29 district would be reached by 3.30 p.m. Prospects appeared brighter and it was reported that the rescue workers had progressed three quarters of a mile and that the road to the dip had been cleared to allow a pony to work clearing debris. The body of George Roberts of Glanavon, Maesydre was recovered and brought to the surface but soon afterwards, cage loads of sand were seen to be carried down the pit. It was thought it was just a change of shift but the news came that a door had been reached, the fire was getting worse and more explosions had occurred and conditions had become so dangerous that it had been decided to withdraw all the men from the mine.

The last men to leave the pit were Edward Williams, E. Povah, A Alderman Cyril O. Jones and Edward Jones, miners agent for North Wales, Sir Henry Walker, T. Boydell, P.G. Doniny, Percy Heyes and John McGurk. At this time only 10 bodies, including two of the rescue men, had been recovered. This meant that 253 men remained entombed and all hope of their rescue had to be abandoned.

Mr. John McGurk, President of the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners Association described the scene underground:

“It is hell let loose and it is not at all safe for anyone to be near where the fire is raging. There were three explosions when I was down this afternoon. They may become more frequent because of the fire and the fumes. That is the risk, and therefore all safety men must be withdrawn from the mine. There is no chance of any man in the pit being left alive.”

"I have been at about ten explosions in different parts of the country, but I have never seen anything like this. There is a point where the fire is raging for twenty yards and the stones are red hot."

A conference was held between H.M. Inspectors and representatives of the colliery management and at 8 a.m. came the fateful official statement signed by Mr. H. Dyke Dennis, managing director, Edward Jones, miner’s agent for North Wales and Sir Henry Walker:

"The attempt to overcome the fire in the main road has gone on continuously since yesterday. In spite of very strenuous efforts and although some progress had been made in the road, the fire has got a further hold in a road to the right, through which it was hoped at first to reach any possible survivors."

"Today several explosions inbye of the fire on the main road have occurred. This afternoon they became more frequent and closer to where the men were working on the fire. The return airway in both the main returns is carrying carbon monoxide in dangerous quantities, and it is with great reluctance that all parties – the management, representatives of the miners and H.M. Inspectors – have come to the conclusion that no person can possible be alive in the workings."

"In these circumstances, and in view of the increasingly grave risk to the men engaged in combating the fire and on the main road, it had been decided that it would not be right to continue to expose these workers to such serious risk, and all persons have been withdrawn from the mine."

The number of dead and missing was put at about 260 and hope gave way to despair. In the darkness of the night weeping women and mourning men left the scene of the disaster with sad hearts and bodies weary from the long hours of waiting.

No further statements were issued and on Monday morning work on sealing the pit was commenced. Iron girders and timber were placed over the downcast shaft and tons of sand and cement were used to seal the upcast shaft. Work was suspended at the neighbouring Bersham and Hafod Collieries as a mark of sympathy and to assist in any work that was required at the stricken colliery.

Dramatic stories came from the eyewitnesses to the explosion who had got out of the mine alive. Cyril Challoner of Windsor Road, New Broughton told the local press:

“There were about six of us having our “snapping” on the wicket road at about five past two. We were about 300 yards from the clutch and we were laughing and talking. Suddenly there was a gust of wind. It scattered our snapping tins and out clothes and covered our bread with dirt.”

“We thought it was a burst air pipe. Suddenly an elderly fellow came running up and said, “You had better get your clothes and get out of here. Try the wind road.” (This was the return air road where the bad air passes)."

“We knew something was up now. we did not bother with our clothes, and about twenty other fellows joined us. We started making our way to the pit bottom in just our shirts and working knickers. Taking off our shirts, we began fanning to keep the air clear. we got to the end of the wind road and then we began to meet the gas. All of us fanned hard. The gas was getting in our eyes and we could taste it. We took turns in leading so that everyone would have the same risk. We now began to meet falls and we had to scramble over them. I thought the other twenty fellows who had joined us where we were having our snapping, were following us. I looked round but I could not see them. I don’t know what happened to them.”

“The gas was getting thicker but we kept fanning with our shirts and we got through to the pit bottom where we met the rescue party. They brought the six of us to the pit top. we wanted to go back when we learned there had been an explosion but they would not let us and they sent the six of us home.”

Challoner came from a mining family and his three brothers were among those who volunteered for work with the rescue teams.

Robert Edward Andrews was also one of those who got out of the mine. He told the press:

“We heard an explosion at 1.55 a.m. it deafened us. There were about 30 to 40 of us working on the coal face in No.22 district. The bang was followed by a cloud of white dust. Then a young fellow, a haulage man named John E. Jones, exclaimed, “Good God, something terrible has happened.” Our faces were covered with dust. a fireman named David Jones came up and cried, “Hurry from here.” We all rushed put into the road. I heard someone groaning. We picked him up and got him out, his name was Walley.”

“We were one and half miles from the shaft. Six of us decided to make a dash for it, David Jones, Bert Samuels and Jack Samuels, brothers, a man named Fisher, Cyril Challoner and myself. We got hold of pieces of cloth and waved then to make air. then we fought our way through the bad air – afterdamp – to where the air was good.”

“It took half an hour to fight our way through. There was fire in the main road. We saw a man lying in the road. We turned him over and found he was dead. Then we came to the main road. The girders were twisted and the rails turned over. It sounded to me as if there was some machinery going, but I don’t know what it was. We crawled over the top of the falls. We had three lights between us. We came to a dead end but there was small hole to get through. We got through one at a time, afraid that something would drop on us. Two hundred yards further on we met the undermanager, Mr. Andrew Williams. He was the first of the rescuers. He and others helped us out. Fisher had a slight injury to his leg.”

“The other 30 who had been with us at the coal face could, I think, have got away had they come with us as soon as we did.”

Two members of the Llay Main rescue parties, Mr. Parry Davies of Llay Green and Mr. H. Povah of Second Avenue, Llay spoke to the local press. Parry Davies said:

“As a rescue team, we were called to Gresford at 5 a.m. on Saturday. We stood by until 9.30, No.1 team in charge of the captain, Mr. John Charles Williams, having gone down at 7.45 a.m. In response to a call for two more rescue men, T.P. Jones and R. Harrison went down. Ten minutes later another call came through for all available rescue men and four of us went down, myself Povah, Emlyn Jones and Peter Hughes. When we got to the pit bottom, we heard that three of the first rescue team had gone under so we went through the return airway. I, T.P. Jones, Price Beard and Dick Harrison helped to get J. C. Williams, the captain of the first team and Dan Hughes to safety after being gassed. Hughes was dead at the time, but there was doctor at the pit bottom in the fresh air, waiting to receive the men out.”

“We went for another rescue member, W. Hughes of Rhosrobin, a member of the Gresford rescue team who had gone down with the Llay Main party. On reaching him we dragged him to safety but after artificial respiration had been applied, he was found to be dead.”

“We then volunteered to fetch John Lewis of Cefynbedd. We could see his lamp burning 100 yards ahead but he was certainly dead because he was further in than the other rescuers bodies we had recovered. The heat was terrific and some of our men were feeling the effects of it and Mr. Boydell, the Mines Inspector, refused to allow us to go for Lewis. ”

“Our team was called down at 5 o’clock on Sunday morning and we went through the intake way. After encountering several falls, on which voluntary workers were engaged, we got to the doors behind which some men were supposed to be but the doors were all burnt away. The fire was still raging and we went in relays, one every five minutes, but after getting through a fall we found fire – everything was burning, props, coal dust, brattice and all, and the more fresh air released on it made the fire a great deal worse. It was like hell. That is all you can call it.”

There was another explosion on Tuesday afternoon about 1 o’clock when people near the shaft heard a dull thud. Upon investigation it was found that upcast shaft was not damaged but the sides of the fan drift had caught fire and the Wrexham and Chester Fire Brigade were summoned to fight the fire. George Brown of Birkett Street, Rhostyllen was at work on the surface near the downcast shaft and was injured by flying material. He was attended on the spot by Dr. Harrison of Gresford and taken to hospital where he died from his injuries.

Several men had near escapes when the second explosion took place. Mr. Baird, the engineer and other members of the technical staff of the colliery who were in duty, escaped just before the blast having been warned by Dr. T. David Jones, of Birmingham University who was making analytical tests was able to give the alarm.

William Bonsall, Sir Henry Walker, Chief Inspector of Mines; and Edward Hughes, Miners' Agent met at 7pm and decided to abandon and seal the pit. It was the right decision because on Tuesday, the Dennis section exploded again, killing one man on the surface. In all the disaster had claimed the lives of 266 men.

A third explosion took place at 1.45 a.m. on Wednesday when the fan drift was blown out and considerable damaged done at the pit head. There were no injuries due to this explosion and afterwards men worked under the direction of Mr. Bonsall, the manager, emptying lorry loads of sand and other material into the space between the walls of the fan drift. Smoke and fumes continued to come from the shaft during Wednesday. The pit head was roped off and notices were posted warning everyone not to enter the pit yards because of the very great danger.

The Inquiry

On October 25th 1934 the Inquiry into the Explosion at Gresford Colliery, Denbighshire opened at Church House on Regent Street in Wrexham.

Sir Henry Walker, the Chief Inspector of Mines, led the inquiry and he faced a major problem. The mine was still sealed so there was no direct evidence to present to the inquiry. Sir Henry aimed to find out the condition of the mine prior to the explosion and to explore any evidence about the explosion and its cause.

The importance of what was at stake and the reliance on witness testimony meant all sides sought out the best barristers in the land. The owners employed Hartley Shawcross, later Chief British prosecutor at the Nuremburg Trials. The Miners' union approached Sir Stafford Cripps, barrister and radical left Labour MP, who offered his services free of charge.

The inquiry was hindered not just by the lack of evidence from the mine, but also by rhetorical excess and verbal bullying. For Cripps, the inquiry was an opportunity to prove that private ownership of mines was one of the evils of capitalism. For the owners, the inquiry was an event to be endured and its questions stonewalled.

The atmosphere was hostile. The miners felt that the owners had invented jobs for all its officials to keep them on the payroll and thereby witnesses on its side. The Miners' union also found it difficult to get miners to give evidence. It was not just a case of not wishing to be cross-examined by the leading legal brains of the time. They also worried for their jobs.

Hopes were pinned on getting access to the Dennis section. Sir Henry adjourned the inquiry in December 1934. He hoped to reopen it when the Dennis section had been fully investigated.

The pit was reopened in March 1935 and coal production resumed in January 1936. The Dennis section, however, remained sealed on health and safety grounds. To many, the owners' attitude was an admittance of guilt. Eventually Sir Henry decided his inquiry could wait no longer and he made his final report in December 1936. Like many inquiries since, it raised as many questions as it answered.

Whose Responsibility

The public wanted to know who was to blame for the explosion and the resultant 266 deaths.

To many, the management was to blame. They ran the pit and should take full responsibility. Cripps focused his questioning on William Bonsall, the colliery manager. Cripps saw him as not only as incompetent, but also complicit in a regime that put profits before miners' lives. He called Bonsall to account for every shortcoming in the mine.

Portrayed as a villain at the time and a dissembler for his masters; some now say Bonsall was a man out of his depth and the fall guy for the owners. The inquiry failed to explore the relationship between Bonsall and the owners. Perhaps Henry Dyke Dennis could have explained why after 1932 the colliery had no mining engineer to advise on the safe running of the mine. Mr Dennis did not even appear before the inquiry.

Responsibility spread down the colliery hierarchy. The colliery officials knew what was wanted: increased production. The firemen all said that safety standards were maintained. Doubt was cast on the firemen as the miners gave witness that basic safety procedures were ignored. Also, complaints to the firemen about conditions in the mine were not welcome. Sir Henry Walker saw the firemen as victims of conflicting responsibilities: to maintain safety and to supervise coal production.

Cripps also blamed the Inspectorate for failing the miners of Gresford. He scorned the abilities of Percy Dominy, the local mines inspector, for not properly monitoring conditions in the mine.

Finally, even the miners were expected to take a share of the blame. Shawcross asked why they had not complained to the Inspectors and why had the miners' union been so inactive if things were so bad. The miners' response was that they had complained about the firedamp and unsafe shotfiring, but to no avail. Many feared for their jobs if they pressed their complaints too much. In a time of high unemployment, no miner could afford to take risks, so instead a culture of grim acceptance took hold.

By the time the inquiry closed, positions were firmly entrenched on where blame lay. Which side would Sir Henry come down on?

Aftermath

In January 1937 the inquiry's report was presented to Parliament. In effect there were three reports as neither assessor agreed with Sir Henry Walker's findings.

Sir Henry wrote his conclusions in guarded language. He said it was impossible to know the location and cause of the explosion without entering the Dennis section. He suspected shot firing in the area around the 24s airway in the 95s district. The colliery had inadequate ventilation. The 95s, 14s and 29s districts were dangerous and both management and inspectors had failed in their duties. However, he did not point the finger of blame.

The exact position of the explosion was never proved, the investigation proposed 4 possible locations, these are shown on the plan opposite as a Red Star

  

1. Possible location as put forward by Sir Henry Walker

2. Possible location as put forward by John Brass

3. Possible location as put forward by Joseph Jones

4. Possible location as put forward by Hartley Shawcross

John Brass, the owner's nominee, disagreed. The owners, despite the problems caused by the geology of the mine, had done their best as regards the ventilation. The colliery officials were conscientious and the miners' testimony was unreliable. Brass's theory was that a faulty telephone had sparked a firedamp explosion at 'The Clutch'. The resultant fire at the 29s turn (see plan) had caused the loss of life. He blamed this on the lack of proper firefighting equipment in the mine.

Joseph Jones, the miners' nominee, disagreed with John Brass on nearly every count. He saw the poor ventilation and the management culture of output at all costs as the reason the pit was so unsafe. Firedamp had built up to dangerous levels in the 14s district. The explosion happened there and was massive enough to affect the whole of the Dennis section. He called for criminal charges to be made against Bonsall and the colliery company.

The report satisfied few who sought justice for the miners, but neither would the courts. In April 1937 at Wrexham Petty Sessions 42 charges were made against the colliery company, the manager and officials. In the end most were withdrawn or dismissed. William Bonsall was convicted on eight counts of breaking mining safety law. He was fined £140 with £350 costs.

Parliament debated a motion calling for improvements to working conditions in the coal mines.

Closure.

1.Anders John Thomas aged 25 Repairer

2.Anders Joseph (John) aged 28 Beltman

3.Anderson George aged 67 Repairer

4.Andrews Alfred Owen aged 45 Cutterman

5.Archibald Joseph aged 47 Metal man

6.Archibald Thomas aged 30 Cutterman

7.Baines David aged 26 Haulage

8.Bateman Maldwyn aged 17 Haulage

9.Bather Edward Wynn aged 35 Collier

10.Beddow Edward aged 64 Collier

11.Bew Arthur aged 45 Cutterman

12.Bewley Thomas aged 59 Collier

13.Bowen Alfred aged 50 Borer

14.Boycott Henry aged 42 Packer

15.Brain Herbert aged 31 Repairer

16.Bramwell George aged 31 Haulage

17.Brannan John aged 32 Collier

18.Brown George aged 59 Surface labourer

19.Brown William Arthur aged 22 Haulage

20.Bryan John A.H. aged 38 Packer

21.Buckley Albert aged 22 Haulage

22.Burns Fred aged 39 Collier

23.Capper John A. aged 35 Packer

24.Cartwright Albert Edward aged 22 Filler

25.Cartwright Charles aged 34 Filler

26.Chadwick Stephen aged 21 Filler

27.Chester Edwin aged 67 Fireman

28.Clutton Arthur aged 29 Packer

29.Clutton George Albert aged 24 Collier

30.Clutton John Thomas aged 34 Fireman/ Haulage

31.Collins John aged 62 Shot Firer

32.Cornwall Thomas Richard aged 29 Haulage

33.Crump William aged 38 Cutterman

34.Darlington Thomas aged 39 Ripper

35.Davies Arthur aged 47 Filler

36.Davies Edward aged 57 Packer

37.Davies George William aged 25 Haulage

38.Davies Hugh T. aged 26 Borer

39.Davies James aged 37 Repairer

40.Davies James aged 31 Repairer

41.Davies James Edward aged 22 Filler

42.Davies John aged 44 Repairer

43.Davies John aged 62 Repairer

44.Davies John Edward aged 34 Collier

45.Davies John Ralph aged 68 Repairer

46.Davies Mathias aged 24 Filler

47.Davies Peter aged 22 Borer

48.Davies Peter aged 51 Repairer

49.Davies Peter aged 25 Filler

50.Davies Robert Thomas aged 34 Collier

51.Davies Samuel aged 35 Filler

52.Davies Thomas aged 31 Repairer

53.Davies William aged 33 Repairer

54.Dodd Thomas aged 41 Ripper

55.Duckett Frederick aged 30 Collier

56.Edge Thomas Samuel aged 30 Collier

57.Edge Joseph aged 28 Haulage

58.Edwards Albert aged 62 Repairer

59.Edwards Edward Thomas aged 53 Ripper

60.Edwards Enoch Glyn aged 23 Haulage

61.Edwards Ernest aged 16 Haulage

62.Edwards Frank aged aged 22 Pipeman

63.Edwards James Samuel 23 Haulage

64.Edwards John Edward aged 39 Collier

65.Edwards Joseph Cadwalldr aged 31 Packer

66.Edwards Thomas David aged 40 Ripper

67.Edwards William aged 32 Ripper

68.Edwardson John aged 41 Beltman

69.Ellis George Edward aged 42 Collier

70.Evans Fred George aged 50 Collier

71.Evans Ralph aged 34 Cutter

72.Evans John (Joseph) aged 32 Cutter

73.Evans Norman aged 42 Doggie

74.Fisher Len aged 57 Haulage

75.Foulks Irwin aged 21 Haulage

76.Gabriel Richard George aged 60 Collier

77.Gittins Joseph Henry aged 42 Repairer

78.Goodwin John H. aged 51 Packer

79.Griffiths Edward aged 22 Filler

80.Griffiths Edward Charles aged 24 Repairer

81.Griffiths Ellis aged 50 Packer

82.Griffiths Emmanuel aged 53 Packer

83.Griffiths John Francis aged 55 Repairer

84.Griffiths Walter aged 54 Repairer

85.Hall Walter aged 49 Packer

86.Hallam Thomas Walter aged 30 Packer

87.Hamlington Arthur aged 64 Repairer

88.Hampson Frank aged 32 Repairer

89.Harrison Arthur aged 44 Collier

90.Harrison Charles Edward aged 27 Haulage

91.Hewitt Phillip aged 56 Repairer

92.Higgins William Henry aged 29 Haulage

93.Holt Alfred aged 27 Cutter

94.Holden Henry John aged 21 Haulage

95.Hughes Cecil J. aged 23 Packer

96.Hughes Daniel aged 56

97.Hughes Francis Owen 60 Repairer

98.Hughes Harry aged 38 Cutterman

99.Hughes John aged 58 Repairer

100.Hughes Peter Joseph aged 27 Collier

101.Hughes Robert John aged 27 Collier

102.Hughes William aged 43 Collier

103.Hughes Walter Ellis 2 aged 4 Packer

104.Hughes William aged 54

105.Humphreys Benjamin aged 34 Collier

106.Humphreys Joseph aged 30 Cutterman

107.Husbands Thomas aged 40 Collier

108.Jarvis Ernest aged 35 Cutterman

109.Jenkins William aged 25 Collier

110.Johns Percy C aged 28 Packer

111.Jones Albert Edward aged 31 Borer

112.Jones Azariah aged 36 Header

113.Jones Cyril aged 27 Collier

114.Jones Daniel aged 52 Repairer

115.Jones David Lloyd aged 36 Cutterman

116.Jones Edward aged 56 Repairer

117.Jones Edward aged 59 Repairer

118.Jones Edward George aged 23 Haulage

119.Jones Eric aged 23 Filler

120.Jones Ernest aged 37 Packer

121.Jones Evan Hugh aged 57 Repairer

122.Jones Francis Owen (E) aged 33 Haulage

123.Jones Frederick (Percy Mercer) aged 30 Packer

124.Jones Frederick Cyril aged 29 Borer

125.Jones George Humphrey aged 22 Haulage

126.Jones George Llewelyn aged 47 Beltman

127.Jones Gwilym Peter aged 52 Repairer

128.Jones Henry aged 58 Collier

129.Jones Iowerth aged 52 Haulage

130.Jones Idris aged 37 Haulage

131.Jones Jabez aged 52 Haulage

132.Jones John Richard aged 33 Repairer

133.Jones John Robert aged 55 Repairer

134.Jones John Daniel (Samuel) aged 42 Repairer

135.Jones Llewelyn aged 49 Repairer

136.Jones Llewelyn aged 38 Collier

137.Jones Llewelyn aged 38 Haulage

138.Jones Neville 30 Beltman

139.Jones Richard Henry aged 21 Haulage

140.Jones Richard James aged 34 Repairer

141.Jones Robert aged 49 Packer

142.Jones Robert aged 57 Deputy fireman

143.Jones Thomas aged 55 Packer

144.Jones Thomas aged Enos 29 Collier

145.Jones Thomas John aged 58 Haulage

146.Jones Thomas Owen aged 64 Collier

147.Jones William aged 51 Haulage

148.Jones William aged 21 Filler

149.Kelsall James aged 29 Haulage

150.Kelsall John aged 37 Packer

151.Lawrence William 40 Haulage

152.Lee John Thomas aged 30 Repairer

153.Lee Thomas aged 60 Repairer

154.Lewis David aged 44 Repairer

155.Lewis David Thomas aged 42 Cutterman

156.Lewis John (Jack) aged 48

157.Lilley Joel 41 aged Repairer

158.Lloyd Thomas aged 55 Packer

159.Lloyd William aged 59 Collier

160.Lloyd William Sidney aged 19 Haulage

161.Lucas John aged 57 Collier

162.McKean Joseph aged 30 Repairer

163.Maggs Colin Verdun aged 17 Haulage

164.Mannion Albert aged 30 Filler

165.Manuel Thomas Arthur aged 33 Repairer

166.Martin William Henry aged 37 Ripper

167.Mathews William Vincent aged 19 Haulage

168.Matthias Samuel aged 43 Fireman

169.Meade William aged 39 Packer

170.Mitchell George aged 24 Haulage

171.Monk Ernest aged 24 Haulage

172.Morley Edward aged 62 Repairer

173.Morris Alfred aged 20 Haulage

174.Nicholls Harry aged 32 Repairer

175.Nicholls John aged 30 Collier

176.Nicholls William Henry aged 43 Collier

177.Owens Evan Henry aged 54 Packer

178.Palmer Alex aged 20 Haulage

179.Parry Issac aged 41 Repairer

180.Parry John Edward (C) aged 29 Haulage

181.Parry John Richard aged 20 Haulage

182.Parry Joseph aged 66 Repairer

183.Penny Steven aged 23 Filler

184.Penny William Henry aged 32 Ambulanceman

185.Perrin Frank Corbett aged 23 Haulage

186.Peters Henry aged 44 Packer

187.Phillips George aged 22 Haulage

188.Phillips Herbert aged 28 Filler

189.Phillips John aged 40 Filler

190.Pickering John Frederick aged 34 Haulage

191.Powell Charles aged 59 Railman

192.Price Ernest aged 26 Cutterman

193.Price Samuel aged 37 Cutterman

194.Pridding Joseph aged 22 Haulage

195.Prince Mark aged 59 Repairer

196.Prince William aged 29 Repiirer

197.Pritchard Isiah aged 54 Repairer

198.Pugh Ernest aged 51 Doggie

199.Pugh Thomas Henry aged 54 Collier

200.Ralphs John aged 58 Cutterman

201.Rance Thomas Randolph aged 22 Haulage

202.Read Lloyd aged 20 Haulage Engine driver

203.Rees Albert aged 57 Pipeman

204.Roberts Arthut Allen aged 63 Repairer

205.Roberts Edward aged 34 Collier

206.Roberts Edward Coster aged 45 Collier

207.Roberts Ernest aged 26 Filler

208.Roberts Frank aged 31 Haulage

209.Roberts George aged 28 Filler/ repairer

210.Roberts Idris aged 16 Haulage

211.Roberts John David aged 47 Collier

212.Roberts John Henry aged 34 Packer

213.Roberts Olwyn aged 24 Filler

214.Roberts Percy aged 22 Haulage

215.Roberts Robert aged 36 Repairer

216.Roberts Robert John aged 49 Filler

217.Roberts Robert Thomas aged 57 Railman

218.Roberts Robert William aged 39 Packer

219.Roberts Thomas James aged 19 Filler

220.Roberts William aged 46 Packer

221.Roberts William Henry aged 43 Collier

222.Robertson William aged 46 Cutterman

223.Rogers Edward Llewelyn aged 20 Haulage

224.Rogers Granville aged 30 Repairer

225.Ross Harry (Albert) aged 34 Collier

226.Rowlands John aged 36 Cutterman

227.Rowlands John David aged 17 Haulage

228.Salisbury William aged 42 Fireman Doggie

229.Shaw George aged 62 Collier

230.Shone John (Jack) aged 34 Packer

231.Shone Richard aged 46 Doggie

232.Slawson Arthur aged 22 Haulage

233.Smith Leonard aged 20 Haulage

234.Stevens Richard Thomas aged 22 Haulage

235.Strange Albert aged 24 Collier

236.Strange Frederick aged 22 Collier

237.Stratford Stanley H aged 38 Packer

238.Tarran John aged 60 Repairer

239.Taylor William Henry aged 53 Cutterman

240.Thomas Berwyn aged 26 Haulage

241.Thomas Ernest Tecwyn aged 25 Collier

242.Thomas Robert aged 32 Haulage

243.Thomas John Elias aged 28 Repairer

244.Thornton John aged 26 Repairer

245.Tittle Ralph Edward aged 44 Repairer

246.Trow Ernest aged 42 Collier

247.Valentine Arthur Frederick aged 23 Haulage

248.Vaughan John Edward aged 27 Repairer

249.White John aged 38 Beltman

250.Williams Arthur Reginald aged 28 Electrician

251.Williams George aged 31 Collier

252.Williams Harold aged 36 Collier

253.Williams Hugh Lloyd aged 43 Collier

254.Williams Jas. (John) aged 42 Repairer

255.Williams John aged 62 Doggie

256.Williams John (James) aged 66 Collier

257.Williams John David aged 29 Repairer

258.Williams John Thomas aged 33 Packer

259.Williams Norris aged 24 Electrician

260.Williams Thomas aged 57 Repairer

261.Williams William Arthur aged 31 Cutterman

262.Wilson John Walter aged 22 Haulage

263.Wineyard Walter William aged 47 Repairer

264.Witter Henry aged 58 Repairer

265.Wynne Edward aged 69 Repairer

266.Yemm Morgan James aged 28 Repairer

Of the 264 men who were killed underground, only 11 bodies were ever recovered, the remaining 253 are entombed in the colliery.

The 266th victim was that of Frederick Strange who died aged 22 afterwards as a result of the shock of his brother’s death. His funeral was on 18th October 1934. It was decided at the time that his name should be added as his death was indirectly caused by the disaster.

There were only 6 six survivors from the disaster area whose names were Cyril Challinor, Teddy Andrews, John & Bert Samuel (brothers), Dai Jones & Tom Fisher, their escape route is shown on the plans as - Blue Dashed Line

 

The tragedy left 166 widows, 229 children, 194 partial dependants and 130 pensioners.

 

Gresford Colliery Closed in 1973, in 1982 a memorial was unveiled to commemorate the disaster.

 

Aberystwyth University is a public research university in Aberystwyth, Wales. Aberystwyth was a founding member institution of the former federal University of Wales. The university has over 8,000 students studying across three academic faculties and 17 departments.

 

Founded in 1872 as University College Wales, Aberystwyth, it became a founder member of the University of Wales in 1894, and changed its name to the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. In the mid-1990s, the university again changed its name to become the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. On 1 September 2007, the University of Wales ceased to be a federal university and Aberystwyth University became independent again.

 

In 2019, it became the first university to be named "University of the year for teaching quality" by The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide for two consecutive years. It is the first university in the world to be awarded Plastic Free University status (for single-use plastic items).

 

In the middle of the 19th century, eminent Welsh people were advocating the establishment of a university in the principality. One of these, Thomas Nicholas, whose book, Middle and High Class Schools, and University Education for Wales (1863), is said to have "exerted great influence on educated Welshmen".

 

Funded through public and private subscriptions, and with five regional committees (London, Manchester, Liverpool, North and South Wales) guaranteeing funds for the first three years' running costs, the university opened in October 1872 with 26 students. Thomas Charles Edwards was the principal. In October 1875, chapels in Wales raised the next tranche of funds from over 70,000 contributors. Until 1893, when the college joined the University of Wales as a founder member, students applying to Aberystwyth sat the University of London's entrance exams. Women were admitted in 1884.

 

In 1885, a fire damaged what is now known as the Old College, Aberystwyth, and in 1897 the first 14 acres of what became the main Penglais campus were purchased. Incorporated by Royal Charter in 1893, the university installed the Prince of Wales as chancellor in 1896, the same year it awarded an honorary degree to the British prime minister, William Gladstone.

 

The university's coat of arms dates from the 1880s. The shield features two red dragons to symbolise Wales, and an open book to symbolise learning. The crest, an eagle or phoenix above a flaming tower, may signify the college's rebirth after the 1885 fire. The motto is Nid Byd, Byd Heb Wybodaeth (a world without knowledge is no world at all).

 

In the early 1900s, the university added courses that included law, applied mathematics, pure mathematics and botany. The Department for International Politics, which Aberystwyth says is the oldest such department in the world, was founded in 1919. By 1977, the university's staff included eight Fellows of the Royal Society, such as Gwendolen Rees, the first Welsh woman to be elected an FRS.

 

The Department of Sports and Exercise Science was established in 2000. Joint honours psychology degrees were introduced in September 2007, and single honours psychology in 2009.

 

The chancellor of the university is The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, who took up the position in January 2018. The visitor of the university is an appointment made by the Privy Council, under the Royal Charter of the university. Since July 2014, the holder of this office is Mr Justice Sir Roderick Evans KC.

 

In 2011, the university appointed a new vice chancellor under whom the academic departments were restructured as larger subject-themed institutes.

 

In 2022, the university celebrated its 150th anniversar,y being established in 1872 (known at the time as The University College of Wales).

 

Aberystwyth is a university and seaside town as well as a community in Ceredigion, Wales. Located in the historic county of Cardiganshire, Aberystwyth means "the mouth of the Ystwyth". Aberystwyth University has been a major educational location in Wales since the establishment of University College Wales in 1872.

 

The town is situated on Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales, near the confluence of the River Ystwyth and Afon Rheidol. Following the reconstruction of the harbour, the Ystwyth skirts the town. The Rheidol passes through the town.

 

The seafront, with a pier, stretches from Constitution Hill at the north end of the Promenade to the harbour at the south. The beach is divided by the castle. The town is divided into five areas: Aberystwyth Town; Llanbadarn Fawr; Waunfawr; Llanbadarn; Trefechan; and the most populous, Penparcau.

 

In 2011 the population of the town was 13,040. This rises to nearly 19,000 for the larger conurbation of Aberystwyth and Llanbadarn Fawr.

  

Aberystwyth Bay from a 1748 survey by Lewis Morris (1701–1765)

The distance to Swansea is 55 miles (89 km); to Shrewsbury 60 miles (97 km); to Wrexham 63 miles (101 km); to Cardiff 76 miles (122 km); and to London 180 miles (290 km).

 

Aberystwyth is a university town and tourist destination, and forms a cultural link between North Wales and South Wales. Constitution Hill, scaled by the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, gives access to panoramic views and to other attractions at the summit, including a camera obscura. Scenic Mid Wales landscape within easy reach of the town includes the wilderness of the Cambrian Mountains, whose valleys contain forests and meadows which have changed little in centuries. A convenient way to access the interior is by the preserved narrow-gauge Vale of Rheidol Railway.

 

Although the town is relatively modern, there are a number of historic buildings, including the remains of the castle and the Old College of Aberystwyth University nearby. The Old College was originally built and opened in 1865 as a hotel, but after the owner's bankruptcy the shell of the building was sold to the university in 1867.

 

The new university campus overlooks Aberystwyth from Penglais Hill to the east of the town centre. The station, a terminus of the main railway, was built in 1924 in the typical style of the period, mainly in a mix of Gothic, Classical Revival, and Victorian architecture.

 

The town is the unofficial capital of Mid Wales, and several institutions have regional or national offices there. Public bodies located in the town include the National Library of Wales, which incorporates the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales, one of six British regional film archives. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales maintains and curates the National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW), providing the public with information about the built heritage of Wales. Aberystwyth is also the home to the national offices of UCAC and Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society), and the site of the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, the Welsh Books Council and the offices of the standard historical dictionary of Welsh, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru. A purpose built Welsh Government office and an adjoining office of Ceredigion County Council are also located in the town.

 

At the 2001 census, the population of the town was 15,935. This reduced to 13,040 at the 2011 census. Including neighbouring Llanbadarn Fawr, the population was 16,420, and the greater Aberystwyth conurbation having a population of 18,749 in 2011

 

Aberystwyth experiences an oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) similar to almost all of the United Kingdom. This is particularly pronounced due to its west coast location facing the Irish Sea. Air undergoes little land moderation and so temperatures closely reflect the sea temperature when winds are coming from the predominant onshore (westerly) direction. The nearest Met Office weather station is Gogerddan, 3 miles to the northeast, and at a similar elevation.

 

The absolute maximum temperature is 34.6 °C (94.3 °F), set during July 2006. This is also the July record maximum for all of Wales, suggesting that the area's low lying situation, aided by a possible föhn effect when winds are offshore can act to achieve high temperatures on occasion. Typically the warmest day will average 28.0 °C (82.4 °F) and 5.6 days will achieve a maximum of 25.1 °C (77.2 °F) or above.

 

The absolute minimum temperature is −13.5 °C (7.7 °F), set in January 2010. Typically 39.8 days will register an air frost.

 

Rainfall averages 1,112 mm (44 in) a year, with over 1mm recorded on 161 days. All averages refer to the 1981–2010 period.

 

There is evidence that during the Mesolithic Age the area of Tan-y-Bwlch at the foot of Pen Dinas (Penparcau) was used as a flint knapping floor for hunter-gatherers making weapons from flint that was deposited as the ice retreated.

 

The remains of a Celtic fortress on Pen Dinas (or more correctly 'Dinas Maelor'), a hill in Penparcau overlooking Aberystwyth, indicates that the site was inhabited before 700 BC. On a hill south of the present town, across the River Ystwyth, are the remains of a medieval ringfort believed to be the castle from which Princess Nest was abducted. This rare survival is now on private land and can only be accessed by arrangement.

 

The recorded history of Aberystwyth may be said to date from the building of a fortress in 1109 by Gilbert Fitz Richard (grandfather of Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow, the Cambro-Norman lord notable for his leading role in the Norman invasion of Ireland). Gilbert Fitz Richard was granted lands and the lordship of Cardigan by Henry I, including Cardigan Castle. The fortress built in Aberystwyth was located about a mile and a half south of today's town, on a hill over the south bank of the Ystwyth River, thus giving the settlement of Aberystwyth its name. The location is now known as Tan-Y-Castell.

 

Aberystwyth was usually under the control of the princes of Deheubarth, but its position close to the border with Gwynedd and Powys left it vulnerable to attacks from the leaders of those polities. The town was attacked by Gwenwynwyn ab Owain in 1197, an assault in which Maelgwn ap Rhys was captured. Llywelyn the Great attacked and seized the town in late 1208, building a castle there before withdrawing.

 

Edward I replaced Strongbow's castle in 1277, after its destruction by the Welsh. His castle was, however, built in a different location, at the current Castle Hill, the high point of the town. Between the years 1404 and 1408 Aberystwyth Castle was in the hands of Owain Glyndŵr but finally surrendered to Prince Harry (the future King Henry V of England). Shortly after this, the town was incorporated under the title of Ville de Lampadarn (the ancient name of the place being Llanbadarn Gaerog or the fortified Llanbadarn, to distinguish it from Llanbadarn Fawr, the village one mile (1.6 km) inland. It is thus styled in a Royal charter granted by Henry VIII but, by Elizabeth I's time, the town was invariably named Aberystwyth in all documents.

 

From 1639 to 1642, silver coins were minted at Aberystwyth Castle on behalf of the Royal Mint, using silver from local mines. £10,500 in currency was produced, equivalent to 2.5 million silver pennies.

 

In 1649, Parliamentarian troops razed the castle, although portions of three towers still exist. In 1988, an excavation within the castle area revealed a complete male skeleton, deliberately buried. Though skeletons rarely survive in Wales' acidic soil, this skeleton was probably preserved by the addition of lime from the collapsed building. Affectionately known as "Charlie" and now housed in the Ceredigion Museum in the town, he probably dates from the English Civil War period, and is likely to have died during the Parliamentarian siege. His image is featured in one of nine mosaics created to adorn the castle's walls.

 

The development of Aberystwyth's Port contributed to the town’s economic development during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Port improvements were carried out in both 1780 and 1836, with a new Customs House constructed in 1828. Rural industries and craftsmen were also an important part of life in this country town. The local trade directory for 1830 shows that there were in Aberystwyth: Twenty boot makers, eight bakers, two corn millers, eleven carpenters and joiners, one cooper, seven tailors, two dressmakers, two straw hat makers, two hat makers, three curriers, four saddlers, two tinsmiths, six maltsters, two skinners, four tanners, eight stonemasons, one brewer, four lime burners, three shipwrights, three wheelwrights, five cabinet makers, one nail maker, one rope maker and one sail maker.

 

The Cambrian Railways line from Machynlleth reached Aberystwyth in 1864, closely followed by rail links to Carmarthen, which resulted in the construction of the town's impressive station. The Cambrian line opened on Good Friday 1869, the same day that the new 292 metres (958 ft) Royal Pier (designed by Eugenius Birch) opened, attracting 7,000 visitors.

 

The railway's arrival gave rise to something of a Victorian tourist boom, with Aberystwyth becoming a significant holiday destination for working and middle class families from South Wales in particular. The town was once even billed as the "Biarritz of Wales". During this time, a number of hotels and fine townhouses were built including the Queens Hotel, later renamed Swyddfa'r Sir (County Office) when used as offices by the town council, and most recently used as the external scenes of the police station in the television show Hinterland. One of the largest of these hotels, "The Castle Hotel", was never completed as a hotel but, following bankruptcy, was sold cheaply to the Welsh National University Committee, a group of people dedicated to the creation of a Welsh University. The University College of Wales (later to become Aberystwyth University) was founded in 1872 in this building.

 

Aberystwyth was a contributory parliamentary borough until the Third Reform Act, which merged its representation into that of the county in 1885.

 

In 1895, various businessmen who had been behind the Aberystwyth New Harbour Company formed the Aberystwyth Improvement Company (AIC) to take over the works of the defunct Bourne Engineering & Electrical. In 1896, the AIC completed three projects: the new landside pavilion for the Royal Pier; built the Cambria Hotel (later the United Theological College) and formed Constitution Hill Ltd, to develop a Victorian theme park. Chief engineer George Croydon Marks designed all the AIC developments, including the United Kingdom's second longest funicular railway, which takes passengers up a 50% gradient to a park and camera obscura.

 

Aberystwyth hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1865, 1916, 1952 and 1992.

 

On the night of Friday, 14 January 1938, a storm with estimated wind speeds of up to 90 mph (140 km/h) struck the town. Most of the promenade was destroyed, along with 200 feet (60 m) of the pier. Many properties on the seafront were damaged, with every property from the King's Hall north affected; those on Victoria Terrace suffered the greatest damage. Work commenced on a protective coffer dam which continued into 1940, with total costs of construction coming to £70,000 (equivalent to £2.5 million today).

 

Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society) held their historic first protest on Trefechan Bridge in Aberystwyth, on 2 February 1963. The first independent Welsh Evangelical Church was established in Aberystwyth (see Evangelical Movement of Wales).

 

On 1 March 2005, Aberystwyth was granted Fairtrade Town status.

 

In March 2009 mayor Sue Jones-Davies, who had played the role of Judith Iscariot in the film Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979), organised a charity screening of the film. Principal actors Terry Jones and Michael Palin also attended. There is a popular, but incorrect, urban myth that the town had banned the film (as some authorities did) when it was first released.

 

During the aftermath storms from Cyclone Dirk on Friday 3 January 2014, the town was one of the worst hit in Wales. Properties on the adjoining promenade were then evacuated for the next five days, including 250 students from the University. Ceredigion Council appealed to the Welsh Assembly Government for funds, whilst Natural Resources Wales undertook surveys and emergency preventative measures.

 

North Parade, Aberystwyth was reported to be the most expensive street in Wales in 2018, based on property prices.

 

Penglais Nature Park (Welsh: Parc Natur Penglais) is a woodland overlooking the town. The park was created in 1995 from a disused quarry and surrounding woodland that had formerly been part of the Richardes family estate. In spring a carpet of bluebells bloom, in common with the many other bluebell woods.

 

The park covers 27 acres (11 ha). It was the first Nature reserve to open in Ceredigion and is the only UNESCO Man and Biosphere urban reserve in Wales.

 

Aberystwyth's local government administration has a two-tier structure consisting of two separate councils. As local government is a devolved matter in Wales, the legislation for both Councils is a responsibility of the Senedd.

 

Aberystwyth Town Council is the first tier of local government, which is the closest to the general public; there are 19 elected town councillors from five wards. The last elections were held in 2022. The council is responsible for cycle paths, public footpaths, CCTV, public Wi-Fi, bus shelters, parks, gardens (including the castle grounds and the skateboard park) and allotments. The council is a statutory body which is consulted regarding planning decisions in the town area and makes recommendations to the planning authority, Ceredigion County Council. The Town Council is also involved in leisure, tourism, business (through providing more than half of Menter Aberystwyth's funding in grants), licence applications, wellbeing and environmental health, recycling and refuse collection.

 

A borough council existed in Aberystwyth from 1832 and the Aberystwyth School Board was established in 1870.

 

Ceredigion County Council is another statutory body incorporated by Act of Parliament. It is the second tier of local government in the area and is a unitary authority with a wide range of powers and responsibility. The Council deals with roads (except trunk roads), street lighting, some highways, social services, children and family care, schools and public libraries. Aberystwyth elects six of the 42 councillors in five separate wards (Bronglais, Central, North and Rheidol wards elect one councillor each while Penparcau ward elects two).

 

Aberystwyth has five Senedd members, one of whom (Elin Jones) was elected as a constituency MS for Ceredigion, and four who are elected on the regional list for Mid and West Wales.

 

The town is in the Ceredigion constituency for elections to the House of Commons. Since June 2017, Aberystwyth's MP has been Plaid Cymru's Ben Lake.

 

The first ever public library in Aberystwyth was opened in Compton House, Pier Street on 13 October 1874. In 1882 the library was moved to the Assembly Rooms which were leased to the council for 21 years. The lease expired in 1903 and the library returned to Pier Street, this time to the Old Banking Library at the corner with Eastgate Street, although this was short lived. A Carnegie library was built in Aberystwyth in 1905, with a grant of £3,000. Located in Corporation Street, it was designed by the architect Walter Payton of Birmingham, who was one of 48 who entered the competition to design the building. It was formally opened on 20 April 1906 by Mrs Vaughan Davies, wife of the local MP. The town library moved to Aberystwyth Town Hall, now known as Canolfan Alun R. Edwards, following the building's refurbishment in 2012.

 

The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, is the national legal deposit library of Wales. Established in 1907, it is a Welsh Government sponsored body. According to Cyril Evans, the library's centenary events co-ordinator, "The library is considered to be one of the world's greatest libraries, and its international reputation is certainly something that all Welsh men and women are intensely ... proud of". Welsh is the main medium of communication within the organisation; it aims to deliver all public services in Welsh and English.

 

Aberystwyth Arts Centre is one of the largest and busiest arts centres in Wales. It encompasses a 312-seat theatre, 900-seat concert hall, 125-seat cinema, and has accompanied studio, galleries, plus public spaces which include cafes and a bar. Arad Goch is an Arts Council funded community theatre and art gallery based in the town. The premises holds a theatre, gallery, several art studios and meeting rooms, and a darkroom.

 

The town has three works by the Italian sculptor Mario Rutelli; the War Memorial on the promenade, the Tabernacle Chapel Memorial on Powell Street, and the statue of Edward VIII as Prince of Wales in the Old College. All are Grade II listed structures. Rutelli’s connection with the town came through Thomas Jenkins of Aberystwyth, who ran a shipping business. Jenkins was a frequent visitor to Italy where he admired Rutelli’s work. Jo Darke, in her work, The Monument Guide to England and Wales: A National Portrait in Bronze and Stone, describes Rutelli’s war memorial as “striking and rare” and suggests that the life-size statue of Edward VIII is the only recorded example.

 

Aberystwyth has a live music scene which has produced bands and artists such as: The Crocketts; The Hot Puppies; Murry the Hump; and The Lowland Hundred. The University Music Centre promotes a varied programme for instrumentalists, singers and listeners from the university and the wider community. The University chamber choir, The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers, have been singing in the town since 1950 and continue to hold a number of concerts throughout the year. Aberystwyth gives its name to a well known hymn tune composed by Joseph Parry.

 

Aberystwyth RFC is the local rugby union club and acts as a feeder club to professional side Scarlets. It was formed in 1947 and for the 2017/18 season played in the WRU Division One West. Aberystwyth Town F.C. is a semi-professional football club that was formed in 1884. The team currently compete in the Cymru Premier, Wales' top division. The town also has a cricket club which plays in local leagues, an athletics club (founded 1955), and boxing club in Penparcau. The town's golf course opened in 1911.

 

Ceredigion, the county in which Aberystwyth is located, is one of the four most Welsh-speaking counties in Wales and remained majority Welsh speaking until the 2011 census. Since the town's growth as a seaside resort in the Victorian era, it has been more anglicised than its hinterland and the rest of the county in general. The university has also attracted many English-speaking students from England, non-Welsh speaking parts of Wales and elsewhere. The 1891 census recorded that, of the 6635 inhabitants who completed the language section, 3482 (52.5%) were bilingual, 1751 (26.4%) were Welsh monoglots, and 1402 people (21.1%) were returned as English monoglots. Ceredigion (then named Cardiganshire) as a whole was 95.2% Welsh-speaking and 74.5% monoglot Welsh. Although the town remained majority Welsh-speaking for many more decades, English had already replaced Welsh in certain domains, such as entertainment and tourism. By 1961, only 50.0% of the town's population could speak Welsh, compared to 79.5% for Cardiganshire as a whole; by 1971, these numbers had fallen to 44.9% and 67.6% respectively. The 2001 census reported that, in the seven wards of Aberystwyth, 39% of the residents self-identified as able to speak or read or write Welsh. This is lower than Ceredigion as a whole (54%) but higher than Wales overall (19%).

 

Aberystwyth parish church is St Michael's and All Angels, located in Laura Place. The parish was a Rectoral Benefice until 2019, incorporating the Anglican churches of Holy Trinity, Santes Fair (services in Welsh) and Saint Anne's, Penparcau. The Rectoral Benefice has now been converted to a local ministry area (LMA). The church was built between 1886 and 1890, replacing an earlier church. It was designed in a Gothic Revival style and is a Grade II listed building.

 

In addition to the Anglican churches, there are many existing and former Welsh Calvinistic Methodist chapels that have these days merged into Saint David's (United Reformed) and Capel y Morfa (Welsh language services). A former Calvinistic Methodist Sunday school house, Ysgoldy Tanycae, is now the meeting place of the Elim Pentecostal church. Meanwhile there is a Wesleyan Methodist church, Saint Paul's Methodist Centre, located in Bath Street. An Independent Baptist church is located in Alfred Place. In 2021, amid some controversy, Aberystwyth's Catholic church, Saint Winefride's, was closed and the congregation relocated to a new-build church located in Penparcau.

 

There are a number of other smaller congregations, and many former churches that have now been converted to alternative use, such as the Academy bar.

 

Aberystwyth has two comprehensive schools serving the town and a wide rural area: Ysgol Gyfun Gymunedol Penweddig and Ysgol Penglais School. Ysgol Gyfun Gymunedol Penweddig uses Welsh as the primary language of tuition; Ysgol Penglais School teaches in English and in Welsh as a subject.

 

There are currently three primary schools within the town limits, which are: Plascrug, Saint Padarns (Roman Catholic) and Ysgol Gymraeg. Ysgol Gymraeg was the first designated Welsh medium school in Wales, originally established as a private school in 1939 by Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards as Ysgol Gymraeg yr Urdd.

 

Aberystwyth is home to Aberystwyth University (Welsh: Prifysgol Aberystwyth) whose predecessor, University College Wales, was founded in 1872 and renamed the 'University of Wales, Aberystwyth' in the mid-1990s. Prior to the college's establishment, Wales had very limited academic-degree capability through St David's College, Lampeter (founded in 1822, now the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David).

 

As well as having two cinemas and a golf course, the town's attractions include:

The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, a funicular railway

A Victorian camera obscura at the top of Constitution Hill.

The Vale of Rheidol steam railway (Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge)

Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

The Parc Penglais nature reserve

The Ystwyth Trail cycle path

National Library of Wales

Park Avenue. Football stadium home to Aberystwyth Town F.C.

The all organic dairy unit of Rachel's Organic is based in Glan yr Afon, and is the largest private sector employer in Aberystwyth.

 

The Cambrian News newspaper came to Aberystwyth from Bala in 1870, after it was purchased by Sir John Gibson. Printed in Oswestry, in May 1880 the paper integrated operations in a former Malthouse in Mill Street. Owned by the Read family from 1926, in 1993 printing was contracted out, enabling the move of editorial staff to the current open-plan offices on Llanbadarn Fawr Science Park. On the death of Henry Read, the paper was purchased in 1999 by Sir Ray Tindle, whose company owns more than 200 weekly newspapers in Britain. Now printed in tabloid format, Cambrian News is the second-largest weekly-print circulation newspaper in Wales, with 24,000 copies in six regional editorial versions, read by 60,000 weekly readers. The circulation area of mid, west and north Wales covers 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2).

 

Since the TV series Hinterland has been filmed in and around Aberystwyth, the area is being promoted as an opportunity for tourists to visit filming locations; many are well publicised.

 

Aberystwyth railway station is situated in the town centre and is the terminus of the scenic Cambrian Line. Transport for Wales Rail operate a mostly hourly service (with some two-hour intervals) to Shrewsbury via Machynlleth and Mid Wales, with nearly all trains continuing to Birmingham International. Connecting services from Dovey Junction provide a link to Gwynedd's west coast as far as Pwllheli, along the Cambrian Coast Line. There is no longer a southbound connection: the Carmarthen–Aberystwyth line was closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts.

 

Aberystwyth station is also the terminus of the Vale of Rheidol Railway, a steam-operated narrow gauge heritage railway. Constructed between 1901 and 1902, it was intended to ship mineral cargo, primarily lead, from Devil's Bridge down to Aberystwyth for trans-shipment. By the time it was finished, lead mining was in a deep downturn and—thanks to the Aberystwyth Improvement Company—the railway came to rely largely on the tourist industry, opening for passengers in December 1902. It still remains open for the summer season, with a journey of 12 miles (19 km).

 

In 1896, the Aberystwyth Improvement Company formed Constitution Hill Ltd which, under the direction of chief engineer George Croydon Marks, developed the United Kingdom's second longest funicular railway, the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, which takes passengers up a 50% gradient.

 

A TrawsCymru T1 service on the A4120 in Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is a hub for the TrawsCymru bus network, with four routes serving the town:

 

T1 - hourly service to Carmarthen (connects with T1S to Swansea, Monday-Saturday) via Aberaeron and Lampeter - with one service a day (Monday-Saturday) extended to Cardiff

T1C - daily express coach service to Cardiff, via Aberaeron, Carmarthen (connects with T1S to Swansea, Monday-Saturday), Swansea (Sunday & Bank Holidays only), Port Talbot Parkway and Bridgend

T2 - every 1–2 hours to Bangor via Machynlleth, Dolgellau (connects with T3 to Barmouth and Wrexham), Porthmadog and Caernarfon

T5 - hourly service to Haverfordwest via Aberaeron, New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard

(TrawsCymru services run less-frequently on Sundays.)

 

There is a daily National Express coach, service 409 to London via Birmingham, along with local bus services within the town and into the surrounding area.

 

The A44 and A487 meet with much traffic between North Wales and South West Wales passing through the town. The A4120 links the A44 and A487 between Llanbadarn Fawr and Penparcau, allowing through traffic to bypass the town centre.

 

The B4574 mountain road linking the town to Rhayader is described by the AA as one of the ten most scenic drives in the world.

 

The port of Aberystwyth, although it is small and relatively inconsequential today, used to be an important Atlantic Ocean entryway. It was used to ship locally, to Ireland and as a transatlantic departure point. Commercially, the once important Cardiganshire lead mines exported from this location.

 

The importance of maritime trade in the 19th century is reflected in the fact that a lifeboat has been based at Aberystwyth since 1843, when a 27 ft (8.2 m) boat powered by six oars was funded by public subscription and placed under the control of the harbourmaster. The RNLI took over the service in 1861 and established Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station which celebrated 150 years in 2011. The station uses the Atlantic 85-class inshore lifeboat Spirit of Friendship.

 

The Owl Service by Alan Garner, a well-known and -loved multi-award-winning classic published 1967, is set in north Wales and has two of its core characters —Gwyn and his mam (mother) Nancy— recently arrived from Aberystwyth for 3 weeks' work, with Nancy repeatedly threatening to return there immediately. They and the Welsh locals refer to it as "Aber"; the English characters use its full name.

Aberystwyth (albeit an alternative universe version) is the setting for the cult Louie Knight series by Malcolm Pryce, which transfers Chandleresque "noir" stories and dialogue to this small seaside town. This alternative reality features many landmarks of Aberystwyth, such as the University and the National Library of Wales, but the social situation is radically altered to more closely resemble the pulp/noir stereotypical "Dirty Town" that the narrative plays off. Most of the humour in the books is derived from the almost seamless juxtaposition of the real Aberystwyth and the fictional, noir Aberystwyth. Various aspects of Welsh culture are reflections of what you might expect to see in reality, but with a pulp twist – for example, prostitutes wear Welsh stovepipe hats.

Stripping Penguins Bare, the book 2 of Michael Carson's Benson Trilogy of comic novels, is set in the town and university in the 1960s.

The local writer Niall Griffiths has set many of his novels here and reflects local slang, settings, and even individuals. Grits and Sheepshagger are set wholly in Aberystwyth, which also features prominently in his other novels such as Kelly and Victor and Stump. He portrays a more gritty side of Aberystwyth.

‘Cofiwch Aberystwyth’ by science fiction writer Val Nolan, is a near-future post-apocalyptic novelette about three young urban explorers visiting Aberystwyth years after a nuclear disaster on the west coast of Wales. It was originally published in Interzone (magazine) and later anthologised in Best of British Science Fiction 2020. The title references the Cofiwch Dryweryn graffiti outside nearby Llanrhystyd, Ceredigion.

 

Television

Y Gwyll (2013–2016), a Welsh-language television programme, and the English-language version Hinterland , broadcast on S4C, BBC One Wales, BBC Four, and syndicated around the world, is set in Aberystwyth. It is filmed in and around the town, often in rural locations.

 

Film

Y Llyfrgell (2017) is an award-winning Welsh language film set in and around the National Library, which was filmed on location in 2016. The 2009 book on which it was based was released in English in 2022.

 

The following people and military units have received the Freedom of the Town of Aberystwyth.

Individuals

1912 – Sir John Williams

1912 – David Davies

1912 – Stuart Rendel

1922 – David Lloyd George

1923 – Lewis Pugh Evans

1923 – Matthew Vaughan-Davies

1923 – Sir Herbert Lewis

1928 – Stanley Baldwin

1936 – Sir David Charles Roberts

1936 – Ernest Vaughan

1951 – Winston Churchill

1956 – Sir David James

2011 – Fritz Pratschke

2015 – Jean Guezennec

 

Military Units

1955 – The Welsh Guards

 

Twinning

Arklow in Wicklow, Republic of Ireland Ireland

Kronberg im Taunus in Hesse Hesse, Germany Germany

Saint-Brieuc in Brittany Brittany, France France

Esquel in Patagonia, Argentina Argentina

A forgotten figure today, Sir Alfred Lewis Jones (1845-1909) is commemorated on this memorial that stands outside the Liver Building in Liverpool. He is depicted at bust length - the more prominent figure atop the memorial isa statue of the personification of the city. The memorial is the work of George Frampton and is Grade II listed.

 

Lewis Jones was a shipowner, specialising in trade with West Africa. Elder Dempster Lines came under his control. He is noted for introducing the British public to bananas, importing the first consignment in 1884. To meet the surge in demand for bananas, Lewis Jones helped stimulate the development of banana plantations in Jamaica and the Canary Islands. More controversially, he collaborated with King Leopold II of Belgium over trade in rubber from the Belgian Congo. The colony was a personal fiefdom of the monarch, where reports abounded of human rights abuses on the indigenous Congolese. As a philanthropist, Lewis Jones founded the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

The Postcard

 

A postally unused National Series postcard published by M. & L. Ltd. The card was printed in Great Britain.

 

On the divided back of the card the publishers have printed:

 

'Queen Victoria Memorial -

This handsome Memorial to

Queen Victoria was erected

by the Nation, and unveiled

in 1911.

It stands in front of Buckingham

Palace'.

 

The Victoria Memorial, London

 

The Victoria Memorial is a monument to Queen Victoria, located at the end of The Mall in London. It was designed and executed by the sculptor Sir Thomas Brock.

 

The memorial is placed in the middle of an architectural setting of formal gardens and gates designed by the architect Sir Aston Webb.

 

Designed in 1901, it was unveiled on the 16th. May 1911, though it was not completed until 1924.

 

It was the centrepiece of an ambitious urban planning scheme, which included the creation of the Queen’s Gardens to a design by Sir Aston Webb, and the refacing of Buckingham Palace (which stands behind the memorial) by the same architect.

 

Like the earlier Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, the Victoria Memorial has an elaborate scheme of iconographic sculpture. The central pylon of the memorial is of Pentelic marble, and individual statues are in Lasa marble and gilt bronze.

 

The memorial weighs 2,300 metric tonnes, and is 104 ft wide. In 1970 it was listed as Grade I.

 

Description of the Memorial

 

At the top of the central pylon stands a gilded bronze Winged Victory, standing on a globe and with a victor's palm in one hand. Beneath her are personifications of Constancy, holding a compass with its needle pointing true north, and Courage, holding a club.

 

Beneath these, on the eastern and western sides, are two eagles with wings outspread, representing Empire. Below these, statues of an enthroned Queen Victoria (facing The Mall) and of Motherhood (facing Buckingham Palace), with Justice (facing north-west towards Green Park) and Truth (facing south-east).

 

These four statues were created from solid blocks of marble, with Truth being sculpted from a block weighing 40 tonnes.

 

Sir Thomas Brock described the symbolism of the Memorial, saying that:

 

"It is devoted to the qualities which

made our Queen so great and so

much beloved."

 

He added that the statue of the Queen was placed to face towards the city, while flanked by Truth and Justice as he felt that :

 

"She was just, and sought the truth

always and in circumstances.

Motherhood represents her great

love for her people".

 

At the four corners of the monument are massive bronze figures with lions, representing Peace (a female figure holding an olive branch), Progress (a nude youth holding a flaming torch), Agriculture (a woman in peasant dress with a sickle and a sheaf of corn) and Manufacture (a blacksmith in modern costume with a hammer and a scroll). The bronzes were restored in 2011.

 

The whole sculptural programme has a nautical theme, much like the rest of The Mall (Admiralty Arch, for example). This can be seen in the mermaids, mermen and the hippogriff, all of which are suggestive of the United Kingdom's naval power.

 

At nearly 25 metres (82 ft) tall, the Victoria Memorial remains the tallest monument to a King or Queen in England.

 

History of the Memorial

 

King Edward VII suggested that a Parliamentary committee should be formed to develop plans for a Memorial to Queen Victoria following her death. The first meeting took place on the 19th. February 1901 at the Foreign Office, Whitehall.

 

The first secretary of the committee was Arthur Bigge, 1st. Baron Stamfordham. Initially these meetings were behind closed doors, and the proceedings were not revealed to the public. However the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Joseph Dimsdale, publicly announced that the committee had decided that the Memorial should be "monumental".

 

Reginald Brett, 2nd. Viscount Esher, the secretary of the committee, submitted the proposal to the King on the 4th. March 1901. A number of sites were suggested, and the King visited both Westminster Abbey and the park near the Palace of Westminster. Several ideas were rumoured at this time, including an open square in The Mall near to the Duke of York Column, and a memorial located in Green Park.

 

On the 26th. March 1901 the decision was announced to locate the Memorial outside Buckingham Palace and slightly shorten The Mall.

 

It was estimated that the work would cost £250,000, and it was further decided that there would be no grant given by the Government for the construction.

 

A competition was conducted for the design, with five architects being chosen to develop designs. At the beginning of July 1901 the committee selected its primary choice for the construction and took it to the King for approval. It was announced on the 21st. October 1902 that Thomas Brock had been chosen as the designer.

 

Funding and Construction of the Memorial

 

Funding for the memorial was gathered from around the British Empire as well as the public. The Australian House of Representatives granted a £25,000 contribution for the construction, and the New Zealand government submitted a cheque for £15,000 towards the fund.

 

By October 1901 £154,000 had been gathered. During 1902 a number of tribes from the west coast of Africa sent goods to be sold, with the proceeds going towards the fund. Alfred Lewis Jones had arranged for these items to be brought from Africa to Liverpool free of charge on his ships.

 

Following the public and national donations towards the funds, there was more money collected than was necessary for the construction of the Memorial.

 

Funds were therefore diverted towards the construction of Admiralty Arch at the other end of The Mall, and a redevelopment to clear a path directly from that road into Trafalgar Square. Sir Aston Webb was put in charge of this project; he built the Arch so economically that enough money was left over to re-front the entirety of Buckingham Palace, a job that was completed in 13 weeks due to the pre-fabrication of the new stonework.

 

The initial preparatory stage was to re-route the road and modify The Mall. Work on constructing the Memorial started in 1905. The lower half of the Memorial was revealed to the public on the 24th. May 1909. Thousands of people visited it on the first day.

 

Dedication and Inauguration

 

Following a practice ceremony on the 11th. March 1911, in the presence of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, the dedication ceremony took place on the 16th. May 1911, presided over by King George V.

 

His first cousin, Wilhelm II of Germany, was also present. These two were the senior grandsons of Queen Victoria, and arrived, together with their families, in royal procession. Also in attendance were a large number of Members of Parliament, and representatives of the armed forces.

 

In his role as Home Secretary, Winston Churchill carried the text of the speeches. Lord Esher addressed the King and the gathered crowd, explaining the history of the Memorial. The King replied to this, referring to his involvement in the development of the monument to his grandmother.

 

The King talked of the impact of Queen Victoria and of her popularity with the public. In total, the ceremony went on for thirty minutes. Following this, it was revealed to the press that the King had decided that the sculptor of the Memorial, Thomas Brock, was to be knighted.

 

Later Uses of the Memorial

 

As part of the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II, the Victoria Memorial (along with areas in Green Park and Buckingham Palace) was used as a platform for a fireworks display which lasted fourteen minutes with a total of two and three-quarter tonnes of fireworks being used.

 

In addition, water jets were added to the fountains in the Victoria Memorial, which fired water 40 feet (12 m) up into the air. This display followed a concert held in the Palace forecourt.

 

It was announced in February 2012 that the Victoria Memorial would form the centrepiece of the stage for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Concert on the 4th. June 2012.

 

Platforms were built around the memorial at a cost of £200,000, and were constructed in two weeks. A number of performers appeared from across the sixty years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, including Gary Barlow, Tom Jones, Elton John, Jessie J, Madness, Dame Shirley Bassey and Paul McCartney.

 

Tickets were free and allocated by public ballot; and in addition to being seen live by the 10,000 fans in attendance, the event was broadcast by the BBC and highlights were shown in the United States on ABC.

 

Later in 2012, the Memorial marked the end of "Our Greatest Team Parade" on the 10th. September 2012. This parade celebrated the successes of the British teams at the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. There were 21 floats holding a total of around 800 athletes, and it was estimated that around a million members of the public cheered them on.

 

The area from Admiralty Arch to the Victoria Memorial down the Mall was reserved for ticket holders. After the arrival at the Victoria Memorial, there was a flypast by helicopters of the Royal Air Force, as well as a British Airways jet and a flight of the Red Arrows. During the games, the Mall and the Victoria Memorial had been used as the finishing point for the Marathon, as well as being on the triathlon route.

 

The Memorial was damaged by anti-austerity protesters during the "Million Mask March" on the 5th. November 2013, which took place in central London. During the following year's protests, the Memorial was guarded by police officers.

Holy Trinity Church, Washington, County Durham.

 

Placed by the two surviving brothers and aunt ( Reginald, Clement John Edward Broughton and Mary Jane Briggs) of Bryan Sneyd Broughton and Thomas Henry Broughton.

 

Re No WM96688

 

www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/96688

 

"On the 21st April, drowned, through some injury to his boat in a heavy squall, between Picton and Onahau Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand, Bryan Sneyd Herbert Broughton, aged 24, second son of the late Rev. Bryan Sneyd Broughton, rector of Washington, in the county of Durham."

 

Deaths Notices Leeds Inteligencer Newspaper Saturday 26th July 1862

  

Saturday 4 th April 1863 The Secretary of the Admiralty begs to acquaint the Editor of The Times that the following intelligence has been received at this office:-

"Suez, April 2nd.

 

"Her Majesty's ship Orpheus was a total wreck on Manakaou Bar, New Zealand, on the 7th of February, 1863, with loss of Commodore Burnett, 22 officers, and 167 men. Nothing saved. Survivors, 8 officers and 62 men- Officers, C. Hill, lieutenant; Yonge (supposed to be D.D. Yonge), lieutenant; Amphlett, paymaster; Hund (supposed to be C.G. Hunt, midshipman); Filding (supposed to be B.W. Fielding), midshipman; H.M Barkly, naval cadet; W. Mason, boatswain; J. Beer, carpenter."

 

Further information will be given respecting the seamen who survive, but, owing to the incorrect spelling of the telegram, it is impossible to give the names with any hope of accuracy until they have been compared with the Records in office.

 

Monday 6th April 1863 THE WRECK OF THE ORPHEUS.- The following list of seamen saved from the wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus has been received by telegraph at the Admiralty: - H. Brown, Henry Brown, quartermaster; Bales, probably W.E. Bayliss, painter; Morley, John Morley, capt. Forecastle; J. Wilson, there are two men of the name (one Josh. W. Wilson, capt. Hold the other Jas. Wilson, capt. Foretop); Finnis, John Finnis, capt. Maintop; Stupple, Henry Stupple, boatswain's mate; Oliert, Wm. Oliert (alias Alex. Hills), signalman; Weir, Chas. Weir, capt. Mast; Kennedy, James Kennedy, ditto; Carpenter, Robt. Carpenter, cox., cutter; Wm. Johnson, Wm. Johnson, capt. mizzen top; J. Russell, J.J. Russell (there is a Thos. Russell. A.B.); W. Russell, Wm. Russell, ordinary second class; Ward, George Ward, A.B.; Mayes, Wm. Mayes, A.B.; Walker, Hen. J. Walker, A.B.; J. Hall, there are two men of this name, John Hall (1), ordinary, and James Hall, ordinary; Quinton, John Quinton; captain foretop; Walsh, Edward Walsh, ordinary; Parson, James Parsons, ordinary; Horrigan, John Horrigan, commodore's servant; Nicholson, John Nicholson, carpenter's crew; Brigg, Edward Briggs, carpenter's crew; Partbury, Henry Portbury, A.B.; Doly, Patrick Daley, A.B.; Koop, probably Henry Corps, quartermaster; no man of the name of Koop; Taylor, James Taylor, stoker; Clus, William Clews, stoker, ran awav on the 14th of September, 1862; nothing to show that he returned to the ship; Crierson, R.M., Joseph Crouson, drummer, R.M.; Rolf, R.M., no such name (there is a R. Roe, private R.M.); Betortelp, probably Henry Bentlett, boy first class; Izers, cannot be identified; no name resembling this on the books; Banuister, no such name on the books to December 31,1862, latest returns; Hunt, probably John Higham, A.B.; Hudosted, probably George Hurlstone, boy first class; Burton, Thomas H. Burton, boy first class; Hubert, no man of the name (there are two men of the name of Herbert, viz., T. Herbert, A.B., and W. Herbert, boy second class); Ideson, John D. Ideson, boy second class; Butler, no such name on the books to 31st of December, 1862, the latest returns received; R. Young, no R. Young - there are John Young, ordinary, and George Young, A.B.; Palin, William Palin. A.B.; Geary, Thomas Geary, A.B.; Fisked, probably William Fisher, A.B.; James, no man of this name; Brown, no James Brown, there is an Alfred Brown, stoker; Snudden, Thomas Snudden, A.B.; Hubert, probably one of the Herberts mentioned above; Caland, probably James Boland, ordinary; Sparshott, William Sparshott, ordinary second class; Wells, Noah Wells, ordinary second class; Ankell, Alfred Ankelt, ordinary second class; Cochine, J.G. Cochrane, ordinary second class; Roberts, George Roberts, ordinary; Quille, probably George Turtle, ordinary; Sul, probably John G. Seale, ordinary; Newman, Henry Newman, ordinary second class; Pilbrow, probably Alfred Pilbeam, ordinary; Hahrg, probably Arthur Haggis, captain Cox.; Laryish, probably William Langush, ordinary; Tilley, Arthur S. Tilley, ordinary; Jordan, Joseph Jordan; Graann, probably Henry J. Graham, ordinary; J. Graam, Jomes Graham, ordinary.

 

Wednesday 8th April 1863 The screw corvette Orpheus, 21, 400-horse power, the news of the total wreck of which has been received, was one of the most recent of the corvette class of vessels built at Chatham dockyard, and was launched from that establishment on the 24th of June, 1860. She was considered the finest of that description of vessel ever constructed, and was built under the personal superintendence of Mr. O.W. Lang, the present master-shipbuilder at Chatham, from the designs of Sir Baldwin Walker, the then Controller of the Navy. Her dimensions were:- Extreme length, 226ft. 6in.; extreme breath, 40ft. 8in.; depth in hold, 24ft. 2in.; burden, 1,705 tons. She was fitted with a pair of 400-horse power engines by Messrs. Humphreys, Tennant, and Co. As this was her first voyage, the greatest interest was experienced for her success, and the news of her wreck was received with the deepest regret.

 

Monday 13th April 1863 (From Our Own Correspondent.)

 

Melbourne, February 24th .

 

I regret to say that I have to announce the wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, on the bar of Manukau Harbour, on the west coast of New Zealand, with the loss of 189 lives, 70 only having been saved. The Orpheus left Sydney on the 1st day of this month.

 

Monday 13th April 1863

 

LOSS OF HER MAJESTY'S SHIP ORPHEUS.

 

ADMIRALTY, APRIL 12th 1863.

 

The Secretary of the Admiralty begs to acquaint the Editor of The Times that the intelligence contained in the accompanying document has been received at this office: -

 

"Her Majesty's ship Miranda, Auckland,

February 10th 1863.

 

"My Lord,- In addition to my first letter from the scene of the wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, dated the 8th inst., sent to their Lordships, to save the Southern Mail, by the Wonga Wonga, I have to enclose for their further information the detailed narrative of Lieutenant C. Hill, the second lieutenant, and the senior surviving officer. It is a clear and truthful account of the whole proceedings of this melancholy calamity, so far as he and the other officers that are saved are acquainted with them.

 

"2. According to my judgment on the spot, nothing can exceed the exertions of Lieutenant Hill, the other officers, and all the survivors of the crew, who, at the imminent peril of their own lives, continued to the last to make the utmost endeavours to save the lives of their shipmates.

 

"3. I am informed that the Wonga Wonga was at the time of the Orpheus striking steaming out of the south channel of the Manukau. She first steamed outside the bar to the entrance of the main channel, hut afterwards returned by the south channel, picking up the boats off Paratutai Point, and towing them to the wreck by the main channel.

 

"4. Their Lordships will observe from the narrative of Lieutenant Hill that from the time the steamer was first observed, at 2 o'clock, until she reached the wreck at 6, the most critical and invaluable time was unaccountably lost, but Captain Renner and all on board the Wonga Wonga were most kind and hospitable in the treatment of the sufferers when they reached his ship from the wreck.

 

"5. Mr. Wing, pilot, and in charge of the signal station at the Manukau, informed me that the wreck of the Orpheus is precisely on the bearings laid down in Captain Drury's chart and sailing directions, since the publication of which the middle banks and small shoal on which the ship first touched have shifted bodily and considerably to the north.

 

"6. With their Lordships, I deeply deplore the loss to Her Majesty's service of an officer so distinguished as Commodore Burnett; it appears he met his much-to-be-regretted death when, sitting in the mizen-futtock rigging, the mast fell over to port, and, the top striking him on the head when in the water. It is said he never made the least exertion to save himself.

 

"7. I have directed Mr. Sullivan to proceed in Her Majesty's ship Harrier to tho Manukau Heads, and to detach an officer and party as far as he may consider necessary along the shore, north and south, for the purpose of burying, with such honours as circumstances will admit, the bodies of any officers and men, late of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, which may be found, and also to recover such remains of the wreck, public and private, as he may deem fit; so soon as he may consider it no longer necessary to continue on this service I have directed him to conduct the duties of senior naval officer in New Zealand.

 

"8. With the view to save the mail which will leave Sydney on the 20th inst., it is my intention to proceed at once under steam to that port with the six officers and 10 of the crew of the Orpheus who have been selected as the most able to give evidence relative to the loss of that ship. These I propose sending to England by the mail steamer; the remaining 51 men and boys I have detained for disposal on the station; the majority have already volunteered for the Miranda and Harrier. I have sent 25 to the Harrier, for about which number she has vacancies to complete her complement.

 

"I have the honour to be, my Lord, your obedient humble servant,

"ROBERT JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer.

"The Right Hon. Lord Clarence E. Paget, C.B, Secretary to the Admiralty."

 

"Her Majesty's ship Miranda, Auckland,

New Zealand, February 5th.

 

"Sir,- In obedience to your directions. I have the honour to report for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that Her Majesty's Ship Orpheus sailed from Sydney on the 31st of January. After a fine passage to the coast of New Zealand, we sighted the land on the morning of the 7th inst.; it was my forenoon watch, at about eight miles from the bar of the Manukau. Steam was got up in two boilers; we had been condensing. The ship proceeded at 12 30, under all plain sail, with starboard foretopmast studsail set, towards Manukau, steering east till 1 o'clock, then N.E.E., being the courses laid down - so the master told me - in Captain Drury's sailing directions, keeping the Ninepin on with the end of Paratutai. The hands were on deck, the ropes manned for shortening sail, the commodore, commander, and master on the bridge; leadsmen in both chains; spare tiller shipped, with relieving tackles hooked, and six men stationed; gratings and hatchway covers were placed ready for battening down.

 

"The wind S.W. to S.S.W., force 5 to 6, with occasional slight squalls; high water at 12 20. As we approached the bar there was nothing more to see, in the shape of rollers or sea on, than I had been led to expect. The signal from the pilot station had been flying since 11 30 a.m, ' Take the bar;' the commodore and master were very attentive with the chart on the bridge, and very particular in the steerage of the ship, and in their orders to the engine-room, to keep the steam at command, the signal officer and signalman on the look out. At about 1 30 she touched slightly in the after part, when the commodore gave the order, 'Give her all the steam you can.' At about 1 40 the ship struck forward; order given, 'Astern full speed;' but the engines or screw never moved. At the same time the commodore ordered 'Hands shorten sail.' The ship broached to, with her head to the northward, lurching heavily to port, the rollers setting in from the westward, which immediately made a clean sweep of the upper deck, taking away port quarter boats (second cutter and jolly boat), netting, and bulwark. Sail was shortened as far as possible, the men not being able to keep the deck; immediately the ship took the ground the hatchways were battened down, which, however, proved perfectly useless, as the fastenings were thrown up by the bumping of the ship.

 

"The commodore then ordered the port guns to be thrown overboard (we succeeded in lightening the ship of four guns), and the starboard cutter to be manned and lowered, the paymaster and secretary to place in her his private signals, the public records, and the ship's books; but from the heavy lurching of the ship the men were unable to pass all the books they wanted; some were lost overboard. Mr. Fielding had orders to land what he had got and return. After great difficulty the cutter got clear of the ship. She was reported to be swamped two or three times. When seen on one occasion five hands were observed to be missing. It was about this time a steamer was seen coming out of the Heads. The commodore next ordered the pipe, 'Hands out boats,' yards and stays having previously been triced up. The pinnace was the first boat out. As I was returning from the maintop Commander Burton ordered me into the pinnace to go to the assistance of the cutter; the commodore then came to the starboard gangway, and on my telling him that I had seen the cutter all right when on the main yard he ordered me to take Mr. Amphlett, paymaster, who was well acquainted with the place on shore, for the purpose of getting assistance. Mr. Amphlett was then and there told to jump into the boat; this was at 2 30. We shoved off, and with great difficulty, from the strong ebb, cleared the ship. As we proceeded I observed the smoke of a steamer to the southward, going seaward. After a two hours' pull against a heavy rolling sea, we weared the Ninepin, when I spoke Mr. Wing in the pilot boat. We learnt from him that the steamer in sight (now seen coming up the South Channel) was the Wonga Wonga, returning to the Heads, that he had no boat to send to the Harrier to report our distress, that there was a lifeboat hauled up on shore, hut no hands or means to get her afloat; it would take 12 men a considerable time. The cutter now came up with us; Mr. Wing and his Maories came into the pinnace, while Mr. Amphlett, two sick men, and two boys, and two others started off in the whaler of the Harrier.

 

"We pushed on to the steamer, now between the Heads, waving, signalizing, and making every effort to gain her attention; after some delay she turned round and closed us, taking pinnace and cutter in tow, proceeding to the wreck, which we reached at 6 p.m. I found her very much lying over to port, the masts all standing, the crew in the rigging above the tops, the sea at times sweeping as high as the futtock rigging; the sails had been cut away from the yards, it being impossible to furl them. Taking, in addition the pilot's boatcrew, four young Maories, with the pinnace being to windward of the wreck, we dropped down to about 30 or 40 yards on her starboard bow, hailed the men on the bowsprit and jibboom to jump off and swim for it. I picked up seven or eight; having drifted to leeward, the steamer came and towed me to windward. I dropped down a second time with the cutter in company. This time three or four more men were taken in in the pinnace, and the boatswain and four or five in the cutter. It was now about 7 o'clock; the flood tide had made, the rollers soon became very high and dangerous on the change; the jibboom broke off short by the cap; it was quite impossible, with safety to the boats, to remain any longer by the wreck. As I was going back I shouted to the wreck to make a final attempt but none would venture.

 

"The steamer picked up boats and anchored close to the north side of the South Spit; distant from wreck about three-quarters of a mile. This was at 8 o'clock. At 8 30 the masts went. Boats returned to the wreck. The Wonga Wonga kept burning blue lights, blowing her steam whistle and ringing her bell. The pinnace picked up six or eight and returned to the steamer with one or two in the last stage of exhaustion. On again nearing the wreck I found the ship completely broken up. It was a beautiful clear moonlight night, and masses of the wreck kept passing in with the flood, clinging to which Lieutenant Yonge and six or eight men were saved. The cutter got so far to leeward that she made for the land, the pinnace returning to the steamer. We remained on deck the whole night, keeping a sharp look-out. At daylight nothing could be seen of the ill-fated Orpheus but a stump of one mast and a few ribs.

 

"From the commencement and during the whole proceedings nothing could exceed the coolness and decision of Commodore Burnett, C.B., the commander, and the officers all in their stations, sentries on the spirit room and store rooms; while the good feeling and steadiness of the men was beyond all praise, remaining at their posts until ordered by the commodore to mount the rigging. Many were washed overboard in obeying orders.

 

"I must not forget to mention the gallant conduct of the Maori crew; they were first and foremost in saving lives. On going ashore in the cutter Mr. Hunt and Mr. Barkly (midshipmen) were picked up, one Maori taking Mr. Barkly on his back and carrying him along the beach to his hut. They afterwards gave them food and put them in their own beds for the night.

 

"William Johnson (captain of the mizentop) three times jumped out of the pinnace with a rope to the rescue, and was the means of saving three drowning men.

 

"On board the Woaga Wonga, which officers and men reached cold and naked, the greatest kindness and hospitality were shown and continued by all on board, until we were transferred to the Avon, where I had reported myself to you.

 

"I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant,

"CHARLES HILL,

"Lieutenant Her Majesty's ship Orpheus."

 

"LIST of SURVIVORS.

 

"Officers.- Lieutenant Charles Hill, Lieutenant Duke D. Yonge, Mr. E.A. Amphlett (paymaster), Mr. Bernal W. Fielding (midshipman), Mr. C. George Hunt (midshipman) Mr. H.M. Barkly (midshipman), Mr. W. Mason (boatswain), and Mr. James Beer (carpenter).

 

"Seamen.- Robert Carpenter, William Fisher, William Johnson, George Turtle, Charles Weir, W. Cooper, W. Clews, Alfred Pilbeam, Samuel Bannister, Noah Wells, John Quinton, James Parsons, Henry Walker, John Nicholson, Joseph Jordan, George Roberts, William Russell, James Summers, Henry Holmes, James Taylor, George Ward, James Kennedy, William Langrish, William Pasin, Patrick Daley, Edward Briggs, Arthur Tilly, Thomas Smedden, George Seal, Charles Fox, Thomas Burton, William Ollert, William Ball, Henry Graham, Joseph Boland, Henry Portbury, James J. Brown, James Wilson, Thomas Herbert, John Cochrane, Alfred Ankett, Henry Bentell, Henry Brown, Frederick Butter (belonging to Harrier), Henry Stuffle, James Graham, John Finnies, Edward Walsh, William Mayes, Henry Newman, Thomas Rusgell, George Young, John Hall, John Morby, William Geary, James Sparshott, George Hurlestone, Richard Roe (marine), Joseph Crowson (drummer), William Herbert,(boy second class), John Ideson (boy), William Horrigan (commissioner's servant), picked up at 1 o'clock on the 8th by a coaster off Peeponga.

 

"List of Men left behind at Sydney.- Sergeant Carter (Royal Marines), George Monday (gunner Royal Marine Artillery), Stephen Hodge (private Royal Marines), George Tarpler (boy first class), James Ashwood (boy first class), Thomas Rees (able bodied seaman), William Barnes (boy first class)

 

"CHARLES HILL,

"Lieutenant Her Majesty's ship Orpheus."

 

(From the New Zealander, February. 9th.)

Yesterday (Sunday) morning, at an early hour, the inhabitants of Auckland were horrified by the intelligence that Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, for sometime back expected on this station, had been totally wrecked in attempting to cross the Manakau bar, and with the awful loss of 185 souls out of a ship's company mustering 256 officers, seamen, boys, and marines. The Orpheus (a fine new corvette of 21 guns, 1,706 tons, 400-horse power), sailed from Sydney on the 31st of January, and after a fair passage, under canvas, fetched the land off the Manakau heads on Saturday, at noon. The ship was at that time under al plain sail, and within eight miles of the entrance, the signal flying on Paratutai -"Take the bar" - Commodore Burnett and the master being at that time on the bridge. Steam was got up at once, the commodore determining to go in. The lead was kept going; a sharp look out was observed, the ship steering east until one p.m, and then north-east by east, the Ninepin rock on with Paratutai, being in accordance with: Drury's sailing directions in the New Zealand Pilot. At twenty minutes past one the ship bumped slightly, but still went ahead. At half-past one, however, she struck hard, and orders were given to back astern full speed. The engines never moved. The ship fell off broadside to the rollers, the sea knocking away her stern post, port bulwarks, and boats, and making a clean sweep over all. The wind was from about S.W. to W.S.W., a stiff breeze, with occasional puffs. In this dismal plight Commodore Burnett, whose coolness and decision were the theme of admiration among his officers and men, gave orders to Mr. Fielding, midshipman, to take a cutter with the records, ship's books, and other articles; but, on losing sight of her, fearing that she was swamped, the pinnace was got out, and, with Lieutenant Hill and Mr. Amphlett, paymaster, was despatched to her assistance, with instructions to push on towards the heads, in the vain hope of obtaining relief through White's lifeboat, known to be stationed there, but, alas, without a crew to launch or to man her. It was an awful moment, but it is gratifying to know that even in this extremity all hands, officers and men, spoke in praise of each other, and of their gallant chief, who expressed a determination to be the last to quit the wreck, After the pinnace had left the launch was got over the side, with 40 men to lay out anchors, in the hope of making grapplings fast to haul into smooth water. The ebb title unhappily swept her under the bows, where she was stove, and nearly all on board, including Lieutenant Jekyll, were drowned. The pinnace meanwhile continued her course towards the heads, descrying the steamer Wonga Wonga, outward bound for Wellington; the anxiety was intense, as the Wonga Wonga went round and round, and nearly out of sight. Mr. Amphlett at length succeeded in reaching the pilot-boat, and came up with Her Majesty's ship Harrier at half-past 10 p.m. The Wonga Wonga anchored, and the few survivors were transferred to her from the boats of the Orpheus that had been got afloat. Had White's lifeboat been able to be launched and manned, we are informed, upon good authority, that most of the ill-starred seamen might have been saved. The heavy guns broke adrift about half-past 5 p.m., tearing up the upper-deck, and driving the people to the tops, the rollers becoming longer and heavier. The masts stood firmly until the flood tide made, at about half-past 6 p.m. They then began to go, and the ship parted in halves, the rollers breaking into the tops. When the masts went the crew gave three cheers, as if taking farewell of life. Commodore Burnett and the young gentlemen were in the mizzen-top; all perished, except Mr. Barkly, son of the Governor of Victoria. Commander Burton, Mr. Strong, sailing-master, and Lieutenant Mudge, who were in the main-top, were lost, the men who were saved succeeded in getting down the jibstay on to the jib-boom, dropping from thence into smooth water, where they were packed up, Many of the survivors are badly wounded, having legs and arms broken, and bodies bruised and maimed by the guns and falling spars. A despatch from Commander Sullivan, Her Majesty's ship Harrier, which was received on Saturday at midnight, informed his Excellency the Governor of this disastrous event. With the utmost promptitude the military authorities took measures to render every possible assistance- Colonel Gamble, Quartermaster-General; D.A.C.G. Chislett, Mr. Hamley, Ordnance Department, with six ambulance waggons, tents, 500 blankets, and other requisites, setting out for Onehunga. The steamer Avon, in charge of Mr. Hunt, with Captain Jenkins, Her Majesty's ship Miranda, started yesterday at 2 a.m. On reaching the heads not a vestige of wreck was to be seen. The Wonga Wonga, which was on her way to Onehunga, on meeting the Avon, transferred the rescued seamen to that vessel, and proceeded on her southern voyage. The Harrier got under weigh on Sunday at 4 a.m, but, having grounded, had to wait the flood tide, and did not get fairly away until nearly 3 p.m., about which hour the Avon had got back. The Avon went at once alongside the Onehunga wharf, and every care and attention were paid to the wounded.

 

(From the Wellington Spectator, February 12th.)

The Wonga Wonga sailed, from the Onehunga wharf, Manakau, on the 7th inst. On arriving at the bar she noticed a vessel in the offing, apparently a man-of-war, but the signal being up to take the south channel the Wonga proceeded on her course. On getting well clear of the channel, Captain Renner noticed the vessel to be labouring very heavily, and apparently ashore. Captain Renner then proceeded to the outer entrance of the north channel, but being unable to take it, on account of the heavy sea on the bar, he returned to the pilot station by the south channel. On reaching the pilot station he found two boats, the pinnace and cutter, belonging to the ill-fated vessel. The pilot then went on board the Wonga Wonga, took the two boats in tow, and proceeded to the scene of the disaster. On arriving there he found that the sea was making a complete breach over the vessel, and she was, of course, labouring very heavily. He then found it was impossible to get alongside with the boats, in consequence of the heavy sea; the boats were therefore pulled as close as possible under the jib-boom, and the officers in charge of them called to the crew to jump into the water and they would pick them up, as it was the only chance left of saving their lives. Several of the men jumped into the water and were picked up by the boats, but some were unfortunately drowned in the surf by the drawback. At this stage of the proceedings the scene was most appalling, the only chance of the crew getting saved being to jump into the boiling surf. All the men at this time were clinging to the rigging. The Wonga was steaming as close as possible to the scene of the wreck, and was fearfully tossed about by the tumultuous sea. The boats then returned to the Wonga, having succeeded in picking up about 14 of the drowning men, several of whom were nearly exhausted, and every means was adopted to restore animation, by the application of hot blankets and other remedies. Several who were wounded and very much bruised had their wounds dressed, and every possible attention shown them. The boats in charge of the second lieutenant again gallantly put off to the wreck, and succeeded in rescuing several from a watery grave. By this time it was becoming dark, and the pilot, not deeming it prudent for the Wonga to remain in the position she was then in, proceeded a short distance into the channel and anchored. At about 9 o'clock, the night being very dark, the foremast went by the hoard, casting all the poor fellows who were clinging to it into the raging billows. Immediately after, the main and mizzen masts fell over the side, carrying the last of the crew with them. During all this time the most superhuman exertions were being made by the second lieutenant and the gallant crews to rescue his unfortunate shipmates. The two boats, and a boat belonging to the Wonga, were pulling about amid the breakers until past midnight. All hopes of saving any more lives having vanished, the pinnace, in charge of the second lieutenant, returned, with several more of the unfortunate crew, to the Wonga, and the cutter proceeded into the pilot station, being unable to fetch the Wonga, and landed seven more of the crew in safety, including the son of Sir Henry Barkly, the Governor of Victoria, who was saved after clinging to a spar for upwards of two hours. The Wonga burnt blue lights, and showed other signals until daylight, in hopes of picking up any more of the unfortunate crew who might be floating about the wreck. At daylight, the Wonga proceeded towards the wreck, but by this time a very small portion of the ill-fated vessel was to be seen. Commander Jenkins returned thanks to Captain Renner, his officers, and the crew of the Wonga Wonga, for their praiseworthy exertions and unremitting kindness to the sufferers. One of the captains of the mizzentop, who was one of the boat's crew, gallantly jumped overboard three times, and on each occasion succeeded in saving a shipmate from a watery grave. The Commodore was last seen in the mizzen rigging, and is supposed to have been killed by the falling of a spar. The wind was about W.S.W., with a terrific sea on, when the Orpheus went to pieces.

 

Tu 14 April 1863 We have received the following letter from our Malta correspondent, dated Valetta, April 7:-

"… Several officers and men who were saved from the wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, on the coast of New Zealand, arrived this morning in the mail packet Ellora, on their way to England. They are Lieut. Hill, Lieut. Yonge, Paymaster Amphlett, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Fielding, and Mr. Barkly, midshipmen ; Mr. Mason and Mr. Beer, petty officers, and nine seamen".

Sa 18 April 1863

THE LOSS OF THE ORPHEUS.

 

The following dispatch, addressed to the Duke of Newcastle, has been received from Sir G. Grey, Governor of New Zealand :-

 

"New Zealand.- No. 10.

"Government-house, Auckland, February. 9th, 1863.

 

"My Lord Duke,- I have the honour to report to your Grace the total loss of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus on the bar of the harbour of Manukau, on the west coast of the North Island, nearly opposite to the harbour of Auckland, which is on the east coast.

 

"2. Eight officers and 61 men have been saved from the wreck. The names of the officers who have been saved are given in the enclosure to this despatch. Twenty-three officers and 158 men, it is believed, have perished, as the vessel has entirely gone to pieces, and nothing has been seen of them. The names of the missing officers are also given in the list transmitted herewith.

 

"3. It is positively known that many of these officers and men have perished, as they were killed in the presence of the survivors by spars and ropes. There is but slight hope that any of them can be alive; they can only have escaped by having been first washed out to sea on some spar, and then washed up on some other part of the coast.

 

"4. The ship, as far as I can collect, was rather to the southward of the port, and was, at about half-past 1 o'clock in the day, with beautiful weather and a fair wind, making the harbour under steam and sail, going about 12 knots. Running thus from the southward, she was intending to make the passage across the bar as laid down in the chart of 1853. Since that time the bar has shifted about three-quarters of a mile to the northward. She was thus rather more than that distance too far to the southward, and touched first on a small shoal off the middle banks, and in a few minutes ran directly on to them, where there is always a very heavy sea, and where her position (about four miles out at sea) was hopeless.

 

"5. At between 4 and 5 o'clock a small coasting steamer, the Wonga Wonga, which was going out of the harbour, seeing her peril, went to her assistance, but, from the heavy sea and breakers, was unable to get very near her; but the boats of the Orpheus, and those of the men who were saved under the shelter of the steamer, managed from time to time to pick up others. They were aided in the most gallant and determined manner by three Maories from the pilot-station, who steered the boats.

 

"6. The conduct of Commodore Burnett, his officers, and men, was perfectly heroic. I have never heard instances of greater courage, carelessness of self, and efforts to save the ship and others than have been detailed to me. At about 9 at night the mainmast went overboard; the other two masts went in less than 20 minutes afterwards. Those of the crew (and they were a great number) who had not yet been washed overboard or killed by spars and ropes were on the masts and rigging, and the poor fellows, as these went, gave three parting cheers and then perished. I am told that not a murmur or cry was heard from the wounded and dying, and yet the manner of some of their deaths was terrible. Altogether it is one of the most affecting events that I have ever heard of, and yet one that excites admiration from the courage, self-devotion, and energetic resignation both of the many who perished and the few who were saved.

 

"I have, &c.,

"G. GREY.

"His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G."

 

Monday 20th April 1863 The surviving officers and crew of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus arrived on board Her Majesty's ship Victory, at Portsmouth, on Friday evening. They arrived at Portsmouth by Southampton steampacket from the Peninsular and Oriental Mail Company's mail steamship Ellora, which arrived the same day at that port from Malta.

Tuesday 21st April 1863

HOUSE OF LORDS, MONDAY, APRIL 20th.

THE LOSS OF THE ORPHEUS.

 

The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH said he wished to put a question to the noble duke at the head of the Admiralty respecting the loss of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus. In the official despatch on the subject it was stated that the Orpheus, with nearly 200 men, was lost by acting, not against, but in compliance with the directions on her chart. The telegraph flag was flying telling her to take the bar; she obeyed that instruction, and consequently was wrecked. Since the chart was issued in 1853 the sand at the mouth of the harbour of Manukau had shifted three quarters of a mile, and in consequence the Orpheus, instead of passing safely through the channel, ran directly on the sand itself. He wished to know what steps the Admiralty were in the habit of taking for the purpose of collecting information on foreign stations respecting those changes which occurred from time to time, affecting the navigation of the waters, and also what means they adopted for disseminating that information among the officers of the Royal Navy. Although it appeared, in this instance, that Her Majesty's officers were unacquainted with the changes which had occurred, the merchant service were not ignorant of them, for he had seen in the newspapers a letter from a gentleman commanding a vessel stating that they were perfectly well known.

 

The Duke of SOMERSET said he was very glad that the noble earl had put this question to him, as it enabled him to correct an error on the subject which was very generally prevalent, and into which it was not surprising that the noble earl had fallen, as it originated in the despatch of the Governor of New Zealand, Sir George Grey. In that despatch it was stated that the Orpheus "was intending to make the passage across the bar, as laid down in the chart of 1853. Since that time the bar has shifted about three-quarters of a mile to the northward. She was thus rather more than that distance too far to the southward." The loss of this fine vessel and her gallant crew was, of course, a most painful calamity; but it would have been an additional source of deep affliction if it had been caused by any neglect on the part of the Admiralty in not communicating to the officers of the ship the changes which were known to have occurred in the harbour. So far, however, was this from being the case that the chart of 1853 was brought to the notice of the Hydrographer's office in October 1861, if not before. A notice was then drawn up, of which printed copies were sent to the senior officer on the Australian station to be distributed among the ships in that quarter. That notice contained the following observations:-

 

"It appears from the Remark Book of Her Majesty's Ship Niger, 1861, by Mr. A.J. Veitch, Master, that since the survey by Captain Drury in 1853 the main channel at the entrance of Manukau Harbour has shifted; as also, that the code of signals noticed in the New Zealand Pilot, 2d edition, 1859, established to assist the navigation of that port, has been altered and improved. The following directions will therefore supersede those heretofore in use; but from the shifting nature of the entrance of Manukau Harbour, as also of all the bar harbours on the west coast of the north island, the seaman is cautioned to pay strict attention to directions that may be given from pilot stations; and it has been recommended as a general rule, in the absence of direct information of changes in the channels, that that portion which has the smoothest water between the breakers should be taken, as experience has proved that it will be the deepest part. The north side of the middle banks forming the southern boundary of the main channel to Manukau, has extended to the northward since Captain Drury's survey in 1853; vessels, therefore, in crossing the bar of this harbour should bring the Nine Pinrock twice its base open to the southward of Paratutai, N.E. by E 1/2 E., which will lead about a cable northward of the breakers."

 

Thus seamen were first cautioned that the bar had shifted, and were also warned to pay attention to local information. When he first heard of the accident to the Orpheus he was anxious to learn whether the officers had ever received the notice he had referred to. He therefore sent for the issue book kept in the Hydrographic-office, from which it appeared that the New Zealand notice was sent to Portsmouth on the 13th of November, 1861, and placed in No. 5 Australian chart box. On the 23d of November the Orpheus drew this No. 5 box from the store at Portsmouth, and the receipt for it was in the Hydrographic-office at the Admiralty. Moreover, he had seen an officer on Saturday who was saved from the wreck, and he believed he was correct in stating that the master of the Orpheus had a copy of the very notice in question in his hand at the time when the ship was approaching the bar. He mentioned these circumstances only to justify the Admiralty, and to show that they were not chargeable with neglect of duty. He would not go any further into the subject. Their lordships were doubtless aware that the Orpheus, which drew about 20ft. Of water, was rather larger than most of the ships frequenting that coast, end he might observe that he had sent her out at the pressing instance of the Governor of New Zealand. The noble earl had also asked what were the general orders of the Admiralty in regard to correcting charts. Those orders were very complete. The master was directed to note all inaccuracies in any of the charts supplied to the ship, but especially in those published by the Admiralty, so that the requisite alterations might be presently made. If the position of the dangers was materially altered, or if he should discover any new dangers, or if the inaccuracies he might have detected in the charts were of importance, he was to report them immediately to the Admiralty by the very first opportunity, so that no time should be lost in applying the necessary corrections. Again when a hydrographic notice of a newly discovered shoal, or rock, or other danger, or a notice to mariners of a new or altered light, buoy, beacon, or land mark was received on board, the master was at once to insert it in red ink in all the charts to which it referred (these being always enumerated at the foot of the notice), and to note the same in the sailing directions, reporting to the captain that he had so done. Further, all masters of Her Majesty's ships were required to report to the Secretary of the Admiralty through their captain the discovery of any new rock or shoal. The governors of our colonies and. Consuls constantly sent information, and harbour masters and merchant captains did the same. The Hydrographic-office was in constant correspondence with all parties who could furnish information in all parts of the world. As soon as it was received, if considered of fair authority, it was printed and circulated not only for the benefit of Her Majesty's ships, but of all navigators. He thought he had now shown that every care was taken to let the officers of the unfortunate vessel know the changes which had taken place in the harbour. He had only to add that there would of course be an inquiry into all the circumstances connected with the loss of the ship, and then probably it would be ascertained how the vessel came to be lost. He could not omit bearing testimony to the gallant bearing of all on board, and of the crew of the vessel, who, seeing death coming upon them in all directions, still remained steadfast in the execution of their duty. (Hear, hear.) Such conduct afforded a fine example of the courage and bravery of British seamen. (Hear, hear.)

 

Thursday 23rd April 1863 A meeting has been convened for this evening by the Mayor of Portsmouth to raise a public subscription for the relief of the widows and orphans of those who perished in the wreck of the Orpheus.

Tuesday 28th April 1863 A naval court assembled on board Her Majesty's ship Victory at Portsmouth yesterday, for the trial, pro forma, of Lieutenant Charles Hill, and the surviving officers and crew of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus at present in England, for the recent loss of that ship on the bar of Manukau harbour, New Zealand. The Court was composed of Captain Scott, Her Majesty's ship Victory, President; Captains Wainwright, Cumming, Phillimore, Chamberlain, and Seccombe. After hearing a mass of evidence the finding was read by the Deputy Judge-Advocate. It set forth that Her Majesty's ship Orpheus was lost by striking on the bar of Manukau harbour on the day named when going over it in the absence of pilot boats, that no blame whatever was attached to Commodore Burnett, C.B., or any of her officers and crew, that the conduct of every officer, seaman and marine, man and boy. On board was deserving of the very highest praise, and that Lieut. Hill and the officers and crew of Her Majesty's late ship Orpheus were therefore fully and honourably acquitted. Lieut. Hill was then called to the table and presented with, his sword. The President observed that the duly he had to perform was gratifying to him, and that he only expressed the feelings of the entire Court when he said they felt the sword could not be intrusted to better and more worthy hands. It gives us much pleasure to announce that Her Majesty has forwarded to Sir Michael Seymour, G.C.B., Admiral Commanding at Portsmouth, through Sir C. Phipps, the sum of 50 l. for the families of the crew of the Orpheus, with the expression of Her Majesty's deep sympathy with them in their affliction.

 

Monday 4th May 1863 NO ONE TO BLAME!- The Court of Inquiry into the circumstances of the wreck of the Orpheus have found, as we are informed by the correspondent of The Times, "that Her Majesty's ship Orpheus was lost by striking on the bar of Manukau harbour when going over it in the absence of pilot boats, that no blame whatever was attached to Commodore Burnett, C.B., or any of her officers and crew, and that the conduct of every officer, seaman and marine, man and boy, on board was deserving of the very highest praise." This is an astounding verdict, excepting only the last award of praise, thoroughly merited, as regards the conduct of all after the stranding of the ship. The conclusion is that no one was to blame for the loss of a fine ship in broad day and moderate weather. It was all right that she should attempt to enter the Manukau when she had no particular business there; it was all right that she should make the attempt at the wrong tide-time; in short, it was right that she should be lost, for, if there was no wrong in the case, all was right and as it ought to be. It is unfortunately true that the officers to whom blame may have attached are not living to defend themselves, but surely the Court, without direct censure, might have adverted to the causes of the disaster with regret, and thus given a warning against the repetition of the same errors. As it is, the imprudences seem approved and sanctioned. The Court found that the ship was lost by striking on the bar when going over it in the absence of pilot boats. The bar is only a cable's length in breadth. The ship first touched according to lieutenant Hill's statement, at 1 30, and 10 minutes afterwards struck, where she went to pieces. Was she, then, with all plain sail set, a fair wind and steam power in aid, 10 minutes in traversing the distance of a cable's length? If not, she was clearly not lost on the bar, the passage over which could not have taken her two minutes, allowing for a strong adverse tide, As we have before explained, the ship was lost on the Middle-bank, inside the bar, and not at all in the position of a bar, which, as the name expresses, stretches across the entrance of a harbour or port; the Middle lies in the direction of the entrance, and its north side makes the south side of the channel. The Court find that the ship struck in the absence of pilot boats. Does it pretend that pilot boats could be expected? Is it not well known that the pilot boats do not go beyond the Heads, and in the Admiralty Sailing Directions is it not notified that "it is seldom possible for the pilot boat to board outside the bar?" And for this reason all necessary directions for guidance are given by signals from the pilot-station at the Paratutai Head. But if, notwithstanding information to the contrary, the ship expected a pilot and was disappointed, why did she not then give up the attempt and proceed to Auckland, with a leading wind round the north cape? It is quite clear that the disaster was referable to the culpable error of attempting the entrance at the wrong tide-time. The signal for water was made at 11 30, 50 minutes before high water, and if there was only water enough in the 50 minutes before high water, there would certainly not be more in the 50 minutes after high water; for wherever there is a great inlet like the Manukau the first of the ebb runs off quicker than the last of the flood runs in. But with only 50 minutes of tide time to be depended on the Orpheus did not even approach the bar till that time had expired, and might have passed it about an hour and ten minutes after high water, when the tide had fallen full half a fathom, and a rougher weather-tide had increased the sand, and by so much diminished the depth of water necessary to float the long-legged ship over the shoals. But there was nothing to blame in all this according to the view of the naval Court, and officers are free to follow the example of Commodore Burnett without fear of censure, living or dead. Certain we are that the unfortunate officer himself must in his last moments bitterly have reproached himself for the rash error by which he had thrown away the lives of so many brave men. No officer's character stood higher than that of Commodore Burnett, and inexplicable is the one fatal error closing his meritorious career. Perhaps it never occurred to the Court to inquire what the ship was doing from daybreak, when she made the land, to midday, when she ran her head against the shore, for the answer might give some clue to the cause of the disaster, and might not be reconcilable with the foregone conclusion that no one was to blame.- Examiner.

Friday 8th May 1863

THE LOSS OF THE ORPHEUS.

 

The Secretary of the Admiralty presents his compliments to the Editor of The Times, and encloses herewith a return of the names of officers and men who perished in the wreck of Her Majesty's late ship Orpheus, at the entrance of the Manukau harbour, New Zealand, on the 7th. Of February last.

 

Admiralty, March 7th.

A Return of the Names of Officers and Men lost in the Wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, at the entrance of the Manukau harbour, New Zealand, on the 7th of February, 1863:-

William F. Burnett, C.B., commodore; William T.F.W. Mudge and Arthur Jekyll, lieutenants; William D. Strong, master; Robert H. Burton, commander; William J. Taylor, second master; William Hudson, gunner; Arthur R. Mallock, Thomas H. Broughton, and George H. Verner, midshipmen; John J. Tozer, master's assistant; Rev. C.B. Hazlewood, chaplain and naval instructor; William H.P.M. Gillham, secretary (assistant-paymaster); A.D. Johnston, assistant-paymaster; James Clarkson, asistant surgeon; Samuel Stephens, chief engineer; Jqhn H. Adams, engineer; John H. Vickery, assistant-engineer, 1st class; Edward J. Miller, William Adamson, and George F. Gossage (lent from the Miranda), assistant-engineers, 2d class; Henry N. Naylen, clerk; George Townsend ship's steward; George Drew, ship's cook; John E. Ernest, master-at-arms; Thomas Osborne, ship's corporal; William Sheppard and John Hutchins, gunner's mates; Frederick Kemp, Jesse Bignell, Frederick Allen, and Thomas Lane, leading stokers; Michael Mahoney, ropemaker; John Bosworthick, blacksmith; John Trautman, carpenter's mate; David Norris, caulker; George Warn and Henry Corps, quartermasters; Arthur Haggis, captain's coxswain; Thomas Ambrose, captain maintop; Abraham Voice, coxswain launch; John Pascoe and William Milliard, boatswain's mates; Joseph. W. Wilson; captain hold; John Plowman and Edwin Lloyd, captains after guard; George .Redman, armourer; George Vincent, caulker's mate; John Davey, captain mizen-top; Samuel…Mardon, musician; Henry Baker; cooper; Henry Redman, sick berth attendant; Alfred Brown, Felix Kelley, James Healy, David Lee, John H. Maud, Charles Davis, Andrew Dorey, William Swain, and John Moore, stokers; Thomas Smith, sailmaker's crew; William E. Bayliss, painter; George Hill and Thomas Kelly, leading seamen; Charles E. Rowe, John Pay, and Henry Thomas, carpenter's crew; John Wealords, shipwright; John Woodrow, tailor; George Anderson, Thomas Parke, Henry Sheargold, Edwin Pelham, William H. Hutton, William Stephenson, James M'Cloud, John Higham, Joseph Northover, Charles Whetnam, Jos. J. Rockett, Robert Randall, Edward Jenner, John Young, Edward Springer, John Hewitt, Harry Mark, George Mark, and William Cowen, A.B.sa; William Hillier and John Davis, ordinary second-class; John Cleary, James Hall, Daniel Hines, Edward Finn, William Rowland, Herbert Adams, John Bennett, William Blackwill, Alfred Crow, Noah Jones, Samuel Cole, James Ellis, William H. Bickle, William Halson, and Peter Newman, ordinary; Henry Weatherstone, William Palmer, Henry Welstead, and William Gannaway, ordinary second-class; William H. Cookney, wardroom steward; Thomas Stoneham, wardroom cook; C. Goldshmidt, captain's steward; Augustus Holdgate, captain's cook; John Hyde, gunroom steward; George Mitchell, gunroom cook; Samuel Scutt, engineer's servant; and John Phillips, engineer's cook. Boys.- James Goodwin, William F. Hunt, Edward M. Warner, William Jenkins, John T. Broadway, William J. Bridle, William J. Orchard, John Kingston, Jeremiah Murphy, Denis Donoghue, George Duffett, Charles Theobald, George Bunce, John Simmonds, Isaiah Thompson, and John Searle, first-class; Samuel F. Spencer, ship's steward's-boy; John H. Avis, William Davis, Albert Early, John Knowlden, Richard White, William Hartfield, Robert H. Veal, Thomas Callaghan, and John Cronin, second-class. Royal Marines.-Edward E. Hill, First lieutenant Royal Marine Artillery; John Howard, corporal; Sidney Hoyle, Thomas Ladbroke, John Shorthouse, David Horsfield, Daniel Davis, John Greenwood, Henry Baylam, Francis Starrs. Michael Flanaghan, Thomas Coffins, John Durkin, George Gray, Thomas Doren, Thomas Littlefield, Stephen Foyle, Henry Gardner, and John Heard, privates; William Tranter, sergeant; George Gordon, corporal; John Broad-wood, Bradley Starkay, John Kave, Lewis Cramp, Henry Crabb, Samuel Johnson, Thomas Brady, William Hobbs, Thomas Letheby, George King, William Burge, Charles Heath, and John Vince, gunners; Charles Binfield, Thomas Tucker, Henry Pearin, George Trott, Thomas Gould, John Williams, James Andrews, John P. Masters, Richard Williams, John Budge, and Peter Pafford. Privates.

 

Thursday 14th May 1863 WRECK OF THE ORPHEUS.- In 1846, in Her Majesty's sloop Osprey, Captain Patten was wrecked off the same fatal bar. An interesting account of the encampment of her crew, and their march across the island of New Zealand, was written by the steward (Mr. H. Moon), and has been introduced by the Lords of the Admiralty into the seamen's libraries. The signal then was, "Take the bar, there is no danger."

 

THE ORPHEUS RELIEF FUND.- The widows and relatives of the crew of Her Majesty's late ship Orpheus, who have been paid allotments for the month of April from the relief fund at the Royal Naval College, Portsmouth, are requested to attend at the college at 11 o'clock on Friday morning, the 29th of May, when they will be paid the allotments for the month of May. Any other applications for relief from the fund will be considered at the same time.

 

Monday 14th March 1864

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

 

MELBOURNE, JANUARY 25th.

 

… I may also mention in this place that since the disastrous wreck of the Orpheus the entrance into Manukau harbour has been re-surveyed, and carefully, and, I am informed, rather profusely buoyed, so that the steamers engaged in the inter-provincial trade, and those in communication with the General, pass into and out of that harbour with safety and with perfect confidence.

 

Thursday 14th July 1864

THE WAR IN NEW ZEALAND.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

 

MELBOURNE, MAY 26th.

 

The following is the list of killed and wounded. Where not described otherwise, the wounds are gunshot wounds:-

HER MAJESTY'S SHIP CURACOA - Lieutenant Hill, late of the Orpheus; and James Harris, ordinary seaman.

 

Thursday 17th November 1864

DREADFUL ACCIDENT AT TUNIS.

 

(From the Malta Times, November 10th.) It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow that we have to announce in our columns to-day an awful calamity which has befallen a number of brave officers and men of Her Majesty's ship Orlando. The afflicting tidings reached us by the French steamer Du Trembly, arrived this morning from Tunis, that one of the boats of the above ship bad been upset in a squall, by which no less than eight of her officers, three seamen, and a marine lost their lives. All the men-of-war in port, including the French frigate Cacque, immediately hoisted their flags half-mast high, and a like testimony of regret and mourning was shown by many of the merchant ships in harbour as soon as the lamentable event became more generally known. The following are the particulars of this catastrophe, which will cast many families into mourning:-It appears that on the morning of the 3d inst. a cutter, having on board the following officers:- Lieutenant Still, Surgeon Wood, Captain Pritchard, Royal Marines, Midshipmen De Gama, Fielding, and Kemble, Master's-Assistant Hadrill, and Assistant-Paymaster Stratford, together with four seamen and one marine, left the ship on a picnic party, and while returning at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, under sail, a sudden squall struck the boat when about a thousand yards from the shore, and upset it. Seeing that all hope of assistance was impossible, one of the seamen struck out for the shore, and was the only man saved. Ha was found the next morning completely exhausted, and in a state of nudity, in an Arab hut, by another cutter of the Orlando, which, in tow of the French frigate Invincible's steam launch, had been sent in search of the missing boat. Up to the last accounts, nothing else had been found but a jacket belonging to Mr. Fielding and a portion of the mast of the boat, notwithstanding the Orlando and gunboat Tyrian had been searching under steam for the missing bodies. The Orlando is expected here at the end of the week. The sudden calamity has created universal sympathy in Tunis. All the foreign representatives displayed their flags half-mast, and waited upon the English Consul-General to express their condolence and respect for the memory of so many brave officers and men appertaining to Her Majesty's naval forces, whose untimely death has deprived their Sovereign and their country of their valuable service. The Commandant Chevalier of His Imperial Majesty's ship Inflexible, senior officer of the French Emperor's ships in those waters, also waited on Her Majesty's representative for the same purpose, and the French Consul-General wrote besides a very feeling letter of condolence on the melancholy occasion. His Highness the Bey also conveyed his sympathy and condolence, and gave strict order to the authorities on the coast to protect any of the bodies of the victims that might be washed ashore, and to report immediately any such occurrence to the Bey's Government. It is a circumstance of melancholy interest to know that Mr. Fielding, one of the unfortunate young officers who perished on this occasion, was one of the few survivors of the lamentable wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus on the coast of New Zealand.

 

"Bryan and Clement Broughton had emigrated to the western arm of Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island. Clement had settled in Anakiwa and become a sheep farmer. Bryan, too, was almost certainly engaged in farming, exploiting the knowledge he had acquired at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester in 1853/4, where he had obtained a Diploma, coming first in the Order of Merit and having his name placed on the College’s Honours board. He had married Maria Theresa Downes, at Picton, Marlborough, in January 1861.

 

After playing cricket in Picton on 21 April 1862, Bryan Broughton was sailing home between Picton and Onahau Bay when a heavy squall arose and he was drowned, aged 24, leaving a wife and a three-month-old baby daughter (Broughton Bay in Keneperu Sound was subsequently named after him). " Mark Penfold from an article about their aunt pittvillehistory.org.uk/bios/9920.html

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

LOST - Commodore, W. F. Burnett, C.B., Commander, R. H. Burton, Lieutenants, Mudge and Jykill Master, W. D. Strong Lieutenant Hill, Royal Marine Artillery Rev. C. Hazlewood, Chaplain Mr Gillham, Commodore's Secretary Mr Johnston, Assistant Paymaster Dr Clarkson, Surgeon Dr Crawford, Assistant Surgeon W. Stephens, Chief Engineer W. D. Taylor, Second Master A. R. Mallock, Midshipman T. H. Broughton, G. H. Verner, J. J. Tosser, Master's Assistant ; Mr Avian, Assistant Clerk J. H. Adams, Engineer 3lr Vickery, Engineer's Assistant Mr Miller, Engineer's Assistant, Mr Adams, Engineer's Assistant G. Gossage, Engineer's Assistant W. Hudson, Gunner.

 

SAVED - Lieutenant Yonge Lieutenant Hill Paymaster Amphlett Mr Barfely, Midshipman Mr Fielding,Midshipman, Mr Hunt, Midhsipman, Mr Mason, Boatswain Mr Beer, Carpenter and 61 Sailors and Marines.

 

All information is provided in good faith but, on occasions errors may occur. Should this be the case, if new information can be verified please supply it to the author and corrections will then be made. This memorial has been compiled with additional information by kind permission of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and from Ancestry.co.uk

 

This memorial is in the Knutsford War Memorial Cottage Hospital, Knutsford.

 

KNUTSFORD AND DISTRICT

PRO PATRIA 1939 - 1945 AND SINCE

 

ASHBY Herbert. Lieutenant. On the family memorial is inscribed the following, died in India from Malaria on the 13th April 1945 aged 23. Wills and Admin, Ancestry have the following. Herbert ASHBY of 17, Manchester Road, Knutsford died 28th April 1944 on war service. He effects went to his widowed mother Edith Jane Ashby.

CWGC have, Sergeant Herbert Ashby 10538067, Royal Army Ordnance Corps died 28th April 1944 aged 23. He was the son of Henry and Edith of Knutsford, Cheshire. He is commemorated on a family memorial in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire and is at rest in Chittagong War Cemetery, India

 

BALLANTYNE. (Memorial has BALLANTINE) Robert. Sergeant 580780, 149 Squadron Royal Air Force died 2nd January 1940 aged 20 English Channel. Son of Reginald and Jessie May Ballantyne nee Nash formerly Fisher of Knutsford Cheshire. Commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Credit. www.epibreren.com/ww2/raf/149_squadron.html

He was part of a crew in a Wellington I on a reconnaissance mission which took off from Mildenhall when it was shot down by a Me 110 in position 54°27' N 05°47' E. The Wellington was seen to be on fire as it hit the sea. The crew of six all perished. The average aged of the crew were in their 20s

 

BELLAERS (Memorial has BELLARS) Eric. Rifleman 4128370 1st London Irish Rifles, Royal Ulster Rifles died 19th September 1944 aged 25. Son of Reginald Walker Bellaers and Ada Bellaers, nee Cooper of New Mills, Derbyshire. His mother was born and died at Knutsford Cheshire.

At rest in Coriano Ridge War Cemetery, Italy.

 

BROOKES Sydney. Lance Corporal 3391580, 1/6th East Surrey Regiment was killed in action in Italy on the 1st March 1944 aged 31. He was the youngest son of William Henry and Mary Jane of Knutsford and was the husband of Margaret of Knutsford. He is commemorated on a family memorial in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire and is at rest in Minturno War Cemetery, Italy.

 

BROOKS William Arthur. Lieutenant 269374 Lancashire Fusiliers attached to 4th Royal Welch Fusiliers died 1st March 1945 aged 31. Son of William Henry and Lily Brooks husband of Eva Violet Brooks nee Murray, of Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

 

BROWNRIGG John Wilson. Lance Sergeant 983417, 338 Coastal Battery, Royal Artillery died 19th March 1941 aged 24. He was the son of William and Sarah Agnes and he was the husband of Rene of Knutsford, Cheshire He is at rest in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

BUCKLEY A (Unable to find the correct record listed with the CWGC )

 

BUCKLEY Horace. Private 10549737, Royal Army Ordnance Corps died 22nd May 1942 aged 20. Son of Horace and Jessie Evelyn, nee Jones of Knutsford. Duty called. He answered. At rest in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

BUCKLEY, Kenneth. Private 14735752, Worcestershire Regiment died in a Military Hospital on the 11th November 1946 aged 20. Son of John and Annie of Knutsford. At rest in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

BUCKLEY Samuel Lee. Private 4128645, 1st Durham Light Infantry died 25th November 1944. Native of Cheshire. At rest in Cesena War Cemetery, Italy

 

BURKE William Maurice. (Cadet Officer) Leading Airman FAA/FX705451 753 Squadron Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy on H.M.S. Condor died as the result of an Condor air crash on the 31st July 1945 aged 19. There were two others that also perished at the same time. Son of William M and Alice M Burke of Knutsford. Commemorated on the Lee-on-Solent Memorial, Hampshire.

 

CAVENEY Thomas James. (Memorial has J) Sergeant 1130075 15th Squadron Royal Air Force VR died 3rd March 1943 aged 20. Son of Thomas and Martha Amy Caveney, of Knutsford, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

 

CHORLTON B (No B is listed with the CWGC) however it may be this person) James William. Able Seaman C/JX154506 Royal Navy on H.M.S. Galatea died at sea 15th December 1941 aged 20. The ship was sunk by U-Boat U-557 not to far from Alexandria, Egypt. Son of Fred and Edith Chorlton nee Groom, of Knutsford, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

There may have been a B Chorlton from Knutsford area who was in the forces but died a civilian from the effects of war service. Having no christian name he remains a mystery.

 

Listed with the CWGC is only one J Coggins. The following information may be him.

COGGINS John. M.B.E. D.F.M. Pilot Officer 44458, 235 Squadron, Royal Air Force died 16th December 1940 aged 27. Son of John Austin Coggins and Florence C Coggins nee Cook husband of Ivy Gladys Coggins, nee Durrant of Nacton, Suffolk. Commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey

His widow died on the 17th August 2010 aged 93.

London Gazette 14 April 1039.

Air Ministry,14th April, 1939. ROYAL AIR FORCE.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned rewards for gallant and distinguished services rendered in Palestine. Bar to the Distinguished Flying Medal. Sergeant 563631 John COGGINS, D.F.M.

London Gazette supplement dated 21 January 1941.

CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS

OF KNIGHTHOOD.

St. James's Palace, S.W.I.

2ist January, 1941.

The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

To be Additional Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order

Flying Officer John Hamilton LAUGHLIN (39995) Pilot Officer John COGGINS (44458). In September, 1940, an aircraft carrying a full load of bombs, crashed among other aircraft and burst into flames. Flying Officer Laughlin, Pilot Officer Coggins and another officer immediately ran to these aircraft,

started the engines and taxied them away. During this time two bombs on the burning plane had exploded. The action showed complete disregard for personal safety in the face of the greatest danger and owing to the officers' promptness three aircraft were taken to safety without damage and a fourth with only minor damage

www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Coggins.htm

 

CONNOR Albert. Private 4128398, 2nd Manchester Regiment died 12th May 1944 aged 24. Son of Thomas and Margaret Connor, of Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Kohima War Cemetery, India.

 

CURBISHLEY Albert Henry. Able Seaman C/JX 168702, Royal Navy on H.M.S. Dainty. Died 12th March 1941 aged 22. Son of John W.Curbishley and Louisa Curbishley, nee Bucklow, of Knutsford, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

 

CAULFIELD Joseph Peter. Private 3594824, 9th King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment died 27th August 1940 aged 34. He was the son of Daniel and Sarah Jane and he was the husband of Emmie of Knutsford. In 1911 he was living with his parents at 12, Old Market Place, Knutsford. His father was killed in action in 1915 in France. He is at rest in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

DANIEL Harry. Sergeant 3011016 Wireless Operator, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force (VR), died 24th November 1944 aged 19. He was the son of John and Mrs Daniel of Knutsford. He is at rest in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

DOBSON Frank Arthur. Guardsman 2723804, 3rd Irish Guards died 28th September 1944 in Operation Market Garden Holland aged 19. Native of Cheshire. He may have been the son of John and Ann nee Manley. At rest in Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem, Netherland.

 

ELLIS Robin James Newman. Lieutenant 245307 Kings Royal Rifle Corps attached to 8/2nd London Rifle Brigade died 10th September 1944 aged 21. Son of John Newman Ellis, and Rosamond Corisande Ellis, of Lower Peover, Cheshire. At rest in Leopoldsburg War Cemetery, Limburg, Belgium.

radleyarchives.co.uk/people/7887-robin-james-newman-ellis

 

EDWARDS John. Gunner, Royal Navy H.M.Trawler Ouse died 20th February 1941 aged 29.(Credit www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?150593 ) HMS Ouse (T 80) was mined off Tobruk, Lybia on the 20th February 1941.( Lt W V Fitzmaurice, RNVR) The commanding officer survived the sinking however 12 were killed and only 9 survived. Son of John and Florence Edwards, of Knutsford, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon

 

FOY E Unable to find the correct record for him listed with the CWGC.

 

HAMMAN George Albert. Pilot Officer 130437, 172 Squadron Royal Air Force VR died 8th February 1942 aged 28. Son of James William and Mary Ann Hamman nee Jones, of Knutsford, Cheshire, brother of John Oswald who also fell. Husband of Elsie nee Reedy of Cheadle Heath, Cheshire. They had one child, Christine E born 1941.

His father served in the army in the Great War as Private 16578, Cheshire Regiment. He joined up at Knutsford on the 11th September 1914 aged 32 and 7 months occupation Labourer. He was medically discharged suffering from Bronchitis and Asthma on the 27th July 1915 to his home and family at 4 Coronation Square, Knutsford. He was married on the 11th May 1903, which was crossed out and initialled. (correct date 9th May 1904, as on a family tree on ancestry). He married Mary Ann Jones at Baynels Parish Church, North Wales. They hade the following children. James Edward born 1 June 1904 at Knutsford, Amy Alexandria 29th December 1906, born at Knutsford, John Oswald 21st May 1908 born at Knutsford, twins, William and Ernest born 18th December 1910 born at Knutsford and George Albert born 30th October 1914 at Bucklow, Cheshire

 

HAMMAN John Oswald. Sergeant 4128730, 2nd Cheshire Regiment died 23rd July 1943 aged 36. Son of James William and Mary Ann Hamman nee Jones, of Knutsford, Cheshire, brother of George Albert who also fell. Husband of Gladys Margaret Hamman, nee Dewhurst, of Shaw Heath, Knutsford Cheshire. They had three children, John S born 1935, Colin D born 1937 and Coral R born 1942. At rest in Catania War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy

His father served in the army in the Great War as Private 16578, Cheshire Regiment. He joined up at Knutsford on the 11th September 1914 aged 32 and 7 months occupation Labourer. He was medically discharged suffering from Bronchitis and Asthma on the 27th July 1915 to his home and family at 4 Coronation Square, Knutsford. He was married on the 11th May 1903, which was crossed out and initialled. (correct date 9th May 1904, as on a family tree on ancestry). He married Mary Ann Jones at Baynels Parish Church, North Wales. They hade the following children. James Edward born 1 June 1904 at Knutsford, Amy Alexandria 29th December 1906, born at Knutsford, John Oswald 21st May 1908 born at Knutsford, twins, William and Ernest born 18th December 1910 born at Knutsford and George Albert born 30th October 1914 at Bucklow, Cheshire

 

HATTON Harry Garft Sergeant 541499 Royal Air Force died 20th September 1944 aged 29. Son of Charles and Elsie Hatton nee Garft husband of Muriel Hatton nee Murney, of Moston, Manchester. ( Wills and Admin, Ancestry.co.uk). He lived at 46 Blue Bell Avenue Manchester and died on war service. His widow Muriel received his effects. At rest in Jakarta War Cemetery, Indonesia.

His father had served with the 5th Cheshire Regiment joining up on the 1st September 1908 aged 17 and 6 months at Hale as private 1017. He was living at 20 Bath Street, Altrincham, Greater Manchester and was by occupation a labourer. He served 4 years on a home posting and was discharged on the termination of his engagement with the colours on the 31st August 1912.

On the 30th October 1941 he father died at Knutsford, Cheshire. He was living with his wife at 24 Heathfield Square, Knutsford.

 

HESKETH Louis Milsom. Flying Officer 147672, 77 Squadron Royal Air Force died 6th December 1944 aged 40. Son of Thomas Baron Hesketh and Louisa Hesketh, of Knutsford, Cheshire. (Wills and Admin, Ancestry.co.uk) He lived at 5 St Johns Road Knutsford and died on war service. His effects went to Thomas Baron Hesketh, cotton manufacturer. Commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

 

HIGGINSON Joseph. Private 4205968, 6th Cheshire Regiment died 28th February 1944 aged 20. Son of Thomas and Ethel Higginson, of Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy

 

HILL John Arthur. Captain 201853, 65 (The Norfolk Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regt Royal Artillery died 13th October 1944 aged 32. Son of Arthur and Elizabeth Eleanor Hill husband of Joan Hill, of Hale, Cheshire. His brother, Christopher Grimwade Hill, also died on Service (Wills and Admin, Ancestry.co.uk) He lived at 21 Palatine Road, Withington, Manchester died on war service. His effects went to his wife, Joan. At rest in Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands.

 

IKIN Lewis Alfred. Sergeant 4128420 2/7th Middlesex Regiment. Born 2nd June 1908 died 3rd March 1944 aged 36. Son of Alfred and Jessie Ann Ikin, of Knutsford, Cheshire husband of Harriet Adelaide Ikin, nee Toombs of Knutsford. At rest in Naple War Cemetery, Italy

Permission to use photo pfirm2 ancestry (pete)

 

JARVIS Joseph Peter. Able Seaman D/JX151615 Royal Navy on HMS Glorious died 6th June 1940 aged 19. Son of Henry Theodore and Fanny Jarvis, of Knutsford, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon

 

JACKSON Thomas William. Private 7624263 Base Ordnance Depot Royal Army Ordnance Coy died 19th June 1940 aged 28. Son of John and Margaret of Knutsford, Cheshire.

 

JONES Arthur. (Military Medal) Company Sergeant Major 4116416 Cheshire Regiment died 16th April 1942 aged 48. and he was the husband of Annie of Knutsford. At rest in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

LAMB Charles. (M.M.) Private 324287 1st Parachute Regiment. Army Air Corps, died 1st January 1946 aged 30. (Wills and Admin, Ancestry) He lived at 16, Sandleigh Avenue, Knutsford and died at the Military Hospital, Liverpool Road, Chester. His effects went to William Lamb, engine driver. He was the son of Frederick and Ada and he was the husband of Margaret Ann of Knutsford. He is at rest in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

LEA Roland William. Sergeant, Flight Engineer 577749, 57th Squadron Royal Air Force died 2nd April 1943 aged 20. He was part of a crew in a Lancaster which was shot down after attacking the St Nazaire U-Boat pens on 2 April 1943. It crashed near the village of St Pere en Retz. All the crew sadly perished.

Born in the registration district of Buckover near Knutsford to Edgar and Kathleen Mabel Lea nee Buckworth, (birth name Kate Mabel) of Romford, Essex. At rest in Pont-Du-Cens Communal Cemetery, Nantes, Loire-Atlantique France.

www.pprune.org/where-they-now/511988-lancaster-w4257-57-s...

 

LEACH George. Trooper 3864317, 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps died 23rd October 1944 aged 33. Son of Patrick and Elizabeth Leach husband of Florrie Leach. At rest in Nederweert War Cemetery, Limburg, Netherlands.

 

PENNINGTON-LEGH John Alan DFC, Wing Commander 37687, 11 Squadron Royal Air Force died 13th October 1944 aged 29. Son of Tom and Marsie Pennington-Legh husband of Mary Edwina Pennington-Legh, of Fontwell, Sussex. Commemorated on the Singapore Memorial,

 

OLLIER Thomas. Gunner 14350967, 142 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Royal Devon Yeomanry died 22nd July 1944 aged 21. Son of Thomas Ernest and Charlotte Ollier, of Knutsford, Cheshire. It appears from record seen that his mother is not called Charlotte but Sarah Hannah. At rest in Florence War Cemetery, Italy.

 

PATTERSON John Robert. Leading Steward C/LX 21537 Royal Navy on HMS Wakeful died at sea 29th May 1940. In 1923 there was a John R Patterson born in the registration district of Northwich, Cheshire. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent. Listed with the CWGC are four J R Patterson The others were born. One in Essex, another in Northumberland and last in Yorkshire.

 

SIMCOCK John Ernest. Leading Aircraftman 629022, Royal Air Force Died on active service 7th October 1945 aged 24. He was the son of Ernest and Beatrice of Knutsford. He is commemorated on a family memorial at Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire and is at rest in Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, Ille-et-Vilaine, France

 

SIMON Michael Horsfall Henry. Captain 187216 133 Field Regiment Royal Artillery died 20th April 1945 aged 33. He was born in 1912 in the registration district of Bucklow, Cheshire to At rest in Becklingen War Cemetery, Niedersachsen, Germany

 

SNOW David Jack. Boy 1st Class P/JX163207, Royal Navy on HMS Hood died 24th May 1941 aged 17. Son of Henry Thomas Snow and Lilian Snow nee Cooper, of Knutsford, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Porstmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

 

TICKLE Albert. Private 14583537, 4th Kings Own Scottish Borderers died 18th June 1945 aged 19. Son of Arthur and Edith Tickle, of Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Mook War Cemetery, Limburg , Netherlands.

 

TROWELL Noreen. Private W/141311 Auxiliary Territorial Service died 12th March 1944 aged 21. Native of Bury. At rest in Shrewsbury General Cemetery, Shropshire.

 

WALKER William Edward (Bill). Private 14203151 6th Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, killed in action, at central front, Italy on the 25th October 1944 aged 21. He is interred at Santerno Valley Cemetery.

Only those who have loved and lost, know the price of war's bitter cost. May the noble sacrifice of their young lives not be in vain. He was the son of James and Annie. He is commemorated on his parents memorial in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

WALSH James. Private 4128036, 7th Cheshire Regiment died 12th May 1940 aged 25. Son of James and Esther Ann Walsh j husband of Vera Walsh, of Altrincham, Cheshire. At rest in (O-L-V) Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ,Lombeek Churchyard, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.

 

WARBURTON, Geoffrey. Gunner 957288, The Hertfordshire Yeomanry, 135th Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died on active service on the1st March 1942 aged 23. He was the son of William and Florence and husband of Charlotte of Annan, Dumfriesshire. He is commemorated on a family memorial in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire and is at rest Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore

 

WARBURTON James. Private 11263127, 37 Coy, Pioneer Corps died 16th September 1943 aged 43. Son of Francis and Mary Jane Warburton nee Bathers, of Knutsford, Cheshire husband of Florence Warburton, nee Lee of Knutsford. In 1911 aged 10 he was living with his parents and siblings at 125 Mobberley Road, Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Bone War Cemetery, Annaba, Algeria.

 

WILLIAMS John Alfred Edward. Private 419863, 4th Welch Regiment died 19th September 1943 aged 26. Son of Florence Williams husband of Mary J, nee Gittins. Williams, of Hulme, Manchester. At rest in Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.

 

SINCE 1945 (1975)

HADDEN David Andrew. Guardsman 24164809 Grenadier Guards died of natural causes in England on the 19th September 1975 aged 21. At rest in Holy Cross Churchyard, Mobberley Road, Knutsford, Cheshire.

 

LOWER PEOVER 1939-1945

 

BUCKLEY Joseph. Gunner 981599, 76th Medium Regiment Royal Artillery Shropshire Yeomanry died 9th July 1944. Son of Richard and Annie Buckley, of Lower Peover, Cheshire. At rest in Foiana Della Chiana War Cemetery, Italy.

 

HOWARTH James Hubert (Bert). Private 4128252, 7th Cheshire Regiment, killed in Italy 11th October 1943 aged 26. He was the son of James Herbert and Edith of Knutsford and was the husband of Violet also of Knutsford. He is commemorated on a family memorial in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire and he is at rest in Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy.

 

MOBBERLEY 1939-1945

BAILEY James William. Leading Aircraftman 1825458 Royal Air Force VR died 26th July 1946 aged 21. Son of James William and Gladys Bailey, of Mobberley, Cheshire. At rest in Delhi War Cemetery, India.

 

GROVES Alfred William. DFM Pilot Officer, Observer 1090063, 105 Squadron Royal Air Force VR died 15th August 1942 aged 28 . Son of Samuel and Frances Groves, of Mobberley, Cheshire. (Wills and Admin, Ancestry.co.uk) He live at 10 Bucklow Avenue, Mobberley and his effects were left to Samuel Groves, Paper coater. At rest in Gent City Cemetery, Oost-Vlaanderen Belgium

 

HOLDEN Raymond De Lannoy Flying Officer 103784, Royal Air Force VR died 13th August 1943 aged 34. Son of Percy Holden and of Arabella Holden (nee Leather); husband of Monica A. Holden, of Mobberley, Cheshire. (Wills and Admin, Ancestry.co.uk) He lived at Hillcrest Warford Lane Bobberley and died on war service. He effects went to Charles Edwin Moreton, bank official. Commemorated on the Alamein Mamorial, Egypt.

 

LONGRIDGE Christopher Leigh-Mallory. Leading Airman FAA/FX. 80564, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy on HMS Daedalus died 17th January 1941 aged 20. Son of Harry Morgan Longridge and Ann Victoria Longridge, of Mobberley, Cheshire. (Wills and Admin, Ancestry.co.uk) He lived at Rathlin Church Lane Mobberley died on war service. His effects went to Harry Morgan Longridge, engineer. Commemorated on the Lee-On- Solent Memorial, Hampshire.

 

ROBERTS Joseph Edward. Sergeant 2211675, 166 Squadron Royal Air Force died 23rd September 1944 aged 23. Son of Joseph and Alice Mary Roberts, of Ashley, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey

 

SOUTHERN Ernest George. Petty Officer C/J94090, Royal Navy on HMS Barham died 25th November 1941 aged 39. Son of Charles Henry and Sarah Southern husband of Gladys Mary Southern nee Goodhew, of Putney, London. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

I could find no connection to Mobberley or the County of Cheshire.

There is a Mobberley war memorial which indicates that his first name was Ernest. On the CWGC there is only one Ernest Southern for WW2.

 

TAYLOR Frank Ordinary Seaman P/JX 258659 Royal Navy on HMS Neptune died 19th December 1941 aged 27. Son of John Henry and Mary Taylor, of Mobberley, Cheshire. (Wills and Admin, Ancestry.co.uk) He lived at Small Lane, Mobberley and died on war service. His effects went to his mother Mary Taylor. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

 

TOMLINSON D (Ronald) Major 97345 Ronald Tomlinson Lancashire Fusiliers died 10th July 1941 aged 37. (Wills and Admin Ancestry.co.uk) Ronald Tomlinson of West Bank, Richmond Road, Bowden, Cheshire died 10 July 1941 on war service. His effects went to Christine Lydia Tomlinson, widow and Frederick William Tomlinson. Commemorated on the Ismailia War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

www.traffordwardead.co.uk/

 

WARBURTON William (Unable to find the correct record for this person listed with the CWGC)

 

YEARSLEY Thomas Ronald. Private 14573502, 1st Gordon Highlanders died 18th November 1944 aged 20. Son of William Gibson Yearsley and Ada Yearsley, of Mobberley, Cheshire. At rest in Venray War Cemetery, Limburg Netherlands.

 

ROSTHERNE 1939-1945 Names are also on the War Memorial in St Marys's Church Rostherne.

 

DUNKERLEY William Donald. Lieutenant Commander. Royal Navy on H.M.Submarine Thames died 3rd August 1940 aged 32. Son of William and Amy Constance Dunkerley; husband of Jena Dunkerley, of Mere, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

 

HENSHALL Arnold Nebo. Driver T/224939 258 General Transport Coy, Royal Army Service Corps died 16th March 1943 aged 30. Native of Bucklow, Cheshire. Husband of Margaret A Henshall nee Hill, of Sale, Cheshire. At rest in Tripoli War Cemetery, Libya.

 

KELLY Derek Godfrey. Flight Sergeant 553913 Royal Air Force died 30th October 1942 aged 20. Son of William and Isobel Kelly, of Highliegh, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt.

 

LOMAS John William. Able Seaman D/JX311216 Royal Navy on HMS President II. Born 31 August 1907 died 10th October 1942 aged 35. Son of James and Gertrude Lomas, of Broomedge, Lymm, Cheshire. In 1911 he was living with his parents aged 3 at Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. His father had served with the Cheshire Regiment in the great war. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon

Some notes from what remains of his father James Lomas, army record.

He joined up at Chester on the 18th December 1914 aged 34 years occupation labourer and was posted to the Cheshire Regiment as private 18790. He lived with his wife and family at 7 Market Street, Northwich, Cheshire. On the 10th December 1915 he was medically discharged unfit for further war service after 4 days service. He was married on the 10th January 1906 at St Barnabas Church Crewe Cheshire he married Miss Gertrude Williams. (FreeBDM shows Millward which is correct) They had the following children all born at Congleton, Cheshire. Gerty born 31st May 1906, John William born 31st August 1907, James Ernest born 10th May 1909, Harry born 3rd July 1911 and Marjorie born 2nd December 1912.

 

PEERS Ernest Abel. Lance Corporal 4458525, 11th Durham Light Infantry died 27th June 1944 aged 25. Son of Arthur and Dorothy Peers, of Hoylake, Cheshire. At rest in Fonteney-Le-Pesnel War Cemetery, Tessel, France.

 

PICKERING Robert Anthony Pickering Telegraphist C/JX271296 Royal Navy of HMS Nile died at sea 9th December 1944 aged 23. Son of Henry William and Gladys Annette Pickering, of Worthing, Sussex. Commemorated on the Rostherne War Memorial in St Mary's Church and also on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

REYNOLDS George William (This memorial has J W and St Mary's War Memorial, Rosthern has G W Reynolds.) Stoker 1st Class P/SR222 Royal Navy on HMS Barnham died at sea 25th November 1941. She ship was torpedoed U-Boat U-331 and a fire ensued. As the ship started to take on water it listed to port and it was at this point that ships magazines exploded. It sank within four minutes . Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdrISbwy_zI

 

SHAW Walter. Corporal 3197031, 2nd Seaforth Highlanders died 10th February 1945 aged 35. Son of James Edward and Annie Shaw, of High Legh, Cheshire. In 1911 he was living with his parents aged 3 at High Legh near Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Mook War Cemetery, Limburg, Netherlands.

 

GADDUM George Alfred (Memorial has YODDAM G A) Major 130982 15th (Scottish) Regt. Reconnaissance Corps, Royal Armoured Corps died 24th October 1944 aged 34. Son of Henry Edwin and Phyllis Mary Gaddum, of Bowdon, Cheshire. (Wills and Admin, Ancestry.co.uk) He lived at The Prior, Bowden, Cheshire and died on war service. His effects went Phyllis Joan Gaddum, spinster. At rest in Woensel General Cemetery, Eindoven,

Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.

 

TABLEY 1939-1945

BECKE John. Lieutenant 245318 Kings Royal Rifle Corps, 12th Queen's Westminster Battalion died 26th June 1944 aged 22. Son of Maj. Sir Jack Becke, C.B.E., and of Lady Becke (nee Jones), of Over Tabley, Cheshire. His brother Michael also fell. At rest in St. Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, France.

 

BECKE Michael. Lieutenant 296736 Kings Royal Rifle Corps attached to the 8th (2nd Bn. The London Rifle Brigade) Bn. Rifle Brigade died 30th November 1944 aged 21 Son of Maj. Sir Jack Becke, Kt., C.B.E., and Lady Becke (nee Jones), of Over Tabley, Cheshire. Scholar of Oriel College, Oxford; 2nd Class Honours in History. His brother John also fell. At rest in Venray War Cemetery, Limburg, Netherlands.

 

CRAVEN Arthur Fred. Private 3193707, 5th Kings Own Scottish Borderers died 18th June 1940 aged 20. Born in 1919 in the registration district of Northwich, Cheshire. His mother's maiden name was Craven At rest in Cherbourg Old Communal Cemetery, Manche, France.

 

WALTON, Sydney Stringer. Private 3656971, 8th Parachute Regiment killed in action on the 6th June, D.Day, 1944 aged 26. He was the son of Cyril and Hettie of Knutsford and was the grandson of Emma Walton also of Knutsford. He is commemorated on a memorial on a family plot at Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire and is at rest Herouvillett Cemetery, France.

 

WHITEHEAD George J. Gunner 935591 6th Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery died 3rd December 1945 aged 27. Son of Fred and Martha Whitehead, of Wolstanton, Staffordshire husband of Dorothy Whitehead nee Ravensdale of Wolstanton. At rest in Rochefort-Sur-Mer Naval Cemetery, Charente-Maritime, France.

  

Fallen, but not listed on the WW 2 War Memorial. They have a connection with Knutsford and other villages inscribed on this memorial and townlands close to them.

 

Cook Herbert McHUGH, Merchant Navy on S.S. Fabian, London. Died 28th August 1942 aged 21. Son of Herbert and Florence McHugh; husband of Edith Mary McHugh, of Allostock, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Flying Officer, Wireless Operator 178511 George Mason EDEN, Royal Air Force VR died 20th June 1945 aged 26. Son of George Henry and Edith Eden, of Marthall. At rest in All Saints Churchyard, Marthall, Cheshire.

 

Private 3536726 Joe HOUGH 7th Manchester Regiment died 8th April 1945 aged 22. Son of Charles and B. Hough, of High Legh, Cheshire. At rest in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

 

Engine Room Artificer 4th Class C/MX77165 John Giles PARTINGTON, Royal Navy on HMS Sultan died 16th February 1942 aged 24. Son of Giles and Lucy J. Partington, of High Legh, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

 

Driver T/3661442 George SMALLWOOD, Royal Army Service Corps died 7th June 1944. Husband of Ruth Smallwood, of Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Minturno War Cemetery, Italy.

 

Sapper 4116794 George Edgar ROYLE, Royal Engineers died 24th December 1940 aged 40. Husband of Agnes Royle, of Knutsford. At rest in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

Corporal 4128461 George Hector WORRALL, 5th Cheshire Regiment died 31st January 1943 aged 31. Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Worrall, of Knutsford, Cheshire husband of Ethel Maud Worrall, of Knutsford. At rest in Kirkee War Cemetery, India.

 

Leading Aircraftman 632488 Robert BOND Royal Air Force died 4th May 1942 aged 21. Son of William and Martha Bond, of Knutsford, Cheshire, England. At rest in Fawkner Memorial Park Cemetery, Victoria, Australia.

 

Trooper 7912735 George Reginald WAKEFIELD, 4th Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps died 4th December 1941 aged 21. Son of Reginald and Sarah Ann Wakefield, of Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya.

 

Flying Officer, Air Bomber 151636 John Kidston Law PATERSON Royal Air Force VR died 10th November 1943 aged 21. Son of Robert and Elizabeth Anne Kidston Paterson, of Knutsford. At rest in Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

Sergeant Wireless Operator, Air Gunner 1116213 Daniel SUTHERLAND, 36th Squadron Royal Air Force VR died 24th February 1943 aged 24. Son of Daniel and Emily Sutherland. of Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in St. Michele Communal Cemetery, Cagliari, Italy.

 

Private 14550660 Joseph BETHELL, 1st Loyal Regiment, North Lancashire died 28th August 1944 aged 19. Son of Joseph and Lily Bethell, of Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Florence War Cemetery, Italy.

 

Civilian, Clement SIEVE died whilst on Steam Ship Gloucester Castle of the Coast of Angola on the 16th July 1942 aged 2 years Son of Leonard Sieve, of Hallside, Knutsford, Cheshire, and of Joan Sieve.

Joan SIEVE aged 21. Wife of Leonard and mother of Clement Sieve, of Hallside, Knutsford, Cheshire.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMHS_Gloucester_Castle

On 15 July 1942, off the coast of Angola, she was intercepted by the German auxiliary cruiser Michel. Michel's commander KzS Helmuth von Ruckteschell chose to attack after dark without warning; The first shells from Michel destroyed the bridge and radio room and consequently no S.O.S. was transmitted. The ship sank with 93 killed, including the Master, Herbert H. Rose, six woman passengers and two children. The remaining 61 survivors were picked up by the Michel and interned at Yokohama, Japan. After repatriation the survivors reported the conditions under which they were forced to work and live.

 

Civilian Edith WRENCH aged 58, Margaret WRENCH died aged 64 of Grotto Side Farm, Over Peover, Knutsford. Died at Grotto Side Farm, Over Peover on the 23rd December 1940 . At rest in Bucklow Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

Civillian (Home Guard) Sidney Colin WRENCH, Home Guard; of Grotto Side Farm, Over Peover, Knutsford. Son of Mr. W. H. Wrench. Died at Grotto Side Farm. At rest in Bucklow Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

Able Seaman P/J111110 Royal Navy on HMS Dolphin died 11th January 1941 aged 33. Son of Daniel James Ferbrache, and of Mary Elizabeth Ferbrache, of Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery, Hampshire.

 

Pilot Officer William Rupert ELLIS, 944 Balloon Squadron, Royal Air Force VR died 20th January 1942 aged 38. Son of Charles William and Louise Theodora Ellis, husband of Joan Ellis, of Knutsford. At rest in Dunham Massey Church Burial Ground Cheshire.

 

Private 982288 Leonard HAYSELDEN, 1st Parachute Regiment Army Air Corps died 30th March 1943 aged 27. Son of Percy and Lily Hayselden; husband of Maud Hayselden, of Knutsford, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia.

 

Lance Corporal 1492907 Owen TRAYNOR, 6th Royal West Kent Regiment died 18th April 1945 aged 25. Son of John J. and Mary Ellen Traynor, of Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Argenta Gap War Cemetery, Italy.

 

Captain 176556 Peter HIGGINS Royal Engineers attached to 77th Field Coy, Indian Engineers died 8th February 1944 aged 27. Son of Sidney and Margaret Mabel Higgins, of Knutsford, Cheshire. M.A. (Cantab). He may well have been a POW. (Wills and Admin, Ancestry.co.uk) He lived at Somerford Leycester Road Knutsford, Cheshire and died on war service. His effects went to Sidney Higgins, and Sidney Greville Higgins, brick manufacturers. At rest in Taukkyan War Cemetery, Burma

 

Signalman 2593240 Victor Alan SEED, 5th Divisional Signals Royal Corps of Signals died 10th July 1943 aged 27. Mentioned in Despatches. Son of Albert Ernest and Annie Seed; husband of Eileen Betty Seed (nee Winkworth), of Knutsford, Cheshire. At rest in Syracuse War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy.

 

Civilian, Peter SANDERS of 43 Moss Lane. Son of Peter Sanders, of Mere Heath Lane, Mere, Knutsford; husband of Gladys Sanders. Died at 43 Moss Lane on the 23rd December 1940 aged 32. At rest in Altrincham Cemetery, Cheshire.

 

Captain 65428 Howel Joseph MOORE-GWYN, Welsh Guards died 20th September 1947 aged 32. Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Moore-Gwyn; husband of the Hon. Anne Rachel Pearl Moore-Gwyn (nee Douglas-Scott-Montagu), of Knutsford, Cheshire. B.A. (Oxon). At rest in St Matthew Churchyard, Dyffryn, Glamorganshire, South Wales.

 

Sergeant 856024 Arthur TOMKINSON 5014 Airfield Construction Squadron, Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force) died 21st May 1944 aged 42. Son of Edith Tomkinson, of Over Peover husband of Ethel Tomkinson, of Snelson. At rest in St Lawrence Churchyard, Over Peover, Cheshire.

 

Chief Steward John HALE, Merchant Navy on M.V. Lassell Liverpool died 13th May 1941 aged 51. Son of John Hale, and of M. Hale, of Over Peover, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Sergeant 2209405 John MANNION, 576 Squadron, Royal Air Force VR died 25th June 1944 aged 19. Son of John Henry Mannion, and of Lily Mannion, of Over Peover, Cheshire. Commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

   

The Postcard

 

A postally unused postcard bearing no publisher's name which bears a pre-1918 image of the Royal Albert Hall.

 

The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London. One of the United Kingdom's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity which receives no government funding. It can seat 5,272 people.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has been affectionately named "The Nation's Village Hall".

 

Since the hall's opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage. It is the venue for the Proms concerts, which have been held there every summer since 1941.

 

It is host to more than 390 shows in the main auditorium annually, including classical, rock and pop concerts, ballet, opera, film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment, sports, awards ceremonies, school and community events, and charity performances and banquets. A further 400 events are held each year in the non-auditorium areas.

 

The hall was originally supposed to have been called the Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but the name was changed to the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences by Queen Victoria upon laying the Hall's foundation stone in 1867, in memory of her husband, Prince Albert, who had died six years earlier.

 

History of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1800's

 

In 1851 the Great Exhibition, organised by Prince Albert, was held in Hyde Park, London. The Exhibition was a success, and this led Prince Albert to propose the creation of a group of permanent facilities for the public benefit, which came to be known as Albertopolis.

 

The Exhibition's Royal Commission bought Gore House, but it was slow to act, and in 1861 Prince Albert died without having seen his ideas come to fruition. However, a memorial was proposed for Hyde Park, with a Great Hall opposite.

 

The proposal was approved, and the site was purchased with some of the profits from the Exhibition. The Hall was designed by civil engineers Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Y. D. Scott of the Royal Engineers, and built by Lucas Brothers.

 

The designers were heavily influenced by ancient amphitheatres, but had also been exposed to the ideas of Gottfried Semper while he was working at the South Kensington Museum.

 

The recently opened Cirque d'Hiver in Paris was seen in the contemporary press as the design to outdo.

 

The Hall was constructed mainly of Fareham Red Brick, with terra cotta block decoration made by Gibbs and Canning Ltd. of Tamworth.

 

The dome (designed by Rowland Mason Ordish) was made of wrought iron and glazed. There was a trial assembly of the dome's iron framework in Manchester; then it was taken apart and transported to London by horse and cart.

 

When the time came for the supporting structure to be removed from the dome after reassembly in situ, only volunteers remained on-site in case the structure collapsed. It did drop – but only by five-sixteenths of an inch (8 mm).

 

The Hall was scheduled to be completed by Christmas Day 1870, and Queen Victoria visited a few weeks beforehand to inspect.

 

The official opening ceremony of the Royal Albert Hall was on the 29th. March 1871. A welcoming speech was given by Edward, the Prince of Wales because Queen Victoria was too overcome to speak;

 

"Her only recorded comment on the

Hall was that it reminded her of the

British constitution".

 

In the concert that followed, the Hall's acoustic problems immediately became apparent. Engineers first tried to remove the strong echo by suspending a canvas awning below the dome. This helped, and also sheltered concert-goers from the sun, but the problem was not solved - it used to be jokingly said:

 

"The Hall is the only place where

a British composer could be sure

of hearing his work twice".

 

In July 1871, French organist Camille Saint-Saëns performed Church Scene from Faust by Charles Gounod; The Orchestra described him as:

 

"An exceptional and distinguished

performer ... the effect was most

marvellous."

 

Initially lit by gas, the Hall contained a special system by which thousands of gas jets were lit within ten seconds. Though it was demonstrated as early as 1873 in the Hall, full electric lighting was not installed until 1888. During an early trial when a partial installation was made, one disgruntled patron wrote to The Times, declaring it to be:

 

"A very ghastly and unpleasant

innovation".

 

In May 1877, Richard Wagner conducted the first half of each of the eight concerts which made up the Grand Wagner Festival. After his turn with the baton, he handed it over to conductor Hans Richter and sat in a large armchair on the corner of the stage for the rest of each concert. Wagner's wife Cosima, the daughter of Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer Franz Liszt, was among the audience.

 

The Wine Society was founded at the Hall on the 4th. August 1874, after large quantities of cask wine were found in the cellars. A series of lunches were held to publicise the wines, and General Henry Scott proposed a co-operative company to buy and sell wines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 1900's

 

In 1906 Elsie Fogerty founded the Central School of Speech and Drama at the Hall, using its West Theatre, now the Elgar Room. The school moved to Swiss Cottage in north London in 1957. Whilst the school was based at the Royal Albert Hall, students who graduated from its classes included Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, Harold Pinter, Laurence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft.

 

In 1911 Russian pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff performed at the Hall. The recital included his 'Prelude in C-sharp minor' and 'Elegie in E-flat minor'.

 

In 1933 German physicist Albert Einstein led the 'Einstein Meeting' at the hall for the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics, a British charity.

 

In 1936, the Hall was the scene of a giant rally celebrating the British Empire on the occasion of the centenary of Joseph Chamberlain's birth.

 

In October 1942, the Hall suffered minor damage during World War II bombing, but in general was left mostly untouched as German pilots used the distinctive structure as a landmark.

 

In 1949 the canvas awning was removed and replaced with fluted aluminium panels below the glass roof, in a new attempt to cure the echo. However the acoustics were not properly tackled until 1969 when large fibreglass acoustic diffusing discs (commonly referred to as "mushrooms" or "flying saucers") were installed below the ceiling.

 

In 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and from 1969–1988 the Miss World contest was staged at the venue.

 

In 1995, Greek keyboardist Yanni performed a concert there for his World Tour; the concert was recorded under the name of Live at Royal Albert Hall.

 

From 1996 until 2004, the Hall underwent a programme of renovation and development supported by a £20 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £20m from Arts Council England to enable it to meet the demands of the next century of events and performances.

 

Thirty "discreet projects" were designed and supervised by the architecture and engineering firm BDP without disrupting events. These projects included improved ventilation to the auditorium, more bars and restaurants, improved seating, better technical facilities, and improved backstage areas. Internally, the Circle seating was rebuilt during June 1996 to provide more legroom, better access, and improved sightlines.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2000's

 

The largest project of the ongoing renovation and development was the building of a new south porch – door 12, accommodating a first-floor restaurant, a new ground floor box office and a below-ground loading bay.

 

Although the exterior of the building was largely unchanged, the south steps leading down to Prince Consort Road were demolished to allow the construction of underground vehicle access and a loading bay with accommodation for three HGVs carrying all the equipment brought by shows.

 

The steps were then reconstructed around a new south porch, named The Meitar Foyer after a significant donation from Mr & Mrs Meitar. The porch was built on a similar scale and style to the three pre-existing porches at Doors 3, 6 and 9: these works were undertaken by Taylor Woodrow.

 

The original steps featured in the early scenes of the 1965 film The Ipcress File. On the 4th. June 2004, the project received the Europa Nostra Award for remarkable achievement.

 

The East (Door 3) and West (Door 9) porches were glazed, and new bars opened along with ramps to improve disabled access. The Stalls were rebuilt in a four-week period in 2000 using steel supports, thereby allowing more space underneath for two new bars.

 

1,534 unique pivoting seats were installed, with an addition of 180 prime seats. The Choirs were rebuilt at the same time.

 

The whole building was redecorated in a style that reinforces its Victorian identity. 43,000 sq. ft (4,000 m2) of new carpets were laid in the rooms, stairs, and corridors – specially woven with a border that follows the oval curve of the building.

 

Between 2002 and 2004, there was a major rebuilding of the great organ (known as the Voice of Jupiter), built by "Father" Henry Willis in 1871 and rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison in 1924 and 1933.

 

The rebuilding was performed by Mander Organs, and it is now the second-largest pipe organ in the British Isles with 9,997 pipes in 147 stops. The largest is the Grand Organ in Liverpool Cathedral which has 10,268 pipes.

 

The Royal Albert Hall in the 2010's

 

During the first half of 2011, changes were made to the backstage areas in order to relocate and increase the size of crew catering areas under the South Steps away from the stage and to create additional dressing rooms nearer to the stage.

 

During the summer of 2012, the staff canteen and some changing areas were expanded and refurbished. From January to May the Box Office area at Door 12 underwent further modernisation to include a new Café Bar on the ground floor, a new Box Office with shop counters, and additional toilets.

 

Upon opening it was renamed 'The Zvi and Ofra Meitar Porch and Foyer.' owing to a large donation from the couple.

 

In Autumn 2013, work began on replacing the Victorian steam heating system over three years and improving and cooling across the building. This work followed the summer Proms season during which temperatures were unusually high.

 

From January the Cafe Consort on the Grand Tier was closed permanently in preparation for a new restaurant at a cost of £1 million. Verdi – Italian Kitchen was officially opened on the 15th. April with a lunch or dinner menu of stone baked pizzas, pasta, and classic desserts.

 

Design of The Royal Albert Hall

 

The Hall, a Grade I listed building, is an ellipse in plan, with its external major and minor axis of 272 and 236 feet (83 and 72 meters. The great glass and wrought-iron dome roofing the Hall is 135 ft (41 m) high.

 

Below the Arena floor there is room for two 4000 gallon water tanks, which are used for shows that flood the arena like Madame Butterfly.

 

The Hall was originally designed with a capacity for 8,000 people, and has accommodated as many as 12,000 (although present-day safety restrictions mean the maximum permitted capacity is now 5,272, including standing in the Gallery.

 

Around the outside of the building is an 800–foot–long terracotta mosaic frieze, depicting "The Triumph of Arts and Sciences", in reference to the Hall's dedication. Above the frieze is an inscription in 12-inch-high (30 cm) terracotta letters that combine historical fact and Biblical quotations:

 

"This hall was erected for the advancement

of the arts and sciences and works of industry

of all nations in fulfilment of the intention of

Albert Prince Consort.

The site was purchased with the proceeds of

the Great Exhibition of the year MDCCCLI.

The first stone of the Hall was laid by Her

Majesty Queen Victoria on the twentieth day

of May MDCCCLXVII and it was opened by Her

Majesty the Twenty Ninth of March in the year

MDCCCLXXI.

Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the victory and the majesty.

For all that is in the heaven and in the earth is

Thine. The wise and their works are in the hand

of God. Glory be to God on high and on earth

peace".

 

Events at The Royal Albert Hall

 

The first concert at the Hall was Arthur Sullivan's cantata On Shore and Sea, performed on the 1st. May 1871.

 

Many events are promoted by the Hall, and since the early 1970's promoter Raymond Gubbay has brought a range of events to the Hall including opera, ballet and classical music.

 

Events also include rock concerts, conferences, banquets, ballroom dancing, poetry recitals, educational talks, motor shows, ballet, opera, film screenings and circus shows.

 

The Royal Albert Hall has hosted many sporting events, including boxing, squash, table tennis, basketball, wrestling (including the first Sumo wrestling tournament to be held in London) as well as UFC 38 (the first UFC event to be held in the UK), tennis, and even a marathon.

 

The Hall first hosted boxing in 1918, when it hosted a tournament between British and American servicemen. There was a colour bar in place at the Hall, preventing black boxers from fighting there, between 1923 and 1932.

 

Greats of British boxing such as Frank Bruno, Prince Naseem Hamed, Henry Cooper and Lennox Lewis have all appeared at the venue. The Hall's boxing history was halted in 1999 when a court ordered that boxing and wrestling matches could no longer be held at the venue. In 2011 that decision was overturned. In 2019 Nicola Adams won the WBO Flyweight title which was the first fight for a world title at the venue since Marco Antonio Barrera took on Paul Lloyd in 1999.

 

On the 6th. April 1968, the Hall hosted the Eurovision Song Contest which was broadcast in colour for the first time. The first Miss World contest broadcast in colour was also staged at the venue in 1969, and remained at the Hall every year until 1989.

 

One notable event was a Pink Floyd concert held on the 26th. June 1969. On that night they were banned from ever playing at the Hall again after shooting cannons, nailing things to the stage, and having a man in a gorilla suit roam the audience.

 

At one point, Rick Wright went to the pipe organ and began to play "The End of the Beginning", the final part of "Saucerful of Secrets", joined by the brass section of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (led by the conductor, Norman Smith) and the ladies of the Ealing Central Amateur Choir. A portion of the pipe organ recording is included on Pink Floyd's album The Endless River.

 

On the 18th. June 1985, British Gothic rock band The Sisters of Mercy recorded their live video album Wake at the Hall.

 

Between 1996 and 2008, the Hall hosted the annual National Television Awards, all of which were hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.

 

Benefit concerts include the 1997 Music for Montserrat concert, arranged and produced by George Martin. The event featured artists such as Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Paul McCartney.

 

In 2006, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour performed at the Hall for the first time since Pink Floyd's 1969 ban. He performed as part of his On an Island Tour. The shows were filmed and used for the live video release, Remember That Night (2007).

 

Rock band The Killers recorded their first live album, Live from the Royal Albert Hall in July 2009.

 

On the 5th. April 2010, Swedish progressive metal band Opeth recorded In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, as they became the first Death metal band ever to perform at the Hall. The concert was part of the band's Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology tour, made in celebration of their 20th. anniversary.

 

In July 2011, Janet Jackson performed three sold-out shows as part of her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour.

 

On the 2nd. October 2011, the Hall staged the 25th.-anniversary performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, which was broadcast live to cinemas across the world and filmed for DVD.

 

Lloyd Webber, the original London cast including Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, and four previous actors of the titular character, among others, were in attendance – Brightman and the previous Phantoms (aside from Crawford) performed an encore.

 

On the 22nd. September 2011, Adele performed a one-night-only concert as part of her tour. The concert was filmed for DVD, and screened at cinemas in 26 cities around the world.

 

Her performance debuted at number one in the United States with 96,000 copies sold, the highest one-week tally for a music DVD in four years. After one week, it became the best-selling music DVD of 2011. As of the 28th. November 2012, it had surpassed sales of one million copies in the United States and sales of three million copies worldwide.

 

It was the first music DVD to surpass sales of one million in the USA since the Eagles' Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne in 2005.

 

The 2012 Sunflower Jam charity concert featured Queen guitarist Brian May performing alongside bassist John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple, and vocalists Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, and Alice Cooper.

 

On the 24th. September 2012, Classic FM celebrated the 20th. anniversary of their launch with a concert at the Hall. The program featured live performances of works by Handel, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Parry, Vaughan Williams, Tchaikovsky and Karl Jenkins who conducted his piece The Benedictus from The Armed Man.

 

On the 19th. November 2012, the Hall hosted the 100th.-anniversary performance of the Royal Variety Performance, attended by the HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Duke of Edinburgh, with boy-band One Direction among the performers.

 

During his Rattle That Lock Tour, David Gilmour performed at the Royal Albert Hall eleven times between September 2015 and September 2016, once in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

 

On the 13th. November 2015, Canadian musician Devin Townsend recorded his second live album Ziltoid Live at the Royal Albert Hall.

 

Kylie Minogue performed at the Royal Albert Hall on the 11th. December 2015 and the 9th. - 10th. December 2016 as part of her "A Kylie Christmas" concert series.

 

On the 3rd. May 2016, singer-songwriter and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell played at the Hall in what would become the last UK show of his life as part of his "Higher Truth" European tour.

 

Cornell performed stripped-back acoustic renditions from his back-catalogue to rave reviews, including songs from the likes of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave and his solo work. Cornell died on the 18th. May 2017.

 

On the 22nd. April 2016, British rock band Bring Me the Horizon performed and recorded their Live at the Royal Albert Hall album, with accompaniment from the Parallax Orchestra conducted by Simon Dobson.

 

At a press conference held at the Hall in October 2016, Phil Collins announced his return to live performing with his Not Dead Yet Tour, which began in June 2017. The tour included five nights at the Hall which sold out in fifteen seconds.

 

In October 2017, American rock band Alter Bridge also recorded a live album accompanied by the Parallax Orchestra with Simon Dobson.

 

Also in 2017, the Hall hosted the 70th. British Academy Film Awards, often referred to as the BAFTAs, for the first time in 20 years, replacing the Royal Opera House at which the event had been held since 2008.

 

In 2018, WWE held its second United Kingdom Championship Tournament on the 18th. and 19th. June.

 

Also in 2018, the world premiere of PlayStation in Concert was organised at the Hall. It featured PlayStation game music from the 1990's up until then. It was arranged by Jim Fowler and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

In May 2019, Mariah Carey performed 3 shows as part of her Caution World Tour. Comedian Bill Burr filmed his 2019 special Paper Tiger at the Hall. In November 2020, One Direction member Niall Horan performed a one off live-streamed show in an empty Hall (during the COVID-19 pandemic) to raise money for charity.

 

Regular Events at the Royal Albert Hall

 

The Royal Choral Society

 

The Royal Choral Society is the longest-running regular performer at the Hall, having given its first performance as the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society on the 8th. May 1872. From 1876, it established the annual Good Friday performance of Handel's Messiah.

 

BBC Proms

 

The BBC Sir Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, known as "The Proms", is a popular annual eight-week summer season of daily classical music concerts and other events at the Hall.

 

In 1942, following the destruction of the Queen's Hall in an air raid, the Hall was chosen as the new venue for the proms. In 1944 with increased danger to the Hall, part of the proms were held in the Bedford Corn Exchange.

 

Following the end of World War II the proms continued in the Hall, and have done so annually every summer since. The event was founded in 1895, and now each season consists of over 70 concerts, in addition to a series of events at other venues across the United Kingdom on the last night.

 

In 2009, the total number of concerts reached 100 for the first time. Jiří Bělohlávek described The Proms as:

 

"The world's largest and most

democratic musical festival".

 

Proms is a term which arose from the original practice of the audience promenading, or strolling, in some areas during the concert. Proms concert-goers, particularly those who stand, are sometimes described as "Promenaders", but are most commonly referred to as "Prommers".

 

Tennis

 

Tennis was first played at the Hall in March 1970, and the ATP Champions Tour Masters has been played annually every December since 1997.

 

Classical Spectacular

 

Classical Spectacular, a Raymond Gubbay production, has been coming to the Hall since 1988. It combines popular classical music, lights and special effects.

 

Cirque du Soleil

 

Cirque du Soleil has performed annually, with a show being staged every January, since 2003. Cirque has had to adapt many of their touring shows to perform at the venue, modifying the set, usually built for arenas or big top tents instead.

 

Classic Brit Awards

 

Since 2000, the Classic Brit Awards has been hosted annually in May at the Hall. It is organised by the British Phonographic Industry.

 

Festival of Remembrance

 

The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is held annually the day before Remembrance Sunday.

 

Institute of Directors

 

For 60 years the Institute of Directors' Annual Convention has been synonymous with the Hall, although in 2011 and 2012 it was held at indigO2.

 

The English National Ballet

 

Since 1998 the English National Ballet has had several specially staged arena summer seasons in partnership with the Hall and Raymond Gubbay. These include Strictly Gershwin, June 2008 and 2011, Swan Lake, June 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013, Romeo & Juliet, June 2001 and 2005, and The Sleeping Beauty, April - June 2000.

 

Teenage Cancer Trust

 

Starting in the year 2000 the Teenage Cancer Trust has held annual charity concerts (with the exception of 2001). They started as a one-off event, but have expanded over the years to a week or more of evening events. Roger Daltrey of the Who has been intimately involved with the planning of the events.

 

Graduation Ceremonies

 

The Hall is used annually by the neighbouring Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art for graduation ceremonies. For several years the University of London and Kingston University also held their graduation ceremonies at the Hall.

 

Films, Premières and Live Orchestra Screenings

 

The venue has screened several films since the early silent days. It was the only London venue to show William Fox's The Queen of Sheba in the 1920's.

 

The Hall has hosted many premières, including the UK première of Fritz Lang's Die Nibelungen, 101 Dalmatians on the 4th. December 1996, the European première of Spandau Ballet's Soul Boys of the Western World, and three James Bond royal world premières - Die Another Day on the 18th. November 2002 (attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip), Skyfall on the 23rd. October 2012 (attended by Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall), and Spectre on the 26th. October 2015 (attended by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge).

 

The Hall held the first 3D world première of Titanic 3D, on the 27th. March 2012, with James Cameron and Kate Winslet in attendance.

 

Since 2009, the Hall has also curated regular seasons of English-language film-and-live-orchestra screenings, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gladiator, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Interstellar, The Matrix, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Back to the Future, Jaws, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and the world première of Titanic Live in Concert.

 

The only non-English-language movie to have been screened at the Hall is Baahubali: The Beginning (an Indian movie in Telugu and Tamil, but premiered with the Hindi dubbed version).

 

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

 

The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, one of the most prestigious prizes in the annual brass band contesting calendar, holds the Final of the Championship section at the Royal Albert Hall each October.

 

Beyond the Main Stage

 

The Hall hosts hundreds of events and activities beyond its main auditorium. There are regular free art exhibitions in the ground floor Amphi corridor, which can be viewed when attending events or on dedicated viewing dates.

 

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Hall on most days. The most common is the one-hour Grand Tour which includes most front-of-house areas, the auditorium, the Gallery and the Royal Retiring Room.

 

Other tours include Story of the Proms, Behind the Scenes, Inside Out and School tours.

 

Children's events include Storytelling and Music Sessions for ages four and under. These take place in the Door 9 Porch and Albert's Band sessions in the Elgar Room during school holidays.

 

"Live Music in Verdi" takes place in the Italian restaurant on a Friday night featuring different artists each week.

 

"Late Night Jazz" events in the Elgar Room, generally on a Thursday night, feature cabaret-style seating and a relaxed atmosphere with drinks available.

 

"Classical Coffee Mornings" are held on Sundays in the Elgar Room with musicians from the Royal College of Music accompanied with drinks and pastries.

 

Sunday brunch events take place in Verdi Italian restaurant and feature different genres of music.

 

Regular Performers at the Royal Albert Hall

 

Eric Clapton is a regular performer at the Hall. Since 1964, Clapton has performed at the Hall over 200 times, and has stated that performing at the venue is: "Like playing in my front room".

 

In December 1964, Clapton made his first appearance at the Hall with the Yardbirds. It was also the venue for his band Cream's farewell concerts in 1968 and reunion shows in 2005. He also instigated the Concert for George, which was held at the Hall on the 29th. November 2002 to pay tribute to Clapton's lifelong friend, former Beatle George Harrison. Clapton passed 200 shows at the Hall in 2015.

 

David Gilmour played at the Hall in support of two solo albums, while also releasing a live concert on September 2006 entitled Remember That Night which was recorded during his three nights playing at the Hall for his 2006 On an Island tour.

 

Notable guests were Robert Wyatt and David Bowie (who sang lead for "Arnold Layne" and "Comfortably Numb"). The live concert was televised by BBC One on the 9th. September 2007.

 

Gilmour returned to the Hall for four nights in September 2016 (where he was joined on stage by Benedict Cumberbatch for "Comfortably Numb"), having previously played five nights in 2015, to end his 34-day Rattle That Lock Tour. He also made an appearance on the 24th. April 2016 as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust event.

 

Shirley Bassey is one of the Hall's most prolific female headline performers, having appeared many times at the Hall since the 1970's. In 2001, she sang "Happy Birthday" for the Duke of Edinburgh's 80th. birthday concert. In 2007, she sang at Fashion Rocks in aid of the Prince's Trust.

 

On the 30th. March 2011, she sang at a gala celebrating the 80th. birthday of Mikhail Gorbachev. In May 2011, she performed at the Classic Brit Awards, singing "Goldfinger" in tribute to the recently deceased composer John Barry. On the 20th. June 2011, she returned and sang "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Goldfinger", accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as the climax to the memorial concert for Barry.

 

James Last appeared 90 times at the Hall between 1973 and 2015, making him the most frequent non–British performer to have played the venue.

 

Education and Outreach Programme

 

The Hall's education and outreach programme engages with more than 200,000 people a year. It includes workshops for local teenagers led by musicians such as Foals, Jake Bugg, Emeli Sandé, Nicola Benedetti, Alison Balsom and First Aid Kit, innovative science and maths lessons, visits to local residential homes from the venue's in-house group, Albert's Band, under the 'Songbook' banner, and the Friendship Matinee: an orchestral concert for community groups, with £5 admission.

 

Mis-labellings

 

A famous and widely bootlegged concert by Bob Dylan at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester on the 17th. May 1966 was mistakenly labelled the "Royal Albert Hall Concert".

 

In 1998, Columbia Records released an official recording, The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966, The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert. It maintains the erroneous title but does include details of the actual location.

 

Recordings from the Royal Albert Hall concerts on the 26th. and 27th. May 1966 were finally released by the artist in 2016 as The Real Royal Albert Hall 1966 Concert.

 

Another concert mislabelled as being at the Hall was by Creedence Clearwater Revival. An album by them entitled The Royal Albert Hall Concert was released in 1980. When Fantasy Records discovered the show on the album actually took place at the Oakland Coliseum, it retitled the album The Concert.

 

Pop Culture References

 

A large mural by Peter Blake, entitled Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, is displayed in the Hall's Café Bar. Unveiled in April 2014, it shows more than 400 famous figures who have appeared on the stage.

 

In 1955, English film director Alfred Hitchcock filmed the climax of The Man Who Knew Too Much at the Hall. The 15-minute sequence featured James Stewart, Doris Day and composer Bernard Herrmann, and was filmed partly in the Queen's Box.

 

Hitchcock was a long-time patron of the Hall and had already set the finale of his 1927 film, The Ring at the Hall, as well as his initial version of The Man Who Knew Too Much, starring Leslie Banks, Edna Best and Peter Lorre.

 

Other notable films shot at the Hall include Major Barbara, Love Story, The Seventh Veil, The Ipcress File, A Touch of Class, Shine, and Spice World.

 

In the song "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles, the Albert Hall is mentioned. The verse goes as follows:

 

"I read the news today, oh boy

four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire

and though the holes were rather small

they had to count them all

now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall

I'd love to turn you on".

 

The song "Session Man" by The Kinks references the Hall:

 

"He never will forget at all

The day he played at Albert Hall".

 

In the song "Shame" by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, Barlow mentions the Hall in his verse:

 

"I read your mind and tried to call,

my tears could fill the Albert Hall".

Roll of Honour, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Unveiled 5th November 1927 by the Mayor of Preston. Consists of panels of Hopton Wood Marble on which are incised the Regiments and Names. The Regiments are gilded, the names painted. The panels are set in the angles of the two main staircases, and face the main doors. There is also a small additional framed roll of honour underneath the main panels, of those names missing from the panels. THE ROYAL NAVY: Arkwright, James. Stretcher Bearer; Ashton, Fredk. 2nd Hand; Banks, Robert. Seaman; Birch, John. Cook; Bramley, James. Engr; Corner, John. Eng; Dawes, Albert. Gnr; Fincham,Thomas. Stoker; Gahagan, James. Stoker; Higgins,John. Gnr; Hill, Fredk. AB; Hood, Walter. AB; Iddon, Fredk.C. Stoker; Ireland, William. AB; Johnson, William. AB; Landrum, Andrew. Gnr; Livesey, Joseph T. Pte; Lucas, John. Pte; Mather, William B. Stoker; McClarnan, Joseph. Pte; Mossop, John E.; Morland, Arthur. Ldg. Seaman; Morris, George. Pte; Parker, John. AB; Philipson,Edmund. Stoker; Proctor, Amos A. Stoker; Pye, Thomas. Stoker; Sanderson, Robert. ERA; Smellie, William. Pte; Solly, Alfred. Sub-Lieut; Stanton, Thomas. Stoker; Sumner, Edward. Pte; Tate, Thomas. Staff Sgt; Torrence, Samuel. Ldg. Seaman; Wareing, Henry. Stoker; White, George. AB; White, William. Stoker; Wilcock, Francis. Petty Officer; Worden, Arthur W. ERA; Young, James F. Signlr. ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS. (PRINCESS LOUISE'S): Hart, George. Pte. ARMY CYCLIST CORPS: Rowles, Albert. CSM; Wilson, Joseph. Pte. AUSTRALIAN FORCES: Ainsworth, Robert A. Pte; Beckett, Albert. Pte; Breakell, Stanley. Pte; Duckworth,A. Sgnlr; Eaton, Ernest G. Sgnlr; Halewood, Harold. Pte; Hall, John. Pte; Hind, Walter. Pte; Horam, James. Cpl; Ingram, Norman C. Pte; Kirkpatrick, Percy. Pte; Latham, Walter M. Pte; Morrow, Albert. Pte; Noblett, Fred. Pte; Parker, Anthony. Sgt; Rose, Francis. Pte; Smith, Richard. Pte; Snelham, Arthur. Pte; Vincent, George. Pte; THE BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT: Atherton, Arthur. Pte; Cottam, John. Pte. THE BLACK WATCH (ROYAL HIGHLANDERS): Blackledge, Walter. Pte; Cook, George, Pte; Cunningham, Thomas. Pte; Dearden, Joseph. Pte; Harrison, James. L/Cpl; McCann, John Wm. L/Cpl; Moulden, Ernest H. Pte; Rooke, Henry G. Pte; Shannon, James. Pte; Vickers, William. Pte; White, Alex. L/Cpl. THE BORDER REGIMENT: Atkinson, Almer W. L/Cpl; Atkinson, Richard E. L/Cpl; Bennett, Thomas. Pte; Bott, George G.R. Lieut.; Blackwell, Joseph. Pte; Bramley, Leonard. Pte; Brierley, Richard. Pte; Butler, John. Pte; Carlisle, Thomas. L/Cpl; Clough, George. Pte; Cottam, John. Pte; Cottam, Joseph. Pte; Coupe, John. Pte; Cross, Robert. Pte; De Veto, Francis. L/Cpl; Dewhurst, James. Pte; Dewhurst, Robert. Pte; Dixon, George. Pte; Duckett, George. Cpl; Evans, Thomas. Pte; Greenhalgh, James. Pte; Grime, Henry. Pte; Halliwell, James. Pte; Hammond, A.D. Pte; Hampson, Charles H. Pte; Hopkins, Robert. Pte; Kenny, William. Pte; King, Jack. Sgt; Moss, William. Pte; Norris, Richard. Pte; Raby, Robert. Sgt; Rigby, Charles A. Pte; Smith, James. Pte; Sullivan, T.A. Pte; Swales, Alex. Pte; Tipping, Francis. Pte; Webb, Horace A. Pte; Wetherall, Henry. Pte; Whalley, James. Pte; Wilding, Alfred. Pte; Wilson, Francis. L/Cpl. THE CAMERONIANS: Parkinson, William H. Pte; Smith, James. L/Sgt. CANADIAN FORCES: Baldwin, Henry. Gnr; Banks, William. Cpl; Brogden, Fred. Cpl; Cornall, John. Pte; Darlington, Joseph. Pte; Duckett, F.J. Pte; Fisher, Albert. Pte; Garlick, Henry. Sgt; Heald, Walter. Pte; Hodson, Emmanuel. Pte; Hoyle, George R. Pte; King, Arthur. Sgt; McNeiry, David. Pte; Parkinson, Christopher. Bdr; Pilkington, Alfred. Pte; Porter, John. Pte; Sandham, Robert. Pte; Seed, Walter. Pte; Slater, Abram R. Pte; Taylor, Edward J. Pte; Twist, John. Sgt; Wilkinson, Jack. Cpl. THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT: Arkwright, John. Pte; Barnes, Samuel. Pte; Cleminson, James. Pte; Coulthurst, Walter L. Pte; Culshaw, John. Pte; Daggers, Joseph. Pte; Dickinson, Joseph R. Pte; Gallagher, John. L/Cpl; Gore, James. Sgt Hardwick, Thomas. Pte; Harrison, Walter. Pte; Heaps, Richard. Pte; Henderson, Thomas. Pte; Hogg, John. L/Cpl; Joyce, Joseph. Pte; Kelly, John. Pte; Kenyon, Thomas. Sgnlr; Lackabane, Henry Junr. Pte; Lewis, James. Pte; Mayman, Percy. Pte; Mitchell, Charles. Pte; Moon, Henry. Pte; Norris, Thomas. Pte; Phillipson, Richard. Sgt; Shepherd, James W. Pte; Sibbert, Fred. Pte; Steele, William. Pte; Suddell, George A. Pte; Swales, Richard. Pte; Woods, Joseph. Pte; Worden, Henry. L/Cpl; Worden, John. Pte. COLDSTREAM GUARDS: Metcalf, James. Pte; Newsham, Fredk. Pte. THE DEVONSHIRE REGIMENT: Clarkson, Charles G. L/Cpl; Griffiths, Bernard. Pte. THE DUKE OF CORNWALL'S LIGHT INFANTRY: Clitheroe, Jack. Pte. THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON'S (WEST RIDING) REGIMENT: Atkinson, Herbert W. Sgt; Bell, Henry. Pte; Robinson, John. Pte; Taylor, Geoffrey. Pte; Tullis, Alex. Pte; Whittaker, Thomas. Pte. DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY: Bateson, Thomas. Pte; Calvert, William. Cpl; Duckett, V.G. 2/Lt; Miller, Harry. L/Cpl; Moorhouse, Henry. Pte. Sandall, David. Pte. THE EAST LANCASHIRE REGIMENT: Allsup, William. Pte; Alston, George. Pte; Anyon, James. Pte; Atkinson, Hugh. Pte; Billing, John. L/Cpl; Bishop, James. Pte; Bottomley, Leslie V. Pte; Bradley, Peter. Pte; Bramley, Ralph. Pte; Butler, John. Pte; Casson, William. Pte; Clitheroe, Thomas. L/Cpl; Collum, Thomas. Pte; Cooper, Edward S. Pte; corless, Timothy. Pte; Craig, Joseph. Cpl; Crossley, Frank. Pte; Deleaney, Thomas. Lieut; Dickinson, George A. Pte; Doran, Thomas. Pte; Drake, James. Sgt; Eccles, Henry. Cpl; Ellis, George. Pte; Fairey, Alfred. Pte; Farnworth, Edward. Pte; Farrell, Martin. Pte; Fitzgerald, Edward. Pte; Fletcher, James. Pte; Foster, James. Pte; Galbraith, James. Sgt; Gill, Richard. Pte; Gillice, Patrick. Pte; Greenwood, William. Pte; Halliwell, John H. Sgt; Harrison, Henry. Pte; Haslam, William. Sgt; Hayes, John. Pte; Hatton, William. Pte; Helm, Fredk. Sgt; Higham, Edward. Pte; Holliday, Robert. CSM; Hornby, William. Pte; Hudson, Arthur. Sgt; Huyton, Edward. Pte; Ingham, Robert. Pte; Jenkinson, Arthur. Pte; Kellett, Peter. L/Sgt; Knowles, David. Pte; Lovick, John. Pte; Lowe, Thomas. Pte; McCartny, Andrew. Pte; McGann, Maurice P. Pte; McGrath, William. Sgt. DMR; McMillan, Archibald. Sgt; Mayor, Robt. Pte; Murphy, John. Pte; Naylor, Herbert W.E. Lt/QM; Newton, Samuel, Sgt; O'Hara, John. CSM; Page, Ernest V. Sgt; Parker, James. Pte; Pierce, James. Pte; Pilkington, William A. Pte; Pomfret, Christopher. 2nd Lt; Porter, Christopher. Pte; Ramshead, Robert. Pte; Richardson, Fredk. H. Pte; Rigby, Henry. Pte; Rogerson, Harry. Pte; Ryan, Thomas. Cpl; Saxon, John. Pte; Scholes, William. Pte; Seddon, James. Pte; Sedgwick, Robert. Pte; Shaw, James. Pte; Slater, John H. Sgt; Slater, Joseph. L/Cpl; Smith, Gilbert.; Snape, Fredk. Pte; Stephenson, John. Pte; Townley, Samuel R. Pte; Turner, Christopher. Pte; Turner, R. Cpl; Vanden, Henry.; Walsh, Robert. Pte; Walton, Thomas. Pte; Ward, James W. CSM; Wareing, George. Pte; Watson, James. Pte; Wilcock, Robert. Pte; Woodacre, Frederick. Pte; Woodhouse, William. Pte; Woodruff, Thomas. Pte; Young (V.C.) William. Pte. THE EAST SURREY REGIMENT: Couperthwaite, John. Pte; Helm, James. Pte; Holderness, Edward. Pte. THE EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT: Carlisle, Thomas. Pte; Foulkes, Lewis. L/Cpl; Grime, Frank H. Pte; Hewitt, William H. Pte. THE ESSEX REGIMENT: Parker, Leonard. Capt. THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT: Dickinson, Albert A. Pte; Dunn, John. Pte; Lamb, William. Pte. THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS: Billsborough, Charles R. Pte; Bird, John. Sgt; Pomfret, Frank. L/Cpl; Settle, Sydney. Pte. THE GREEN HOWARDS (ALEXANDRA PRINCESS OF WALES OWN YORKSHIRE REGIMENT): Baines, James. Pte; Dagger, James. Pte; Hansford, James A. Pte; Rogerson, Richard. Cpl; Walker, John. Pte. GRENADIER GUARDS: Birtwistle, Alfred. Pte; Grundy, William. Pte; Hughes, James T. Pte; McGann, Francis. Pte; Naylor, John. Pte; Simmonds, Albert. Pte. THE HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT: Dixon, Edmund T. Pte. HEREFORDSHIRE REGIMENT: Turberfield, William. Pte. THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY: Kilroe, Francis J. 2nd Lt; Livesey, Harold E. L/Cpl; Reid, Donald. Lieut; Wilkinson, John. Pte. HUSSARS: Barrett, Fredk. SQ.S.M.; Chew, James. Pte; Leech, Joseph. Pte; Wadeson, William H. Pte; Woods, Joseph M. L/Cpl. INDIAN ARMY: Baines, Hubert. Act. Capt. THE INNISKILLINGS (6th DRAGOONS): Singleton, John. Bandsman. IRISH GUARDS: McGuiness, William. Pte; Spiby, Thomas. Pte. THE KING'S OWN ROYAL REGIMENT (LANCASTER): Aingle, Henry. Pte; Anderton, Fredk. Pte; Archer, Walter. Pte; Arkwright, John. Pte; Ashcroft, George. Pte; Ashworth, James. Pte; Beardsworth, Thomas. Sgt; Bingham, Benjamin. Pte; Brierley, Harold. Pte; Bromilow, Frank.; Brown, Francis. Pte; Buck, William. Pte; Caton, G. Pte; Carr, Albert. Pte; Clarkson, Robert E. L/Cpl; Conroy, Richard. Cpl; Covell, Samuel H. CSM; Crerar, Robert. Pte; Crewe, Wm.Leo. Pte; Crook, Edward. L/Cpl; Curwen, Richard. Pte; Cusack, Louis. Pte; Davison, Albert. Pte; Dawson, Herbert. Pte; Deves, John. Pte; Dickinson, Harold. Sgt; Donovan, Robert. Pte; Entwistle, James. Pte; Eriksen, William K. Pte; Fawcett, Anthony. Pte; Fenton, Robert E. Cpl; Ferguson, Joseph H. Pte; Flannaghan, Francis. Pte; Fryer, Henry. Pte; Goodey, William. Pte; Green, Joseph L. Pte; Gregg, Benjamin. Pte; Gregg, Charles E. 2nd Lt; Hampson, Fredk. Pte; Hanslope, John. L/Cpl; Harris, John. Pte; Hartley, George. L/Cpl; Hayes, Roger. Pte; Haythornthwaite, Ernest. Pte; Hilton, Joseph. Pte; Hodson, Thomas. Pte; Hoole, Joseph; Pte; Howcroft, Proctor. L/Cpl; Kemp, Robert. Pte; King, John T. Pte; Livesey, John. Cpl; Loftus, Alfred. L/Cpl; Lomax, E. Pte; Lowe, William. Pte; Lynch, James C. L/Cpl; Marsden, Richard. Pte; Marshall, Frank. Pte; Mather, Albert E. Pte; McGill, Henry. Pte; McKeowen, George. Pte; Melling, Robert; Metcalf, Lester. 2nd Lt; Mitchell, Alfred. Pte; M'Laren, Robert. Pte; Monks, Richard. Pte; Newton, John. Cpl; Nightingale, John. Pte; Parkinson, James. Pte; Pearson, Fredk. W. Pte; Pearson, Timothy. Pte; Perry, Walter J. Pte; Pilkington, Alfred. L/Cpl; Sharp, Thomas. Pte; Simpson, Charles V.M. Capt; Singleton, Albert. Cpl; Smith, Bernard. Pte; Stewart, Edward. Pte; Strickland, John. Pte; Thompson, James. Pte; Thompson, William F. Pte; Thornley, Thomas. Pte; Vose, Frank. Act. Cpl; Walker, James. Pte; Walker, Joseph, Pte; Walpole, Francis. Pte; Walsh, John. Pte; Ward, Thomas. Pte; Wells, William. Pte; Yates, Robert A. Pte. THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS: Bessell, Alfred. Pte; Bessell, Charles. Pte; Garth, John. Pte; Hull, James. Pte; Ormerod, Alfred J. Pte; Perry, John. Pte; Rayner, Henry. Pte; Ward, Robert. CSM. THE KING'S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY: Houston, Thomas. Pte; Pugh, David W. 2nd Lt; Stocks, Edwin. Pte. THE KING'S LIVERPOOL REGIMENT: Adams, Robert. Pte; Addison, Robert.; Ashton, Ernest W. Pte; Aspinall, Richard. Cpl; Beesley, Frederick.; Bentley, William R. Pte; Bowker, James. Pte; Burrows, Thomas. Pte; Carroll, Frederick. Pte; Chaloner, Wilfrid. Pte; Charnock, John. Pte; Clarkson, George R. Pte; Clayton, Thomas. L/Cpl; Coates, George. Pte; Cromwell, John. L/Cpl; Cosgrove, Thomas. Pte; Couperthwaite, William. Pte; Cowley, Harold. Pte; Crangle, James. Pte; Cross, William W. Pte; Dagger, Richard. Pte; Davies, George. Pte; Davis, Robert. Pte; Dawes, George. Pte; Dixon, Robert M. Pte; Fahey, Patrick. Cpl; Fazackerley, Henry. L/Cpl; Finn, Walter. Pte; Finney, James. Pte; Fryers, Joseph R. L/Cpl; Garlick, John. Pte; Green, John F. L/Cpl; Grice, Robert. Cpl; Haggar, Thomas. Pte; Harrison, John. Pte; Harrison, William. Pte; Haugh, Eric. Pte; Heal, Henry W. Pte; Heaton, David. Cpl; Hesmonhalgh, Richard. Pte; Hindle, James. L/Cpl; Hogarth, Edward. Pte; Horam, Alfred. Pte; Hough, George. L/Cpl; Hull, George T. Sgt; Jackson, Joseph. Pte; Jenson, Wilfrid G. Pte; Johnson, T. Pte; Kay, Albert. Pte; Kirkham, Albert. Pte; Lawrenson, George. Pte; Leyland, William. L/Cpl; Livesey, Henry. Pte; McCullough, John J. Pte; McGahey, Robert. Pte; Maher, T.; Manley, John W. DRMR; Molyneux, John. Capt; Metcalf, William. Pte; Nolan, James. Pte; Parker, William H. Pte; Peacock, George. Pte; Pearson, Thomas S. Pte; Prince, Joseph L. Pte; Rawlinson, Harold. Pte; Rhodes, Roger. L/Cpl; Rigby, Norman O. Pte; Rogerson, Ambrose. Sgt; Sandmann, Robert. Rifleman; Saul. Thomas P. Pte; Sharples, G.W. Lieut.; Shaw, Joseph. Pte; Smith, Philip T. Sgnlr; Sudell, Richard. Pte; Swift, Robert. Pte; Taylor, Richard. Pte; Thomason, S. Pte; Thompson, William. Sgt; Todd, Harry. L/Cpl; Towers, Peter. Pte; Twisaday, John. Sgt; Waters, Thomas A. Pte; Wignall, Matthew. Pte; Wilcock, Charles. Pte; Wilkinson, Arthur. Pte; Williamson, John. Pte; Wilson, Robert H. Pte; Woodhead, Richard. Sgnlr; Woods, Thomas H. Pte; Worton, George E. Pte. THE KING'S ROYAL RIFLE CORPS: Alcock, Henry. Rifleman; Barrett, Albert. Act. Cpl; Bentham, Thomas. Pte; Billington, John. Rifleman; Cookson, Malcolm. Rifleman; Cuerden, Richard. Rifleman; Gilbert, Stephen S. Sgt; Harrison, William. Pte; Hartley, William. Rifleman; Higginson, Robert. Pte; Hull, John. Cpl; Nickson, James. Pte; Rhodes, Thomas. Rifleman; Richardson, John. Cpl; Roan, Robert. Rifleman; Slinger, Arthur. Pte; Warburton, Robert. Rifleman; Watson, Robert. Rifleman; Woodburn, Ernest. Cpl; Woods, Robert. Pte. THE KING'S SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY: Atkinson, Richard. Pte; Baines, William. Pte; Lovelace, Hubert S. Pte; Owens, Albert V. Pte; Wignall, Matthew. Pte. THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS: Archer, John. Pte; Clark, George. Pte; Banks, James. Pte; Bashall, Francis. Pte; Beesley, Thomas. Pte; Benson, Jonathan. Pte; Billington, John. L/Cpl; Boast, William. Pte; Bodell, Alfred. Pte; Bond, Robert. Pte; Bramwell, Norman. 2nd Lt; Browett, Joseph. Pte; Brown, Arthur. Pte; Bruford, William. Pte; Carter, John. Pte; Churchman, Charles E. Pte; Cookson, John. Pte; Cornwell, John. Pte; Crook, James. Pte; Crook, William. Pte; Cunliffe, John. Pte; Dean, Richard. Pte; Dickinson, John. Pte; Dyer, Joseph. Pte; Eilingsfield, Joseph. Pte; Ellinson, Thomas. Pte; Flynn, Stephen. Pte; Garstang, James. Pte; Gill, Thomas. Pte; Green, Herbert. L/Sgt; Green, William. Pte; Hacking, William. Pte; Hall, Charles. Pte; Harrison, James. L/Cpl; Haythornthwaite, Ernest. Pte; Hind, Clifford. Pte; Hind, Thomas. Pte; Hind, Ernest. Pte; Hunter, Thomas. Pte; Jackson, Richard. Pte; Mansley, Thomas. Pte; Marsden, Robert. Cpl; Marsh, Edward. Pte; Mogerley, Frederick C. Pte; Mulligan, John. Pte; Nicholson, Charles. Pte; Nightingale, John. Sgt; Ogden, John. Cpl; Orme, John W. Pte; Park, Peter. Pte; Parker, George W. 2nd/ Lt; Parker, John. Pte; Proctor, George. Pte; Quigley, Joseph. L/Cpl; Richmond, Charles. Pte; Roberts, Frank. Pte; Robinson, James N. 2nd/Lt; Robinson, Thomas. L/Cpl; Seed, Christopher. L/Cpl; Seed, John. Sgt; Sharp, John. Pte; Sharp, Thomas. Pte; Swarbrick, William A. Capt; Taylor, John. Pte; Taylor, Robert. Pte; Towers, Thomas. L/Cpl; Vandome, Arthur. Sgnlr; Walmsley, George. Pte; Ward, Fredk. Pte; Wareing, Daniel. Pte; Whittam, Robert. Sgt; Winder, Edward B. Cpl; Wilson, Ivan F. Pte; Wilson, W.H. Pte; Wright, William. LANCERS: Jenkinson, John D. Trooper; Lee, John B. Pte. THE LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT: Park, Thomas W. Cpl. THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT: Berry, Charles H. Pte; Clarke, James. Pte. THE LONDON REGIMENT: Burton, William E.B. Cadet; Calder, Ernest G. Pte; Chapman, John. Pte; Dent, Robert. Pte; Hewitt, James. Pte; Reeder, Edmund. Rifleman; Tyrer, George H. Pte. THE LOYAL (NORTH LANCASHIRE) REGIMENT: Adams, John J. Pte; Addison, Richard. L/Cpl; Ainsworth, Richard. Pte; Ainsworth, Sidney. L/Cpl; Airey, Cyril W. Pte; Airey, Henry. Pte; Allen, H. Sgt; Allen, John A. Pte; Allen, W. Pte; Almond, Hugh. Pte; Alston, Fredk. Pte; Alty, Richard. Pte; Archer, John. Pte; Arkwright, Fredk. Pte; Armstrong, William. Pte; Ashcroft, John. Pte; Ashton, Henry. Pte; Ashworth, John. Pte; Askew, Albert. Cpl; Aspden, George. Pte; Aspden, John. Pte; Aspinall, Henry. Pte; Aspinall, Robert. Pte; Atherton, F.C.; Atherton, William. Pte; Atkinson, Frank. Pte; Atkinson, Stanley. Sgnlr; Atkinson, Thomas. Pte; Attwell, Bertram. Pte; Austin, Henry A. Pte; Bagot, William. Sgt; Bailey, Robert. Pte; Baines, Abraham. Pte; Baines, Albert. Pte; Baines, Lawrence. Pte; Baird, Norman. Pte; Baker, Fred. W.S. Capt; Baldwin, John J. Pte; Ball, John H. Lieut; Ball, Robert E. Pte; Balshaw, Henry. Pte; Bamber, Albert J. Pte; Bamber, John. Pte; Bamber, Richard. Pte; Bamford, Henry. Pte; Bamford, James. Pte; Banister, Maurice J. Lieut; Barnett, H.L. Pte; Barnish, Walter W. Pte; Barron, John. Pte; Barton, Joseph. Pte; Battersby, William. L/Cpl; Baxendale, George; Bayman, Albert. Pte; Beaver, David. Pte; Becconsall, Albert. Pte; Beckett, Richard. Pte; Bee, Fredk. G. Cpl; Beech, William. Pte; Beetham, William. Pte; Benjamin, Joseph E. Pte; Bennett, Robert E. Pte; Bennett, Thomas. Pte; Bentham, Walter. Pte; Best, Arthur. Sgt; Bibby, Robert H. Pte; Billington, Alfred. Pte; Billington, Charles. Machine Gnr; Billington, Joseph. Pte; Billington, Robert. Pte; Billington, Thomas. L/Cpl; Billington, William. Pte; Billsborough, Walter. Pte; Bilsborough, Albert. Pte; Bilsborough, Richard. Pte; Bingham, Harry E. Pte; Blackwell, William. Sgt; Blundell, Matthew. L/Cpl; Boast, William R. Pte; Bolan, James. Pte; Bond, Anthony; Bond, John. Pte; Boote, James P. Pte; Boswell, Tobias. Pte; Bowes, John R. Pte; Boyle, William. 2nd Lt; Bradley, John. Pte; Braithwaite, Francis J. Pte; Bramley, James D. Pte; Breakell, John. Pte; Brewer, John. L/Cpl; Brierley, Henry. Pte; Brierley, William H. Pte; Briggs, James. Pte; Briggs, Thomas. Pte; Brindle, George. Pte; Broad, William. L/Cpl; Brockbank, Richard. L/Cpl; Brockbank, Robert. Pte; Brotherton, A. Sgt; Brown, David; Brown, George. Pte; Brown, Richard. Pte; Buck, Robert. Sgt; Buckles, John. Pte; Buckley, Charles. L/Cpl; Bulcock, Fred. Pte; Bullock, George W. L/Cpl; Burnet, Maxwell R.; Burns, Thomas. Pte; Burrell, William H. L/Cpl; Burrows, James. Pte; Burton, Alban. Cpl; Bury, Richard. Pte; Butler, Fredk. J.; Butler, Samuel. Pte; Butler, William E. Sgt; Butterworth, James. Pte; Callon, William. Pte; Carter, George F. Pte; Carter, Thomas. Pte; Carter, William. Pte; Cartwright, John. Pte; Catterall, Lawrence. Pte; Catterall, Percy. L/Cpl; Chapman, Charles. Pte; Chapman, Harold. L/Cpl; Chapman, John C. Pte; Chapples, George. Pte; Charnley, Charles. Pte; Charnock, John. Pte; Clarke, James. Cpl; Clarke, John. Pte; Clarkson, Henry. Pte; Clarkson, Robert. Pioneer Sgt; Clegg, Richard. Pte; Clitheroe, Henry. Pte; Clough, James. L/Cpl; Collier, John. Cpl; Collins, Thomas. Pte; Conroy, John. Pte; Cookson, John. Pte; Corless, Harold. Pte; Corless, Harry. Pte; Costello, Hugh. Pte; Best, Frank Robson. Lieut; Cottam, Albert. Pte; Cottam, Samuel. Pte; Coulson, Walter. Pte; Coupe, Richard. L/Cpl; Cowell, John. Pte; Cowell, Richard. Pte; Cowell, William. Pte; Crabtree, James. Pte; Crane, James. Cpl; Craven, Joseph. Pte; Cronnell, James E. Pte; Crook, J.T.P. Pte; Cross, Elijah W. Pte; Cross, H. Pte; Cross, Thomas. Pte; Cross, Thomas. Pte; Crossley, Joseph; Crossley, William E. Cpl; Cullip, Alfred. Sgt; Cunliffe, B. Pte; Cunliffe, William. Pte; Darlington, Edward. Pte; Davidson, John. Pte; Davies, Thomas. Pte; Davies, Walter A. 2nd Lt; Davis, James. Pte; Denoir, John. Pte; Dent, Herbert. Pte; Desmond, Arnold P. Pte; Desmond, Harold R. Cpl; De Veto, Anthony. Pte; Devey, Fred. Sgt; Dewhurst, Henry. Pte; Dewhurst, Herbert L. Pte; Dewhurst, William. L/Cpl; Dickson, William H. 2nd Lt; Disley, James. Pte; Ditchfield, Frank. Pte; Dixon, William. Pte; Dodgson, John. Pte; Downing, John. Pte; Duckworth, Albert. L/Cpl; Duckworth, William. Pte; Duddle, James. Pte; Duffy, James. Pte; Dugdale, George. Pte; Dunderdale, Ernest. Pte; Dunderdale, Matthias. Pte; Dunderdale, Richard. Pte; Durham, George. DMR; Durham, William. Pte; Eastham, William. Pte; Eaves, Frank. Pte; Eccles, James. Pte; Eccles, James. Pte; Edgar, Kenneth V. Cpl; Egan, Joseph. Pte; Ekins, Henry. Pte; Elliott, R. Pte; Ellithorn, William. Pte; English, Francis. Pte; Etherington, Henry B. Pte; Evans, Robert. Sgt; Fairclough, Joseph. Gunr; Fairclough, Samuel. Pte; Fairclough, William. Pte; Fairclough, William H.; Farley, Walter. Pte; Farnworth, Charles. Pte; Farnworth, Samuel. Pte; Farrell, Thomas. Pte; Fawcett, James. Pte; Fawcett, Robert. Pte; Fazackerley, Harold. 2nd Lt; Fazackerley, James. Pte; Fazackerley, Richard. Pte; Fazackerley, Richard. Sgnlr; Fernyhough, Walter A. Sgt; Finley, James. Cpl; Fisher, Alfred. Pte; Fishwick, Thomas. Pte; Forry, James. Pte; Fox, John. Pte; Foxton, Harold.Pte; Flannaghan, Edward. Sgt; Flannery, Louis. Pte; Fleming, Ernest A. Pte; Fletcher, James. CQMS; Fletcher, John. L/Cpl; Flowers, Richard. Pte; Flynn, William. Pte; Francis, Walter. Pte; Fraser, Arthur. L/Cpl; Fraser, Thomas. Pte; Freebury, Allan. Pte; Fryer, Harry. Pte; Fryers, Thomas. Pte; Fuller, William. Sgnlr; Gallagher, Joseph. Pte; Garlick, Francis. Pte; Garstang, John. L/Cpl; Garstang, Richard. Pte; Garth, William. Pte; Gaunt, Edgar. Pte; Gibson, Henry W. Pte; Gilgun, John. Pte; Gill, James W. Pte; Gill, William. Pte; Gillett, Thomas. Pte; Gillibrand, John. Pte; Gladwin, Ernest. Cpl; Goodier, Fred. Pte; Goodier, John. Cpl; Gorst, Thomas H. Pte; Green, John. Pte; Greenhalgh, William. Pte; Gregory, Arthur. Cpl; Gregson, Albert. Pte; Harris, Arthur Lea. Capt.; Gregson, Henry. Pte; Gregson, William. Pte; Griffiths, William. Pte; Guest, James. Pte; Hackett, Thomas K. L/Cpl; Hackett, William. Pte; Hague, Albert E. 2nd Lt; Hall, Fred. Pte; Hall, Harry. Cpl; Hall, Herbert. Pte; Hall, Joseph. Pte; Hall, William. L/Cpl; Halliwell, Edward. Pte; Hamilton, Samuel. Pte; Hancox, William. L/Cpl; Hardicker, Matthew. Pte; Hardicker, William. Pte; Hardman, Jonathan. L/Cpl; Hardman, William. Pte; Harling, Fred. Pte; Harris, Arthur L. Capt; Harrison, Thomas. Pte; Harrison, William. Pte; Harrison, William. Pte; Harrison, William. Pte; Harrison, William E. Pte; Hartley, Albert. Cpl; Hartley, Bartholomew. Pte; Haslam, Robert M. Pte; Haworth, Philip T. Pte; Hayes, John. Pte; Hazelhurst, Thomas. Sgnlr; Heald, James H. Pte; Heaps, James. Pte; Heaps, Robert. Cpl; Heaton, William. Pte; Helm, Fred. Pte; Helm, Henry. Pte; Helme, John. Sgt; Helme, Richard. 2nd Lt; Henderson, William. Pte; Henery, Walter; Pte; Hesketh, George. Pte; Hesketh, Richard. Pte; Hesmondhalgh, Harry. Pte; Hewitt, Ernest D. Pte; Hewitt, Henry. Pte; Heyes, John. Pte; Heyes, Victor H. Pte; Hibbert, William. Pte; Higginson, Ernest. L/Cpl; Higham, Benjamin. Pte; Higham, Edward. L/Cpl; Higham, John Pte; Higham, Robert. Pte; Higham, William. Pte; Highfield, James. Pte; Hind, Joseph. L/Cpl; Hobson, John. Pte; Hodgkinson, John. Pte; Hogarth, Joseph. Pte; Hogg, James. Pte; Holden, Christopher. L/Cpl; Holden, William. Pte; Holdway, Charles. Pte; Holker, James. Pte; Holman, George D. Cpl; Holmes, Robert. Pte; Hooper, Thomas. Cpl; Horam, Charles. Pte; Horner, Albert E. Pte; Horsfield, Thomas. L/Sgt; Houlding, James C. Pte; Houseman, William. Pte; Howard, Joseph. Pte; Howarth, Henry. Pte; Howarth, John. Pte; Howarth, Richard. L/Cpl; Howcroft, Thomas. L/Cpl; Huck, John P. Pte; Hull, Frank H. Pte; Hunt, David. Pte; Hunter, William H. Pte; Huson, Nathan. Pte; Hutchinson, Clifford. Pte; Ianson, Richard. Pte; Iddon, George. Pte; Ingham, Henry B. Pte; Ingham, John. Pte; Inglis, William. DMR; Ingram, Joseph. Pte; Isherwood, Robert. Pte; Jackson, John. Pte; Jackson, Richard. L/Cpl; Jackson, Thomas. Pte; Jackson, Walter. Pte; Jemson, T. Cpl; Jenkinson, John. L/Cpl; Johnson, Percy. Pte; Johnson, R.W. Pte; Johnson, William. L/Cpl; Jones, A.E. Cpl; Jones, E. Pte; Jones, Eric. Pte; Kay, Charles W. Lieut; Kay, Elijah. Pte; Kay, William A. Pte; Kearsley, Joseph. Pte; Kearsley, William. Pte; Keevill, D. Pte; Kell, Thomas W. Pte; Kellett, John. Pte; Kellett, Robert. Pte; Kelsall, George. Pte; Kendall, Jesse. Pte; Kenworthy, John Pte; Kinsella, Thomas J. Pte; Knowles, Alfred. Pte; Knowles, Francis A. Cpl; Rourke, John. Pte; Knowles, James. L/Cpl; Knowles, Robert. Sgt; Lamb, Wilfrid. Pte; Lambert, Robert H. Pte; Lambert, Thomas. Pte; Lancaster, George.; Lang, John. Pte; Lang, Richard. Pte; Lang, William Pte; Lathom, Thomas M.W. Pte; Law, Arthur. Pte; Lawrenson, Albert. Cpl; Lawrenson, Walter. Cpl; Lawson, Robert. Pte; Leach, Albert E. Pte; Leak, Henry. Sgt; Lee, Gilbert. Pte; Leonard, Arthur. Pte; Leyland, Frederick W. Pte; Leyland, William. Cpl; Lilley, George B. Cpl; Lindley, Thomas. Pte; Lingard, Joseph. Pte; Little, John. Pte; Liver, Edward. L/Cpl; Lockwood, William. Pte; Loud, John. Pte; Lowndes, Thomas. Pte; Love, George T. Pte; Lyons, Francis. Pte; Magee, Patrick F. Cpl; Mannion, Michael. Pte; Marsden, John Pte; Marsden, Joseph. Pte; Marsh, John. Cpl; Marsh, John. L/Cpl; Martin, J.S. Cpl; Martin, Thomas. Pte; Martin, William. Pte; Martindale, Harry. Cpl; Martindale, Henry A. Pte; Martindale, Thomas. Pte; Masheter, Thomas. Pte; Masheter, Thomas. Pte; Mason, Rowland C. Lieut; Massey, Ephraim. Pte; Mayman, Frederick W. Pte; Maymon, Thomas H. Pte; Maynard, John. L/Cpl; McClarnon, Joseph. Pte; McCullough, Richard. Cpl; McCullough, Robert. Cpl; McDermott, James. L/Cpl; McDonough, A. Sgt; McFetridge, John E. Cpl; McGreevey, James. Pte; McGreevey, Richard. L/Cpl; McGuire, John. Cpl; McGuire, Thomas. Pte; McLaughlin, James. Pte; McLaughlin, John. Pte; McMahon, Charles E.V. 2nd Lt; McNeice, Henry. Pte; Mealand, Jesse F. Pte; Melia, Edward. Pte; Melling, Harry. Sgnlr; Mellor, Edward H. Pte; Mellor, John. Pte; Mellor, Joseph. Pte; Meyler, William E. Sgt; Miller, Francis J. Pte; Miller, Richard. Pte; Miller, Wilfrid. Pte; Mills, Henry. Pte; Moon, Wilfrid. Sgt; Moore, Keith H. Lieut; Morley, Richard. Pte; Morley, Stewart; Moss, James. Pte; Moss, Robert. Pte; Moss, William. Pte; Mounsey, John. Pte; Mullin. Alfred P. Pte; Murray, Fredk. J. Pte; Myerscough, Thomas. Pte; Nagle, Joseph. Pte; Naylor, Thomas. Sgt; Nelson, Alex. Pte; Nelson, Thomas. CSM; Nelson, Thomas. Pte; Nesbitt, Hugh. Pte; Newby, Henry. Pte; Nickson, Richard. Pte; Norcross, John. Pte; Nuttall, John. Sgt; Nuttall, William E. Pte; Nutter, Albert V. Pte; O'Brien, Arthur. Pte; O'Connor, John. Pte; Oddie, John W. Sgt; Oldham, Albert E. Pte; O'Neill, Thomas. Pte; Osbaldeston, Henry. Pte; Owen, Edward. L/Cpl; Pain, C.H. Pte; Paley, Albert. Pte; Park, JOseph. L/Cpl; Park, Philip W. Pte; Park, William B. Pte; Parkes, Richard. Pte; Parker, Geoffrey. Lieut; Parkinson, Charles E. Pte; Parkinson, Clifford. L/Sgt; Parkinson, Ernest. Pte; Parkinson, John. Pte; Parkinson, Joseph. Pte; Parkinson, Joseph. Pte; Parkinson, Septimus H. Pte; Parkinson, William. L/Cpl; Scott, Thomas. Pte; Parnacott, William C. Bandsman; Parr, Ernest. Pte; Payne, Edward. Sgt; Peak, John H. Capt; Pearson, James. Pte; Pearson, Thomas. Pte; Pendlebury, Thomas A. Pte; Parry, William. Pte; Pilkington, John W. Pte; Pitcher, Fredk. Sgt; Pitcher, William. Pte; Place, James. Pte; Plaskett, James. Cpl; Porter, Harry. Pte; Porter, James. Pte; Porter, Thomas H. Pte; Poulton, Vincent. Cpl; Preston, Thomas. L/Cpl; Priest, William. L/Cpl; Pye, Alfred. Pte; Pye, Fredk. Pte; Pye, Harry. Pte; Ramsden, Leo. Pte; Ranson, Harold. Pte; Rawsthorn, Aldred E. 2nd Lt; Rayner, Benjamin H. Capt; Raynor, John. Pte; Reeder, William. Pte; Reid, James. Lieut; Reid, John. L/Cpl; Reynolds, Sydney. Pte; Richardson, Henry. Pte; Richardson, William H. Pte; Rigby, Robert. L/Cpl; Riggs, Frank. Pte; Riggs, Robert F. Pte; Riley, Charles. Cpl; Robinson, Edward. Sgt; Robinson, Henry. Pte; Robinson, John. Pte; Robinson, Joseph. Pte; Robinson, Robert. Cpl; Robinson, Thomas. Pte; Robinson, William. L/Cpl; Rosbottom, William. Pte; Rowett, Charles. Pte; Ryan, Charles. L/Cpl; Sandalls, Charles. 2nd Lt; Sanderson, William. Pte; Saul, Thomas. Pte; Savage, Vincent. Cpl; Scott, Robert. Pte; Scott, Robert. Pte; Seddon, Henry. L/Cpl; Seddon, Thomas. Pte; Sedgwick, Thomas. Pte; Seed, John. Pte; Sellers, Gilbert E. Pte; Sergeant, John. Pte; Sharp, Joseph. Pte; Sharples, Clifford. Pte; Sharples, William H. Pte; Sharrock, Frederick. L/Cpl; Short, John W. Sgt; Shuttleworth, Francis. Pte; Silcock, Thomas. Pte; Silcock, William. Pte; Simon, Alphonsus. Pte; Simpson, Charles. Pte; Simpson, James. Pte; Simpson, John. Pte; Sinclair, Joseph. Cpl; Singleton, Henry. Pte; Skingsley, Wilfrid. Sgt; Slater, Fred. Pte; Slater, John. Pte; Smalley, Francis. Pte; Smalley, James. Pte; Smith, Ernest. Pte; Smith, Francis. Pte; Smith, John. Pte; Smith, John S. Pte; Smith, Joseph. Pte; Smith, Reginald H. Cpl; Smith, Richard. L/Cpl; Smith, Richard. Pte; Smith, Thomas. Pte; Smith, William. Pte; Smith, William H. Pte; Southworth, John. Pte; Southworth, Leonard. Pte; Southworth, William. Pte; Spencer, Richard. Pte; Standing, Benjamin. Pte; Standing, Thomas. Pte; Standing, Thomas A. Sgt; Starling, George T. L/Cpl; Stephen, William H. Pte; Stephenson, Laurence. Cpl; Stephenson, Vincent. Sgt; Stevens, William C. Sgt; Stirzacker, John. Pte; Story, Alfred. Pte; Stow Harold. L/Cpl; Strain, Hugh. Pte; Street, Richard. Pte; Strickland, Thomas A. Pte; Sumner, John C. Pte; Sumner, Thomas. Pte; Sutcliffe, William. Sgt; Sutton, Matthew. Pte; Sutton, Robert. Pte; Swarbrick, Joseph. L/Cpl; Swindlehurst, John. Pte; Tarrant, John T. Sgt; Taylor, Alfred. Driver; Taylor, Edward. Cpl; Taylor, William. Pte; Walker, Christopher. Pte; Thompson, Charles. Pte; Thompson, Henry. CQMS; Thompson, James R. Pte; Thornley, Alfred. Pte; Thorpe, Albert. Pte; Tierney, James. Pte; Tierney, Patrick. Pte; Tinsley, Thomas. L/Cpl; Tomlinson, Henry. Pte; Toulmin,Harold. Lieut; Travis, William. Cpl; Trollope, Joseph Pte; Tunney, Michael. Pte; Turner, Ephraim. CSM; Turner, Harry. Pte; Turner, Richard. Pte; Turner, Thomas. Pte; Ulyatt, Edward C. L/Cpl; Unsworth, John. Pte; Utting, W. Pte; Wade, Frank. Pte; Wade, James. Pte; Wainman, Elijah. Pte; Walker, Samuel. Pte; Walmsley, Fred. Pte; Walmsley, George. L/Cpl; Walmsley, John. L/Cpl; Walmsley, Thomas. Pte; Walton, James R. Cpl; Ward, Allan. Pte; Wardley, Joseph. Pte; Ware, Richard. Pte; Wareing, Edmund. Act.Cpl; Wareing, John. Cpl; Wareing, Thomas. CSM; Waterhouse, Charles. Pte; Watkinson, John. Pte; Watson, Charles. Pte; Watson, Fred. Sgt; Watson, John. Pte; Watson, John W. Sgt; Watson, Robert. Pte; Weaver, Andrew. Pte; West, John. Pte; Whalley James. Pte; Whalley, John. Pte; Whitehead, Charles. Pte; Whiteside, James. Pte; Whiteside, William. Pte; Whitman, Thomas. Bandsman; Whittaker, Fredk. Pte; Whittle Charles. L/Cpl; Whittle, Clive. Pte; Wiggins, David. Sgt; Wignall, Albert. Pte; Wignall, George. Pte; Wignall, Richard. Pte; Wignall, Robert. Pte; Wilcock, Frank N. L/Cpl; Wilcock, William. Pte; Wilcock, William H. Pte; Wilkinson, Richard. Pte; Wilkinson, Thomas. Pte; Willan, Albert E. L/Cpl; Williams, Frank. Pte; Williamson, Moyah C. Sgt; Wilson, Albert. L/Cpl; Wilson, Ernest. Pte; Wilson, John. Pte; Wilson, Joseph. Pte; Wilson, William. Pte; Winstanley, Stanley C. Sgnlr; Woan, Thomas. Pte; Wood, Frank. L/Cpl; Woodburn, Arthur. Pte; Woodcock, George. Pte; Woodhead, Alfred. Sgt Major; Woodhouse, Edward. Pte; Woodruff, Edward. Pte; Woods, Bert. Pte; Woods, Robert W. L/Sgt; Woods, William. L/Cpl; Worden, Henry. Pte; Worden, Henry. Pte; Worswick, William. Pte; Wright, John. Pte; Yates, Ernest. Pte; Yates, Francis J. Pte; Yates, James. Pte; Yates, John. Pte; Youd, John J. Pte; Young, Arthur. Pte; THE MACHINE GUN CORPS: Addison, Archibald. Pte; Ainsworth, Christopher. Pte; Barnes, George. L/Cpl; Bell, Gilbert. Pte; Carr, William. Pte; Cooke, Fredk. W. Pte; Cowperthwaite, William H. Pte; Craven, James. Pte; Forrest, Christopher. Pte; Goring, William. Pte; Gregson, Thomas. Pte; Hall, Charles. Pte; Higgins, Robert. L/Cpl; Hogan, Joseph. Cpl; Hogg, Thomas. Sgnlr; McGann, James J. Sgt. Instr; Nelson, Fred. Pte; Newton, Francis.; Parker, Roger. Pte; Reid, George. Pte; Robinson, Robert.; Shaw, Henry. Pte; Sibbert, Alfred. Pte; Slater, Tomas. Pte; Walmsley, Henry. Pte; Watson, Thomas. Pte; Whalley, Joseph. Pte; Wood, Harold. Cpl; Wray, John. Cpl. THE MANCHESTER REGIMENT: Akers, Fred. Pte; Carroll, Arthur. Pte; Durham, John. Pte; Fishwick, Thomas. L/Cpl; Fitzsimmons, Thomas. Pte; Garlick, Robert. Pte; Haire, Herbert. Pte; Howson, George. Pte; Martindale, Percy.; Ormerod, James. 2nd/Lt; Pattman, Ernest E. Pte; Rayner, Robert. CSM; Richardson, Joseph. Pte; Ridgley, Thomas A. Pte; Roe, John E. Pte; Shaw, George. Pte; Taylor, Robert. Pte; Usher, Herbert. L/Cpl; Wharldall, Edward D. Sgt; Williamson, James. Pte; Wingrove, George F. 2nd Lt. THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT: Bailey, Robert. Pte; Heller, Thomas. Cpl; Shillitoe, Thomas. Pte. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE REGIMENT: Bateson, John Pte; Catterall, Harold. Sgt; Pendlebury, Ernest. Pte. THE ROYAL MUNSTER FUSILIERS: Brennan, Francis. L/Cpl; O'Brien, H. Pte. NEW ZEALAND FORCES: Blinkhorn, Albert E. Gnr; Buck, William. Pte; Dickinson, James. Pte; Hothersall, Herbert E. Pte; MacLachlan, Alex. Sgt; North, Edwin. Pte; North, William H. L/Cpl; Sarratt, William. Sgt. THE NORTHAMPSTONSHIRE REGIMENT: Bowerham, James. Pte; Burke, Edward T. Lt-QMR; Price, Harold A. Pte; Wilson, Harold. Pte. THE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGIMENT: Parry, James. Pte; Rickard, John. Pte; Taylor, Albert V. Pte; Tipping, Joseph. Pte. THE NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS: Baron, Ignatius. Pte; Beesley, Edward. Pte; Boothby, John. Pte; Brown, Henry. Pte; Cooper, Jas. L. Pte; Hobson, William. Pte; Martindale, Richard. Pte; Swift, William. Pte. THE OXFORDSHIRE AND BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY: Riding, Edward. Pte. THE PRINCE OF WALES'S VOLUNTEERS (SOUTH LANCASHIRE REGIMENT): Ainsworth, Philip. L/Cpl; Aspden, John. Pte; Ashton, Richard. L/Cpl; Briggs, Robt. Pte; Chapman, William. Pte; Edwards, Llewellyn, F. Lieut; Harrison, Thomas. Pte; Hollinhurst, John. L/Cpl; Kinsella, William. Pte; Moran, Michael.; Mullin, William P. Pte; Nicholson, Edward. RSM; Tye, Robert. Sgt; Pickup, William. Pte; Sumner, Robert. Pte; Titley, Arthur W. Sgt. THE QUEEN'S OWN CAMERON HIGHLANDERS: Clayton, John. Pte. THE QUEEN'S OWN ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT: Leeming, Henry. Cpl; Muncaster, Fred. Pte. THE QUEEN'S ROYAL REGIMENT (WEST SURREY): Molyneux, Harold. Pte. THE RIFLE BRIGADE: Fletcher, James. Rifleman; Hesketh, Thomas. Rifleman; Lewis, John E. Rifleman; Morris, Thomas. Cpl; Parkinson, Thomas. Rifleman; Winder, William. Rifleman; Yates, Arthur. Rifleman. ROYAL AIR FORCE AND ROYAL FLYING CORPS: Banks, George (BOY); Boothby, George A. Pte; Davies, John G. Pte; Forshaw, Charles.: Gardner, John H. Lieut; Holme, Alfred. Cpl; Kettlewell, Albert. Pte; Kitchen, John F. Flgt. Sgt; Lupton, John C. Flgt. Sgt; Parker, William R.; Rattle, Louis C. 2nd Lt; Southworth, Hubert. 1st Air. Mech; Watson, Edward. 2nd Air. Mech. ROYAL ARMY CHAPLAINS DEPT: Baines, Thomas L. Rev. Capt. ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS: Ashcroft, William. Pte; Askew, William. Pte; Bashall, John. Pte; Buck, Albert. Cpl; Cranston, Fred. Pte; Creed, Benjamin R. Act. Sgt; Dobson, John M. Pte; Hayhurst, Thomas. Capt; Heald, Edward. L/Cpl; Helm, Albert. Pte; Kitchen, James. Pte; Knowles, William. Pte; McClarnan, Louis. Pte; Marshall, Thomas. Pte; Millan, Charles H. Pte; Piper, Samuel. Pte; Riding, Sidney. Pte; Smalley, Thomas. Staff Sgt; Taylor, Bernard. Pte; Wareing, Thomas R. Pte; Whittle, Richard. Pte. ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS: Taylor, John. Armourer S. Sgt; Weall, Edwin J. Armourer S. Sgt. ROYAL ARMY PAY CORPS: Best, Emmanuel. L/Cpl; Harker, Norman W. Cpl; Knowles, Robert. Pte. ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS: Allen, Richard. L/Cpl; Barber, Albert. Dvr; Bilsborough, Walter. Pte; Chaloner, Leo N. Pte; Chew, Fredk. Pte; Clark, John J. Dvr; Coates, Hugh. Pte; Creed, John. Dvr; Dewhurst, Fredk. Pte; Hesketh, Edward. Pte; Hesmondhalgh, Robert. Dvr; Holker, Alex. Pte; Leyland, George F. Pte; Malley, John. Dvr; Marshall, Thomas. Pte; O'Brien, William. Cpl; Ratcliffe, Frank. Pte; Rea, Thomas T. Cpl; Riley, Thomas. Pte; Rutter, George E. Pte; Sharples, James. Dvr; Standing, Fredk. Cpl; Storey, Joseph. Dvr; Thompson, Lawrence. Dvr; Unsworth, Henry. Pte; Walmsley, Harry. Act. Cpl; Williams, A.C.W. Pte; Woods, Peter. Dvr; Wray, T. Sgt. ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS: Kelly, Patrick. Cpl. THE ROYAL BERKSHIRE REGIMENT: Stephenson, James. Pte. ROYAL DEFENCE CORPS: Curry, Thomas. Pte. THE ROYAL DUBLIN FUSILIERS: Marshall, William H. Sgt. CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS: Arnett, John. L/Cpl; Bailey, Arthur. Cpl; Barnes, Edgar. Sapper; Battersby, Thos. F. Sapper; Billsborough, Sidney. Sapper; Blakely, Thomas. Sapper; Blezard, Henry. Sapper; Bond, Robert C. Sapper; Carr, Percy. Sapper; Carter, John R. Sapper; Catterall, John. Pioneer; Catterall, Percy. L/Cpl; Clayton, Albert E. Sapper; Cook, Walter. Sapper; Cooke, Fred. Sapper; Cookson, William. 2nd Cpl; Cowley, James. 2nd Cpl; Crossthwaite, James. Sapper; Curtis, Percy; Darlington, William. Sapper; Forster, Sydney. Sapper; Green, John M. Cpl; Hamer, Walter. Sgt; Hargreaves, Arthur N.G. Cpl; Harris, George. Sgt; Hartley, Frank. L/Cpl; Hind, James. Sapper; Hornby, Ralph W. Pioneer; Howard, Arthur L. Sapper; Howarth, W. Dvr; Hull, Herbert. Sapper; Hull, William. Dvr; King, Walker. Sapper; Kirby, William. Pte; Lawson, Richard; Leach, Thomas. Sapper; McLean, John D. L/Cpl; Miller, Thomas. Sapper; Muncaster, Sidney. Sapper; Nuttall, John. Sapper; Seed, Henry. Sapper; Sergeant, William. Sapper; Shaw, Edward. Pioneer; Silcock, Charles. Sapper; Stanton, Joseph. Sapper; Stimpson, James; Stone, Albert. Sapper; Sumner, Percy H. Sapper; Swift, Thomas. Sapper; Taylor, Harry. Sapper; Thompson, John M. Sapper; Threlfall, Thomas. Sapper; Timlin, Edward; Tobin, William P. Sgt; Turner, F.W. Sapper; Tomlinson, John. Sapper; Varley, James. Sapper; Webster, Albert. Act. 2nd Cpl; Whittaker, Stanley. Sapper. THE ROYAL FUSILIERS: Baines, Henry. Pte; Bannister, Robert. Pte; Bushell, Robert W. Pte; Cumpstey, Percy. Pte; Harding, John L. Pte; Hubberstey, William. Pte; Lucas, Fred. Pte; McGuiness, William P. Cpl; McHugh, John. Pte; Phillipson, Sidney. Pte; Roe, Tom. Pte; Tipping, Thomas A. Pte; Williams, Rowland. 2nd Lt. ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY: Ainsworth, Edward. Gnr; Branton, G.E.; Carter, William. Gnr; Haggars, Thomas.; Halligan, John. Gnr; Hardiker, John. Gnr; Hodson, Charles. Sgt; Hopkins, Richard H. Gnr; Littlefair, James. Gnr; Matley, John. Staff Sgt; Maud, Timothy. Gnr; Moizer, Edward. Gnr; Moon, Harry. Gnr; Morrison, Leonard. Gnr; Pimley, Harry. Gnr; Potter, Thomas. Gnr; Rawlinson, Aloysius. Gnr; Rainford, James H. Gnr; Robertson, Robert. Bdr; Smith, Fredk. G. Gnr; Spencer, James; Sumner, Reuben E. Gnr. THE ROYAL INNISKILLING FUSILIERS: Cookson, James. Pte; Hamriding, James. Pte; Higginson, Herbert. Pte; Lamb, James. Pte; Ogden, Joseph. Pte; Schaill, Thomas. Sgt; Ware, Septimus. Pte. THE ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS: McClarnan, William. Pte. THE ROYAL IRISH REGIMENT: Brennan, James. Pte; Coates, George. Pte; Metcalf, James. Pte. THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY: Ainge, W.H. Sgt. Sgnl. Instr; Allison, John. Sgnlr; Anderton, John W. Gnr; Arton, Thomas. Dvr; Aspden, Arthur. Gnr; Bailey, Cornelius. Whlr. Sgt; Baker, William. Dvre; Ball, Alfred. Dvr; Bamber, Alex.; Banks, Samuel. Gnr; Baron, John A. Bdr; Battle, Walter. Dvr; Berry, Thomas. Cpl; Bidwell, Lionel R. Bdr; Billington, Peter. Dvr; Bingham, Henry C. Gnr; Blackburn, Frank. Bdr; Blain, Samuel. Gnr; Bloss, Stephen. Sgt; Boardman, Thomas W. Sgt; Bolton, James. Dvr; Bolton, William. Cpl; Boyd, Samuel. Gnr; Bradley, Anthony H. Gnr; Bradshaw, Cuthbert H. Shoeing Smith; Bramley, John. Cpl. Shoeing Smith; Branton, Ernest; Brookfield, James. Gnr; Brooksby, John C. Gnr; Brown, Ernest E. Pte; Brown, Fred. Gnr; Burscough, George F. Gnr; Busby, Fredk. Gnr; Calderbank, Evan. Sgt; Cank, Thomas C. Gnr; Carter, Joseph E. Dvr; Catterall, Harold. Gnr; Chambers, John E. Dvr; Clarkson, Ralph W. Gnr; Cleminson, Joseph. Gnr; Clitheroe, Ivan. Gnr; Cornall, Herbert S. Bdr; Cosgrove, James. Gnr; Coulthard, Thomas. Dvr; Coulthard, John. Gnr; Cranshaw, David. Gnr; Craven, Alfred E. Gnr; Crook, William. Dvr; Cross, Joseph. Dvr; Crossley, Job. Sgnlr; Crozier, Richard L. Bdr; Davies, John F. Shoeing Smith; Dawson, Edward. Cpl; Dewhurst, Albert. Gnr; Dewhurst, Stephen. Gnr; Dpbson, Henry. Gnr; Dobson, Joseph. Pte; Dodd, John. Dvr; Dodgson, Alex. Gnr; Dodgson, Herbert. Gnr; Drinkwater, George W. Dvr; Duckworth, Thomas. Dvr; Dunderdale, Alfred. Dvr; Dyson, Joseph. Pte; Eastham, William G. Dvr; Eaves, Thomas. Gnr; Eccles, James. Gnr; Edmondson, Joseph. Gnr; Edwards, Richard. Gnr; Fagan, Richard. Pte; Fairclough, Joseph. Gnr; Fallon, William H. Dvr; Fisher, Harold. Gnr; Fisher, Henry. Gnr; Fisher, William. Gnr; Fletcher, Thomas. Dvr; Ford, Thomas. Gnr; Forrester, Albert. Sgt; Fowler, Arthur. Gnr; Freeman, Henry T. Gnr; Gardner, John E. Cpl; Garland, Ernest. Sgt; Garland, William. Dvr; Garlington, Thomas. Dvr; Gee, James. Dvr; Gemson, Robert H. Gnr; Green, Robert. Gnr; Greenwood, James. Bdr; Grundy, James A. Dvr; Hall, James. Dvr; Hall, John. Gnr; Hamer. Harold. Bdr; Hargreaves, Fred. Bdr; Harker, Thomas. Dvr; Harker, William. Dvr; Hartley, Richard. Pte; Hawes, Charles R.M. Gnr; Haworth, James. Gnr; Heaton, James. Gnr; Hesketh, Alfred. Gnr; Hodson, Charles. Gnr; Holmes, Joseph. Dvr; Holt, Arthur. Dvr; Horan, Fred. Cpl; Hosker, John. Dvr; Howarth, R. Gnr; Howarth, Roger. Pte; Hydes, James. Gnr; Iddon, Harold. 2nd Lieut; Jamieson, Herbert C. Sgt; Johnson, James. Sgt; Kay, Ernest. Cpl; Keefe, Thomas. Dvr; Knowles, William. Bdr; Lancaster, Joseph. Gnr; Law, James .Dvr; Law, James. Gnr; Ledinsky, John. Gnr; Leggett, Joseph P. Saddler; Livesey, William. Gnr; Mabbs, Fredk. F. Gnr; Mahon, Gerald. Gnr; Markland, E. Pte; Mather, D.H. Gnr; May, Percy W. Act. Bdr; McDonald, Joseph R. Gnr; McIntosh, Christopher. Sgnlr; McMullen, Thomas. Gnr; Mee, Henry. Dvr; Mengella, John. Bdr; Mills, Charles E. Bdr; Moorhouse, Edwin. Gnr; Morris, William C. Gnr; Moss, Joseph. Bdr; Musgrave, A.H. Sgt; Nevin, George. Gnr; Norris, Robert W. Act.Sgnlr; Partington, Joseph. Bdr; Pearce, George. Lieut; Pemberton, Reuben. Dvr; Philip, Robert C. Cpl; Phillips, William E. Saddler Cpl; Pickup, James W. Gnr; Pitcher, Alfred. Gnr; Priestley, Alfred. Bdr; Rance, William. Gnr; Rawcliffe, William A. Dvr; Ray, Albert. Gnr; Reade, George. Sgt; Reynolds, Harry. Sgt; Robinson, Arthur. Gnr; Robinson, James. Pte; Robinson, Richard. Pte; Robinson, William W. Gnr; Rose, Henry. Dvr; Ryan, Arthur. Pte; Seddon, Henry. Dvr; Sherliker, Thomas. Bdr; Singleton, William H. Pte; Sisson, Frank. Gnr; Smith, Cornelius. Gnr; Smith, Henry. Gnr; Smith, John. Gnr; Southworth, Thomas. Bdr; Stammers, Charles S. Battery Sgt; Stanley, Fredk. Dvr; Stephenson, Frank. Cpl; Stopford, Edward. Gnr; Stringer, Robert. Bdr; Summers, T. Gnr; Sumner, Thomas.; Swarbrick, Joseph. Gnr; Taylor, Richard. Cpl; Taylor, Sydney. Staff Sgt; Thirtle, William H. Dvr; Thompson, John.; Thornley, James. Sgnlr; Threlfall, James. Dvr; Titterington, James. Cpl; Towers, Thomas. Dvr; Wadeson, Joseph. Dvr; Walker, John S. Pte; Ward, Walter S. Cpl; Wareing, Joseph. Bdr; Watmough, Walter. Gnr; Watson, Joseph. Dvr; Wells, Thomas.; Whalley, Harry. Gnr; Whalley, Percy C. Dvr; Whittle, Thomas. Gnr; Widdowson, Joseph P. Dvr; Wilkinson, John. Gnr; Woodacre, Henry. Sgt; Woods, Edward. Cpl; Woods, J. Leo. Gnr; Woodward, Fredk. Sgt; Wright, Ernest J. Gnr; Wright, T. Gnr; Wynn, William. Dvr. THE ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS: Bramwell, William. Pte; Glaze, Francis. Pte; Nutter, John. Pte; Ogden, William. L/Cpl; Sumner, Henry. Pte. THE ROYAL SUSSEX REGIMENT: Billington, Joseph. Pte; Wilson, John. Pte. ROYAL TANK CORPS: Clayton, Thomas. Gnr; Crozier, Henry. Pte; Crozier,Herbert.; Glaister, George F. Lieut; Gregson, William P. 2nd Lieut; Matheson, C.M. THE ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE REGIMENT: Duckworth, Levi. Pte; Ebbs, William. Pte; Forrest, Richard. Pte; Jones, Henry. Pte; Jones, Henry. Pte; Newton, Conrad. Pte; Rawlinson, Charles.; Rutter, Arthur E. Pte; Sherrington, James. Pte; Singleton, William. Pte; Voss, Ernest W.T. 2nd Lieut; Woods, Fredk. Pte. THE ROYAL WELCH FUSILIERS: Akker, John T. Pte; Allan, Herbert W. Pte; Bee, William. Pte; Cookson, John L. Pte; Crieff, John. L/Cpl; East, William. Pte; Hartley, Douglas. Pte; Holmes, James J. Pte; Lakeland, William. Pte; Murphy, Laurence. Pte; Pinless, Frank. Pte; Reeve, William G. Pte; Rogerson, Richard. Pte; Rooney, Patrick. Pte; Seefus, John F. Pte; Smith, Joseph. Pte; Swarbrick, W. Pte; Whitehead, John E. Pte; Whitson, Harold. Pte; Wilkinson, Joseph. Pte; Worden, James. Sgt; Worsnop, Charles. Pte. SCOTS GUARDS: Ashcroft, Richard. Pte; Baldwin, Sidney. Pte; Collinson, John. Pte; Corless, John. Pte; Costello, Patrick. Sgt; Derbyshire, John. Cpl; Dickinson, Charles. Pte; Duckett, John J. Pte; Gibson, Reginald. Pte; Gradwell, William. Pte; Grant, William H. Sgt; Green, James. Cpl; Hall, Thomas. Pte; Hodgson, P. Pte; Hothersall, Thomas. Pte; Hubberstey, John. Pte; Hudson, Frank. Pte; Lang, William.; Leonard, George. Pte; Lindsay, Arthur.; Lupton, Lawrence, Pte; McCann, Edward S. Pte; McCartney, Robert. L/Sgt; Maguire, James. Pte; Malaney, Joseph V. Pte; Maudsley, John. Pte; Miller, Thomas. Pte; Morland, Edward. Pte; Parkinson, William. Pte; Robinson, Herbert. Pte; Robinson, Tom. Pte; Roscoe, Richard. Pte; Salisbury, William F. Pte; Sanderson, John. Sgt; Singleton, James. Pte; Stuart, A. Sgt; Thompson, Thomas. Pte; Trinder, Charles F. Cpl; Whittam, James.; Whittle, William. L/Cpl; Wilcock, Edwin H. Pte; Wilkinson, J.B. Sgt; Wilson, Percy. L/Cpl; Worden, John. Pte; Wormald, Charles. L/Cpl. THE SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS: Baird, William. Pte; Burnie, Arnold. L/Cpl; Dawson, John T. Cpl; Hindmarsh, William T. Pte; Leeming, John. Pte; Mercer, John W. Pte; Robinson, Edward. Pte. THE SHERWOOD FORESTERS: Johnson, Charles F. L/Cpl; Massam, Thomas. L/Cpl. THE SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY: Holden, Wilfrid. L/Cpl. SOUTH AFRICAN FORCES: Charnley, George F. Lieut; Poole, Alexander W. Pte; Sharp, Robert. Cpl. THE SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGIMENT: Finn, Edward. Pte. THE SOUTH WALES BORDERERS: Addison, Edward. Cpl; Brennan, John J. Pte; Burnie, Robert. Pte; Dring, William. Pte; Duckworth, James. Pte; Masheter, Albert E. Pte; Walsh, John. Pte; Whittle, Joseph B. Cpl. THE SUFFOLK REGIMENT: Adkins, James F.B. Bandsman; Craig, William F. Pte; Harrison, William. Pte; Hunter, William. Pte; Swarbrick, James. L/Cpl. THE WELCH REGIMENT: Chapman, William A. L/Cpl; Crook, William Pte; Fletcher, Hugh. Pte; Hemsworth, Frank. Pte; Hough, Thomas. Pte; Rawcliffe, Thomas.; Swindlehurst, James. Pte; Thompson, Fredk. Pte. WELSH GUARDS: Carlisle, Fredk. Pte; Crossley, John. Pte. THE WEST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT: Bamford, William. Pte; Cook, John W. Pte; Hunter, Thomas A. Pte; Lynch, Joseph L. Pte; Taylor, Benjamin. Pte; Turner, Francis I. 2nd Lieut. THE WILTSHIRE REGIMENT: Cronan, Joseph. L/Sgt; Sharples, Bernard H. Pte. THE WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT: Houghton, Arthur. 2nd Lieut. THE YORK AND LANCASTER REGIMENT: Barron, Thomas. Pte; Holmes, Sam B. Sapper; Thornley, John W. Pte; Vickers, William. Pte. TRANSPORT SHIPS, ETC: Clarkson, Joseph. Seaman; Gallagher, James. 2nd Engr; Seed, Walter H. C.Baker; Walmesley, Silas.; Wright, Robert M. Engr. MISCELLANEOUS: Cavanagh, John M. Pte; Chapman, John.; Dawson, Arthur. Pte; Dobson, R.H. Pte; Farrington, E. Pte; Friars, Frederick W. Pte; Frodsham, Thomas. Pte; Hesmondhalgh, William. Pte; Maloney, Joseph. Sgt; Riding, Robert. Pte; Walsh, John. L/Cpl; Molyneaux, Alfred. Pte. Lancs. Fus.; Wild, James. Pte. E.Yorks.; Goodman, Joseph. Pte. M.T., ASC; Dunleavy, George. Pte. RASC; Moorcroft, A. Pte. R. Welsh Fus.; Newsham, Joseph. L/Cpl. Loyal Regt.; Welsh, John. Dvr. R. Field Art. ADDITIONAL FRAMED PICTURE OF MISSING NAMES: THE EAST LANCASHIRE REGIMENT: Gregson, John. Sgt; Moon, William. Pte. THE LOYAL (NORTH LANCASHIRE) REGIMENT: Calder, Joseph H. Pte; Nichol, George. L/Cpl; Tomlinson, Albert. Pte; Topping, Christopher. Pte. THE CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS: Kirby, Thomas P. Sapper.

Roll of Honour, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Unveiled 5th November 1927 by the Mayor of Preston. Consists of panels of Hopton Wood Marble on which are incised the Regiments and Names. The Regiments are gilded, the names painted. The panels are set in the angles of the two main staircases, and face the main doors. There is also a small additional framed roll of honour underneath the main panels, of those names missing from the panels. THE ROYAL NAVY: Arkwright, James. Stretcher Bearer; Ashton, Fredk. 2nd Hand; Banks, Robert. Seaman; Birch, John. Cook; Bramley, James. Engr; Corner, John. Eng; Dawes, Albert. Gnr; Fincham,Thomas. Stoker; Gahagan, James. Stoker; Higgins,John. Gnr; Hill, Fredk. AB; Hood, Walter. AB; Iddon, Fredk.C. Stoker; Ireland, William. AB; Johnson, William. AB; Landrum, Andrew. Gnr; Livesey, Joseph T. Pte; Lucas, John. Pte; Mather, William B. Stoker; McClarnan, Joseph. Pte; Mossop, John E.; Morland, Arthur. Ldg. Seaman; Morris, George. Pte; Parker, John. AB; Philipson,Edmund. Stoker; Proctor, Amos A. Stoker; Pye, Thomas. Stoker; Sanderson, Robert. ERA; Smellie, William. Pte; Solly, Alfred. Sub-Lieut; Stanton, Thomas. Stoker; Sumner, Edward. Pte; Tate, Thomas. Staff Sgt; Torrence, Samuel. Ldg. Seaman; Wareing, Henry. Stoker; White, George. AB; White, William. Stoker; Wilcock, Francis. Petty Officer; Worden, Arthur W. ERA; Young, James F. Signlr. ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS. (PRINCESS LOUISE'S): Hart, George. Pte. ARMY CYCLIST CORPS: Rowles, Albert. CSM; Wilson, Joseph. Pte. AUSTRALIAN FORCES: Ainsworth, Robert A. Pte; Beckett, Albert. Pte; Breakell, Stanley. Pte; Duckworth,A. Sgnlr; Eaton, Ernest G. Sgnlr; Halewood, Harold. Pte; Hall, John. Pte; Hind, Walter. Pte; Horam, James. Cpl; Ingram, Norman C. Pte; Kirkpatrick, Percy. Pte; Latham, Walter M. Pte; Morrow, Albert. Pte; Noblett, Fred. Pte; Parker, Anthony. Sgt; Rose, Francis. Pte; Smith, Richard. Pte; Snelham, Arthur. Pte; Vincent, George. Pte; THE BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT: Atherton, Arthur. Pte; Cottam, John. Pte. THE BLACK WATCH (ROYAL HIGHLANDERS): Blackledge, Walter. Pte; Cook, George, Pte; Cunningham, Thomas. Pte; Dearden, Joseph. Pte; Harrison, James. L/Cpl; McCann, John Wm. L/Cpl; Moulden, Ernest H. Pte; Rooke, Henry G. Pte; Shannon, James. Pte; Vickers, William. Pte; White, Alex. L/Cpl. THE BORDER REGIMENT: Atkinson, Almer W. L/Cpl; Atkinson, Richard E. L/Cpl; Bennett, Thomas. Pte; Bott, George G.R. Lieut.; Blackwell, Joseph. Pte; Bramley, Leonard. Pte; Brierley, Richard. Pte; Butler, John. Pte; Carlisle, Thomas. L/Cpl; Clough, George. Pte; Cottam, John. Pte; Cottam, Joseph. Pte; Coupe, John. Pte; Cross, Robert. Pte; De Veto, Francis. L/Cpl; Dewhurst, James. Pte; Dewhurst, Robert. Pte; Dixon, George. Pte; Duckett, George. Cpl; Evans, Thomas. Pte; Greenhalgh, James. Pte; Grime, Henry. Pte; Halliwell, James. Pte; Hammond, A.D. Pte; Hampson, Charles H. Pte; Hopkins, Robert. Pte; Kenny, William. Pte; King, Jack. Sgt; Moss, William. Pte; Norris, Richard. Pte; Raby, Robert. Sgt; Rigby, Charles A. Pte; Smith, James. Pte; Sullivan, T.A. Pte; Swales, Alex. Pte; Tipping, Francis. Pte; Webb, Horace A. Pte; Wetherall, Henry. Pte; Whalley, James. Pte; Wilding, Alfred. Pte; Wilson, Francis. L/Cpl. THE CAMERONIANS: Parkinson, William H. Pte; Smith, James. L/Sgt. CANADIAN FORCES: Baldwin, Henry. Gnr; Banks, William. Cpl; Brogden, Fred. Cpl; Cornall, John. Pte; Darlington, Joseph. Pte; Duckett, F.J. Pte; Fisher, Albert. Pte; Garlick, Henry. Sgt; Heald, Walter. Pte; Hodson, Emmanuel. Pte; Hoyle, George R. Pte; King, Arthur. Sgt; McNeiry, David. Pte; Parkinson, Christopher. Bdr; Pilkington, Alfred. Pte; Porter, John. Pte; Sandham, Robert. Pte; Seed, Walter. Pte; Slater, Abram R. Pte; Taylor, Edward J. Pte; Twist, John. Sgt; Wilkinson, Jack. Cpl. THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT: Arkwright, John. Pte; Barnes, Samuel. Pte; Cleminson, James. Pte; Coulthurst, Walter L. Pte; Culshaw, John. Pte; Daggers, Joseph. Pte; Dickinson, Joseph R. Pte; Gallagher, John. L/Cpl; Gore, James. Sgt Hardwick, Thomas. Pte; Harrison, Walter. Pte; Heaps, Richard. Pte; Henderson, Thomas. Pte; Hogg, John. L/Cpl; Joyce, Joseph. Pte; Kelly, John. Pte; Kenyon, Thomas. Sgnlr; Lackabane, Henry Junr. Pte; Lewis, James. Pte; Mayman, Percy. Pte; Mitchell, Charles. Pte; Moon, Henry. Pte; Norris, Thomas. Pte; Phillipson, Richard. Sgt; Shepherd, James W. Pte; Sibbert, Fred. Pte; Steele, William. Pte; Suddell, George A. Pte; Swales, Richard. Pte; Woods, Joseph. Pte; Worden, Henry. L/Cpl; Worden, John. Pte. COLDSTREAM GUARDS: Metcalf, James. Pte; Newsham, Fredk. Pte. THE DEVONSHIRE REGIMENT: Clarkson, Charles G. L/Cpl; Griffiths, Bernard. Pte. THE DUKE OF CORNWALL'S LIGHT INFANTRY: Clitheroe, Jack. Pte. THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON'S (WEST RIDING) REGIMENT: Atkinson, Herbert W. Sgt; Bell, Henry. Pte; Robinson, John. Pte; Taylor, Geoffrey. Pte; Tullis, Alex. Pte; Whittaker, Thomas. Pte. DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY: Bateson, Thomas. Pte; Calvert, William. Cpl; Duckett, V.G. 2/Lt; Miller, Harry. L/Cpl; Moorhouse, Henry. Pte. Sandall, David. Pte. THE EAST LANCASHIRE REGIMENT: Allsup, William. Pte; Alston, George. Pte; Anyon, James. Pte; Atkinson, Hugh. Pte; Billing, John. L/Cpl; Bishop, James. Pte; Bottomley, Leslie V. Pte; Bradley, Peter. Pte; Bramley, Ralph. Pte; Butler, John. Pte; Casson, William. Pte; Clitheroe, Thomas. L/Cpl; Collum, Thomas. Pte; Cooper, Edward S. Pte; corless, Timothy. Pte; Craig, Joseph. Cpl; Crossley, Frank. Pte; Deleaney, Thomas. Lieut; Dickinson, George A. Pte; Doran, Thomas. Pte; Drake, James. Sgt; Eccles, Henry. Cpl; Ellis, George. Pte; Fairey, Alfred. Pte; Farnworth, Edward. Pte; Farrell, Martin. Pte; Fitzgerald, Edward. Pte; Fletcher, James. Pte; Foster, James. Pte; Galbraith, James. Sgt; Gill, Richard. Pte; Gillice, Patrick. Pte; Greenwood, William. Pte; Halliwell, John H. Sgt; Harrison, Henry. Pte; Haslam, William. Sgt; Hayes, John. Pte; Hatton, William. Pte; Helm, Fredk. Sgt; Higham, Edward. Pte; Holliday, Robert. CSM; Hornby, William. Pte; Hudson, Arthur. Sgt; Huyton, Edward. Pte; Ingham, Robert. Pte; Jenkinson, Arthur. Pte; Kellett, Peter. L/Sgt; Knowles, David. Pte; Lovick, John. Pte; Lowe, Thomas. Pte; McCartny, Andrew. Pte; McGann, Maurice P. Pte; McGrath, William. Sgt. DMR; McMillan, Archibald. Sgt; Mayor, Robt. Pte; Murphy, John. Pte; Naylor, Herbert W.E. Lt/QM; Newton, Samuel, Sgt; O'Hara, John. CSM; Page, Ernest V. Sgt; Parker, James. Pte; Pierce, James. Pte; Pilkington, William A. Pte; Pomfret, Christopher. 2nd Lt; Porter, Christopher. Pte; Ramshead, Robert. Pte; Richardson, Fredk. H. Pte; Rigby, Henry. Pte; Rogerson, Harry. Pte; Ryan, Thomas. Cpl; Saxon, John. Pte; Scholes, William. Pte; Seddon, James. Pte; Sedgwick, Robert. Pte; Shaw, James. Pte; Slater, John H. Sgt; Slater, Joseph. L/Cpl; Smith, Gilbert.; Snape, Fredk. Pte; Stephenson, John. Pte; Townley, Samuel R. Pte; Turner, Christopher. Pte; Turner, R. Cpl; Vanden, Henry.; Walsh, Robert. Pte; Walton, Thomas. Pte; Ward, James W. CSM; Wareing, George. Pte; Watson, James. Pte; Wilcock, Robert. Pte; Woodacre, Frederick. Pte; Woodhouse, William. Pte; Woodruff, Thomas. Pte; Young (V.C.) William. Pte. THE EAST SURREY REGIMENT: Couperthwaite, John. Pte; Helm, James. Pte; Holderness, Edward. Pte. THE EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT: Carlisle, Thomas. Pte; Foulkes, Lewis. L/Cpl; Grime, Frank H. Pte; Hewitt, William H. Pte. THE ESSEX REGIMENT: Parker, Leonard. Capt. THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT: Dickinson, Albert A. Pte; Dunn, John. Pte; Lamb, William. Pte. THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS: Billsborough, Charles R. Pte; Bird, John. Sgt; Pomfret, Frank. L/Cpl; Settle, Sydney. Pte. THE GREEN HOWARDS (ALEXANDRA PRINCESS OF WALES OWN YORKSHIRE REGIMENT): Baines, James. Pte; Dagger, James. Pte; Hansford, James A. Pte; Rogerson, Richard. Cpl; Walker, John. Pte. GRENADIER GUARDS: Birtwistle, Alfred. Pte; Grundy, William. Pte; Hughes, James T. Pte; McGann, Francis. Pte; Naylor, John. Pte; Simmonds, Albert. Pte. THE HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT: Dixon, Edmund T. Pte. HEREFORDSHIRE REGIMENT: Turberfield, William. Pte. THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY: Kilroe, Francis J. 2nd Lt; Livesey, Harold E. L/Cpl; Reid, Donald. Lieut; Wilkinson, John. Pte. HUSSARS: Barrett, Fredk. SQ.S.M.; Chew, James. Pte; Leech, Joseph. Pte; Wadeson, William H. Pte; Woods, Joseph M. L/Cpl. INDIAN ARMY: Baines, Hubert. Act. Capt. THE INNISKILLINGS (6th DRAGOONS): Singleton, John. Bandsman. IRISH GUARDS: McGuiness, William. Pte; Spiby, Thomas. Pte. THE KING'S OWN ROYAL REGIMENT (LANCASTER): Aingle, Henry. Pte; Anderton, Fredk. Pte; Archer, Walter. Pte; Arkwright, John. Pte; Ashcroft, George. Pte; Ashworth, James. Pte; Beardsworth, Thomas. Sgt; Bingham, Benjamin. Pte; Brierley, Harold. Pte; Bromilow, Frank.; Brown, Francis. Pte; Buck, William. Pte; Caton, G. Pte; Carr, Albert. Pte; Clarkson, Robert E. L/Cpl; Conroy, Richard. Cpl; Covell, Samuel H. CSM; Crerar, Robert. Pte; Crewe, Wm.Leo. Pte; Crook, Edward. L/Cpl; Curwen, Richard. Pte; Cusack, Louis. Pte; Davison, Albert. Pte; Dawson, Herbert. Pte; Deves, John. Pte; Dickinson, Harold. Sgt; Donovan, Robert. Pte; Entwistle, James. Pte; Eriksen, William K. Pte; Fawcett, Anthony. Pte; Fenton, Robert E. Cpl; Ferguson, Joseph H. Pte; Flannaghan, Francis. Pte; Fryer, Henry. Pte; Goodey, William. Pte; Green, Joseph L. Pte; Gregg, Benjamin. Pte; Gregg, Charles E. 2nd Lt; Hampson, Fredk. Pte; Hanslope, John. L/Cpl; Harris, John. Pte; Hartley, George. L/Cpl; Hayes, Roger. Pte; Haythornthwaite, Ernest. Pte; Hilton, Joseph. Pte; Hodson, Thomas. Pte; Hoole, Joseph; Pte; Howcroft, Proctor. L/Cpl; Kemp, Robert. Pte; King, John T. Pte; Livesey, John. Cpl; Loftus, Alfred. L/Cpl; Lomax, E. Pte; Lowe, William. Pte; Lynch, James C. L/Cpl; Marsden, Richard. Pte; Marshall, Frank. Pte; Mather, Albert E. Pte; McGill, Henry. Pte; McKeowen, George. Pte; Melling, Robert; Metcalf, Lester. 2nd Lt; Mitchell, Alfred. Pte; M'Laren, Robert. Pte; Monks, Richard. Pte; Newton, John. Cpl; Nightingale, John. Pte; Parkinson, James. Pte; Pearson, Fredk. W. Pte; Pearson, Timothy. Pte; Perry, Walter J. Pte; Pilkington, Alfred. L/Cpl; Sharp, Thomas. Pte; Simpson, Charles V.M. Capt; Singleton, Albert. Cpl; Smith, Bernard. Pte; Stewart, Edward. Pte; Strickland, John. Pte; Thompson, James. Pte; Thompson, William F. Pte; Thornley, Thomas. Pte; Vose, Frank. Act. Cpl; Walker, James. Pte; Walker, Joseph, Pte; Walpole, Francis. Pte; Walsh, John. Pte; Ward, Thomas. Pte; Wells, William. Pte; Yates, Robert A. Pte. THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS: Bessell, Alfred. Pte; Bessell, Charles. Pte; Garth, John. Pte; Hull, James. Pte; Ormerod, Alfred J. Pte; Perry, John. Pte; Rayner, Henry. Pte; Ward, Robert. CSM. THE KING'S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY: Houston, Thomas. Pte; Pugh, David W. 2nd Lt; Stocks, Edwin. Pte. THE KING'S LIVERPOOL REGIMENT: Adams, Robert. Pte; Addison, Robert.; Ashton, Ernest W. Pte; Aspinall, Richard. Cpl; Beesley, Frederick.; Bentley, William R. Pte; Bowker, James. Pte; Burrows, Thomas. Pte; Carroll, Frederick. Pte; Chaloner, Wilfrid. Pte; Charnock, John. Pte; Clarkson, George R. Pte; Clayton, Thomas. L/Cpl; Coates, George. Pte; Cromwell, John. L/Cpl; Cosgrove, Thomas. Pte; Couperthwaite, William. Pte; Cowley, Harold. Pte; Crangle, James. Pte; Cross, William W. Pte; Dagger, Richard. Pte; Davies, George. Pte; Davis, Robert. Pte; Dawes, George. Pte; Dixon, Robert M. Pte; Fahey, Patrick. Cpl; Fazackerley, Henry. L/Cpl; Finn, Walter. Pte; Finney, James. Pte; Fryers, Joseph R. L/Cpl; Garlick, John. Pte; Green, John F. L/Cpl; Grice, Robert. Cpl; Haggar, Thomas. Pte; Harrison, John. Pte; Harrison, William. Pte; Haugh, Eric. Pte; Heal, Henry W. Pte; Heaton, David. Cpl; Hesmonhalgh, Richard. Pte; Hindle, James. L/Cpl; Hogarth, Edward. Pte; Horam, Alfred. Pte; Hough, George. L/Cpl; Hull, George T. Sgt; Jackson, Joseph. Pte; Jenson, Wilfrid G. Pte; Johnson, T. Pte; Kay, Albert. Pte; Kirkham, Albert. Pte; Lawrenson, George. Pte; Leyland, William. L/Cpl; Livesey, Henry. Pte; McCullough, John J. Pte; McGahey, Robert. Pte; Maher, T.; Manley, John W. DRMR; Molyneux, John. Capt; Metcalf, William. Pte; Nolan, James. Pte; Parker, William H. Pte; Peacock, George. Pte; Pearson, Thomas S. Pte; Prince, Joseph L. Pte; Rawlinson, Harold. Pte; Rhodes, Roger. L/Cpl; Rigby, Norman O. Pte; Rogerson, Ambrose. Sgt; Sandmann, Robert. Rifleman; Saul. Thomas P. Pte; Sharples, G.W. Lieut.; Shaw, Joseph. Pte; Smith, Philip T. Sgnlr; Sudell, Richard. Pte; Swift, Robert. Pte; Taylor, Richard. Pte; Thomason, S. Pte; Thompson, William. Sgt; Todd, Harry. L/Cpl; Towers, Peter. Pte; Twisaday, John. Sgt; Waters, Thomas A. Pte; Wignall, Matthew. Pte; Wilcock, Charles. Pte; Wilkinson, Arthur. Pte; Williamson, John. Pte; Wilson, Robert H. Pte; Woodhead, Richard. Sgnlr; Woods, Thomas H. Pte; Worton, George E. Pte. THE KING'S ROYAL RIFLE CORPS: Alcock, Henry. Rifleman; Barrett, Albert. Act. Cpl; Bentham, Thomas. Pte; Billington, John. Rifleman; Cookson, Malcolm. Rifleman; Cuerden, Richard. Rifleman; Gilbert, Stephen S. Sgt; Harrison, William. Pte; Hartley, William. Rifleman; Higginson, Robert. Pte; Hull, John. Cpl; Nickson, James. Pte; Rhodes, Thomas. Rifleman; Richardson, John. Cpl; Roan, Robert. Rifleman; Slinger, Arthur. Pte; Warburton, Robert. Rifleman; Watson, Robert. Rifleman; Woodburn, Ernest. Cpl; Woods, Robert. Pte. THE KING'S SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY: Atkinson, Richard. Pte; Baines, William. Pte; Lovelace, Hubert S. Pte; Owens, Albert V. Pte; Wignall, Matthew. Pte. THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS: Archer, John. Pte; Clark, George. Pte; Banks, James. Pte; Bashall, Francis. Pte; Beesley, Thomas. Pte; Benson, Jonathan. Pte; Billington, John. L/Cpl; Boast, William. Pte; Bodell, Alfred. Pte; Bond, Robert. Pte; Bramwell, Norman. 2nd Lt; Browett, Joseph. Pte; Brown, Arthur. Pte; Bruford, William. Pte; Carter, John. Pte; Churchman, Charles E. Pte; Cookson, John. Pte; Cornwell, John. Pte; Crook, James. Pte; Crook, William. Pte; Cunliffe, John. Pte; Dean, Richard. Pte; Dickinson, John. Pte; Dyer, Joseph. Pte; Eilingsfield, Joseph. Pte; Ellinson, Thomas. Pte; Flynn, Stephen. Pte; Garstang, James. Pte; Gill, Thomas. Pte; Green, Herbert. L/Sgt; Green, William. Pte; Hacking, William. Pte; Hall, Charles. Pte; Harrison, James. L/Cpl; Haythornthwaite, Ernest. Pte; Hind, Clifford. Pte; Hind, Thomas. Pte; Hind, Ernest. Pte; Hunter, Thomas. Pte; Jackson, Richard. Pte; Mansley, Thomas. Pte; Marsden, Robert. Cpl; Marsh, Edward. Pte; Mogerley, Frederick C. Pte; Mulligan, John. Pte; Nicholson, Charles. Pte; Nightingale, John. Sgt; Ogden, John. Cpl; Orme, John W. Pte; Park, Peter. Pte; Parker, George W. 2nd/ Lt; Parker, John. Pte; Proctor, George. Pte; Quigley, Joseph. L/Cpl; Richmond, Charles. Pte; Roberts, Frank. Pte; Robinson, James N. 2nd/Lt; Robinson, Thomas. L/Cpl; Seed, Christopher. L/Cpl; Seed, John. Sgt; Sharp, John. Pte; Sharp, Thomas. Pte; Swarbrick, William A. Capt; Taylor, John. Pte; Taylor, Robert. Pte; Towers, Thomas. L/Cpl; Vandome, Arthur. Sgnlr; Walmsley, George. Pte; Ward, Fredk. Pte; Wareing, Daniel. Pte; Whittam, Robert. Sgt; Winder, Edward B. Cpl; Wilson, Ivan F. Pte; Wilson, W.H. Pte; Wright, William. LANCERS: Jenkinson, John D. Trooper; Lee, John B. Pte. THE LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT: Park, Thomas W. Cpl. THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT: Berry, Charles H. Pte; Clarke, James. Pte. THE LONDON REGIMENT: Burton, William E.B. Cadet; Calder, Ernest G. Pte; Chapman, John. Pte; Dent, Robert. Pte; Hewitt, James. Pte; Reeder, Edmund. Rifleman; Tyrer, George H. Pte. THE LOYAL (NORTH LANCASHIRE) REGIMENT: Adams, John J. Pte; Addison, Richard. L/Cpl; Ainsworth, Richard. Pte; Ainsworth, Sidney. L/Cpl; Airey, Cyril W. Pte; Airey, Henry. Pte; Allen, H. Sgt; Allen, John A. Pte; Allen, W. Pte; Almond, Hugh. Pte; Alston, Fredk. Pte; Alty, Richard. Pte; Archer, John. Pte; Arkwright, Fredk. Pte; Armstrong, William. Pte; Ashcroft, John. Pte; Ashton, Henry. Pte; Ashworth, John. Pte; Askew, Albert. Cpl; Aspden, George. Pte; Aspden, John. Pte; Aspinall, Henry. Pte; Aspinall, Robert. Pte; Atherton, F.C.; Atherton, William. Pte; Atkinson, Frank. Pte; Atkinson, Stanley. Sgnlr; Atkinson, Thomas. Pte; Attwell, Bertram. Pte; Austin, Henry A. Pte; Bagot, William. Sgt; Bailey, Robert. Pte; Baines, Abraham. Pte; Baines, Albert. Pte; Baines, Lawrence. Pte; Baird, Norman. Pte; Baker, Fred. W.S. Capt; Baldwin, John J. Pte; Ball, John H. Lieut; Ball, Robert E. Pte; Balshaw, Henry. Pte; Bamber, Albert J. Pte; Bamber, John. Pte; Bamber, Richard. Pte; Bamford, Henry. Pte; Bamford, James. Pte; Banister, Maurice J. Lieut; Barnett, H.L. Pte; Barnish, Walter W. Pte; Barron, John. Pte; Barton, Joseph. Pte; Battersby, William. L/Cpl; Baxendale, George; Bayman, Albert. Pte; Beaver, David. Pte; Becconsall, Albert. Pte; Beckett, Richard. Pte; Bee, Fredk. G. Cpl; Beech, William. Pte; Beetham, William. Pte; Benjamin, Joseph E. Pte; Bennett, Robert E. Pte; Bennett, Thomas. Pte; Bentham, Walter. Pte; Best, Arthur. Sgt; Bibby, Robert H. Pte; Billington, Alfred. Pte; Billington, Charles. Machine Gnr; Billington, Joseph. Pte; Billington, Robert. Pte; Billington, Thomas. L/Cpl; Billington, William. Pte; Billsborough, Walter. Pte; Bilsborough, Albert. Pte; Bilsborough, Richard. Pte; Bingham, Harry E. Pte; Blackwell, William. Sgt; Blundell, Matthew. L/Cpl; Boast, William R. Pte; Bolan, James. Pte; Bond, Anthony; Bond, John. Pte; Boote, James P. Pte; Boswell, Tobias. Pte; Bowes, John R. Pte; Boyle, William. 2nd Lt; Bradley, John. Pte; Braithwaite, Francis J. Pte; Bramley, James D. Pte; Breakell, John. Pte; Brewer, John. L/Cpl; Brierley, Henry. Pte; Brierley, William H. Pte; Briggs, James. Pte; Briggs, Thomas. Pte; Brindle, George. Pte; Broad, William. L/Cpl; Brockbank, Richard. L/Cpl; Brockbank, Robert. Pte; Brotherton, A. Sgt; Brown, David; Brown, George. Pte; Brown, Richard. Pte; Buck, Robert. Sgt; Buckles, John. Pte; Buckley, Charles. L/Cpl; Bulcock, Fred. Pte; Bullock, George W. L/Cpl; Burnet, Maxwell R.; Burns, Thomas. Pte; Burrell, William H. L/Cpl; Burrows, James. Pte; Burton, Alban. Cpl; Bury, Richard. Pte; Butler, Fredk. J.; Butler, Samuel. Pte; Butler, William E. Sgt; Butterworth, James. Pte; Callon, William. Pte; Carter, George F. Pte; Carter, Thomas. Pte; Carter, William. Pte; Cartwright, John. Pte; Catterall, Lawrence. Pte; Catterall, Percy. L/Cpl; Chapman, Charles. Pte; Chapman, Harold. L/Cpl; Chapman, John C. Pte; Chapples, George. Pte; Charnley, Charles. Pte; Charnock, John. Pte; Clarke, James. Cpl; Clarke, John. Pte; Clarkson, Henry. Pte; Clarkson, Robert. Pioneer Sgt; Clegg, Richard. Pte; Clitheroe, Henry. Pte; Clough, James. L/Cpl; Collier, John. Cpl; Collins, Thomas. Pte; Conroy, John. Pte; Cookson, John. Pte; Corless, Harold. Pte; Corless, Harry. Pte; Costello, Hugh. Pte; Best, Frank Robson. Lieut; Cottam, Albert. Pte; Cottam, Samuel. Pte; Coulson, Walter. Pte; Coupe, Richard. L/Cpl; Cowell, John. Pte; Cowell, Richard. Pte; Cowell, William. Pte; Crabtree, James. Pte; Crane, James. Cpl; Craven, Joseph. Pte; Cronnell, James E. Pte; Crook, J.T.P. Pte; Cross, Elijah W. Pte; Cross, H. Pte; Cross, Thomas. Pte; Cross, Thomas. Pte; Crossley, Joseph; Crossley, William E. Cpl; Cullip, Alfred. Sgt; Cunliffe, B. Pte; Cunliffe, William. Pte; Darlington, Edward. Pte; Davidson, John. Pte; Davies, Thomas. Pte; Davies, Walter A. 2nd Lt; Davis, James. Pte; Denoir, John. Pte; Dent, Herbert. Pte; Desmond, Arnold P. Pte; Desmond, Harold R. Cpl; De Veto, Anthony. Pte; Devey, Fred. Sgt; Dewhurst, Henry. Pte; Dewhurst, Herbert L. Pte; Dewhurst, William. L/Cpl; Dickson, William H. 2nd Lt; Disley, James. Pte; Ditchfield, Frank. Pte; Dixon, William. Pte; Dodgson, John. Pte; Downing, John. Pte; Duckworth, Albert. L/Cpl; Duckworth, William. Pte; Duddle, James. Pte; Duffy, James. Pte; Dugdale, George. Pte; Dunderdale, Ernest. Pte; Dunderdale, Matthias. Pte; Dunderdale, Richard. Pte; Durham, George. DMR; Durham, William. Pte; Eastham, William. Pte; Eaves, Frank. Pte; Eccles, James. Pte; Eccles, James. Pte; Edgar, Kenneth V. Cpl; Egan, Joseph. Pte; Ekins, Henry. Pte; Elliott, R. Pte; Ellithorn, William. Pte; English, Francis. Pte; Etherington, Henry B. Pte; Evans, Robert. Sgt; Fairclough, Joseph. Gunr; Fairclough, Samuel. Pte; Fairclough, William. Pte; Fairclough, William H.; Farley, Walter. Pte; Farnworth, Charles. Pte; Farnworth, Samuel. Pte; Farrell, Thomas. Pte; Fawcett, James. Pte; Fawcett, Robert. Pte; Fazackerley, Harold. 2nd Lt; Fazackerley, James. Pte; Fazackerley, Richard. Pte; Fazackerley, Richard. Sgnlr; Fernyhough, Walter A. Sgt; Finley, James. Cpl; Fisher, Alfred. Pte; Fishwick, Thomas. Pte; Forry, James. Pte; Fox, John. Pte; Foxton, Harold.Pte; Flannaghan, Edward. Sgt; Flannery, Louis. Pte; Fleming, Ernest A. Pte; Fletcher, James. CQMS; Fletcher, John. L/Cpl; Flowers, Richard. Pte; Flynn, William. Pte; Francis, Walter. Pte; Fraser, Arthur. L/Cpl; Fraser, Thomas. Pte; Freebury, Allan. Pte; Fryer, Harry. Pte; Fryers, Thomas. Pte; Fuller, William. Sgnlr; Gallagher, Joseph. Pte; Garlick, Francis. Pte; Garstang, John. L/Cpl; Garstang, Richard. Pte; Garth, William. Pte; Gaunt, Edgar. Pte; Gibson, Henry W. Pte; Gilgun, John. Pte; Gill, James W. Pte; Gill, William. Pte; Gillett, Thomas. Pte; Gillibrand, John. Pte; Gladwin, Ernest. Cpl; Goodier, Fred. Pte; Goodier, John. Cpl; Gorst, Thomas H. Pte; Green, John. Pte; Greenhalgh, William. Pte; Gregory, Arthur. Cpl; Gregson, Albert. Pte; Harris, Arthur Lea. Capt.; Gregson, Henry. Pte; Gregson, William. Pte; Griffiths, William. Pte; Guest, James. Pte; Hackett, Thomas K. L/Cpl; Hackett, William. Pte; Hague, Albert E. 2nd Lt; Hall, Fred. Pte; Hall, Harry. Cpl; Hall, Herbert. Pte; Hall, Joseph. Pte; Hall, William. L/Cpl; Halliwell, Edward. Pte; Hamilton, Samuel. Pte; Hancox, William. L/Cpl; Hardicker, Matthew. Pte; Hardicker, William. Pte; Hardman, Jonathan. L/Cpl; Hardman, William. Pte; Harling, Fred. Pte; Harris, Arthur L. Capt; Harrison, Thomas. Pte; Harrison, William. Pte; Harrison, William. Pte; Harrison, William. Pte; Harrison, William E. Pte; Hartley, Albert. Cpl; Hartley, Bartholomew. Pte; Haslam, Robert M. Pte; Haworth, Philip T. Pte; Hayes, John. Pte; Hazelhurst, Thomas. Sgnlr; Heald, James H. Pte; Heaps, James. Pte; Heaps, Robert. Cpl; Heaton, William. Pte; Helm, Fred. Pte; Helm, Henry. Pte; Helme, John. Sgt; Helme, Richard. 2nd Lt; Henderson, William. Pte; Henery, Walter; Pte; Hesketh, George. Pte; Hesketh, Richard. Pte; Hesmondhalgh, Harry. Pte; Hewitt, Ernest D. Pte; Hewitt, Henry. Pte; Heyes, John. Pte; Heyes, Victor H. Pte; Hibbert, William. Pte; Higginson, Ernest. L/Cpl; Higham, Benjamin. Pte; Higham, Edward. L/Cpl; Higham, John Pte; Higham, Robert. Pte; Higham, William. Pte; Highfield, James. Pte; Hind, Joseph. L/Cpl; Hobson, John. Pte; Hodgkinson, John. Pte; Hogarth, Joseph. Pte; Hogg, James. Pte; Holden, Christopher. L/Cpl; Holden, William. Pte; Holdway, Charles. Pte; Holker, James. Pte; Holman, George D. Cpl; Holmes, Robert. Pte; Hooper, Thomas. Cpl; Horam, Charles. Pte; Horner, Albert E. Pte; Horsfield, Thomas. L/Sgt; Houlding, James C. Pte; Houseman, William. Pte; Howard, Joseph. Pte; Howarth, Henry. Pte; Howarth, John. Pte; Howarth, Richard. L/Cpl; Howcroft, Thomas. L/Cpl; Huck, John P. Pte; Hull, Frank H. Pte; Hunt, David. Pte; Hunter, William H. Pte; Huson, Nathan. Pte; Hutchinson, Clifford. Pte; Ianson, Richard. Pte; Iddon, George. Pte; Ingham, Henry B. Pte; Ingham, John. Pte; Inglis, William. DMR; Ingram, Joseph. Pte; Isherwood, Robert. Pte; Jackson, John. Pte; Jackson, Richard. L/Cpl; Jackson, Thomas. Pte; Jackson, Walter. Pte; Jemson, T. Cpl; Jenkinson, John. L/Cpl; Johnson, Percy. Pte; Johnson, R.W. Pte; Johnson, William. L/Cpl; Jones, A.E. Cpl; Jones, E. Pte; Jones, Eric. Pte; Kay, Charles W. Lieut; Kay, Elijah. Pte; Kay, William A. Pte; Kearsley, Joseph. Pte; Kearsley, William. Pte; Keevill, D. Pte; Kell, Thomas W. Pte; Kellett, John. Pte; Kellett, Robert. Pte; Kelsall, George. Pte; Kendall, Jesse. Pte; Kenworthy, John Pte; Kinsella, Thomas J. Pte; Knowles, Alfred. Pte; Knowles, Francis A. Cpl; Rourke, John. Pte; Knowles, James. L/Cpl; Knowles, Robert. Sgt; Lamb, Wilfrid. Pte; Lambert, Robert H. Pte; Lambert, Thomas. Pte; Lancaster, George.; Lang, John. Pte; Lang, Richard. Pte; Lang, William Pte; Lathom, Thomas M.W. Pte; Law, Arthur. Pte; Lawrenson, Albert. Cpl; Lawrenson, Walter. Cpl; Lawson, Robert. Pte; Leach, Albert E. Pte; Leak, Henry. Sgt; Lee, Gilbert. Pte; Leonard, Arthur. Pte; Leyland, Frederick W. Pte; Leyland, William. Cpl; Lilley, George B. Cpl; Lindley, Thomas. Pte; Lingard, Joseph. Pte; Little, John. Pte; Liver, Edward. L/Cpl; Lockwood, William. Pte; Loud, John. Pte; Lowndes, Thomas. Pte; Love, George T. Pte; Lyons, Francis. Pte; Magee, Patrick F. Cpl; Mannion, Michael. Pte; Marsden, John Pte; Marsden, Joseph. Pte; Marsh, John. Cpl; Marsh, John. L/Cpl; Martin, J.S. Cpl; Martin, Thomas. Pte; Martin, William. Pte; Martindale, Harry. Cpl; Martindale, Henry A. Pte; Martindale, Thomas. Pte; Masheter, Thomas. Pte; Masheter, Thomas. Pte; Mason, Rowland C. Lieut; Massey, Ephraim. Pte; Mayman, Frederick W. Pte; Maymon, Thomas H. Pte; Maynard, John. L/Cpl; McClarnon, Joseph. Pte; McCullough, Richard. Cpl; McCullough, Robert. Cpl; McDermott, James. L/Cpl; McDonough, A. Sgt; McFetridge, John E. Cpl; McGreevey, James. Pte; McGreevey, Richard. L/Cpl; McGuire, John. Cpl; McGuire, Thomas. Pte; McLaughlin, James. Pte; McLaughlin, John. Pte; McMahon, Charles E.V. 2nd Lt; McNeice, Henry. Pte; Mealand, Jesse F. Pte; Melia, Edward. Pte; Melling, Harry. Sgnlr; Mellor, Edward H. Pte; Mellor, John. Pte; Mellor, Joseph. Pte; Meyler, William E. Sgt; Miller, Francis J. Pte; Miller, Richard. Pte; Miller, Wilfrid. Pte; Mills, Henry. Pte; Moon, Wilfrid. Sgt; Moore, Keith H. Lieut; Morley, Richard. Pte; Morley, Stewart; Moss, James. Pte; Moss, Robert. Pte; Moss, William. Pte; Mounsey, John. Pte; Mullin. Alfred P. Pte; Murray, Fredk. J. Pte; Myerscough, Thomas. Pte; Nagle, Joseph. Pte; Naylor, Thomas. Sgt; Nelson, Alex. Pte; Nelson, Thomas. CSM; Nelson, Thomas. Pte; Nesbitt, Hugh. Pte; Newby, Henry. Pte; Nickson, Richard. Pte; Norcross, John. Pte; Nuttall, John. Sgt; Nuttall, William E. Pte; Nutter, Albert V. Pte; O'Brien, Arthur. Pte; O'Connor, John. Pte; Oddie, John W. Sgt; Oldham, Albert E. Pte; O'Neill, Thomas. Pte; Osbaldeston, Henry. Pte; Owen, Edward. L/Cpl; Pain, C.H. Pte; Paley, Albert. Pte; Park, JOseph. L/Cpl; Park, Philip W. Pte; Park, William B. Pte; Parkes, Richard. Pte; Parker, Geoffrey. Lieut; Parkinson, Charles E. Pte; Parkinson, Clifford. L/Sgt; Parkinson, Ernest. Pte; Parkinson, John. Pte; Parkinson, Joseph. Pte; Parkinson, Joseph. Pte; Parkinson, Septimus H. Pte; Parkinson, William. L/Cpl; Scott, Thomas. Pte; Parnacott, William C. Bandsman; Parr, Ernest. Pte; Payne, Edward. Sgt; Peak, John H. Capt; Pearson, James. Pte; Pearson, Thomas. Pte; Pendlebury, Thomas A. Pte; Parry, William. Pte; Pilkington, John W. Pte; Pitcher, Fredk. Sgt; Pitcher, William. Pte; Place, James. Pte; Plaskett, James. Cpl; Porter, Harry. Pte; Porter, James. Pte; Porter, Thomas H. Pte; Poulton, Vincent. Cpl; Preston, Thomas. L/Cpl; Priest, William. L/Cpl; Pye, Alfred. Pte; Pye, Fredk. Pte; Pye, Harry. Pte; Ramsden, Leo. Pte; Ranson, Harold. Pte; Rawsthorn, Aldred E. 2nd Lt; Rayner, Benjamin H. Capt; Raynor, John. Pte; Reeder, William. Pte; Reid, James. Lieut; Reid, John. L/Cpl; Reynolds, Sydney. Pte; Richardson, Henry. Pte; Richardson, William H. Pte; Rigby, Robert. L/Cpl; Riggs, Frank. Pte; Riggs, Robert F. Pte; Riley, Charles. Cpl; Robinson, Edward. Sgt; Robinson, Henry. Pte; Robinson, John. Pte; Robinson, Joseph. Pte; Robinson, Robert. Cpl; Robinson, Thomas. Pte; Robinson, William. L/Cpl; Rosbottom, William. Pte; Rowett, Charles. Pte; Ryan, Charles. L/Cpl; Sandalls, Charles. 2nd Lt; Sanderson, William. Pte; Saul, Thomas. Pte; Savage, Vincent. Cpl; Scott, Robert. Pte; Scott, Robert. Pte; Seddon, Henry. L/Cpl; Seddon, Thomas. Pte; Sedgwick, Thomas. Pte; Seed, John. Pte; Sellers, Gilbert E. Pte; Sergeant, John. Pte; Sharp, Joseph. Pte; Sharples, Clifford. Pte; Sharples, William H. Pte; Sharrock, Frederick. L/Cpl; Short, John W. Sgt; Shuttleworth, Francis. Pte; Silcock, Thomas. Pte; Silcock, William. Pte; Simon, Alphonsus. Pte; Simpson, Charles. Pte; Simpson, James. Pte; Simpson, John. Pte; Sinclair, Joseph. Cpl; Singleton, Henry. Pte; Skingsley, Wilfrid. Sgt; Slater, Fred. Pte; Slater, John. Pte; Smalley, Francis. Pte; Smalley, James. Pte; Smith, Ernest. Pte; Smith, Francis. Pte; Smith, John. Pte; Smith, John S. Pte; Smith, Joseph. Pte; Smith, Reginald H. Cpl; Smith, Richard. L/Cpl; Smith, Richard. Pte; Smith, Thomas. Pte; Smith, William. Pte; Smith, William H. Pte; Southworth, John. Pte; Southworth, Leonard. Pte; Southworth, William. Pte; Spencer, Richard. Pte; Standing, Benjamin. Pte; Standing, Thomas. Pte; Standing, Thomas A. Sgt; Starling, George T. L/Cpl; Stephen, William H. Pte; Stephenson, Laurence. Cpl; Stephenson, Vincent. Sgt; Stevens, William C. Sgt; Stirzacker, John. Pte; Story, Alfred. Pte; Stow Harold. L/Cpl; Strain, Hugh. Pte; Street, Richard. Pte; Strickland, Thomas A. Pte; Sumner, John C. Pte; Sumner, Thomas. Pte; Sutcliffe, William. Sgt; Sutton, Matthew. Pte; Sutton, Robert. Pte; Swarbrick, Joseph. L/Cpl; Swindlehurst, John. Pte; Tarrant, John T. Sgt; Taylor, Alfred. Driver; Taylor, Edward. Cpl; Taylor, William. Pte; Walker, Christopher. Pte; Thompson, Charles. Pte; Thompson, Henry. CQMS; Thompson, James R. Pte; Thornley, Alfred. Pte; Thorpe, Albert. Pte; Tierney, James. Pte; Tierney, Patrick. Pte; Tinsley, Thomas. L/Cpl; Tomlinson, Henry. Pte; Toulmin,Harold. Lieut; Travis, William. Cpl; Trollope, Joseph Pte; Tunney, Michael. Pte; Turner, Ephraim. CSM; Turner, Harry. Pte; Turner, Richard. Pte; Turner, Thomas. Pte; Ulyatt, Edward C. L/Cpl; Unsworth, John. Pte; Utting, W. Pte; Wade, Frank. Pte; Wade, James. Pte; Wainman, Elijah. Pte; Walker, Samuel. Pte; Walmsley, Fred. Pte; Walmsley, George. L/Cpl; Walmsley, John. L/Cpl; Walmsley, Thomas. Pte; Walton, James R. Cpl; Ward, Allan. Pte; Wardley, Joseph. Pte; Ware, Richard. Pte; Wareing, Edmund. Act.Cpl; Wareing, John. Cpl; Wareing, Thomas. CSM; Waterhouse, Charles. Pte; Watkinson, John. Pte; Watson, Charles. Pte; Watson, Fred. Sgt; Watson, John. Pte; Watson, John W. Sgt; Watson, Robert. Pte; Weaver, Andrew. Pte; West, John. Pte; Whalley James. Pte; Whalley, John. Pte; Whitehead, Charles. Pte; Whiteside, James. Pte; Whiteside, William. Pte; Whitman, Thomas. Bandsman; Whittaker, Fredk. Pte; Whittle Charles. L/Cpl; Whittle, Clive. Pte; Wiggins, David. Sgt; Wignall, Albert. Pte; Wignall, George. Pte; Wignall, Richard. Pte; Wignall, Robert. Pte; Wilcock, Frank N. L/Cpl; Wilcock, William. Pte; Wilcock, William H. Pte; Wilkinson, Richard. Pte; Wilkinson, Thomas. Pte; Willan, Albert E. L/Cpl; Williams, Frank. Pte; Williamson, Moyah C. Sgt; Wilson, Albert. L/Cpl; Wilson, Ernest. Pte; Wilson, John. Pte; Wilson, Joseph. Pte; Wilson, William. Pte; Winstanley, Stanley C. Sgnlr; Woan, Thomas. Pte; Wood, Frank. L/Cpl; Woodburn, Arthur. Pte; Woodcock, George. Pte; Woodhead, Alfred. Sgt Major; Woodhouse, Edward. Pte; Woodruff, Edward. Pte; Woods, Bert. Pte; Woods, Robert W. L/Sgt; Woods, William. L/Cpl; Worden, Henry. Pte; Worden, Henry. Pte; Worswick, William. Pte; Wright, John. Pte; Yates, Ernest. Pte; Yates, Francis J. Pte; Yates, James. Pte; Yates, John. Pte; Youd, John J. Pte; Young, Arthur. Pte; THE MACHINE GUN CORPS: Addison, Archibald. Pte; Ainsworth, Christopher. Pte; Barnes, George. L/Cpl; Bell, Gilbert. Pte; Carr, William. Pte; Cooke, Fredk. W. Pte; Cowperthwaite, William H. Pte; Craven, James. Pte; Forrest, Christopher. Pte; Goring, William. Pte; Gregson, Thomas. Pte; Hall, Charles. Pte; Higgins, Robert. L/Cpl; Hogan, Joseph. Cpl; Hogg, Thomas. Sgnlr; McGann, James J. Sgt. Instr; Nelson, Fred. Pte; Newton, Francis.; Parker, Roger. Pte; Reid, George. Pte; Robinson, Robert.; Shaw, Henry. Pte; Sibbert, Alfred. Pte; Slater, Tomas. Pte; Walmsley, Henry. Pte; Watson, Thomas. Pte; Whalley, Joseph. Pte; Wood, Harold. Cpl; Wray, John. Cpl. THE MANCHESTER REGIMENT: Akers, Fred. Pte; Carroll, Arthur. Pte; Durham, John. Pte; Fishwick, Thomas. L/Cpl; Fitzsimmons, Thomas. Pte; Garlick, Robert. Pte; Haire, Herbert. Pte; Howson, George. Pte; Martindale, Percy.; Ormerod, James. 2nd/Lt; Pattman, Ernest E. Pte; Rayner, Robert. CSM; Richardson, Joseph. Pte; Ridgley, Thomas A. Pte; Roe, John E. Pte; Shaw, George. Pte; Taylor, Robert. Pte; Usher, Herbert. L/Cpl; Wharldall, Edward D. Sgt; Williamson, James. Pte; Wingrove, George F. 2nd Lt. THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT: Bailey, Robert. Pte; Heller, Thomas. Cpl; Shillitoe, Thomas. Pte. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE REGIMENT: Bateson, John Pte; Catterall, Harold. Sgt; Pendlebury, Ernest. Pte. THE ROYAL MUNSTER FUSILIERS: Brennan, Francis. L/Cpl; O'Brien, H. Pte. NEW ZEALAND FORCES: Blinkhorn, Albert E. Gnr; Buck, William. Pte; Dickinson, James. Pte; Hothersall, Herbert E. Pte; MacLachlan, Alex. Sgt; North, Edwin. Pte; North, William H. L/Cpl; Sarratt, William. Sgt. THE NORTHAMPSTONSHIRE REGIMENT: Bowerham, James. Pte; Burke, Edward T. Lt-QMR; Price, Harold A. Pte; Wilson, Harold. Pte. THE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGIMENT: Parry, James. Pte; Rickard, John. Pte; Taylor, Albert V. Pte; Tipping, Joseph. Pte. THE NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS: Baron, Ignatius. Pte; Beesley, Edward. Pte; Boothby, John. Pte; Brown, Henry. Pte; Cooper, Jas. L. Pte; Hobson, William. Pte; Martindale, Richard. Pte; Swift, William. Pte. THE OXFORDSHIRE AND BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY: Riding, Edward. Pte. THE PRINCE OF WALES'S VOLUNTEERS (SOUTH LANCASHIRE REGIMENT): Ainsworth, Philip. L/Cpl; Aspden, John. Pte; Ashton, Richard. L/Cpl; Briggs, Robt. Pte; Chapman, William. Pte; Edwards, Llewellyn, F. Lieut; Harrison, Thomas. Pte; Hollinhurst, John. L/Cpl; Kinsella, William. Pte; Moran, Michael.; Mullin, William P. Pte; Nicholson, Edward. RSM; Tye, Robert. Sgt; Pickup, William. Pte; Sumner, Robert. Pte; Titley, Arthur W. Sgt. THE QUEEN'S OWN CAMERON HIGHLANDERS: Clayton, John. Pte. THE QUEEN'S OWN ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT: Leeming, Henry. Cpl; Muncaster, Fred. Pte. THE QUEEN'S ROYAL REGIMENT (WEST SURREY): Molyneux, Harold. Pte. THE RIFLE BRIGADE: Fletcher, James. Rifleman; Hesketh, Thomas. Rifleman; Lewis, John E. Rifleman; Morris, Thomas. Cpl; Parkinson, Thomas. Rifleman; Winder, William. Rifleman; Yates, Arthur. Rifleman. ROYAL AIR FORCE AND ROYAL FLYING CORPS: Banks, George (BOY); Boothby, George A. Pte; Davies, John G. Pte; Forshaw, Charles.: Gardner, John H. Lieut; Holme, Alfred. Cpl; Kettlewell, Albert. Pte; Kitchen, John F. Flgt. Sgt; Lupton, John C. Flgt. Sgt; Parker, William R.; Rattle, Louis C. 2nd Lt; Southworth, Hubert. 1st Air. Mech; Watson, Edward. 2nd Air. Mech. ROYAL ARMY CHAPLAINS DEPT: Baines, Thomas L. Rev. Capt. ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS: Ashcroft, William. Pte; Askew, William. Pte; Bashall, John. Pte; Buck, Albert. Cpl; Cranston, Fred. Pte; Creed, Benjamin R. Act. Sgt; Dobson, John M. Pte; Hayhurst, Thomas. Capt; Heald, Edward. L/Cpl; Helm, Albert. Pte; Kitchen, James. Pte; Knowles, William. Pte; McClarnan, Louis. Pte; Marshall, Thomas. Pte; Millan, Charles H. Pte; Piper, Samuel. Pte; Riding, Sidney. Pte; Smalley, Thomas. Staff Sgt; Taylor, Bernard. Pte; Wareing, Thomas R. Pte; Whittle, Richard. Pte. ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS: Taylor, John. Armourer S. Sgt; Weall, Edwin J. Armourer S. Sgt. ROYAL ARMY PAY CORPS: Best, Emmanuel. L/Cpl; Harker, Norman W. Cpl; Knowles, Robert. Pte. ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS: Allen, Richard. L/Cpl; Barber, Albert. Dvr; Bilsborough, Walter. Pte; Chaloner, Leo N. Pte; Chew, Fredk. Pte; Clark, John J. Dvr; Coates, Hugh. Pte; Creed, John. Dvr; Dewhurst, Fredk. Pte; Hesketh, Edward. Pte; Hesmondhalgh, Robert. Dvr; Holker, Alex. Pte; Leyland, George F. Pte; Malley, John. Dvr; Marshall, Thomas. Pte; O'Brien, William. Cpl; Ratcliffe, Frank. Pte; Rea, Thomas T. Cpl; Riley, Thomas. Pte; Rutter, George E. Pte; Sharples, James. Dvr; Standing, Fredk. Cpl; Storey, Joseph. Dvr; Thompson, Lawrence. Dvr; Unsworth, Henry. Pte; Walmsley, Harry. Act. Cpl; Williams, A.C.W. Pte; Woods, Peter. Dvr; Wray, T. Sgt. ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS: Kelly, Patrick. Cpl. THE ROYAL BERKSHIRE REGIMENT: Stephenson, James. Pte. ROYAL DEFENCE CORPS: Curry, Thomas. Pte. THE ROYAL DUBLIN FUSILIERS: Marshall, William H. Sgt. CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS: Arnett, John. L/Cpl; Bailey, Arthur. Cpl; Barnes, Edgar. Sapper; Battersby, Thos. F. Sapper; Billsborough, Sidney. Sapper; Blakely, Thomas. Sapper; Blezard, Henry. Sapper; Bond, Robert C. Sapper; Carr, Percy. Sapper; Carter, John R. Sapper; Catterall, John. Pioneer; Catterall, Percy. L/Cpl; Clayton, Albert E. Sapper; Cook, Walter. Sapper; Cooke, Fred. Sapper; Cookson, William. 2nd Cpl; Cowley, James. 2nd Cpl; Crossthwaite, James. Sapper; Curtis, Percy; Darlington, William. Sapper; Forster, Sydney. Sapper; Green, John M. Cpl; Hamer, Walter. Sgt; Hargreaves, Arthur N.G. Cpl; Harris, George. Sgt; Hartley, Frank. L/Cpl; Hind, James. Sapper; Hornby, Ralph W. Pioneer; Howard, Arthur L. Sapper; Howarth, W. Dvr; Hull, Herbert. Sapper; Hull, William. Dvr; King, Walker. Sapper; Kirby, William. Pte; Lawson, Richard; Leach, Thomas. Sapper; McLean, John D. L/Cpl; Miller, Thomas. Sapper; Muncaster, Sidney. Sapper; Nuttall, John. Sapper; Seed, Henry. Sapper; Sergeant, William. Sapper; Shaw, Edward. Pioneer; Silcock, Charles. Sapper; Stanton, Joseph. Sapper; Stimpson, James; Stone, Albert. Sapper; Sumner, Percy H. Sapper; Swift, Thomas. Sapper; Taylor, Harry. Sapper; Thompson, John M. Sapper; Threlfall, Thomas. Sapper; Timlin, Edward; Tobin, William P. Sgt; Turner, F.W. Sapper; Tomlinson, John. Sapper; Varley, James. Sapper; Webster, Albert. Act. 2nd Cpl; Whittaker, Stanley. Sapper. THE ROYAL FUSILIERS: Baines, Henry. Pte; Bannister, Robert. Pte; Bushell, Robert W. Pte; Cumpstey, Percy. Pte; Harding, John L. Pte; Hubberstey, William. Pte; Lucas, Fred. Pte; McGuiness, William P. Cpl; McHugh, John. Pte; Phillipson, Sidney. Pte; Roe, Tom. Pte; Tipping, Thomas A. Pte; Williams, Rowland. 2nd Lt. ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY: Ainsworth, Edward. Gnr; Branton, G.E.; Carter, William. Gnr; Haggars, Thomas.; Halligan, John. Gnr; Hardiker, John. Gnr; Hodson, Charles. Sgt; Hopkins, Richard H. Gnr; Littlefair, James. Gnr; Matley, John. Staff Sgt; Maud, Timothy. Gnr; Moizer, Edward. Gnr; Moon, Harry. Gnr; Morrison, Leonard. Gnr; Pimley, Harry. Gnr; Potter, Thomas. Gnr; Rawlinson, Aloysius. Gnr; Rainford, James H. Gnr; Robertson, Robert. Bdr; Smith, Fredk. G. Gnr; Spencer, James; Sumner, Reuben E. Gnr. THE ROYAL INNISKILLING FUSILIERS: Cookson, James. Pte; Hamriding, James. Pte; Higginson, Herbert. Pte; Lamb, James. Pte; Ogden, Joseph. Pte; Schaill, Thomas. Sgt; Ware, Septimus. Pte. THE ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS: McClarnan, William. Pte. THE ROYAL IRISH REGIMENT: Brennan, James. Pte; Coates, George. Pte; Metcalf, James. Pte. THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY: Ainge, W.H. Sgt. Sgnl. Instr; Allison, John. Sgnlr; Anderton, John W. Gnr; Arton, Thomas. Dvr; Aspden, Arthur. Gnr; Bailey, Cornelius. Whlr. Sgt; Baker, William. Dvre; Ball, Alfred. Dvr; Bamber, Alex.; Banks, Samuel. Gnr; Baron, John A. Bdr; Battle, Walter. Dvr; Berry, Thomas. Cpl; Bidwell, Lionel R. Bdr; Billington, Peter. Dvr; Bingham, Henry C. Gnr; Blackburn, Frank. Bdr; Blain, Samuel. Gnr; Bloss, Stephen. Sgt; Boardman, Thomas W. Sgt; Bolton, James. Dvr; Bolton, William. Cpl; Boyd, Samuel. Gnr; Bradley, Anthony H. Gnr; Bradshaw, Cuthbert H. Shoeing Smith; Bramley, John. Cpl. Shoeing Smith; Branton, Ernest; Brookfield, James. Gnr; Brooksby, John C. Gnr; Brown, Ernest E. Pte; Brown, Fred. Gnr; Burscough, George F. Gnr; Busby, Fredk. Gnr; Calderbank, Evan. Sgt; Cank, Thomas C. Gnr; Carter, Joseph E. Dvr; Catterall, Harold. Gnr; Chambers, John E. Dvr; Clarkson, Ralph W. Gnr; Cleminson, Joseph. Gnr; Clitheroe, Ivan. Gnr; Cornall, Herbert S. Bdr; Cosgrove, James. Gnr; Coulthard, Thomas. Dvr; Coulthard, John. Gnr; Cranshaw, David. Gnr; Craven, Alfred E. Gnr; Crook, William. Dvr; Cross, Joseph. Dvr; Crossley, Job. Sgnlr; Crozier, Richard L. Bdr; Davies, John F. Shoeing Smith; Dawson, Edward. Cpl; Dewhurst, Albert. Gnr; Dewhurst, Stephen. Gnr; Dpbson, Henry. Gnr; Dobson, Joseph. Pte; Dodd, John. Dvr; Dodgson, Alex. Gnr; Dodgson, Herbert. Gnr; Drinkwater, George W. Dvr; Duckworth, Thomas. Dvr; Dunderdale, Alfred. Dvr; Dyson, Joseph. Pte; Eastham, William G. Dvr; Eaves, Thomas. Gnr; Eccles, James. Gnr; Edmondson, Joseph. Gnr; Edwards, Richard. Gnr; Fagan, Richard. Pte; Fairclough, Joseph. Gnr; Fallon, William H. Dvr; Fisher, Harold. Gnr; Fisher, Henry. Gnr; Fisher, William. Gnr; Fletcher, Thomas. Dvr; Ford, Thomas. Gnr; Forrester, Albert. Sgt; Fowler, Arthur. Gnr; Freeman, Henry T. Gnr; Gardner, John E. Cpl; Garland, Ernest. Sgt; Garland, William. Dvr; Garlington, Thomas. Dvr; Gee, James. Dvr; Gemson, Robert H. Gnr; Green, Robert. Gnr; Greenwood, James. Bdr; Grundy, James A. Dvr; Hall, James. Dvr; Hall, John. Gnr; Hamer. Harold. Bdr; Hargreaves, Fred. Bdr; Harker, Thomas. Dvr; Harker, William. Dvr; Hartley, Richard. Pte; Hawes, Charles R.M. Gnr; Haworth, James. Gnr; Heaton, James. Gnr; Hesketh, Alfred. Gnr; Hodson, Charles. Gnr; Holmes, Joseph. Dvr; Holt, Arthur. Dvr; Horan, Fred. Cpl; Hosker, John. Dvr; Howarth, R. Gnr; Howarth, Roger. Pte; Hydes, James. Gnr; Iddon, Harold. 2nd Lieut; Jamieson, Herbert C. Sgt; Johnson, James. Sgt; Kay, Ernest. Cpl; Keefe, Thomas. Dvr; Knowles, William. Bdr; Lancaster, Joseph. Gnr; Law, James .Dvr; Law, James. Gnr; Ledinsky, John. Gnr; Leggett, Joseph P. Saddler; Livesey, William. Gnr; Mabbs, Fredk. F. Gnr; Mahon, Gerald. Gnr; Markland, E. Pte; Mather, D.H. Gnr; May, Percy W. Act. Bdr; McDonald, Joseph R. Gnr; McIntosh, Christopher. Sgnlr; McMullen, Thomas. Gnr; Mee, Henry. Dvr; Mengella, John. Bdr; Mills, Charles E. Bdr; Moorhouse, Edwin. Gnr; Morris, William C. Gnr; Moss, Joseph. Bdr; Musgrave, A.H. Sgt; Nevin, George. Gnr; Norris, Robert W. Act.Sgnlr; Partington, Joseph. Bdr; Pearce, George. Lieut; Pemberton, Reuben. Dvr; Philip, Robert C. Cpl; Phillips, William E. Saddler Cpl; Pickup, James W. Gnr; Pitcher, Alfred. Gnr; Priestley, Alfred. Bdr; Rance, William. Gnr; Rawcliffe, William A. Dvr; Ray, Albert. Gnr; Reade, George. Sgt; Reynolds, Harry. Sgt; Robinson, Arthur. Gnr; Robinson, James. Pte; Robinson, Richard. Pte; Robinson, William W. Gnr; Rose, Henry. Dvr; Ryan, Arthur. Pte; Seddon, Henry. Dvr; Sherliker, Thomas. Bdr; Singleton, William H. Pte; Sisson, Frank. Gnr; Smith, Cornelius. Gnr; Smith, Henry. Gnr; Smith, John. Gnr; Southworth, Thomas. Bdr; Stammers, Charles S. Battery Sgt; Stanley, Fredk. Dvr; Stephenson, Frank. Cpl; Stopford, Edward. Gnr; Stringer, Robert. Bdr; Summers, T. Gnr; Sumner, Thomas.; Swarbrick, Joseph. Gnr; Taylor, Richard. Cpl; Taylor, Sydney. Staff Sgt; Thirtle, William H. Dvr; Thompson, John.; Thornley, James. Sgnlr; Threlfall, James. Dvr; Titterington, James. Cpl; Towers, Thomas. Dvr; Wadeson, Joseph. Dvr; Walker, John S. Pte; Ward, Walter S. Cpl; Wareing, Joseph. Bdr; Watmough, Walter. Gnr; Watson, Joseph. Dvr; Wells, Thomas.; Whalley, Harry. Gnr; Whalley, Percy C. Dvr; Whittle, Thomas. Gnr; Widdowson, Joseph P. Dvr; Wilkinson, John. Gnr; Woodacre, Henry. Sgt; Woods, Edward. Cpl; Woods, J. Leo. Gnr; Woodward, Fredk. Sgt; Wright, Ernest J. Gnr; Wright, T. Gnr; Wynn, William. Dvr. THE ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS: Bramwell, William. Pte; Glaze, Francis. Pte; Nutter, John. Pte; Ogden, William. L/Cpl; Sumner, Henry. Pte. THE ROYAL SUSSEX REGIMENT: Billington, Joseph. Pte; Wilson, John. Pte. ROYAL TANK CORPS: Clayton, Thomas. Gnr; Crozier, Henry. Pte; Crozier,Herbert.; Glaister, George F. Lieut; Gregson, William P. 2nd Lieut; Matheson, C.M. THE ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE REGIMENT: Duckworth, Levi. Pte; Ebbs, William. Pte; Forrest, Richard. Pte; Jones, Henry. Pte; Jones, Henry. Pte; Newton, Conrad. Pte; Rawlinson, Charles.; Rutter, Arthur E. Pte; Sherrington, James. Pte; Singleton, William. Pte; Voss, Ernest W.T. 2nd Lieut; Woods, Fredk. Pte. THE ROYAL WELCH FUSILIERS: Akker, John T. Pte; Allan, Herbert W. Pte; Bee, William. Pte; Cookson, John L. Pte; Crieff, John. L/Cpl; East, William. Pte; Hartley, Douglas. Pte; Holmes, James J. Pte; Lakeland, William. Pte; Murphy, Laurence. Pte; Pinless, Frank. Pte; Reeve, William G. Pte; Rogerson, Richard. Pte; Rooney, Patrick. Pte; Seefus, John F. Pte; Smith, Joseph. Pte; Swarbrick, W. Pte; Whitehead, John E. Pte; Whitson, Harold. Pte; Wilkinson, Joseph. Pte; Worden, James. Sgt; Worsnop, Charles. Pte. SCOTS GUARDS: Ashcroft, Richard. Pte; Baldwin, Sidney. Pte; Collinson, John. Pte; Corless, John. Pte; Costello, Patrick. Sgt; Derbyshire, John. Cpl; Dickinson, Charles. Pte; Duckett, John J. Pte; Gibson, Reginald. Pte; Gradwell, William. Pte; Grant, William H. Sgt; Green, James. Cpl; Hall, Thomas. Pte; Hodgson, P. Pte; Hothersall, Thomas. Pte; Hubberstey, John. Pte; Hudson, Frank. Pte; Lang, William.; Leonard, George. Pte; Lindsay, Arthur.; Lupton, Lawrence, Pte; McCann, Edward S. Pte; McCartney, Robert. L/Sgt; Maguire, James. Pte; Malaney, Joseph V. Pte; Maudsley, John. Pte; Miller, Thomas. Pte; Morland, Edward. Pte; Parkinson, William. Pte; Robinson, Herbert. Pte; Robinson, Tom. Pte; Roscoe, Richard. Pte; Salisbury, William F. Pte; Sanderson, John. Sgt; Singleton, James. Pte; Stuart, A. Sgt; Thompson, Thomas. Pte; Trinder, Charles F. Cpl; Whittam, James.; Whittle, William. L/Cpl; Wilcock, Edwin H. Pte; Wilkinson, J.B. Sgt; Wilson, Percy. L/Cpl; Worden, John. Pte; Wormald, Charles. L/Cpl. THE SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS: Baird, William. Pte; Burnie, Arnold. L/Cpl; Dawson, John T. Cpl; Hindmarsh, William T. Pte; Leeming, John. Pte; Mercer, John W. Pte; Robinson, Edward. Pte. THE SHERWOOD FORESTERS: Johnson, Charles F. L/Cpl; Massam, Thomas. L/Cpl. THE SOMERSET LIGHT INFANTRY: Holden, Wilfrid. L/Cpl. SOUTH AFRICAN FORCES: Charnley, George F. Lieut; Poole, Alexander W. Pte; Sharp, Robert. Cpl. THE SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGIMENT: Finn, Edward. Pte. THE SOUTH WALES BORDERERS: Addison, Edward. Cpl; Brennan, John J. Pte; Burnie, Robert. Pte; Dring, William. Pte; Duckworth, James. Pte; Masheter, Albert E. Pte; Walsh, John. Pte; Whittle, Joseph B. Cpl. THE SUFFOLK REGIMENT: Adkins, James F.B. Bandsman; Craig, William F. Pte; Harrison, William. Pte; Hunter, William. Pte; Swarbrick, James. L/Cpl. THE WELCH REGIMENT: Chapman, William A. L/Cpl; Crook, William Pte; Fletcher, Hugh. Pte; Hemsworth, Frank. Pte; Hough, Thomas. Pte; Rawcliffe, Thomas.; Swindlehurst, James. Pte; Thompson, Fredk. Pte. WELSH GUARDS: Carlisle, Fredk. Pte; Crossley, John. Pte. THE WEST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT: Bamford, William. Pte; Cook, John W. Pte; Hunter, Thomas A. Pte; Lynch, Joseph L. Pte; Taylor, Benjamin. Pte; Turner, Francis I. 2nd Lieut. THE WILTSHIRE REGIMENT: Cronan, Joseph. L/Sgt; Sharples, Bernard H. Pte. THE WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT: Houghton, Arthur. 2nd Lieut. THE YORK AND LANCASTER REGIMENT: Barron, Thomas. Pte; Holmes, Sam B. Sapper; Thornley, John W. Pte; Vickers, William. Pte. TRANSPORT SHIPS, ETC: Clarkson, Joseph. Seaman; Gallagher, James. 2nd Engr; Seed, Walter H. C.Baker; Walmesley, Silas.; Wright, Robert M. Engr. MISCELLANEOUS: Cavanagh, John M. Pte; Chapman, John.; Dawson, Arthur. Pte; Dobson, R.H. Pte; Farrington, E. Pte; Friars, Frederick W. Pte; Frodsham, Thomas. Pte; Hesmondhalgh, William. Pte; Maloney, Joseph. Sgt; Riding, Robert. Pte; Walsh, John. L/Cpl; Molyneaux, Alfred. Pte. Lancs. Fus.; Wild, James. Pte. E.Yorks.; Goodman, Joseph. Pte. M.T., ASC; Dunleavy, George. Pte. RASC; Moorcroft, A. Pte. R. Welsh Fus.; Newsham, Joseph. L/Cpl. Loyal Regt.; Welsh, John. Dvr. R. Field Art. ADDITIONAL FRAMED PICTURE OF MISSING NAMES: THE EAST LANCASHIRE REGIMENT: Gregson, John. Sgt; Moon, William. Pte. THE LOYAL (NORTH LANCASHIRE) REGIMENT: Calder, Joseph H. Pte; Nichol, George. L/Cpl; Tomlinson, Albert. Pte; Topping, Christopher. Pte. THE CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS: Kirby, Thomas P. Sapper.

A great deal of research has already been done on the WW1 only names on the memorial at the Roll Of Honour site - :

www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Postwick.html

 

Any information taken from that source is identified as (RoH) and is not intended to infringe any copyright.

 

BALDERSTONE Edmund Augustus …………….(RoH)

Corporal 21328. 8th Battalion Border Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 5th July 1916. Born Lexham, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 6 A and 7 C.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=772119

 

The 1901 and 1891 Censuses have no match for an Edmund or an Augustus. The 1901 Census has one Balderstone recorded as being born at Lexham, but her name is Mary and by the time of the Census she is in North Yorkshire as a live in servant. Mary does not appear to be on the 1891 Census.

 

Edmund gets a mention on a family tree web-site, which confirms he was born East Lexham 17th August 1888 and died on the Somme, 5th July 1916.

balderstonesofnorfolk.co.uk/wc_idx/Descendants of John BALDERSTONE.pdf

 

After being engaged in a disastrous action near Ovillers on the 3rd, the 8th Borders appear to have been out of the line on the 5th, but more research is needed to confirm this. (The battalion were in the 75th Brigade of the 25th Division).

www.1914-1918.net/border.htm

forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058

  

BARKER Stephen Clare …………………………..(RoH)

Private 22759. 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 15th September 1915. Born Postwick. Enlisted Norwich. Could not find on CWGC.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=769542

 

The CWGC entry tells us he was 20, gives the year of death as 1916 rather than 1915, and tells us that he was the son of Mr & Mrs Robert Barker, High House, Postwick.

 

Norlink - No Picture in the Archive.

 

On the 1901 Census, the 5 year old Stephen is living at Marsh Road, Postwick - the village of his birth. This is the household of his parents, Robert, a 39 year old Teamman on Farm who comes from Postwick, and Caroline, (also aged 39 and from Postwick). Their other children are Bertie, (aged 7), Lily (aged 13), Louis, (aged 10), Mary (aged 2), and William, (aged 14 and a Stable Boy on Farm).

15th September 1916 Battle of the Somme

The last great Allied effort to achieve a breakthrough came on 15 September in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette with the initial advance made by 11 British divisions (nine from Fourth Army, two Canadian divisions on the Reserve Army sector) and a later attack by four French corps.

The battle is chiefly remembered today as the debut of the tank. The British had high hopes that this secret weapon would break the deadlock of the trenches. Early tanks were not weapons of mobile warfare—with a top speed of 2 mph (3.2 km/h), they were easily outpaced by the infantry—but were designed for trench warfare. They were untroubled by barbed wire obstacles and impervious to rifle and machine gun fire, though highly vulnerable to artillery. Additionally, the tanks were notoriously unreliable; of the 49 tanks available on 15 September, only 32 made it to the start line, and of these, only 21 made it into action

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Flers-Courcelette

 

What is known is that on 15th September the battalion was engaged in very heavy fighting as part of the Battle of the Somme and had taken up a position near the village of Ginchy in order to attack a German strongpoint called ‘the Quadrilateral’. As part of this attack the British were to use a new weapon for the first time; the tank was to be used to help punch the way through. It was hoped that the very presence of such a weapon would help to carry the day but unfortunately for the Norfolks the new weapon was to prove disastrous.

 

Tank tactics had yet to be worked out and little or no exercises had been conducted between the infantry and the tankies. Instead of being used en masse the tanks were used in penny packets all along the line and their effectiveness was thus reduced. Three tanks were supposed to precede the Norfolks twenty minutes before they went over the top. Two of these broke down. The third became totally disorientated and mistook the Norfolks forming up trench for the German front line and began to saturate the whole length of the trench with machine gun fire. A great many Norfolks were killed or wounded before one of the company officers managed to stop the tank and point it in the right direction. Despite these enormous losses the battalion managed to advance but was held up in front of uncut barbed wire that a preliminary bombardment was supposed to have cut. Here they were pinned down for most of the day, all the time being subject to German shellfire and casualties rose. On this single day the battalion suffered 432 casualties, about half their strength.

 

www.oldbuckenham-pri.norfolk.procms.co.uk/pages/viewpage....

 

151 Soldiers of the 9th Battalion appear to have died on this day on the CWGC database.

William Aldis, age 25 of Alpington, Norfolk

Herbert Aldis, age 22, his brother, of Alpington, Norfolk

Kenneth Alexander, age 23, of Long Stratton

Frederick Bailey

William Baker, age 29, born Shropham nr Thetford, resident Watton

W M Bale, age 23 of Broome, Bungay

Robert Barber

Stephen Barker, age 20, of Postwick, Norwich

Richard Barnes

2nd Lt John Bashford

Percy Bayes

William Beck, age 19, of Brundall

Arthur Betts

Edward Betts, age 33, of Great Melton

William Bezance, age 21, of Great Yarmouth

John Bird, age 27, of Seething

William Bloomfield, age 20, of Roydon, Diss

John Blowers, age 40, of Castleacre, Kings Lynn

Augustus Bolderstone, age 22, of Burnham Thorpe

Burrel Bond

H Bradbrook, age 20, native of Overstrand

Albert Brock, age 27, Hardwick

A W Brooks, age 32, North Pickenham

Paul Samuel Brooks, age 35, Filby and Norwich

James Brown

Bertie Brown, age 29, from Norwich

Arthur Bryant, age 22, of Winfarthing

Richard Bullard

Frederick Burton

James Bussey, age 26, of Langley

William Butcher

Richard Carver

W Carver

Albert Caston

James Catchpole, age 22, of Dickleburgh

Alfred Clarke,

Frederick Clarke, age 21, of Gorleston

C Clarke

Geoffrey Collins, age 20, of Great Yarmouth

Charles Constable, age 19, Albany Road, Catton, Norwich

Albert Copeman

James Curry

W Dann

Robert Davey, age 32 from Bermondsey, London

Frederick Dawson, age 20, of Burnham Thorpe

Captain William De Caux

W Dewing, age 19, of Great Walsingham

George Dixon

D Doran

George Douglas

Company Sergeant Major Samuel Earnshaw, age 32, of Grant Street, Norwich

Sidney Easter

George Ellis

Arthur English

E L Fawkes, of Narborough

Herbert Fisher, age 21, of Stoke Holy Cross

Leonard Foster

F A Fox

Edward Francis

Robert Futter

Fernby Gamble

John Garner, age 21, of Bluebell Road, Eaton, Norwich

Thomas Gent, age 24, of Feltwell, Brandon

H W Gibbons, age 22

Robert Goatson

Robert Godbolt

Lieutenant John Goddard, age 21, of Harrow, Middlesex

M F Gotts

Austin Gower age 24 of Wortwell

John Green, age 27, of Castleacre, Kings Lynn

Henry Grimmer, age 23, of Haddiscoe

Arthur Groom

Louis Gunton

Francis Gurney, age 20, of Fenny Stratford, Bucks

Charles Gutberlet

George Hagon

Arthur Halls, age 25

William Harnwell

A W Harrison

J E Hayes

Frederick Helsdon

Sam Hendry

William Heyhoe

Christopher Horn, age 24, of Thetford and Garboldisham

Matthew Howling, age 21, of Brisley, Elmham

W Huggins

E R Hunt

Sidney James

Frederick Kenny

Charles Kettle, age 32, of Felbrigg

George Kitchen, age 37, of Diss

E A Lambert, age 24, of Saxlingham

C E Larkins

Joseph Larter, age 28, of Swainsthorpe

G Lawes

Charles Lawrence, age 21, of Harpole, Northamptonshire

Sidney Laws, age 21, of Stradsett

Alfred Layton

Harry Leggett, age 26, of Wymondham

Ernest Leman

Douglas Lidington, age 37, of London

Edwin London, age 25, of Great Yarmouth

Charles Love, age 19, of Elmham

Thomas Masters, age 26, of Docking

R Mayes

A Meachen

Cecil Meek

Alfred Merton

George Mooney, age 23, of Pimlico, London

John Moore

Hugh Morter, age 27, of Hoveton St Peter

James Moy, of Kings Lynn

Charles Nash

Cecil Newton

F Nunn, age 20, of Eccles near Attleborough

John Osborne, age 22, of Harpley

James Palmer

Walter Peake, age 21, of Roydon, Diss

William Peeling

William Pidgeon

William Pinner, age 31, of Little Snoring and East Harling

Sergeant Benjamin Povey, age 30, of Newbury, Berks

B A Preston, age 30, of Bale, Melton Constable

Ernest Pye

W Quantrill, age 19, of Millers Lane, New Catton, Norwich

Frank Raines

Herbert Ramm

W F Read, age 18, of Swaffham and West Raynham

Sergeant Albert Reece, age 28, of Cardiff

Robert Reeve

Harry Rowell

F Rush

Walter Sargent, age 24, of Maida Vale, London

Rudolph Saunders

Sidney Smith age 24, of Northrepps and Norwich

George Smith

Benjamin Snelling

Frederick Sowells

Reginald Staff

Aubrey Stone

Henry Suffling, of Kentish Town, London

George Temple

Thomas Tooley

George Townshend

William Turner, age 26, of Thorpe Market

Bertie Wakefield, age 23, of Guist

Archie Ward

Thomas Warnes

George Watson

Richard Webb

 

There are five more men from the 9th listed as dying on the 16th September, with three buried in cemeteries associated with the casualty clearing stations set up to deal with the seriously wounded of the Somme battles. The other two are listed on the Thiepval monument as having no known grave.

 

DREWRY George ………………………(RoH)

Private 1460. 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 20th September 1914. Aged 25. Born Norwich. Enlisted Fakenham. Son of George and Bridget Drewry, of 1, Harbour Rd., Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich. Commemorated: La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial, Seine-et-Marne, France.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=878446

 

Norlink - No Picture in the Archive.

 

The 1901 Census finds the 14 year old George working as a Milk Car Driver. While this doesn’t quite tie in with him being 25 in 1914, I suspect it is the right individual. Having been born in Great Plumstead, (Not Norwich), he was by now living at Hall Lane, Postwick, with his parents, George, (aged 45 and a dairyman on farm, originally from Gt Plumstead), and Bridget, (aged 40 and from the same village). The rest of their children are Dorothy, (aged 5), Kate, (aged 16), Mary, (aged 8), Robert, (aged 21 and a Milkman on Farm), and Walter, (aged 12),

 

There are many units serving with the British Expeditionary Force, (BEF) who have the battle honour Action on the Aisne Heights, 20th September 1914. This includes the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers. However the internet seems to be less than forthcoming. It would appear that following defeat on the River Marne earlier in September, the German Army retreated to the line of the River Aisne, whose steeply rising heights, and the excellent arterial road, the Chemin des Dames along the top seemed an idealdefensive position. The French and the BEF pursued them , and between the 10th to 15th September, they crossed the river and fought their way onto the heights, seizing part of the Chemin des Dames. The only reference I came across to the events of the 20th, was a reference to 6th Division troops, newly arrived in France who were marched up to the Chemin des Dames on the 21st to relieve a number of units who’d taken a hammering fighting off the sustained German counter-attack the previous day.

 

EDWARDS William Bruce ………………….(RoH)

Private 41657. "W" Company, 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment. Formerly 5464 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 14th April 1917. Aged 38. Born and lived Postwick. Enlisted Norwich. Son of John and Mary Anne Edwards, of Postwick. Norwich. Commemorated: Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1541240

 

Norlink - No Picture in the Archive.

 

The 1901 Census has the 22 year William B Edwards living at Marsh Road, Postwick and working as a Carter on Farm. This was the village of his birth. The address was the household of his parents, John, (aged 69 and a General Farm Labourer), and Mary A, (aged 59), both natives of Postwick. Also living with them are son Henry, (aged 40, Single, and a General Farm Labourer), and Samuel, (age 23, Single and a Cowman on Farm).

 

Thu., Apr 12, 1917

The Bn. marched from billets at FOSSEUX to ARRAS (abt 10 miles) and on arrival was at once ordered to proceed with the remainder of the 88th Bde to relieve the 37th Bde near MONCHY-LE-PREUX. The Bn arrived at ARRAS at 3pm and left to carry out the relief 4 miles off at 6.30pm. Owing to intense congestion on the road and other delays the relief was not completed until 3am on 13th.

Prior to leaving ARRAS orders had been issued for an attack on the German line in company with the 1st NFLD to be made on the 13th at an hour to be notified later.

The attack was to be made from an Assembly trench which was to be dug on the night of the 12/13 by 2nd Hants, 4th Worcs were in support to the attack.

Owing to the late hour at which the Brigade relief was completed & consequent impossibility of making adequate preparation for the attack the operation was postponed.

At daylight therefore on the 13th the Brigade was situated as shown in the attached map.

At 11am orders were received to make the attack at 2pm. These orders also were cancelled a few minutes before Zero.

During the night 13/14 the 2nd Hants dug the required assembly trench and operation orders were issued to the Bn. by Lt. Col. Halaham. App. B.

At 5.30am on 14th the barrage fell and the battalion left the trench & carried out the assault.

In spite of a certain weakness of the barrage the objective was gained and by 6.30am all companies had reported that they were busy digging in.

In the mean time "X" Coy detailed to form a flank guard to the thence attacking Coys had at once come in contact with the enemy.

Therefore acting under Capt. Foster's orders No. 5 Platoon got into shell holes at about 0 1b 8.1 and opened fire. No. 8 Platoon being checked by machine gun fire from ARROW COPSE No 7 was directed to outflank this copse with the result that No 8 could again get forward , capturing the 2 machine guns & driving the enemy out of the copse. The small wood at O 2a 7.5 was also in hostile occupation but was cleared by Lewis Guns & Rifle Grenades. The Company then moved forward to the N. end of the copses where all platoons came under fire from a line of hidden machine guns. The company now began to form the chain of strong points as detailed in operation orders.

 

From this point no further definitive news could be gathered as to the fate of this company. A few men eventually rejoined the battalion & from their statements it is certain that all Platoons their proper positions where they were at once attacked by very superior German forces & were finally overwhelmed in these positions at a time between 6.30 and 7.30 am.

The main attack by the remaining 3 Coys having reached their objective by 6.30 am started to dig in and reports were sent back to Bn. Hqrs that large forces of the enemy could be seen in the BOIS du SART & the BOIS des AUBE PINES and that all covering parties were sent forward were at once coming under heavy machine gun & rifle fire.

It became apparent rapidly to the Coy commanders that an immediate counter attack was being prepared and this also was reported to Bn. Hqrs. These reports were confirmed by two Coy commanders in person returning wounded from the main attack. [Capt Tomlinson, Capt Caroline]

Steps had already been taken to get the Artillery on to the points where the enemy was reported to be massing but owing to the destruction of the wires by shell fire it was an hour before the guns opened fire.

By 7.30am the counter attack had fully developed in all its strength of at least 9 battalions. The weight of the attack seams to have come from the N. East & thus fell on "X" Coy. This Coy in spite of a stout resistance was gradually overwhelmed. Vide app. C.

From 7.30 onwards no reports, messages or wounded men arrived at Bn Hqrs or the Aid Post it is therefore apparent that "X" Coy having been overrun the hostile forces got between MONCHY & the attacking Companies of the Essex & NLFD. No men have returned from these Companies.

As soon as it became clear that MONCHY itself was being attacked patrols were put out from Hqr party to hold street barricades in MONCHY. No German succeeded in entering MONCHY. It must be remembered that during all this time the town was under an intense enemy barrage thus rendering it almost impossible to reinforce or support the two Battalions & making the work of the respective Hqrs parties extremely arduous.

Except for a certain amount of support from the 4th Worcester & 2dn Hants they fought on alone & these two battalions broke up a German attack designed not to drive them back but to retake MONCHY itself.

Appendix C. contains a copy of the Special Order issued by the G.O.C. 88th Bde.

Of the Officers who went into action the following is killed : 2/Lt. L. Cousins.

The following are wounded :- Capts R.E.G. Caroline, J. Tomlinson, Lieuts ?.W.J. Taylor

R. Eastwood. 2/Lt's H. Ockendon, S. ?. Andrew, F.W. Barker.

The following are missing :- Capt H.J.B. Foster, Lt C.R. Brown, 2/Lts A.L. Piper, S.N.R. Eyre, C.H. Feline H.R. Newth, P.W. Coombs, L.F. Portway; G.W. Turk.

Total casualties 17 officers & 644 OR. out of a strength of 31 officers & 892 O.R.

  

Sun., Apr 15, 1917

The remnants of the Battalion were now withdrawn & went to billets in ARRAS.

 

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=594...

 

LEGGETT Cecil George …………………….(RoH)

Rifleman 45201. 16th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps. Formerly S/303537 Royal Army Service Corps. Died of wounds in France & Flanders on 27th October 1918. Born Harlesdon, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Mrs. Holmes, of Church St., Bawburgh, Norwich. Buried: Awoingt British Cemetery, Nord, France. Ref. I. F. 18.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=536637

  

Norlink - No Picture in the Archive.

 

There are two likely Cecil Leggetts on the 1901 Census for England and Wales, but neither were born in Harlesdon. One, aged 7 was living with his Grandfather at Pulham St Mary, while the other was aged 21 and lived on Bury Street, Norwich with his 74 year old widowed mother. Of the two, I presume its more likely our chap was the 7 year old, but none of this provides a link to Postwick.

 

The Battle of the Selle 1918, (17th to 25th October) had involved the 16th Battalion, as part of 100 Brigade, 33rd Division.

www.ordersofbattle.darkscape.net/site/warpath/divs/33_div...

www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_selle.html

   

PRIMROSE (The Rt. Hon.) M.C. Neil James Archibald …(RoH)

Captain (The Rt. Hon.). 1st/1st Battalion Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars. Killed in action on 15th November 1917. Aged 34. Second son of 5th Earl of Rosebery (the former Prime Minister) and Countess of Rosebery; husband of Lady Victoria Primrose (now Lady Victoria Bullock), of Swynford Paddocks, Six Mile Bottom, Newmarket. Privy Councillor and Member of Parliament for Wisbech Division, Cambs. since 1910. Awarded the Military Cross. Buried: Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel. Ref. D. 49.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=653139

  

Norlink - No Picture in the Archive.

No obvious match on the 1901 Census for England and Wales, but if he was a career soldier, he could have been serving overseas at that time.

 

Created a Privy Counsellor in 1917, he was killed in November at Gezer during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign while leading his squadron against Turkish positions on the Abu Shusheh ridge during the Third Battle of Gaza.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Primrose_(politician)

 

fp.underw.f9.co.uk/bucksrems/casualties/m1131.html

hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1917/nov/19/death-of-...

 

There is a photograph of Neil Primrose in the Library of Congress collection on Flickr

www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/3121124446/

The British Jewry Book of Honour lists three Rothschilds who had commissions in the regiment during the First World War. One of them, Major Evelyn Achille de Rothschild, was wounded on 13 November 1917 in the cavalry charge at El Mughar in the Palestine campaign and died four days later. His cousin Neil Primrose also fell. He was the son of Hannah Rothschild who, to the chagrin of both families, married the 5th Earl of Rosebery. Neil Primrose, Evelyn de Rothschild's cousin, also served in the Royal Bucks Hussars in Palestine. He was killed on 15 November 1917.

www.hellfire-corner.demon.co.uk/snillop.htm

 

www.firstworldwar.com/source/jerusalem_masterman.htm

  

TURNER Alfred Edward…………………..(RoH)

Serjeant 16837. 7th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action in France & Flanders on 13th October 1915. Aged 30. Born Blakeney, Norfolk. Enlisted Norwich. Son of Edward Clifford Turner and Anna Turner. Commemorated: Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 30 and 31.

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1771046

 

Or Could be: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=31860

Name: TURNER, ALFRED EDWARD

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 9th Bn.

Age: 30 Date of Death: 21/09/1916 Service No: 15323

Additional information: Son of John and Elizabeth Turner, of Walcot, Norfolk; husband of Mrs. N. Turner, of Colby, Long Rd., Aylsham, Norfolk.

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. H. 9. Cemetery: GROVE TOWN CEMETERY, MEAULTE

 

The 9th Battalion soldier was living at Bell Yard, White Street Martham at the time of the 1901 Census, having been born at Rollesby. He was aged 15 and employed as a Hay Trusser. This was the household of his parents, John, (a 44 year old Domestic Coachman), and Elizabeth, (aged 45). Their other children are Andrew, (aged 8), Charles, (aged 16 and a “Stoke Freeder on Farm”), and Rosetta, (aged 5)

 

No obvious match on the 1901 Census for the 7th Battalion man,

 

Norlink - No Picture in the Archive.

 

1939 - 1945

 

Bernard Eric Allen

 

Name: ALLEN, BERNARD ERIC

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Army Medical Corps

Date of Death: 21/12/1943 Service No: 7359592

Grave/Memorial Reference: 2. A. 4. Cemetery: TOBRUK WAR CEMETERY

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2224643

 

Edward Rivers-Fletcher

 

Name: FLETCHER, EDWARD RIVERS

Rank: Lieutenant

Regiment: Royal Armoured Corps Unit Text: 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry

Age: 35 Date of Death: 28/06/1944 Service No: 222645

Additional information: Son of Muriel Fletcher; husband of Dora Fletcher, of Paddington, London.

Grave/Memorial Reference: VII. G. 14. Cemetery: ST. MANVIEU WAR CEMETERY, CHEUX

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2061066

 

The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944. Those buried in St. Manvieu War Cemetery died for the most part in the fluctuating battles from mid June to the end of July 1944, in the region between Tilly-sur-Seulles and Caen.

www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=200480...

 

2 NY served as the reconnaisance regiment of 11th Armoured Division until disbanded in August 1944. Operated Cromwells and Fireflies. The late Keith Jones' autobiography '64 days of a Normandy Summer' covered his service with the regiment

 

The 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry landed their Cromwells on Gold Beach near Courseulles sur Mer on 18th June 1944. As the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment of the 11th Armoured Division their basic role was to probe the enemy defences, maintain contact and report information back to Divisional Headquarters. After the landing the Regiment de-waterproofed their tanks.

 

On 26th June the 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry were ordered to push on through Cheux and capture the bridges over the Odon. Torrential rain caused three days delay and the enemy moved two armoured divisions into place.

 

airfixtributeforum.myfastforum.org/about14717.html&vi...

 

26th June 1944. At 1250 one squadron from the 11th Armoured Division's reconnaissance regiment, deployed north of Cheux, was ordered to advance towards the Odon[74] as the precursor to an attempt by the division's armoured brigade to rush the bridges.[38] Owing to minefields near the village, debris blocking its streets, and German holdouts attacking the tanks, it was not until 1400 that the regiment was finally able to make progress. By 1430 the squadron arrived on a ridge south of Cheux, where it was engaged[74] by twenty Panzer IVs (diverted by the 12th SS Panzer Division from the Rauray area), Tiger tanks from the 3rd Battalion 101st Heavy SS Panzer Battalion, and additional armour from the 21st Panzer Division.[75] More tanks from the 11th Armoured Division arrived, but determined German resistance halted any further advance;[74] by the end of the day the division had lost twenty-one tanks.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Epsom

   

Arthur James Webb

Name: WEBB, ARTHUR JAMES

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Royal Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 4th Bn.

Age: 24 Date of Death: 11/02/1942 Service No: 5775351

Additional information: Son of Alfred James Webb and Blanche Evelyn Webb; husband of Gertrude Evelyn Webb, of Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: 17. A. 18. Cemetery: KRANJI WAR CEMETERY

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2821944

 

The 4th Battalion were captured with the Fall of Singapore, with many prisoners subsequently being worked to death by the Japanese. Private Webb was one of the many who would die in the confused fighting on Singapore Island in the last few days before the surrender.

www.cofepow.org.uk/pages/armedforces_r_norfolk.html

www.britain-at-war.org.uk/WW2/royal_norfolks_in_far_east/...

  

The Village memorial is in the Churchyard of Holy Trinity, Ingham.

 

(ROH) = Roll of Honour. I am considerably indebted to this website for the initial information on each of the individuals below.

www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Ingham.html

  

1914 – 1918

 

CLAXTON John Robert

Corporal 41074. 2nd Bn., Essex Regiment. Formerly 25502 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 3 May 1917. Born Brisley. Lived Ingham. Commemorated: ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7 (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=744732

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 2nd Essex were in the 4th Division, which was involved in the 3rd Battle of the Scarpe which commenced on this day.

Third Battle of the Scarpe

3 - 4 May 1917

After securing the area around Arleux at the end of April, the British determined to launch another attack east from Monchy to try and breakthrough the Boiry Riegel and reach the Wotanstellung, a major German defensive fortification.[30] This was scheduled to coincide with the Australian attack at Bullecourt in order to present the Germans with a two–pronged assault. British commanders hoped that success in this venture would force the Germans to retreat further to the east. With this objective in mind, the British launched another attack near the Scarpe on 3 May. However, neither prong was able to make any significant advances and the attack was called off the following day after incurring heavy casualties

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Arras_(1917)

 

The only John Claxton on the 1901 Census who was born Brisley was already aged 36, making him 52 by the time of this soldiers death - unlikely but not impossible. I can’t find any Claxton connection with Ingham at the time of the 1901 Census.

   

HUNT Alfred William

Private 19045. 1st Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Monday 23 April 1917. Born Swanton Abbott. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France Bay 3. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=784689

 

No match on Norlink

 

Attack on La Coulotte

 

23rd April 1917 - from the War diary of the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment

Appendix XII. OPERATION ORDER No.73. Map Reference VIMY Scale 1/10,000. 22nd April 1917.

1. ATTACK. The 5th Division will attack and capture S Trenches from VIMY-AVIONS Railway to the SOUCHEZ Railway.

2. POSITION. 15th Infantry Brigade will attack on the right. 95th Infantry Brigade will attack on the left. 15th Infantry Brigade will attack with first Battalion Norfolk Regiment and 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment on the left. (95th Infantry Brigade on the left of 1st Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment.)

3. BOUNDARIES. 1st Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment – Right T.1.c.80/60 – T.1.d.10/90. Left S.6.central to junction of railway and road at N.31.c.95/90 exclusive.

4. OBJECTIVES. 1st Objective T.1.b.10/10 to T.1.b.0/6 thence to N.31.c.3/1. 2nd Objective T.1.b.60/85 to N.31.d.20/50 thence to 31.c.95/90.

5. BARRAGE. On German front line from Zero to Zero plus ten. German second line (1st objective) from Zero plus 10 to Zero plus 14. About 100 yards (1st objective) a pause of 24 minutes will be observed. It then creeps forward at a rate of 100 yards in 4 minutes until it reaches the outskirts of AVION.

6. GENERAL METHOD. A & B Companies will take the first objective with two platoons each in first wave and two platoons in second wave. A Coy. on the right, B Coy. on the left.

C & D Companies will take second objective, “C” on the right, “D” on the left.

Dividing line between Companies – T.1.a.7/7 (where LENS – ARRAS road crosses German second line) to N.31.d.3/3.

7. DETAILED METHOD. From 30 yards our side of Outpost Line.

A Company. 1st platoon of this company that moves will avoid CYRIL TRENCH on East side of the road and close to it will deploy 150 yards from the road. 2nd platoon will follow this one keeping along the road and from 200 yards to 400 yards will change direction man by man and lay in the ditch in the road. The advance will be made from the left about half hour after deployment. 3rd platoon will attack the triangle at T.1 central and enfiladed with -- (1) Bombs below ground (2) Lewis Guns on top – the WATER TOWER TRENCH and FOSSE No.7 TRENCH. 4th platoon will support the 3rd and act as Moppers Up for the whole company. Touch must be kept with the 1st Norfolk Regiment on the right and the whole triangle including junction of CYRIL TRENCH taken.

B Company. Right on LENS – ARRAS road and left on left boundary keeping touch with 95th Infantry Brigade. The first two platoons will go straight to their objectives and the second two platoons will get into the German front line and mop up.

C & D Companies will advance at 100 yards distance from assaulting companies and will get into A & B Companies objective as soon as it is taken. They will wait in this trench until barrage moves forward from stationary line Zero plus 38 when they will move forward to final objective behind the barrage.

8. Watches to be syncronised at Commanding Officers conference.

9. FIRING. There will be no firing or bombing until after barrage had opened. If parties are met they will be bayoneted.

10. COMMUNICATION. I Power Busser junction of A & B Companies in first objective. Visual should be possible at south end of same wall to a point to be notified.

11. CONTACT AEROPLANE. Will fly at Zero plus 1 hour and Zero plus 2 hours. Flares will be lit if called for by KLAXON HORN and in places as invisible as possible from the enemy. Only front line troops will light them.

12. S.O.S. See V.P.A.

13. TIME TABLE. Time table and detail for relief of 15th Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment as attached. Previous time tale to be cancelled.

14. ROYAL ENGINEERS. R.E. i/c section will report to Battalion headquarters at 2am.

15. PRISONERS. To be collected in CYRIL TRENCH. 16th Royal Warwickshire Regt. to arrange escorts.

16. ZERO HOUR. 4.45am

17. FLAGS. Flags will be carried and not stuck in the ground.

18. BATTALION H.Q. Battalion Headquarters at S.12.b.8/1

Please acknowledge.

(Signed) Beale Lt. & Adjt., 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.

Report on action at La Coulotte.. Lt. Colonel P.B. Worrall M.C. Commanding 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.

Sir, I have the honour to report that I received orders to attack LA COULOTTE from T.1.d.1/9 to T.1.a.3/9. and attach a copy of my Operation Orders which I personally explained in detail to all Officers and NCO’s. Briefly, I had to make:

(a) a frontal attack to the N.

(b) a flank attack East on WATER TOWER TRENCH.

AND (c) attack on triangle south of WATER TRENCH from the south, including a large part of CYRIL TRENCH held by the Germans.

The whole undertaking seemed to be most hazardous.

I considered the WATER TOWER TRENCH to be key to the situation and so attacked it frontally and in enfilade. Had I not got this footing, my Battalion must haave been wiped out by WATER TOWER TRENCH if we were held up by wire.

NARRATIVE.

4.40am. For half an hour previous to this I heard no M.G. fire and this proved a successful deployment.

5.15am. Two wounded reported that left company had reached 1st line German trench. It proved afterwards to be correct but with regard to extreme left only.

6.15am. 24 prisoners marched in from DEVONS and BEDFORDS captured at the junction of these two Battalions. 6.5am O.C. right assault company reported wounded but right company going through gaps. This Officer in charge and many others afterwards reported that it took at least five minutes to get through the wire, that there were few gaps, and a double belt (the first one 15 yards thick) in front of the first line.

7.05am. Touch with NORFOLKS reported.

7.55amj. Right 2nd wave (“C” Coy.) report they had passed through first objective (second German line) met with strong resistance, machine gun fire from houses and minerwerfer, but captured 9 prisoners (sent back), and 2 machine guns which they later smashed, and parties actually reached buildings T.1.b.5/9 and made a great attempt to rush LA COULOTTE from there, patrols were also sent out from there to try and get touch with the NORFOLKS , and companies on the left.

9.50am. NCO’s from “B” and “D” (left companies) reported that their right was held up, they had been surrounded and several prisoners had been taken. I have satisfied myself that these men were between two belts of wire with wire and a communication trench on the right from which they were enfiladed, and the gaps through which they had advanced were covered, and that they were bombed from the front and like rats in a trap.

Lt. Hunter from the right and who was on the other side of the road witnessed it and stated they were absolutely powerless.

10.00am. I sent orders to “A” and “C” to hang on and throw a defensive flank from junction of LENS-ARRAS ROAD and 1st German line and make strenuous efforts to get in touch with “B” and “D” .

11.05am. Lt. Woodford wounded, reported that “B” and “D” took the German 2nd line and were at once driven out of it with the exception of extreme left (communication trench T.1.a.30/95). Capt. C.A.S. Morris O.C. B Company was killed in rallying his men to make a gallant attack on machine guns, holding up their advance from 2nd line. At the same time I received a message that the remnants of A and C Companies were under 100 in WATER TOWER TRENCH and TRIANGLE, and that there were some NORFOLKS fighting with them and that they could not hold out much longer. They asked for reinforcements and bombs.

1.30pm. I applied at once for permission to conduct retirement in person but on this being refused I despatched Lt.H.J.EVERERTT MC with all available men from headquarters with 700 bombs and detailed orders for retirement if forced back, and I considered it imperative:

1. To hold the strong point in CYRIL TRENCH and not save the OUTPOST LINE

2. To evacuate my wounded (some 30) in the TUNNEL before evacuation.

My orders were more than carried out, the bombs were taken up under heavy fire, though some sent up by another Regiment failed to arrive, a splendid attack was led by a Sergeant of the NORFOLKS before the withdrawal, all the wounded were got away, and barricade strengthened before withdrawal.

[Cannot read time]. Verbal message received that A and C Companies had withdrawn to our original OUTPOST LINE and that Lt. H.J.EVERETT MC again sent up with a further supply of ammunition and bombs for strong point in CYRIL TRENCH.

[Cannot read time]. My position at the time of this withdrawal was:

1. About 60 men of “A” and “C”, all me effective rifles and some NORFOLKS from about T.1.a.6/7 to T.1.a.9/0 (German Front Line).

2. On my left from T.1.a.5/6 to T.1.a.1/8 the remnants of “B” and “D” lying out in front of German Wire till dusk, being continually bombed, grenaded and minenwerfened.

[Cannot read time]. A proportion of “B” and “D” Companies withdrew under the smoke of a protective barrage on German 2nd Line trench, to left of OLD OUTPOST LINE.

Copy of orders of my forced retirement attached.

I consider that my Officers, NCO’s and men showed great devotion to duty against untold odds, particularly wire and machine guns and I am forwarding under separate cover a list of recommendations.

I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant

P.R.WORRALL, Lt.Colonel commanding 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.

www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbtn/1stbtn1917appendices.html

 

The 1901 Census has the 17 year old Alfred, born Swanton Abbott and a Brickmaker by trade, living at The Hill, Swanton Abbott. This is the household of his parents, John B, (aged 54, a Corn Miller and Farmer, born Swanton Abbott) and Mary E, (aged 50 and born Scottow). Also resident are Alfred’s 6 year old brother Benjamin, 8 year old sister Florrie R, 30 year old brother Herbert G, (still single and giving his profession as Miller & Labourer), and sister Rachel E, aged 12.

 

LITTLEWOOD, MC Charles William Stephen

Second Lieutenant 7th Field Coy., Royal Engineers. Killed in action Tuesday 10 July 1917. Age 19. Son of William and Kathleen Mary Littlewood (nee Sinnott). Commemorated: LONDON CEMETERY, NEUVILLE-VITASSE, Pas de Calais, France. Wancourt Road Cem. No. 2 Mem., Panel I. (The entry on CWGC is somewhat confusing here) (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=285446

 

No match on Norlink

 

The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a 2 year old Charles W living at Brightside in Sheffield, although the family have no obvious links with Norfolk. There is a 1 year Charles E living at The Hill, Skeyton.

 

The 7th Field Company were the Divisional Engineers for the 50th (Northumbrian) Division.

www.remuseum.org.uk/corpshistory/rem_corps_part14.htm#wes...

www.fairmile.fsbusiness.co.uk/50th.htm

 

Unfortunately, as usual I couldn’t find a report of the award of the Military Cross to 2nd Lt Charles Littlewood in the London Gazette online archive.

 

PESTELL Bertie James

Private 15028. Norfolk Regiment. Died on Saturday 11 November 1916. Age 25. Son of the late Charles and Susan Pestall, of Ingham. Buried: INGHAM (HOLY TRINITY) CHURCHYARD, Norfolk, United Kingdom. (Not on the CD) (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4028473

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 1901 Census has a 9 year old Bertie Pestell living at Common Road, Hempstead. This is the household of his parents Charles, (aged 45, a Teamster on Farm born Hempstead) and Susan, (aged 37, born Palling). The rest of the family are Alice, (aged 6, born Lessingham), Ethel, (under 1, born Hempstead), Florence, (aged 14 and Yard “Boy” on Farm, born Hempstead), George, (aged 8, born Hempstead) and Percy, (aged 12, born Lessingham).

 

RUDRAM Samuel Henry

 

Deck Hand 6035DA. H.M. Trawler "Thomas Cornwall., Royal Naval Reserve. Died Tuesday 29 October 1918 when his ship was involved in a collision. Son of Clement Rudram and Harriet Lucy Elizaveth Goose (formerly Rudram), of Ingham, Stalham, Norwich. He was born on 26 April 1896 in Ingham and baptised there on 13 Sep 1896. He joined the RNR on 29 March 1915. He gave his address as Gurney's Cottage, Ingham and his next of kin as his mother Lucy. He was 5ft 6in tall, 36 in chest with a fresh complexion and grey eyes. He mobilised before receiving any training and was a deck hand (service no - DA6035) on HM Trawler "Thomas Cornwall". However since he was mobilised into the RNR he must have been a sailor by trade and as he went to trawler rated as deck-hand he was probably a fisherman. Unfortunately as he had no peacetime service there is no indication of what boats he worked in on his RNR record card. (RN and RNR records are much easier to read than the army ones and 80% weren't destroyed in WWII). His mother was now given as Sydney Rd, Ingham. Commemorated: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent, United Kingdom. Panel 31. (RoH)

 

The CWGC site only lists him as Samuel Rudram, the son of Lucy Moson, (formerly Rudram), of Ingham, Stalham.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3047959

 

No match on Norlink

 

The Thomas Cornwall was actually a “Q” ship. This probably explains some of the confusion for the researcher on the Roll of Honour site. Officially she was Admiralty No 3702, launched 10th June 1918, 1 x 12 pounder gun, 1 x 3.5 " gun

Sunk 29th October 1918 in collision off Flamborough Head.

www.roll-of-honour.com/Ships/QShips.html

www.naval-history.net/WW1NavyBritishQships.htm

www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1918-10Oct.htm

 

Rudram family website. Samuel was born 6th April 1896 and enrolled 29th March 1915, and his parents were Clement & Lucy.

www.rudram.org/sailor13.html

 

The 1901 Census has a 3 year old Samuel living at Calthorpe Street, Ingham, (I would expect him to 5 if the family website is correct, although of course the Census is only as accurate as the information given by the householder). This was the household of his parents, Clement, (aged 38, born Palling, and an Agricultural Labourer), and Lucy, (aged 37, born Horsey). The family consisted of Ernest, (aged under 1 and born Ingham), Ida, (aged 16 and born Stalham), Mary, (aged 11 and born Ingham), and Olive, (aged 7 and born Ingham).

  

WOOLSTON Robert William

Private 15214. 8th Bn., Norfolk Regiment attd. , London Regt (Post Office Rifles). Died of wounds Friday 26 April 1918. Born Palling. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: CROUY BRITISH CEMETERY, CROUY-SUR-SOMME, Somme, France. Ref. I. C. 15. (RoH)

On the CWGC site his unit is given as the 8th Battalion, London regiment (Post Office Rifles).

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=71630

 

No match on Norlink

 

On 13th April they were moved to front line positions, where coincidentally two companies of the disbanded 8th Norfolks, that had been on attachment to the 7th Norfolks, joined the battalion to partially replace their losses.

The defence of Amiens at Villers Bretonneux cannot be more vividly described than by the following extract from the battalion history:

"Villers Bretonneux will long live in the memory of those who had the misfortune to be there as one of the most unpleasant and hotly contested positions in the defence of Amiens. Under continual bombardment by night and day by shells of all calibres - mostly gas, no place not even its deepest cellar, afforded security. One gas shell knocked out ninety men of Headquarters details of whom fifty died from gas poisoning. From 17th to 19th April there were more than 150 gas casualties, including six Officers, while Captain Massey-Miles, MC, one of the whitest and most gallant Battalion Medical Officers in France died of gas poisoning, after a heroic attempt to succour others similarly poisoned, removing his gas mask in order to do so, thus courting an inevitable and agonising death. Three Medical Officers were sent in quick succession in one day, two of whom became casualties, one killed, one wounded. The last to arrive, Lieutenant MacBean of the American Army, survived the ordeal and remained with the Battalion for the rest of the War."

Alas, time had also run out for S.A.D., on 18th April he was evacuated suffering from gas poisoning, one of the twenty five percent of the battalion affected. He had ingested mustard gas, possibly as a consequence of eating tainted rations

www.hastang.co.uk/SAD/end.htm

 

On the 1901 Census, the 4 year old Robert was living at Bridge House, Ingham, having been born at Palling. This was the household of his parents, Jeremiah, (aged 48, born Ingham and a Farmer), and Sarah, (aged 43, born Sloley). The rest of the family was Kate, (aged 12, born Palling), May, (aged 1, born Ingham) and Rachel, (aged 15, born Palling).

  

1939 – 1945

 

HALES Walter John

Leading Aircraftman 927117. 228 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on Tuesday 25 August 1942. Age 25. Husband of Vera Joan Hales, of Littlethorpe, Yorkshire. Buried: INGHAM (HOLY TRINITY) CHURCHYARD, Norfolk, United Kingdom. (RoH)

 

On the CWGC site he is listed as John Walter

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2763932

 

Leading Aircraftman Hales may have been part of the crew of Sunderland W4026 which crashed into the side of a Scottish Mountain on this day, while ferrying H.R.H The Duke of Kent, brother of the King, to Reyjavik. Only one person survived the crash.

www.ww2inthehighlands.co.uk/folders/crashes/thecrashofsun...

 

On these sites there is reference to a leading Aircraftman John Walter “Holes” being on board.

freespace.virgin.net/paul.sclyde/page9.htm

www.rafoban.co.uk/page10.htm

 

Contemporary flight magazine article covering the crash.

www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1942/1942 - 1862.html

 

A family history site has details of John’s family. Vera’s name before marriage was Trulling.

bbhales.com/genealogy/hales/pafg04.htm#604

 

While I don’t agree with the views expressed on this site, it does give an interesting insight into the make up of the party travelling that day.

 

Officially the Duke of Kent was one of fifteen people on board the aircraft. Also on board were Prince George’s private secretary (John Lowther), his equerry (Michael Strutt) and his valet (John Hales).

educationforum.ipbhost.com/index.php?s=749397ff6981677c89...

 

I don’t think this is quite correct - on CWGC John is shown on the strength of 228 Squadron. On the site with references to John “Holes” he is described as a Batman. As the Squadron Commander of 228, Wing Commander Thomas Moseley was also on board, I suspect John was probably his batman, at best temporarily loaned to the Duke.

 

1.Air Commodore George Edward Alexander Edmund Windsor

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2436351

2.Lieutenant John Lowther RNVR

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2720375

3.Pilot Officer (Air Gunner) The Hon C.V.Michael Strutt 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2703017

4.Flight Lieutenant Frank McKenzie Goyen 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457509

5.Wing Commander Thomas Lawton Moseley 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457529

6.Flying Officer Sydney Wood Smith RAAF 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457538

7.Pilot Officer (Navigator) George Richard Saunders 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2413709

8.Flight Sergeant William Royston Jones (Flight Mechanic and Air Gunner) 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2716602

9.Flight Sergeant Charles Norman Lewis 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2965572

10.Flight Sergeant Ernest Hewerdine 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2417352

11.Sergeant Edward Francis Blacklock RNZAF (Wireless Operator\Air Gunner) 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457501

12:Sergeant Arthur Rowland Catt (Wireless Operator\Air Gunner) 228 Squadron.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2430570

13. Sergeant Leonard Edward Sweett, (Flight Engineer) 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2948512

14. Leading Aircraftman John Walter Hales 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2763932

15.Sergeant Andrew S W Jacks - survived

 

A mini-biography of George Windsor, Duke of Kent, (Both to be taken with a slight pinch of salt !)

everything2.com/e2node/George Edward Windsor, 1st Duke of Kent

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_George,_Duke_of_Kent

  

LSTM was founded on 12 November 1898 by Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, a local ship owner. At the time, Liverpool was a prominent port city which carried on an extensive trade with overseas regions such as West and Southern Africa. Consequently the number of patients in the region admitted to hospital with ‘tropical’ diseases soared, so he set up the School of Tropical Medicine with local business and health pioneers to investigate these outbreaks.

 

LSTM relied on the facilities of University College, now known as the University of Liverpool, until 1920 when it occupied its present location at Pembroke Place,Liverpool

The Village memorial is in the Churchyard of Holy Trinity, Ingham.

 

(ROH) = Roll of Honour. I am considerably indebted to this website for the initial information on each of the individuals below.

www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Ingham.html

  

1914 – 1918

 

CLAXTON John Robert

Corporal 41074. 2nd Bn., Essex Regiment. Formerly 25502 Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Thursday 3 May 1917. Born Brisley. Lived Ingham. Commemorated: ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Bay 7 (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=744732

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 2nd Essex were in the 4th Division, which was involved in the 3rd Battle of the Scarpe which commenced on this day.

Third Battle of the Scarpe

3 - 4 May 1917

After securing the area around Arleux at the end of April, the British determined to launch another attack east from Monchy to try and breakthrough the Boiry Riegel and reach the Wotanstellung, a major German defensive fortification.[30] This was scheduled to coincide with the Australian attack at Bullecourt in order to present the Germans with a two–pronged assault. British commanders hoped that success in this venture would force the Germans to retreat further to the east. With this objective in mind, the British launched another attack near the Scarpe on 3 May. However, neither prong was able to make any significant advances and the attack was called off the following day after incurring heavy casualties

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Arras_(1917)

 

The only John Claxton on the 1901 Census who was born Brisley was already aged 36, making him 52 by the time of this soldiers death - unlikely but not impossible. I can’t find any Claxton connection with Ingham at the time of the 1901 Census.

   

HUNT Alfred William

Private 19045. 1st Bn., Norfolk Regiment. Killed in action Monday 23 April 1917. Born Swanton Abbott. Enlisted Norwich. Commemorated: ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France Bay 3. (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=784689

 

No match on Norlink

 

Attack on La Coulotte

 

23rd April 1917 - from the War diary of the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment

Appendix XII. OPERATION ORDER No.73. Map Reference VIMY Scale 1/10,000. 22nd April 1917.

1. ATTACK. The 5th Division will attack and capture S Trenches from VIMY-AVIONS Railway to the SOUCHEZ Railway.

2. POSITION. 15th Infantry Brigade will attack on the right. 95th Infantry Brigade will attack on the left. 15th Infantry Brigade will attack with first Battalion Norfolk Regiment and 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment on the left. (95th Infantry Brigade on the left of 1st Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment.)

3. BOUNDARIES. 1st Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment – Right T.1.c.80/60 – T.1.d.10/90. Left S.6.central to junction of railway and road at N.31.c.95/90 exclusive.

4. OBJECTIVES. 1st Objective T.1.b.10/10 to T.1.b.0/6 thence to N.31.c.3/1. 2nd Objective T.1.b.60/85 to N.31.d.20/50 thence to 31.c.95/90.

5. BARRAGE. On German front line from Zero to Zero plus ten. German second line (1st objective) from Zero plus 10 to Zero plus 14. About 100 yards (1st objective) a pause of 24 minutes will be observed. It then creeps forward at a rate of 100 yards in 4 minutes until it reaches the outskirts of AVION.

6. GENERAL METHOD. A & B Companies will take the first objective with two platoons each in first wave and two platoons in second wave. A Coy. on the right, B Coy. on the left.

C & D Companies will take second objective, “C” on the right, “D” on the left.

Dividing line between Companies – T.1.a.7/7 (where LENS – ARRAS road crosses German second line) to N.31.d.3/3.

7. DETAILED METHOD. From 30 yards our side of Outpost Line.

A Company. 1st platoon of this company that moves will avoid CYRIL TRENCH on East side of the road and close to it will deploy 150 yards from the road. 2nd platoon will follow this one keeping along the road and from 200 yards to 400 yards will change direction man by man and lay in the ditch in the road. The advance will be made from the left about half hour after deployment. 3rd platoon will attack the triangle at T.1 central and enfiladed with -- (1) Bombs below ground (2) Lewis Guns on top – the WATER TOWER TRENCH and FOSSE No.7 TRENCH. 4th platoon will support the 3rd and act as Moppers Up for the whole company. Touch must be kept with the 1st Norfolk Regiment on the right and the whole triangle including junction of CYRIL TRENCH taken.

B Company. Right on LENS – ARRAS road and left on left boundary keeping touch with 95th Infantry Brigade. The first two platoons will go straight to their objectives and the second two platoons will get into the German front line and mop up.

C & D Companies will advance at 100 yards distance from assaulting companies and will get into A & B Companies objective as soon as it is taken. They will wait in this trench until barrage moves forward from stationary line Zero plus 38 when they will move forward to final objective behind the barrage.

8. Watches to be syncronised at Commanding Officers conference.

9. FIRING. There will be no firing or bombing until after barrage had opened. If parties are met they will be bayoneted.

10. COMMUNICATION. I Power Busser junction of A & B Companies in first objective. Visual should be possible at south end of same wall to a point to be notified.

11. CONTACT AEROPLANE. Will fly at Zero plus 1 hour and Zero plus 2 hours. Flares will be lit if called for by KLAXON HORN and in places as invisible as possible from the enemy. Only front line troops will light them.

12. S.O.S. See V.P.A.

13. TIME TABLE. Time table and detail for relief of 15th Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment as attached. Previous time tale to be cancelled.

14. ROYAL ENGINEERS. R.E. i/c section will report to Battalion headquarters at 2am.

15. PRISONERS. To be collected in CYRIL TRENCH. 16th Royal Warwickshire Regt. to arrange escorts.

16. ZERO HOUR. 4.45am

17. FLAGS. Flags will be carried and not stuck in the ground.

18. BATTALION H.Q. Battalion Headquarters at S.12.b.8/1

Please acknowledge.

(Signed) Beale Lt. & Adjt., 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.

Report on action at La Coulotte.. Lt. Colonel P.B. Worrall M.C. Commanding 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.

Sir, I have the honour to report that I received orders to attack LA COULOTTE from T.1.d.1/9 to T.1.a.3/9. and attach a copy of my Operation Orders which I personally explained in detail to all Officers and NCO’s. Briefly, I had to make:

(a) a frontal attack to the N.

(b) a flank attack East on WATER TOWER TRENCH.

AND (c) attack on triangle south of WATER TRENCH from the south, including a large part of CYRIL TRENCH held by the Germans.

The whole undertaking seemed to be most hazardous.

I considered the WATER TOWER TRENCH to be key to the situation and so attacked it frontally and in enfilade. Had I not got this footing, my Battalion must haave been wiped out by WATER TOWER TRENCH if we were held up by wire.

NARRATIVE.

4.40am. For half an hour previous to this I heard no M.G. fire and this proved a successful deployment.

5.15am. Two wounded reported that left company had reached 1st line German trench. It proved afterwards to be correct but with regard to extreme left only.

6.15am. 24 prisoners marched in from DEVONS and BEDFORDS captured at the junction of these two Battalions. 6.5am O.C. right assault company reported wounded but right company going through gaps. This Officer in charge and many others afterwards reported that it took at least five minutes to get through the wire, that there were few gaps, and a double belt (the first one 15 yards thick) in front of the first line.

7.05am. Touch with NORFOLKS reported.

7.55amj. Right 2nd wave (“C” Coy.) report they had passed through first objective (second German line) met with strong resistance, machine gun fire from houses and minerwerfer, but captured 9 prisoners (sent back), and 2 machine guns which they later smashed, and parties actually reached buildings T.1.b.5/9 and made a great attempt to rush LA COULOTTE from there, patrols were also sent out from there to try and get touch with the NORFOLKS , and companies on the left.

9.50am. NCO’s from “B” and “D” (left companies) reported that their right was held up, they had been surrounded and several prisoners had been taken. I have satisfied myself that these men were between two belts of wire with wire and a communication trench on the right from which they were enfiladed, and the gaps through which they had advanced were covered, and that they were bombed from the front and like rats in a trap.

Lt. Hunter from the right and who was on the other side of the road witnessed it and stated they were absolutely powerless.

10.00am. I sent orders to “A” and “C” to hang on and throw a defensive flank from junction of LENS-ARRAS ROAD and 1st German line and make strenuous efforts to get in touch with “B” and “D” .

11.05am. Lt. Woodford wounded, reported that “B” and “D” took the German 2nd line and were at once driven out of it with the exception of extreme left (communication trench T.1.a.30/95). Capt. C.A.S. Morris O.C. B Company was killed in rallying his men to make a gallant attack on machine guns, holding up their advance from 2nd line. At the same time I received a message that the remnants of A and C Companies were under 100 in WATER TOWER TRENCH and TRIANGLE, and that there were some NORFOLKS fighting with them and that they could not hold out much longer. They asked for reinforcements and bombs.

1.30pm. I applied at once for permission to conduct retirement in person but on this being refused I despatched Lt.H.J.EVERERTT MC with all available men from headquarters with 700 bombs and detailed orders for retirement if forced back, and I considered it imperative:

1. To hold the strong point in CYRIL TRENCH and not save the OUTPOST LINE

2. To evacuate my wounded (some 30) in the TUNNEL before evacuation.

My orders were more than carried out, the bombs were taken up under heavy fire, though some sent up by another Regiment failed to arrive, a splendid attack was led by a Sergeant of the NORFOLKS before the withdrawal, all the wounded were got away, and barricade strengthened before withdrawal.

[Cannot read time]. Verbal message received that A and C Companies had withdrawn to our original OUTPOST LINE and that Lt. H.J.EVERETT MC again sent up with a further supply of ammunition and bombs for strong point in CYRIL TRENCH.

[Cannot read time]. My position at the time of this withdrawal was:

1. About 60 men of “A” and “C”, all me effective rifles and some NORFOLKS from about T.1.a.6/7 to T.1.a.9/0 (German Front Line).

2. On my left from T.1.a.5/6 to T.1.a.1/8 the remnants of “B” and “D” lying out in front of German Wire till dusk, being continually bombed, grenaded and minenwerfened.

[Cannot read time]. A proportion of “B” and “D” Companies withdrew under the smoke of a protective barrage on German 2nd Line trench, to left of OLD OUTPOST LINE.

Copy of orders of my forced retirement attached.

I consider that my Officers, NCO’s and men showed great devotion to duty against untold odds, particularly wire and machine guns and I am forwarding under separate cover a list of recommendations.

I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant

P.R.WORRALL, Lt.Colonel commanding 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.

www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbtn/1stbtn1917appendices.html

 

The 1901 Census has the 17 year old Alfred, born Swanton Abbott and a Brickmaker by trade, living at The Hill, Swanton Abbott. This is the household of his parents, John B, (aged 54, a Corn Miller and Farmer, born Swanton Abbott) and Mary E, (aged 50 and born Scottow). Also resident are Alfred’s 6 year old brother Benjamin, 8 year old sister Florrie R, 30 year old brother Herbert G, (still single and giving his profession as Miller & Labourer), and sister Rachel E, aged 12.

 

LITTLEWOOD, MC Charles William Stephen

Second Lieutenant 7th Field Coy., Royal Engineers. Killed in action Tuesday 10 July 1917. Age 19. Son of William and Kathleen Mary Littlewood (nee Sinnott). Commemorated: LONDON CEMETERY, NEUVILLE-VITASSE, Pas de Calais, France. Wancourt Road Cem. No. 2 Mem., Panel I. (The entry on CWGC is somewhat confusing here) (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=285446

 

No match on Norlink

 

The most likely match on the 1901 Census is a 2 year old Charles W living at Brightside in Sheffield, although the family have no obvious links with Norfolk. There is a 1 year Charles E living at The Hill, Skeyton.

 

The 7th Field Company were the Divisional Engineers for the 50th (Northumbrian) Division.

www.remuseum.org.uk/corpshistory/rem_corps_part14.htm#wes...

www.fairmile.fsbusiness.co.uk/50th.htm

 

Unfortunately, as usual I couldn’t find a report of the award of the Military Cross to 2nd Lt Charles Littlewood in the London Gazette online archive.

  

PESTELL Bertie James

Private 15028. Norfolk Regiment. Died on Saturday 11 November 1916. Age 25. Son of the late Charles and Susan Pestall, of Ingham. Buried: INGHAM (HOLY TRINITY) CHURCHYARD, Norfolk, United Kingdom. (Not on the CD) (RoH)

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4028473

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 1901 Census has a 9 year old Bertie Pestell living at Common Road, Hempstead. This is the household of his parents Charles, (aged 45, a Teamster on Farm born Hempstead) and Susan, (aged 37, born Palling). The rest of the family are Alice, (aged 6, born Lessingham), Ethel, (under 1, born Hempstead), Florence, (aged 14 and Yard “Boy” on Farm, born Hempstead), George, (aged 8, born Hempstead) and Percy, (aged 12, born Lessingham).

 

RUDRAM Samuel Henry

 

Deck Hand 6035DA. H.M. Trawler "Thomas Cornwall., Royal Naval Reserve. Died Tuesday 29 October 1918 when his ship was involved in a collision. Son of Clement Rudram and Harriet Lucy Elizaveth Goose (formerly Rudram), of Ingham, Stalham, Norwich. He was born on 26 April 1896 in Ingham and baptised there on 13 Sep 1896. He joined the RNR on 29 March 1915. He gave his address as Gurney's Cottage, Ingham and his next of kin as his mother Lucy. He was 5ft 6in tall, 36 in chest with a fresh complexion and grey eyes. He mobilised before receiving any training and was a deck hand (service no - DA6035) on HM Trawler "Thomas Cornwall". However since he was mobilised into the RNR he must have been a sailor by trade and as he went to trawler rated as deck-hand he was probably a fisherman. Unfortunately as he had no peacetime service there is no indication of what boats he worked in on his RNR record card. (RN and RNR records are much easier to read than the army ones and 80% weren't destroyed in WWII). His mother was now given as Sydney Rd, Ingham. Commemorated: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL, Kent, United Kingdom. Panel 31. (RoH)

 

The CWGC site only lists him as Samuel Rudram, the son of Lucy Moson, (formerly Rudram), of Ingham, Stalham.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=3047959

 

No match on Norlink

 

The Thomas Cornwall was actually a “Q” ship. This probably explains some of the confusion for the researcher on the Roll of Honour site. Officially she was Admiralty No 3702, launched 10th June 1918, 1 x 12 pounder gun, 1 x 3.5 " gun

Sunk 29th October 1918 in collision off Flamborough Head.

www.roll-of-honour.com/Ships/QShips.html

www.naval-history.net/WW1NavyBritishQships.htm

www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1918-10Oct.htm

 

Rudram family website. Samuel was born 6th April 1896 and enrolled 29th March 1915, and his parents were Clement & Lucy.

www.rudram.org/sailor13.html

 

The 1901 Census has a 3 year old Samuel living at Calthorpe Street, Ingham, (I would expect him to 5 if the family website is correct, although of course the Census is only as accurate as the information given by the householder). This was the household of his parents, Clement, (aged 38, born Palling, and an Agricultural Labourer), and Lucy, (aged 37, born Horsey). The family consisted of Ernest, (aged under 1 and born Ingham), Ida, (aged 16 and born Stalham), Mary, (aged 11 and born Ingham), and Olive, (aged 7 and born Ingham).

  

WOOLSTON Robert William

Private 15214. 8th Bn., Norfolk Regiment attd. , London Regt (Post Office Rifles). Died of wounds Friday 26 April 1918. Born Palling. Enlisted Norwich. Buried: CROUY BRITISH CEMETERY, CROUY-SUR-SOMME, Somme, France. Ref. I. C. 15. (RoH)

On the CWGC site his unit is given as the 8th Battalion, London regiment (Post Office Rifles).

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=71630

 

No match on Norlink

 

On 13th April they were moved to front line positions, where coincidentally two companies of the disbanded 8th Norfolks, that had been on attachment to the 7th Norfolks, joined the battalion to partially replace their losses.

The defence of Amiens at Villers Bretonneux cannot be more vividly described than by the following extract from the battalion history:

"Villers Bretonneux will long live in the memory of those who had the misfortune to be there as one of the most unpleasant and hotly contested positions in the defence of Amiens. Under continual bombardment by night and day by shells of all calibres - mostly gas, no place not even its deepest cellar, afforded security. One gas shell knocked out ninety men of Headquarters details of whom fifty died from gas poisoning. From 17th to 19th April there were more than 150 gas casualties, including six Officers, while Captain Massey-Miles, MC, one of the whitest and most gallant Battalion Medical Officers in France died of gas poisoning, after a heroic attempt to succour others similarly poisoned, removing his gas mask in order to do so, thus courting an inevitable and agonising death. Three Medical Officers were sent in quick succession in one day, two of whom became casualties, one killed, one wounded. The last to arrive, Lieutenant MacBean of the American Army, survived the ordeal and remained with the Battalion for the rest of the War."

Alas, time had also run out for S.A.D., on 18th April he was evacuated suffering from gas poisoning, one of the twenty five percent of the battalion affected. He had ingested mustard gas, possibly as a consequence of eating tainted rations

www.hastang.co.uk/SAD/end.htm

 

On the 1901 Census, the 4 year old Robert was living at Bridge House, Ingham, having been born at Palling. This was the household of his parents, Jeremiah, (aged 48, born Ingham and a Farmer), and Sarah, (aged 43, born Sloley). The rest of the family was Kate, (aged 12, born Palling), May, (aged 1, born Ingham) and Rachel, (aged 15, born Palling).

  

1939 – 1945

 

HALES Walter John

Leading Aircraftman 927117. 228 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died on Tuesday 25 August 1942. Age 25. Husband of Vera Joan Hales, of Littlethorpe, Yorkshire. Buried: INGHAM (HOLY TRINITY) CHURCHYARD, Norfolk, United Kingdom. (RoH)

 

On the CWGC site he is listed as John Walter

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2763932

 

Leading Aircraftman Hales may have been part of the crew of Sunderland W4026 which crashed into the side of a Scottish Mountain on this day, while ferrying H.R.H The Duke of Kent, brother of the King, to Reyjavik. Only one person survived the crash.

www.ww2inthehighlands.co.uk/folders/crashes/thecrashofsun...

 

On these sites there is reference to a leading Aircraftman John Walter “Holes” being on board.

freespace.virgin.net/paul.sclyde/page9.htm

www.rafoban.co.uk/page10.htm

 

Contemporary flight magazine article covering the crash.

www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1942/1942 - 1862.html

 

A family history site has details of John’s family. Vera’s name before marriage was Trulling.

bbhales.com/genealogy/hales/pafg04.htm#604

 

While I don’t agree with the views expressed on this site, it does give an interesting insight into the make up of the party travelling that day.

 

Officially the Duke of Kent was one of fifteen people on board the aircraft. Also on board were Prince George’s private secretary (John Lowther), his equerry (Michael Strutt) and his valet (John Hales).

educationforum.ipbhost.com/index.php?s=749397ff6981677c89...

 

I don’t think this is quite correct - on CWGC John is shown on the strength of 228 Squadron. On the site with references to John “Holes” he is described as a Batman. As the Squadron Commander of 228, Wing Commander Thomas Moseley was also on board, I suspect John was probably his batman, at best temporarily loaned to the Duke.

 

1.Air Commodore George Edward Alexander Edmund Windsor

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2436351

2.Lieutenant John Lowther RNVR

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2720375

3.Pilot Officer (Air Gunner) The Hon C.V.Michael Strutt 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2703017

4.Flight Lieutenant Frank McKenzie Goyen 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457509

5.Wing Commander Thomas Lawton Moseley 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457529

6.Flying Officer Sydney Wood Smith RAAF 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457538

7.Pilot Officer (Navigator) George Richard Saunders 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2413709

8.Flight Sergeant William Royston Jones (Flight Mechanic and Air Gunner) 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2716602

9.Flight Sergeant Charles Norman Lewis 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2965572

10.Flight Sergeant Ernest Hewerdine 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2417352

11.Sergeant Edward Francis Blacklock RNZAF (Wireless Operator\Air Gunner) 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2457501

12:Sergeant Arthur Rowland Catt (Wireless Operator\Air Gunner) 228 Squadron.

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2430570

13. Sergeant Leonard Edward Sweett, (Flight Engineer) 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2948512

14. Leading Aircraftman John Walter Hales 228 Squadron

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2763932

15.Sergeant Andrew S W Jacks - survived

 

A mini-biography of George Windsor, Duke of Kent, (Both to be taken with a slight pinch of salt !)

everything2.com/e2node/George Edward Windsor, 1st Duke of Kent

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_George,_Duke_of_Kent

  

The Postcard

 

A Valentine's Series postcard. The image is a glossy real photograph. The card was posted in Lambeth on Wednesday the 10th. July 1929 to:

 

Mrs. Redfearn,

43, Lagland Street,

Poole,

Dorset.

 

The message on the divided back was as follows:

 

"Dear Vi and Joe,

We are having a lovely

time, also the weather.

Have been all over the

place shop window-gazing

and wishing we had a few

fivers.

Saw all the Royal Family

on Sunday morning.

Mum seems to be enjoying

herself and keeping alright.

Love to you, Joe & Reggie,

from us all,

Yours,

Lil".

 

The Victoria Memorial, London

 

The Victoria Memorial is a monument to Queen Victoria, located at the end of The Mall in London. It was designed and executed by the sculptor Sir Thomas Brock.

 

The memorial is placed in the middle of an architectural setting of formal gardens and gates designed by the architect Sir Aston Webb.

 

Designed in 1901, it was unveiled on the 16th. May 1911, though it was not completed until 1924.

 

It was the centrepiece of an ambitious urban planning scheme, which included the creation of the Queen’s Gardens to a design by Sir Aston Webb, and the refacing of Buckingham Palace (which stands behind the memorial) by the same architect.

 

Like the earlier Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, the Victoria Memorial has an elaborate scheme of iconographic sculpture. The central pylon of the memorial is of Pentelic marble, and individual statues are in Lasa marble and gilt bronze.

 

The memorial weighs 2,300 metric tonnes, and is 104 ft wide. In 1970 it was listed as Grade I.

 

Description of the Memorial

 

At the top of the central pylon stands a gilded bronze Winged Victory, standing on a globe and with a victor's palm in one hand. Beneath her are personifications of Constancy, holding a compass with its needle pointing true north, and Courage, holding a club.

 

Beneath these, on the eastern and western sides, are two eagles with wings outspread, representing Empire. Below these, statues of an enthroned Queen Victoria (facing The Mall) and of Motherhood (facing Buckingham Palace), with Justice (facing north-west towards Green Park) and Truth (facing south-east).

 

These four statues were created from solid blocks of marble, with Truth being sculpted from a block weighing 40 tonnes.

 

Sir Thomas Brock described the symbolism of the Memorial, saying that:

 

"It is devoted to the qualities which

made our Queen so great and so

much beloved."

 

He added that the statue of the Queen was placed to face towards the city, while flanked by Truth and Justice as he felt that :

 

"She was just, and sought the truth

always and in circumstances.

Motherhood represents her great

love for her people".

 

At the four corners of the monument are massive bronze figures with lions, representing Peace (a female figure holding an olive branch), Progress (a nude youth holding a flaming torch), Agriculture (a woman in peasant dress with a sickle and a sheaf of corn) and Manufacture (a blacksmith in modern costume with a hammer and a scroll). The bronzes were restored in 2011.

 

The whole sculptural programme has a nautical theme, much like the rest of The Mall (Admiralty Arch, for example). This can be seen in the mermaids, mermen and the hippogriff, all of which are suggestive of the United Kingdom's naval power.

 

At nearly 25 metres (82 ft) tall, the Victoria Memorial remains the tallest monument to a King or Queen in England.

 

History of the Memorial

 

King Edward VII suggested that a Parliamentary committee should be formed to develop plans for a Memorial to Queen Victoria following her death. The first meeting took place on the 19th. February 1901 at the Foreign Office, Whitehall.

 

The first secretary of the committee was Arthur Bigge, 1st. Baron Stamfordham. Initially these meetings were behind closed doors, and the proceedings were not revealed to the public. However the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Joseph Dimsdale, publicly announced that the committee had decided that the Memorial should be "monumental".

 

Reginald Brett, 2nd. Viscount Esher, the secretary of the committee, submitted the proposal to the King on the 4th. March 1901. A number of sites were suggested, and the King visited both Westminster Abbey and the park near the Palace of Westminster. Several ideas were rumoured at this time, including an open square in The Mall near to the Duke of York Column, and a memorial located in Green Park.

 

On the 26th. March 1901 the decision was announced to locate the Memorial outside Buckingham Palace and slightly shorten The Mall.

 

It was estimated that the work would cost £250,000, and it was further decided that there would be no grant given by the Government for the construction.

 

A competition was conducted for the design, with five architects being chosen to develop designs. At the beginning of July 1901 the committee selected its primary choice for the construction and took it to the King for approval. It was announced on the 21st. October 1902 that Thomas Brock had been chosen as the designer.

 

Funding and Construction of the Memorial

 

Funding for the memorial was gathered from around the British Empire as well as the public. The Australian House of Representatives granted a £25,000 contribution for the construction, and the New Zealand government submitted a cheque for £15,000 towards the fund.

 

By October 1901 £154,000 had been gathered. During 1902 a number of tribes from the west coast of Africa sent goods to be sold, with the proceeds going towards the fund. Alfred Lewis Jones had arranged for these items to be brought from Africa to Liverpool free of charge on his ships.

 

Following the public and national donations towards the funds, there was more money collected than was necessary for the construction of the Memorial.

 

Funds were therefore diverted towards the construction of Admiralty Arch at the other end of The Mall, and a redevelopment to clear a path directly from that road into Trafalgar Square. Sir Aston Webb was put in charge of this project; he built the Arch so economically that enough money was left over to re-front the entirety of Buckingham Palace, a job that was completed in 13 weeks due to the pre-fabrication of the new stonework.

 

The initial preparatory stage was to re-route the road and modify The Mall. Work on constructing the Memorial started in 1905. The lower half of the Memorial was revealed to the public on the 24th. May 1909. Thousands of people visited it on the first day.

 

Dedication and Inauguration

 

Following a practice ceremony on the 11th. March 1911, in the presence of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, the dedication ceremony took place on the 16th. May 1911, presided over by King George V.

 

His first cousin, Wilhelm II of Germany, was also present. These two were the senior grandsons of Queen Victoria, and arrived, together with their families, in royal procession. Also in attendance were a large number of Members of Parliament, and representatives of the armed forces.

 

In his role as Home Secretary, Winston Churchill carried the text of the speeches. Lord Esher addressed the King and the gathered crowd, explaining the history of the Memorial. The King replied to this, referring to his involvement in the development of the monument to his grandmother.

 

The King talked of the impact of Queen Victoria and of her popularity with the public. In total, the ceremony went on for thirty minutes. Following this, it was revealed to the press that the King had decided that the sculptor of the Memorial, Thomas Brock, was to be knighted.

 

Later Uses of the Memorial

 

As part of the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II, the Victoria Memorial (along with areas in Green Park and Buckingham Palace) was used as a platform for a fireworks display which lasted fourteen minutes with a total of two and three-quarter tonnes of fireworks being used.

 

In addition, water jets were added to the fountains in the Victoria Memorial, which fired water 40 feet (12 m) up into the air. This display followed a concert held in the Palace forecourt.

 

It was announced in February 2012 that the Victoria Memorial would form the centrepiece of the stage for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Concert on the 4th. June 2012.

 

Platforms were built around the memorial at a cost of £200,000, and were constructed in two weeks. A number of performers appeared from across the sixty years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, including Gary Barlow, Tom Jones, Elton John, Jessie J, Madness, Dame Shirley Bassey and Paul McCartney.

 

Tickets were free and allocated by public ballot; and in addition to being seen live by the 10,000 fans in attendance, the event was broadcast by the BBC and highlights were shown in the United States on ABC.

 

Later in 2012, the Memorial marked the end of "Our Greatest Team Parade" on the 10th. September 2012. This parade celebrated the successes of the British teams at the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. There were 21 floats holding a total of around 800 athletes, and it was estimated that around a million members of the public cheered them on.

 

The area from Admiralty Arch to the Victoria Memorial down the Mall was reserved for ticket holders. After the arrival at the Victoria Memorial, there was a flypast by helicopters of the Royal Air Force, as well as a British Airways jet and a flight of the Red Arrows. During the games, the Mall and the Victoria Memorial had been used as the finishing point for the Marathon, as well as being on the triathlon route.

 

The Memorial was damaged by anti-austerity protesters during the "Million Mask March" on the 5th. November 2013, which took place in central London. During the following year's protests, the Memorial was guarded by police officers.

 

A Record-Breaking Flight

 

So what else happened on the day that Lil posted the card to Vi and Joe?

 

Well, the Southern Cross, a Fokker Trimotor Monoplane, set a new record. It completed a flight from the Australian coast to the English coast in 12 days 21 hours and 13 minutes, more than 2 days faster than the old record set in February 1928.

 

United States Paper Currency

 

Also on that day, new, smaller paper currency was put into circulation in the United States. The smaller size is still in use to this day.

 

A dollar bill is 6.14 inches (156.1 mm) wide and 2.61 inches (66.3 mm) high. It is made with 75% cotton and 25% linen.

Antique c.1891 Doulton Lambeth 3 Handled Art Nouveau Salt Glaze Stoneware Vessel

 

Great subject matter!

 

William Shakespeare "Macbeth" Act III, Scene IV Quote: "Let good digestion wait on appetite and health on both"

 

Macbeth (c.1605) is a play by William Shakespeare. It is often seen as an archetypal tale of the desire for power and the betrayal of loyalty.

 

Impressed mark: early Doulton Ware c. 1891

Monogram, "C C", "7258"

 

Measurements: 7" tall x 9" with handles

 

Condition: Excellent. No cracks, chips, scratches or crazing. Very beautiful and in great condition! Imperfections in glaze as produced during manufacture. Please refer to all photos of this beautiful early Doulton & Co., Lambeth Art Pottery.

 

Manufactured: Doulton & Co., Lambeth Art Pottery, London, England Estimated circa 1891.

 

Materials and Techniques:

Stoneware with stamped, applied and incised decoration, painted in white & black enamels, all under a salt-glaze.

 

Attributed to: Robert Barlow (apprentice) & George Tinworth (design)

 

Description: This is a magnificent Antique c.1891 Doulton Lambeth 3 Handled Art Nouveau Salt Glaze Stoneware Vessel. Stoneware with stamped, applied and incised decoration, painted in white & black enamels, all under a salt-glaze. An expanding mouth, decorated with geometric patterns twined around the body. Several incised horizontal bands span the circumference of the body and the handles.

 

Perfect for any collector or for practical use.

 

***All general responses must include name and telephone number. We will ship anywhere. Sizes are approximate.

 

It's the buyer's responsibility to pay customs fees, duties, import taxes, and related charges.

 

Note: Color of item might deviate slightly in comparison to the original article due to differences in computer monitors and different lighting conditions. Please read description of color. I personally inspect and clean each item before it posts on ebay. It will be well-packaged in bubble wrap and/or packing peanuts...etc., to withstand ordinary travel without damage.

 

International Buyers wait for an accurate invoice to be generated as eBay requires an estimated shipping quote to be included in all listings.

 

Payments must be made within 5 days.

 

There are no returns on this item.

 

Period make and attribute is estimated and not guaranteed.

 

Photos are taken to represent each item as clearly and thoughrouly as possible. Please review each carefully and take into consideration all details as much as possible when purchasing.

 

*Attributed to George Tinworth, who was one of the most high profile decorators working for the Doulton Lambeth factory in the nineteenth century. In its Art Pottery division the firm encouraged individual expression amongst their workers and each hand-decorated ceramic claims to be unique. Tinworth is perhaps best known for his more sculptural work, including anthropomorphic animals.

 

From the Lambeth School of Art (now the City and Guilds of London Art School) he went on to the Royal Academy Schools in 1864, winning various medals for his work. After the Royal Academy he got a job with Doulton, the Lambeth stoneware manufacturer, Tinworth had previously been one of a group of students from the Lambeth School of Art who assisted its principal, John Sparkes in the making of a terracotta frieze for an extension to Doulton's premises.

 

He began work at the Doulton factory making cases for water filters, but soon moved on to making the new range of salt-glazed stoneware that became known simply as "Doulton Ware" . About thirty examples of his work were shown at the 1867 Paris Exhibition. His father died in the same year, and he was left as the main supporter of his mother and family.

 

At Doulton, he produced vases, jugs, humorous figures and animals and larger pieces. Through his engagement with Doulton, Tinworth also designed an altarpiece, a pulpit and a font for St. Alban's Anglican Church which was consecrated in 1887 in Copenhagen, Denmark. They were donations from the factory to the church and manufactured in terra cotta with salt glazed details to Tinworth 's design.

 

History:

 

Royal Doulton traces its ancestry back to the Jones, Watts & Doulton pottery in Lambeth in 1815. By 1826 the company was trading as Doulton & Watts, and in 1853 became Doulton & Co. The turn of the century saw the granting of the Royal Warrant and permission to use the epithet 'Royal.' The history of Doulton Lambeth ceased in 1956 with the closure of the factory and studios. By that time most of the production had been transferred to more modern works.

 

Doulton & Watts (1815-1854)

John Doulton, born in London on 17th November 1793, was made an apprentice at the Fulham Pottery in 1805 and completed his apprenticeship in 1812. Doulton then found employment as a thrower at a small pottery in Vauxhall Walk, owned, following the death of her husband, by a Mrs Martha Jones.

John Doulton and John Watts, the pottery foreman, became partners in the business with Mrs Jones in 1815, the business trading as Jones, Watts & Doulton. In 1820 Mrs Jones retired, the partnership was dissolved and Doulton and Watts continued the business on their own account. The dissolution of the partnership and the start of the Doulton business is recorded in the London Gazette for 4th February 1820:

NOTICE is hereby given that the Partnership between Martha Jones, John Watts and John Doulton of Vauxhall-Walk, in the County of Surrey, Potters, and carried on under the firm of Jones, Watts and Doulton, is this day dissolved by mutual consent; and that the debts due from the said Co-partnership will be paid by the said John Watts and John Doulton, the continuing Partners to whom all debts due to the said Partnership are to be paid.

 

The business, now known as Doulton & Watts, moved to Lambeth High Street in 1826 and continued to develop its main business of stoneware bottle manufacture. John Doulton (Jr) (b. 1819) and Henry Doulton (b.1820) joined their father in the successful family business.

In 1846 Henry Doulton established a separate business to manufacture sanitary ware and earthenware pipes. Unable to find all of the capital required, Henry turned to his father and the business was established at 63 High St, Lambeth, adjacent to Doulton & Watts, with Henry Doulton, John Doulton (Sr) and younger son Frederick Doulton as the partners. Such was the demand for sanitary ware that within a few years Henry Doulton & Co. had established pipe-making factories in the English Midlands at Dudley, Smethwick and Rowley Regis.

John Doulton (Jnr) also started an independent business (in 1847), establishing a pipe-making factory at St Helens in Lancashire to supply pipes to Liverpool and the north-west.

At the end of 1853 John Watts retired, triggering the liquidation of his partnership with John Doulton. He was well rewarded, receiving his share of the partnership as an annuity of £150 per annum and interest at 5% on a sum of £5000.

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Doulton & Co. (Ltd), (1854–1993)

 

On the retirement of John Watts, the Doulton family liquidated their now three independently operating businesses and from the 1st January 1854 formed a new partnership under the name ‘Doulton & Co.’ with a paid-up capital of £51,682. The contributions of the respective liquidated businesses were:

Doulton & Watts

Credit of John Doulton £8,109

 

Henry Doulton & Co.

Credit of Henry Doulton £19,412

 

Credit of John Doulton (Sr) £9,706

 

Credit of Frederick Doulton £4,853

 

John Doulton

Credit of John Doulton (Jr) £9,276

 

*The figures, above, are from the book by Desmond Eyles: Royal Doulton 1815-1865 – The Rise and Expansion of the Royal Doulton Potteries. Hutchinson of London (1965).

Henry Doulton’s vision to invest in pipe manufacture was thus truly vindicated as the value of Henry Doulton & Co., in only six years, had increased from the initial £1,400 invested by the three partners to over £33,000, and contributing to the new business over three times the value of Doulton & Watts the long established family business.

Shareholders in Doulton & Co. were Henry Doulton (47/125th), John Doulton (Sr) (42/125th), John Doulton (Jr) (23/125th), Frederick Doulton (12/125th), and Alfred Doulton (1/125th).

Only two years into the new partnership Alfred Doulton died whilst returning from a visit to Australia, John Doulton (II) died in 1862 and when Frederick Doulton retired from the business to enter politics, the partnership was reconstituted from 1st January 1864 with the partners being Henry Doulton (14/25th), John Doulton (I) (10/25th), and James Duneau Doulton (1/25th). James (b. 1835) was the youngest son of John Doulton (I) and was to become the administrative manager of the Doulton businesses.

Henry Lewis Doulton, Henry Doulton’s only son entered the business in November 1872, and when John Doulton (I) died in 1873 a new partnership was required. This was formed from January 1881 when Lewis Doulton entered the partnership and Henry Doulton transferred one quarter of his capital to his son. The value of the business had increased to £290,192, and the new partners were Henry Doulton (54/100th), James Doulton (27/100th), and Henry Lewis Doulton (18/100th).

James Doulton died in 1889, and Sir Henry Doulton in November 1897, however, the business continued under the leadership of his son Henry Lewis Doulton and nephew Ronald Duneau Doulton. The business was incorporated in 1899 as Doulton & Co. Ltd with Henry Lewis Doulton as both the Chairman and first Managing Director. The other founding Directors were his cousin Ronald Duneau Doulton (who had replaced James Doulton as the principal administrator of the Doulton businesses), Benjamin Hannen, a well known master-builder, and William Turnbull, principal of the china merchants Turnbull, Lachlan & Co.

The capital of Doulton & Co. Ltd was established as £1,100,000, constituted as 400,000 ordinary £1 shares, £350,000 in 5% preference shares, and £350,000 in 4% irredeemable debenture stock. As the vendor of Doulton & Co., Lewis Doulton took all of the ordinary shares and one-third of both the preference and debenture stock in the new company. The balance of the preference shares and debenture stock were offered to the public.

Doulton was granted a Royal Warrant and right to use ‘Royal’ in the name of its products by King Edward VII in 1901.

 

Henry Lewis Doulton remained as Managing Director until 1918 and as Chairman until 1925. Having no children, Lewis Doulton looked to his nephew, Lewis John Eric Hooper to continue the family connection with the business. Eric Hooper, who trained first as a lawyer, had entered the business in 1902 and was appointed to the Board as a Director in 1909. He succeeded his uncle both as Managing Director (in 1918), and as Chairman in 1925.

 

Eric Hooper remained as Chairman until his death in 1955 and was succeeded by E. Basil Green who had been Joint Managing Director (1947-1950) and then sole Managing Director until his appointment as Chairman in 1955.

 

In January 1956 Doulton & Co. Ltd reorganised its operations into four subsidiary companies, manufacturing respectively, sanitary wares, industrial porcelains, drainage pipes, and earthenware and fine china. The latter, the non-industrial ceramics business, became the responsibility of the new subsidiary company 'Doulton Fine China Ltd' registered in October 1955.

 

Basil Green remained Chairman of Doulton & Co. Ltd until the end of 1963 and was succeeded by Mr. J. Kenneth Warrington, a former manager at Nile St, Burslem and, at the time, the Managing Director of Doulton Fine China Ltd.

 

Doulton & Co. Ltd (and its many subsidiaries) was acquired by S. Pearson & Co. Ltd in November 1971, however, Doulton & Co. Ltd continued to operate as the holding company for the Pearson Group's ceramics interests until the float of Royal Doulton plc in 1993.

 

See also: The Doulton family for more information on the role of Sir Henry Doulton’s descendants in the management of the business including a list of family Partnerships/Directors, and a family tree.

 

Lambeth

 

Doulton & Co. was first and foremost a manufacturer of industrial ceramics, including water filters, drainage pipes and sanitary fittings. In the early 1860s, however, the company began the manufacture of domestic and ornamental salt glazed stoneware that became known as 'Doulton Ware'. The nearby Lambeth School of Art became associated with the Doulton business from about the same time and Henry Doulton joined the Board of the School in 1863.

 

Doulton & Co.'s decorative stoneware produced in association with the School of Art had enormous success at International Exhibitions in the 1860s and 1870s, culminating in acclaim at the Philadelphia Exhibition in 1886 (and also at Chicago in 1893). Public interest, and production, peaked in the late 1890s when about 370 artists were employed at Lambeth making the salt-glazed ornamental stoneware.

 

With the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and changing social tastes, the demand for the intricately ornamented stoneware declined so that by 1914 less than 100 artists were still employed. Following the end of the First World War, Lambeth produced stoneware reflecting more contemporary tastes, but by 1920 artist numbers had declined to only 30 – although small quantities continued to be made up to, and throughout (for export only), the Second World War.

 

Production continued on a small scale from the end of the war, and in 1952 the artist and potter Agnete Hoy joined Doulton, designing both individual pieces and limited edition works. She combined her unique style with the traditional Lambeth decorating techniques for a last flowering of the Lambeth stoneware tradition. Hoy’s design studio and the Lambeth works closed in 1956. Lambeth remained the headquarters of Doulton & Co. Ltd until 1971 and the buildings were demolished in 1976.

The Lambeth stoneware is exceptionally diverse and highly collectible and there are many specialist texts devoted to the story of Lambeth and its potter-artists.

In 1974, Doulton introduced 'Lambeth Stoneware' as a casual tableware brand in an oven and freezer proof stoneware body.

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Doulton & Co. Burslem

 

In 1877 or 1878, Henry and James Doulton purchased an interest in Pinder, Bourne & Co., manufacturers of domestic earthenware, sanitary fittings and electrical insulators at Nile St, Burslem. Doulton had bought sanitary ware from the Burslem firm and the investment, of £12,000, followed an approach from Shadford Pinder, the principle of the business. Speculatively, Pinder was probably concerned to improve the quality of his domestic earthenware, while the business’ sanitary and industrial ware would have been of interest to the Doultons. The investment established Henry Doulton as an earthenware manufacturer in the North Staffordshire potteries.

 

Shadforth Pinder continued as the principal of the business, however, the partnership was not a success and in 1882 Pinder accepted a settlement and retired. The business was then reconstituted under the name Doulton & Co., Burslem with Henry and James Doulton as the joint owners (Henry Lewis Doulton was to join his father and uncle as a partner in 1884).

 

Although Pinder had departed he left able employees. Henry Doulton confirmed the appointment of John Slater as the art director, and made John Cuthbert Bailey the manager of the Nile St factory. Bailey, only 23 at the time, was an inspired appointment and was to work for the company for the whole of his long working life.

 

Under the management of Bailey and Slater, the Nile St factory grew to match and even exceed the achievements of Lambeth. Bone china manufacture was commenced in 1884 and under the direction of Slater a team of talented artists was was to produce the Doulton Burslem vases and ornamental porcelains that rival the products of Worcester, Minton and Derby. Charles J. Noke, trained at Worcester under the artist Charles Binns, was employed as a modeller and decorator at Burslem in 1889, eventually to succeed John Slater as art director in 1914.

 

Expansion of the Nile St factory commenced in 1884-85 with the building of a bone china factory, in 1887 an adjoining works in Sylvester St was acquired, and in 1889 and 1907 the works were further expanded to cope with demand. Whieldon Sanitary Potteries Ltd, formerly F. Winkle & Co. Ltd, was acquired in 1937 allowing sanitary and industrial ceramic manufacture to be transferred from Nile St allowing the expansion of fine earthenware and bone china production. Nile St continued in full production (for export) throughout the Second World War, and further expansion of the factory took place following the end of the war.

 

In 1956, the Doulton & Co. Burslem operations became the core of the new company Doulton Fine China Ltd.

 

See also: The Doulton family for more information on the role of Sir Henry Doulton’s descendants in the management of the business including a list of family Partnerships/Directors, and a family tree.

 

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Doulton Fine China Ltd (1956–1973)

 

In January 1956 Doulton reorganised its operations into four subsidiaries, manufacturing sanitary ware, industrial porcelain (electrical insulators, laboratory porcelain etc), drainage pipes, and earthenware and fine china. The latter, the non-industrial ceramics business, became the responsibility of a new subsidiary company 'Doulton Fine China Ltd' registered in October 1955. The main products of the company were tableware, figurines and character jugs marketed under the Royal Doulton name.

 

Doulton was at the forefront of the consolidation of the UK ceramics industry during the 1960s taking over the businesses of Mintons Ltd and Dunn Bennett & Co. Ltd in 1968, and Webb Corbett Ltd (glass) and John Beswick Ltd in 1969. In November 1971 S. Pearson & Son Ltd, a member of the Pearson Group, and already owner of Allied English Potteries Ltd, acquired Doulton & Co. Ltd, merging the two groups under the Doulton name. Allied English Potteries Ltd was renamed Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd and became a subsidiary of Doulton & Co. Ltd responsible for the tableware and giftware businesses of both groups. Doulton & Co. Ltd continued to operate as the holding company for Pearson's ceramics interests until the float of Royal Doulton plc in 1993.

 

Following the merger with Allied English Potteries Ltd in November 1971 the Doulton Fine China Ltd business became part of Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd. Use of the Doulton Fine China Ltd name continued, however, until circa 1973.

 

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Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd (1973–1993)

 

S. Pearson & Son Ltd, a subsidiary of the Pearson industrial conglomerate led by Lord Cowdray, acquired Doulton & Co. Ltd (Royal Doulton) in November 1971. Pearson was already the owner of Allied English Potteries Ltd and the two groups merged their operations from July 1972. A note in Tableware International in August 1972 (Vol 2, page 66) states that:

 

‘Allied English Potteries will become a subsidiary of Doulton and its name will be changed to Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd’.

 

From January 1973 Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd became custodian of the tableware and giftware assets of the two groups including the Royal Doulton, Minton, Beswick, Dunn Bennett, Booths, Colclough, Royal Albert, Royal Crown Derby, Paragon, Ridgway, Queen Anne, Royal Adderley and Royal Adderley Floral names, and their vast manufacturing operations. The company also held the 50 Lawleys china and glass retail stores inherited from Allied English Potteries. Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd was a subsidiary of Doulton & Co. Ltd, itself a subsidiary of the Pearson Group. The name was in use until at least 1983 and probably until the float of Royal Doulton plc in 1993. See the entries for the individual companies for further details.

 

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Royal Doulton plc (1993-2005)

 

The tableware manufacturing interests of Pearson plc (S. Pearson & Son Ltd pre-1984) trading under the Royal Doulton name were floated on the London Stock Exchange in December 1993 as part of a rationalisation of the Pearson Group's industrial interests. The new, independent company was named ‘Royal Doulton plc’.

 

The new public company, Royal Doulton plc acquired Holland Studio Craft, a maker of resin sculptures, and art glass maker Caithness Glass in 1996. However, despite these acquisitions, Royal Doulton made substantial losses in 1997, 1998 and 1999 leading to the sale of Royal Crown Derby Ltd to a management-led group in early 2000, and the sale of Caithness Glass to Royal Worcester Spode Ltd in 2001. Despite substantial rationalisation, losses continued and in March 2002 Doulton announced the closure of its historic Baddeley Green factory and the transfer of production of ‘Royal Albert’ to Indonesia. The closure of the Beswick Gold St Works in Longton was announced in September 2002 and both the Baddeley Green and Gold St factories ceased production in December 2002. In March 2004 the company announced that its only remaining UK factory, the famous Nile St premises in Burslem, would also close.

 

Waterford Wedgwood who had purchased 15% of Doulton's shares in 1999 increased its stake to 21% in 2002 and completed a £39.9 million takeover of Royal Doulton plc in February 2005. On the 15th April 2005 production at the historic Nile Street site ceased and production of the Royal Doulton, Minton and Royal Albert brands was transferred to factories of the Waterford Wedgwood group.

"Orpheus sank off the west coast of Auckland, New Zealand on 7 February 1863: 189 crew out of the ship's complement of 259 died in the disaster, making it the worst maritime tragedy to occur in New Zealand waters" from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Orpheus_(1860)

  

RECTANGULAR WHITE MARBLE TABLET SET WITHIN A FRAME. RELIEF PLAQUE PLACED AT THE TOP OF THE TABLET RELIEF PLAQUE DEPICTS THE SINKING SHIP

 

Inscription

 

"IN MEMORY OF/ THE OFFICERS AND 166/ PETTY OFFICERS SEAMAN AND MARINES,/ WHO LOST THEIR LIVE, IN THE WRECK OF/ HER MAJESTY'S SHIP ORPHEUS/ ON THE MANUKA BAR, NEW ZEALAND ON 7TH OF FEBRUARY 1863,/ (NAMES)/ ERECTED AS A TOKEN OF ADMIRATION OF THE DISCIPLINE/ AND HEROISM DISPLAYED BY ALL ON BOARD./ 1882."

 

Ref WM 46484

 

www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/46484

 

"On the 21st April, drowned, through some injury to his boat in a heavy squall, between Picton and Onahau Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand, Bryan Sneyd Herbert Broughton, aged 24, second son of the late Rev. Bryan Sneyd Broughton, rector of Washington, in the county of Durham."

 

Deaths Notices Leeds Inteligencer Newspaper Saturday 26th July 1862

  

Saturday 4 th April 1863 The Secretary of the Admiralty begs to acquaint the Editor of The Times that the following intelligence has been received at this office:-

"Suez, April 2nd.

 

"Her Majesty's ship Orpheus was a total wreck on Manakaou Bar, New Zealand, on the 7th of February, 1863, with loss of Commodore Burnett, 22 officers, and 167 men. Nothing saved. Survivors, 8 officers and 62 men- Officers, C. Hill, lieutenant; Yonge (supposed to be D.D. Yonge), lieutenant; Amphlett, paymaster; Hund (supposed to be C.G. Hunt, midshipman); Filding (supposed to be B.W. Fielding), midshipman; H.M Barkly, naval cadet; W. Mason, boatswain; J. Beer, carpenter."

 

Further information will be given respecting the seamen who survive, but, owing to the incorrect spelling of the telegram, it is impossible to give the names with any hope of accuracy until they have been compared with the Records in office.

 

Monday 6th April 1863 THE WRECK OF THE ORPHEUS.- The following list of seamen saved from the wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus has been received by telegraph at the Admiralty: - H. Brown, Henry Brown, quartermaster; Bales, probably W.E. Bayliss, painter; Morley, John Morley, capt. Forecastle; J. Wilson, there are two men of the name (one Josh. W. Wilson, capt. Hold the other Jas. Wilson, capt. Foretop); Finnis, John Finnis, capt. Maintop; Stupple, Henry Stupple, boatswain's mate; Oliert, Wm. Oliert (alias Alex. Hills), signalman; Weir, Chas. Weir, capt. Mast; Kennedy, James Kennedy, ditto; Carpenter, Robt. Carpenter, cox., cutter; Wm. Johnson, Wm. Johnson, capt. mizzen top; J. Russell, J.J. Russell (there is a Thos. Russell. A.B.); W. Russell, Wm. Russell, ordinary second class; Ward, George Ward, A.B.; Mayes, Wm. Mayes, A.B.; Walker, Hen. J. Walker, A.B.; J. Hall, there are two men of this name, John Hall (1), ordinary, and James Hall, ordinary; Quinton, John Quinton; captain foretop; Walsh, Edward Walsh, ordinary; Parson, James Parsons, ordinary; Horrigan, John Horrigan, commodore's servant; Nicholson, John Nicholson, carpenter's crew; Brigg, Edward Briggs, carpenter's crew; Partbury, Henry Portbury, A.B.; Doly, Patrick Daley, A.B.; Koop, probably Henry Corps, quartermaster; no man of the name of Koop; Taylor, James Taylor, stoker; Clus, William Clews, stoker, ran awav on the 14th of September, 1862; nothing to show that he returned to the ship; Crierson, R.M., Joseph Crouson, drummer, R.M.; Rolf, R.M., no such name (there is a R. Roe, private R.M.); Betortelp, probably Henry Bentlett, boy first class; Izers, cannot be identified; no name resembling this on the books; Banuister, no such name on the books to December 31,1862, latest returns; Hunt, probably John Higham, A.B.; Hudosted, probably George Hurlstone, boy first class; Burton, Thomas H. Burton, boy first class; Hubert, no man of the name (there are two men of the name of Herbert, viz., T. Herbert, A.B., and W. Herbert, boy second class); Ideson, John D. Ideson, boy second class; Butler, no such name on the books to 31st of December, 1862, the latest returns received; R. Young, no R. Young - there are John Young, ordinary, and George Young, A.B.; Palin, William Palin. A.B.; Geary, Thomas Geary, A.B.; Fisked, probably William Fisher, A.B.; James, no man of this name; Brown, no James Brown, there is an Alfred Brown, stoker; Snudden, Thomas Snudden, A.B.; Hubert, probably one of the Herberts mentioned above; Caland, probably James Boland, ordinary; Sparshott, William Sparshott, ordinary second class; Wells, Noah Wells, ordinary second class; Ankell, Alfred Ankelt, ordinary second class; Cochine, J.G. Cochrane, ordinary second class; Roberts, George Roberts, ordinary; Quille, probably George Turtle, ordinary; Sul, probably John G. Seale, ordinary; Newman, Henry Newman, ordinary second class; Pilbrow, probably Alfred Pilbeam, ordinary; Hahrg, probably Arthur Haggis, captain Cox.; Laryish, probably William Langush, ordinary; Tilley, Arthur S. Tilley, ordinary; Jordan, Joseph Jordan; Graann, probably Henry J. Graham, ordinary; J. Graam, Jomes Graham, ordinary.

 

Wednesday 8th April 1863 The screw corvette Orpheus, 21, 400-horse power, the news of the total wreck of which has been received, was one of the most recent of the corvette class of vessels built at Chatham dockyard, and was launched from that establishment on the 24th of June, 1860. She was considered the finest of that description of vessel ever constructed, and was built under the personal superintendence of Mr. O.W. Lang, the present master-shipbuilder at Chatham, from the designs of Sir Baldwin Walker, the then Controller of the Navy. Her dimensions were:- Extreme length, 226ft. 6in.; extreme breath, 40ft. 8in.; depth in hold, 24ft. 2in.; burden, 1,705 tons. She was fitted with a pair of 400-horse power engines by Messrs. Humphreys, Tennant, and Co. As this was her first voyage, the greatest interest was experienced for her success, and the news of her wreck was received with the deepest regret.

 

Monday 13th April 1863 (From Our Own Correspondent.)

 

Melbourne, February 24th .

 

I regret to say that I have to announce the wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, on the bar of Manukau Harbour, on the west coast of New Zealand, with the loss of 189 lives, 70 only having been saved. The Orpheus left Sydney on the 1st day of this month.

 

Monday 13th April 1863

 

LOSS OF HER MAJESTY'S SHIP ORPHEUS.

 

ADMIRALTY, APRIL 12th 1863.

 

The Secretary of the Admiralty begs to acquaint the Editor of The Times that the intelligence contained in the accompanying document has been received at this office: -

 

"Her Majesty's ship Miranda, Auckland,

February 10th 1863.

 

"My Lord,- In addition to my first letter from the scene of the wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, dated the 8th inst., sent to their Lordships, to save the Southern Mail, by the Wonga Wonga, I have to enclose for their further information the detailed narrative of Lieutenant C. Hill, the second lieutenant, and the senior surviving officer. It is a clear and truthful account of the whole proceedings of this melancholy calamity, so far as he and the other officers that are saved are acquainted with them.

 

"2. According to my judgment on the spot, nothing can exceed the exertions of Lieutenant Hill, the other officers, and all the survivors of the crew, who, at the imminent peril of their own lives, continued to the last to make the utmost endeavours to save the lives of their shipmates.

 

"3. I am informed that the Wonga Wonga was at the time of the Orpheus striking steaming out of the south channel of the Manukau. She first steamed outside the bar to the entrance of the main channel, hut afterwards returned by the south channel, picking up the boats off Paratutai Point, and towing them to the wreck by the main channel.

 

"4. Their Lordships will observe from the narrative of Lieutenant Hill that from the time the steamer was first observed, at 2 o'clock, until she reached the wreck at 6, the most critical and invaluable time was unaccountably lost, but Captain Renner and all on board the Wonga Wonga were most kind and hospitable in the treatment of the sufferers when they reached his ship from the wreck.

 

"5. Mr. Wing, pilot, and in charge of the signal station at the Manukau, informed me that the wreck of the Orpheus is precisely on the bearings laid down in Captain Drury's chart and sailing directions, since the publication of which the middle banks and small shoal on which the ship first touched have shifted bodily and considerably to the north.

 

"6. With their Lordships, I deeply deplore the loss to Her Majesty's service of an officer so distinguished as Commodore Burnett; it appears he met his much-to-be-regretted death when, sitting in the mizen-futtock rigging, the mast fell over to port, and, the top striking him on the head when in the water. It is said he never made the least exertion to save himself.

 

"7. I have directed Mr. Sullivan to proceed in Her Majesty's ship Harrier to tho Manukau Heads, and to detach an officer and party as far as he may consider necessary along the shore, north and south, for the purpose of burying, with such honours as circumstances will admit, the bodies of any officers and men, late of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, which may be found, and also to recover such remains of the wreck, public and private, as he may deem fit; so soon as he may consider it no longer necessary to continue on this service I have directed him to conduct the duties of senior naval officer in New Zealand.

 

"8. With the view to save the mail which will leave Sydney on the 20th inst., it is my intention to proceed at once under steam to that port with the six officers and 10 of the crew of the Orpheus who have been selected as the most able to give evidence relative to the loss of that ship. These I propose sending to England by the mail steamer; the remaining 51 men and boys I have detained for disposal on the station; the majority have already volunteered for the Miranda and Harrier. I have sent 25 to the Harrier, for about which number she has vacancies to complete her complement.

 

"I have the honour to be, my Lord, your obedient humble servant,

"ROBERT JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer.

"The Right Hon. Lord Clarence E. Paget, C.B, Secretary to the Admiralty."

 

"Her Majesty's ship Miranda, Auckland,

New Zealand, February 5th.

 

"Sir,- In obedience to your directions. I have the honour to report for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that Her Majesty's Ship Orpheus sailed from Sydney on the 31st of January. After a fine passage to the coast of New Zealand, we sighted the land on the morning of the 7th inst.; it was my forenoon watch, at about eight miles from the bar of the Manukau. Steam was got up in two boilers; we had been condensing. The ship proceeded at 12 30, under all plain sail, with starboard foretopmast studsail set, towards Manukau, steering east till 1 o'clock, then N.E.E., being the courses laid down - so the master told me - in Captain Drury's sailing directions, keeping the Ninepin on with the end of Paratutai. The hands were on deck, the ropes manned for shortening sail, the commodore, commander, and master on the bridge; leadsmen in both chains; spare tiller shipped, with relieving tackles hooked, and six men stationed; gratings and hatchway covers were placed ready for battening down.

 

"The wind S.W. to S.S.W., force 5 to 6, with occasional slight squalls; high water at 12 20. As we approached the bar there was nothing more to see, in the shape of rollers or sea on, than I had been led to expect. The signal from the pilot station had been flying since 11 30 a.m, ' Take the bar;' the commodore and master were very attentive with the chart on the bridge, and very particular in the steerage of the ship, and in their orders to the engine-room, to keep the steam at command, the signal officer and signalman on the look out. At about 1 30 she touched slightly in the after part, when the commodore gave the order, 'Give her all the steam you can.' At about 1 40 the ship struck forward; order given, 'Astern full speed;' but the engines or screw never moved. At the same time the commodore ordered 'Hands shorten sail.' The ship broached to, with her head to the northward, lurching heavily to port, the rollers setting in from the westward, which immediately made a clean sweep of the upper deck, taking away port quarter boats (second cutter and jolly boat), netting, and bulwark. Sail was shortened as far as possible, the men not being able to keep the deck; immediately the ship took the ground the hatchways were battened down, which, however, proved perfectly useless, as the fastenings were thrown up by the bumping of the ship.

 

"The commodore then ordered the port guns to be thrown overboard (we succeeded in lightening the ship of four guns), and the starboard cutter to be manned and lowered, the paymaster and secretary to place in her his private signals, the public records, and the ship's books; but from the heavy lurching of the ship the men were unable to pass all the books they wanted; some were lost overboard. Mr. Fielding had orders to land what he had got and return. After great difficulty the cutter got clear of the ship. She was reported to be swamped two or three times. When seen on one occasion five hands were observed to be missing. It was about this time a steamer was seen coming out of the Heads. The commodore next ordered the pipe, 'Hands out boats,' yards and stays having previously been triced up. The pinnace was the first boat out. As I was returning from the maintop Commander Burton ordered me into the pinnace to go to the assistance of the cutter; the commodore then came to the starboard gangway, and on my telling him that I had seen the cutter all right when on the main yard he ordered me to take Mr. Amphlett, paymaster, who was well acquainted with the place on shore, for the purpose of getting assistance. Mr. Amphlett was then and there told to jump into the boat; this was at 2 30. We shoved off, and with great difficulty, from the strong ebb, cleared the ship. As we proceeded I observed the smoke of a steamer to the southward, going seaward. After a two hours' pull against a heavy rolling sea, we weared the Ninepin, when I spoke Mr. Wing in the pilot boat. We learnt from him that the steamer in sight (now seen coming up the South Channel) was the Wonga Wonga, returning to the Heads, that he had no boat to send to the Harrier to report our distress, that there was a lifeboat hauled up on shore, hut no hands or means to get her afloat; it would take 12 men a considerable time. The cutter now came up with us; Mr. Wing and his Maories came into the pinnace, while Mr. Amphlett, two sick men, and two boys, and two others started off in the whaler of the Harrier.

 

"We pushed on to the steamer, now between the Heads, waving, signalizing, and making every effort to gain her attention; after some delay she turned round and closed us, taking pinnace and cutter in tow, proceeding to the wreck, which we reached at 6 p.m. I found her very much lying over to port, the masts all standing, the crew in the rigging above the tops, the sea at times sweeping as high as the futtock rigging; the sails had been cut away from the yards, it being impossible to furl them. Taking, in addition the pilot's boatcrew, four young Maories, with the pinnace being to windward of the wreck, we dropped down to about 30 or 40 yards on her starboard bow, hailed the men on the bowsprit and jibboom to jump off and swim for it. I picked up seven or eight; having drifted to leeward, the steamer came and towed me to windward. I dropped down a second time with the cutter in company. This time three or four more men were taken in in the pinnace, and the boatswain and four or five in the cutter. It was now about 7 o'clock; the flood tide had made, the rollers soon became very high and dangerous on the change; the jibboom broke off short by the cap; it was quite impossible, with safety to the boats, to remain any longer by the wreck. As I was going back I shouted to the wreck to make a final attempt but none would venture.

 

"The steamer picked up boats and anchored close to the north side of the South Spit; distant from wreck about three-quarters of a mile. This was at 8 o'clock. At 8 30 the masts went. Boats returned to the wreck. The Wonga Wonga kept burning blue lights, blowing her steam whistle and ringing her bell. The pinnace picked up six or eight and returned to the steamer with one or two in the last stage of exhaustion. On again nearing the wreck I found the ship completely broken up. It was a beautiful clear moonlight night, and masses of the wreck kept passing in with the flood, clinging to which Lieutenant Yonge and six or eight men were saved. The cutter got so far to leeward that she made for the land, the pinnace returning to the steamer. We remained on deck the whole night, keeping a sharp look-out. At daylight nothing could be seen of the ill-fated Orpheus but a stump of one mast and a few ribs.

 

"From the commencement and during the whole proceedings nothing could exceed the coolness and decision of Commodore Burnett, C.B., the commander, and the officers all in their stations, sentries on the spirit room and store rooms; while the good feeling and steadiness of the men was beyond all praise, remaining at their posts until ordered by the commodore to mount the rigging. Many were washed overboard in obeying orders.

 

"I must not forget to mention the gallant conduct of the Maori crew; they were first and foremost in saving lives. On going ashore in the cutter Mr. Hunt and Mr. Barkly (midshipmen) were picked up, one Maori taking Mr. Barkly on his back and carrying him along the beach to his hut. They afterwards gave them food and put them in their own beds for the night.

 

"William Johnson (captain of the mizentop) three times jumped out of the pinnace with a rope to the rescue, and was the means of saving three drowning men.

 

"On board the Woaga Wonga, which officers and men reached cold and naked, the greatest kindness and hospitality were shown and continued by all on board, until we were transferred to the Avon, where I had reported myself to you.

 

"I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant,

"CHARLES HILL,

"Lieutenant Her Majesty's ship Orpheus."

 

"LIST of SURVIVORS.

 

"Officers.- Lieutenant Charles Hill, Lieutenant Duke D. Yonge, Mr. E.A. Amphlett (paymaster), Mr. Bernal W. Fielding (midshipman), Mr. C. George Hunt (midshipman) Mr. H.M. Barkly (midshipman), Mr. W. Mason (boatswain), and Mr. James Beer (carpenter).

 

"Seamen.- Robert Carpenter, William Fisher, William Johnson, George Turtle, Charles Weir, W. Cooper, W. Clews, Alfred Pilbeam, Samuel Bannister, Noah Wells, John Quinton, James Parsons, Henry Walker, John Nicholson, Joseph Jordan, George Roberts, William Russell, James Summers, Henry Holmes, James Taylor, George Ward, James Kennedy, William Langrish, William Pasin, Patrick Daley, Edward Briggs, Arthur Tilly, Thomas Smedden, George Seal, Charles Fox, Thomas Burton, William Ollert, William Ball, Henry Graham, Joseph Boland, Henry Portbury, James J. Brown, James Wilson, Thomas Herbert, John Cochrane, Alfred Ankett, Henry Bentell, Henry Brown, Frederick Butter (belonging to Harrier), Henry Stuffle, James Graham, John Finnies, Edward Walsh, William Mayes, Henry Newman, Thomas Rusgell, George Young, John Hall, John Morby, William Geary, James Sparshott, George Hurlestone, Richard Roe (marine), Joseph Crowson (drummer), William Herbert,(boy second class), John Ideson (boy), William Horrigan (commissioner's servant), picked up at 1 o'clock on the 8th by a coaster off Peeponga.

 

"List of Men left behind at Sydney.- Sergeant Carter (Royal Marines), George Monday (gunner Royal Marine Artillery), Stephen Hodge (private Royal Marines), George Tarpler (boy first class), James Ashwood (boy first class), Thomas Rees (able bodied seaman), William Barnes (boy first class)

 

"CHARLES HILL,

"Lieutenant Her Majesty's ship Orpheus."

 

(From the New Zealander, February. 9th.)

Yesterday (Sunday) morning, at an early hour, the inhabitants of Auckland were horrified by the intelligence that Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, for sometime back expected on this station, had been totally wrecked in attempting to cross the Manakau bar, and with the awful loss of 185 souls out of a ship's company mustering 256 officers, seamen, boys, and marines. The Orpheus (a fine new corvette of 21 guns, 1,706 tons, 400-horse power), sailed from Sydney on the 31st of January, and after a fair passage, under canvas, fetched the land off the Manakau heads on Saturday, at noon. The ship was at that time under al plain sail, and within eight miles of the entrance, the signal flying on Paratutai -"Take the bar" - Commodore Burnett and the master being at that time on the bridge. Steam was got up at once, the commodore determining to go in. The lead was kept going; a sharp look out was observed, the ship steering east until one p.m, and then north-east by east, the Ninepin rock on with Paratutai, being in accordance with: Drury's sailing directions in the New Zealand Pilot. At twenty minutes past one the ship bumped slightly, but still went ahead. At half-past one, however, she struck hard, and orders were given to back astern full speed. The engines never moved. The ship fell off broadside to the rollers, the sea knocking away her stern post, port bulwarks, and boats, and making a clean sweep over all. The wind was from about S.W. to W.S.W., a stiff breeze, with occasional puffs. In this dismal plight Commodore Burnett, whose coolness and decision were the theme of admiration among his officers and men, gave orders to Mr. Fielding, midshipman, to take a cutter with the records, ship's books, and other articles; but, on losing sight of her, fearing that she was swamped, the pinnace was got out, and, with Lieutenant Hill and Mr. Amphlett, paymaster, was despatched to her assistance, with instructions to push on towards the heads, in the vain hope of obtaining relief through White's lifeboat, known to be stationed there, but, alas, without a crew to launch or to man her. It was an awful moment, but it is gratifying to know that even in this extremity all hands, officers and men, spoke in praise of each other, and of their gallant chief, who expressed a determination to be the last to quit the wreck, After the pinnace had left the launch was got over the side, with 40 men to lay out anchors, in the hope of making grapplings fast to haul into smooth water. The ebb title unhappily swept her under the bows, where she was stove, and nearly all on board, including Lieutenant Jekyll, were drowned. The pinnace meanwhile continued her course towards the heads, descrying the steamer Wonga Wonga, outward bound for Wellington; the anxiety was intense, as the Wonga Wonga went round and round, and nearly out of sight. Mr. Amphlett at length succeeded in reaching the pilot-boat, and came up with Her Majesty's ship Harrier at half-past 10 p.m. The Wonga Wonga anchored, and the few survivors were transferred to her from the boats of the Orpheus that had been got afloat. Had White's lifeboat been able to be launched and manned, we are informed, upon good authority, that most of the ill-starred seamen might have been saved. The heavy guns broke adrift about half-past 5 p.m., tearing up the upper-deck, and driving the people to the tops, the rollers becoming longer and heavier. The masts stood firmly until the flood tide made, at about half-past 6 p.m. They then began to go, and the ship parted in halves, the rollers breaking into the tops. When the masts went the crew gave three cheers, as if taking farewell of life. Commodore Burnett and the young gentlemen were in the mizzen-top; all perished, except Mr. Barkly, son of the Governor of Victoria. Commander Burton, Mr. Strong, sailing-master, and Lieutenant Mudge, who were in the main-top, were lost, the men who were saved succeeded in getting down the jibstay on to the jib-boom, dropping from thence into smooth water, where they were packed up, Many of the survivors are badly wounded, having legs and arms broken, and bodies bruised and maimed by the guns and falling spars. A despatch from Commander Sullivan, Her Majesty's ship Harrier, which was received on Saturday at midnight, informed his Excellency the Governor of this disastrous event. With the utmost promptitude the military authorities took measures to render every possible assistance- Colonel Gamble, Quartermaster-General; D.A.C.G. Chislett, Mr. Hamley, Ordnance Department, with six ambulance waggons, tents, 500 blankets, and other requisites, setting out for Onehunga. The steamer Avon, in charge of Mr. Hunt, with Captain Jenkins, Her Majesty's ship Miranda, started yesterday at 2 a.m. On reaching the heads not a vestige of wreck was to be seen. The Wonga Wonga, which was on her way to Onehunga, on meeting the Avon, transferred the rescued seamen to that vessel, and proceeded on her southern voyage. The Harrier got under weigh on Sunday at 4 a.m, but, having grounded, had to wait the flood tide, and did not get fairly away until nearly 3 p.m., about which hour the Avon had got back. The Avon went at once alongside the Onehunga wharf, and every care and attention were paid to the wounded.

 

(From the Wellington Spectator, February 12th.)

The Wonga Wonga sailed, from the Onehunga wharf, Manakau, on the 7th inst. On arriving at the bar she noticed a vessel in the offing, apparently a man-of-war, but the signal being up to take the south channel the Wonga proceeded on her course. On getting well clear of the channel, Captain Renner noticed the vessel to be labouring very heavily, and apparently ashore. Captain Renner then proceeded to the outer entrance of the north channel, but being unable to take it, on account of the heavy sea on the bar, he returned to the pilot station by the south channel. On reaching the pilot station he found two boats, the pinnace and cutter, belonging to the ill-fated vessel. The pilot then went on board the Wonga Wonga, took the two boats in tow, and proceeded to the scene of the disaster. On arriving there he found that the sea was making a complete breach over the vessel, and she was, of course, labouring very heavily. He then found it was impossible to get alongside with the boats, in consequence of the heavy sea; the boats were therefore pulled as close as possible under the jib-boom, and the officers in charge of them called to the crew to jump into the water and they would pick them up, as it was the only chance left of saving their lives. Several of the men jumped into the water and were picked up by the boats, but some were unfortunately drowned in the surf by the drawback. At this stage of the proceedings the scene was most appalling, the only chance of the crew getting saved being to jump into the boiling surf. All the men at this time were clinging to the rigging. The Wonga was steaming as close as possible to the scene of the wreck, and was fearfully tossed about by the tumultuous sea. The boats then returned to the Wonga, having succeeded in picking up about 14 of the drowning men, several of whom were nearly exhausted, and every means was adopted to restore animation, by the application of hot blankets and other remedies. Several who were wounded and very much bruised had their wounds dressed, and every possible attention shown them. The boats in charge of the second lieutenant again gallantly put off to the wreck, and succeeded in rescuing several from a watery grave. By this time it was becoming dark, and the pilot, not deeming it prudent for the Wonga to remain in the position she was then in, proceeded a short distance into the channel and anchored. At about 9 o'clock, the night being very dark, the foremast went by the hoard, casting all the poor fellows who were clinging to it into the raging billows. Immediately after, the main and mizzen masts fell over the side, carrying the last of the crew with them. During all this time the most superhuman exertions were being made by the second lieutenant and the gallant crews to rescue his unfortunate shipmates. The two boats, and a boat belonging to the Wonga, were pulling about amid the breakers until past midnight. All hopes of saving any more lives having vanished, the pinnace, in charge of the second lieutenant, returned, with several more of the unfortunate crew, to the Wonga, and the cutter proceeded into the pilot station, being unable to fetch the Wonga, and landed seven more of the crew in safety, including the son of Sir Henry Barkly, the Governor of Victoria, who was saved after clinging to a spar for upwards of two hours. The Wonga burnt blue lights, and showed other signals until daylight, in hopes of picking up any more of the unfortunate crew who might be floating about the wreck. At daylight, the Wonga proceeded towards the wreck, but by this time a very small portion of the ill-fated vessel was to be seen. Commander Jenkins returned thanks to Captain Renner, his officers, and the crew of the Wonga Wonga, for their praiseworthy exertions and unremitting kindness to the sufferers. One of the captains of the mizzentop, who was one of the boat's crew, gallantly jumped overboard three times, and on each occasion succeeded in saving a shipmate from a watery grave. The Commodore was last seen in the mizzen rigging, and is supposed to have been killed by the falling of a spar. The wind was about W.S.W., with a terrific sea on, when the Orpheus went to pieces.

 

Tu 14 April 1863 We have received the following letter from our Malta correspondent, dated Valetta, April 7:-

"… Several officers and men who were saved from the wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, on the coast of New Zealand, arrived this morning in the mail packet Ellora, on their way to England. They are Lieut. Hill, Lieut. Yonge, Paymaster Amphlett, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Fielding, and Mr. Barkly, midshipmen ; Mr. Mason and Mr. Beer, petty officers, and nine seamen".

Sa 18 April 1863

THE LOSS OF THE ORPHEUS.

 

The following dispatch, addressed to the Duke of Newcastle, has been received from Sir G. Grey, Governor of New Zealand :-

 

"New Zealand.- No. 10.

"Government-house, Auckland, February. 9th, 1863.

 

"My Lord Duke,- I have the honour to report to your Grace the total loss of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus on the bar of the harbour of Manukau, on the west coast of the North Island, nearly opposite to the harbour of Auckland, which is on the east coast.

 

"2. Eight officers and 61 men have been saved from the wreck. The names of the officers who have been saved are given in the enclosure to this despatch. Twenty-three officers and 158 men, it is believed, have perished, as the vessel has entirely gone to pieces, and nothing has been seen of them. The names of the missing officers are also given in the list transmitted herewith.

 

"3. It is positively known that many of these officers and men have perished, as they were killed in the presence of the survivors by spars and ropes. There is but slight hope that any of them can be alive; they can only have escaped by having been first washed out to sea on some spar, and then washed up on some other part of the coast.

 

"4. The ship, as far as I can collect, was rather to the southward of the port, and was, at about half-past 1 o'clock in the day, with beautiful weather and a fair wind, making the harbour under steam and sail, going about 12 knots. Running thus from the southward, she was intending to make the passage across the bar as laid down in the chart of 1853. Since that time the bar has shifted about three-quarters of a mile to the northward. She was thus rather more than that distance too far to the southward, and touched first on a small shoal off the middle banks, and in a few minutes ran directly on to them, where there is always a very heavy sea, and where her position (about four miles out at sea) was hopeless.

 

"5. At between 4 and 5 o'clock a small coasting steamer, the Wonga Wonga, which was going out of the harbour, seeing her peril, went to her assistance, but, from the heavy sea and breakers, was unable to get very near her; but the boats of the Orpheus, and those of the men who were saved under the shelter of the steamer, managed from time to time to pick up others. They were aided in the most gallant and determined manner by three Maories from the pilot-station, who steered the boats.

 

"6. The conduct of Commodore Burnett, his officers, and men, was perfectly heroic. I have never heard instances of greater courage, carelessness of self, and efforts to save the ship and others than have been detailed to me. At about 9 at night the mainmast went overboard; the other two masts went in less than 20 minutes afterwards. Those of the crew (and they were a great number) who had not yet been washed overboard or killed by spars and ropes were on the masts and rigging, and the poor fellows, as these went, gave three parting cheers and then perished. I am told that not a murmur or cry was heard from the wounded and dying, and yet the manner of some of their deaths was terrible. Altogether it is one of the most affecting events that I have ever heard of, and yet one that excites admiration from the courage, self-devotion, and energetic resignation both of the many who perished and the few who were saved.

 

"I have, &c.,

"G. GREY.

"His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G."

 

Monday 20th April 1863 The surviving officers and crew of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus arrived on board Her Majesty's ship Victory, at Portsmouth, on Friday evening. They arrived at Portsmouth by Southampton steampacket from the Peninsular and Oriental Mail Company's mail steamship Ellora, which arrived the same day at that port from Malta.

Tuesday 21st April 1863

HOUSE OF LORDS, MONDAY, APRIL 20th.

THE LOSS OF THE ORPHEUS.

 

The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH said he wished to put a question to the noble duke at the head of the Admiralty respecting the loss of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus. In the official despatch on the subject it was stated that the Orpheus, with nearly 200 men, was lost by acting, not against, but in compliance with the directions on her chart. The telegraph flag was flying telling her to take the bar; she obeyed that instruction, and consequently was wrecked. Since the chart was issued in 1853 the sand at the mouth of the harbour of Manukau had shifted three quarters of a mile, and in consequence the Orpheus, instead of passing safely through the channel, ran directly on the sand itself. He wished to know what steps the Admiralty were in the habit of taking for the purpose of collecting information on foreign stations respecting those changes which occurred from time to time, affecting the navigation of the waters, and also what means they adopted for disseminating that information among the officers of the Royal Navy. Although it appeared, in this instance, that Her Majesty's officers were unacquainted with the changes which had occurred, the merchant service were not ignorant of them, for he had seen in the newspapers a letter from a gentleman commanding a vessel stating that they were perfectly well known.

 

The Duke of SOMERSET said he was very glad that the noble earl had put this question to him, as it enabled him to correct an error on the subject which was very generally prevalent, and into which it was not surprising that the noble earl had fallen, as it originated in the despatch of the Governor of New Zealand, Sir George Grey. In that despatch it was stated that the Orpheus "was intending to make the passage across the bar, as laid down in the chart of 1853. Since that time the bar has shifted about three-quarters of a mile to the northward. She was thus rather more than that distance too far to the southward." The loss of this fine vessel and her gallant crew was, of course, a most painful calamity; but it would have been an additional source of deep affliction if it had been caused by any neglect on the part of the Admiralty in not communicating to the officers of the ship the changes which were known to have occurred in the harbour. So far, however, was this from being the case that the chart of 1853 was brought to the notice of the Hydrographer's office in October 1861, if not before. A notice was then drawn up, of which printed copies were sent to the senior officer on the Australian station to be distributed among the ships in that quarter. That notice contained the following observations:-

 

"It appears from the Remark Book of Her Majesty's Ship Niger, 1861, by Mr. A.J. Veitch, Master, that since the survey by Captain Drury in 1853 the main channel at the entrance of Manukau Harbour has shifted; as also, that the code of signals noticed in the New Zealand Pilot, 2d edition, 1859, established to assist the navigation of that port, has been altered and improved. The following directions will therefore supersede those heretofore in use; but from the shifting nature of the entrance of Manukau Harbour, as also of all the bar harbours on the west coast of the north island, the seaman is cautioned to pay strict attention to directions that may be given from pilot stations; and it has been recommended as a general rule, in the absence of direct information of changes in the channels, that that portion which has the smoothest water between the breakers should be taken, as experience has proved that it will be the deepest part. The north side of the middle banks forming the southern boundary of the main channel to Manukau, has extended to the northward since Captain Drury's survey in 1853; vessels, therefore, in crossing the bar of this harbour should bring the Nine Pinrock twice its base open to the southward of Paratutai, N.E. by E 1/2 E., which will lead about a cable northward of the breakers."

 

Thus seamen were first cautioned that the bar had shifted, and were also warned to pay attention to local information. When he first heard of the accident to the Orpheus he was anxious to learn whether the officers had ever received the notice he had referred to. He therefore sent for the issue book kept in the Hydrographic-office, from which it appeared that the New Zealand notice was sent to Portsmouth on the 13th of November, 1861, and placed in No. 5 Australian chart box. On the 23d of November the Orpheus drew this No. 5 box from the store at Portsmouth, and the receipt for it was in the Hydrographic-office at the Admiralty. Moreover, he had seen an officer on Saturday who was saved from the wreck, and he believed he was correct in stating that the master of the Orpheus had a copy of the very notice in question in his hand at the time when the ship was approaching the bar. He mentioned these circumstances only to justify the Admiralty, and to show that they were not chargeable with neglect of duty. He would not go any further into the subject. Their lordships were doubtless aware that the Orpheus, which drew about 20ft. Of water, was rather larger than most of the ships frequenting that coast, end he might observe that he had sent her out at the pressing instance of the Governor of New Zealand. The noble earl had also asked what were the general orders of the Admiralty in regard to correcting charts. Those orders were very complete. The master was directed to note all inaccuracies in any of the charts supplied to the ship, but especially in those published by the Admiralty, so that the requisite alterations might be presently made. If the position of the dangers was materially altered, or if he should discover any new dangers, or if the inaccuracies he might have detected in the charts were of importance, he was to report them immediately to the Admiralty by the very first opportunity, so that no time should be lost in applying the necessary corrections. Again when a hydrographic notice of a newly discovered shoal, or rock, or other danger, or a notice to mariners of a new or altered light, buoy, beacon, or land mark was received on board, the master was at once to insert it in red ink in all the charts to which it referred (these being always enumerated at the foot of the notice), and to note the same in the sailing directions, reporting to the captain that he had so done. Further, all masters of Her Majesty's ships were required to report to the Secretary of the Admiralty through their captain the discovery of any new rock or shoal. The governors of our colonies and. Consuls constantly sent information, and harbour masters and merchant captains did the same. The Hydrographic-office was in constant correspondence with all parties who could furnish information in all parts of the world. As soon as it was received, if considered of fair authority, it was printed and circulated not only for the benefit of Her Majesty's ships, but of all navigators. He thought he had now shown that every care was taken to let the officers of the unfortunate vessel know the changes which had taken place in the harbour. He had only to add that there would of course be an inquiry into all the circumstances connected with the loss of the ship, and then probably it would be ascertained how the vessel came to be lost. He could not omit bearing testimony to the gallant bearing of all on board, and of the crew of the vessel, who, seeing death coming upon them in all directions, still remained steadfast in the execution of their duty. (Hear, hear.) Such conduct afforded a fine example of the courage and bravery of British seamen. (Hear, hear.)

 

Thursday 23rd April 1863 A meeting has been convened for this evening by the Mayor of Portsmouth to raise a public subscription for the relief of the widows and orphans of those who perished in the wreck of the Orpheus.

Tuesday 28th April 1863 A naval court assembled on board Her Majesty's ship Victory at Portsmouth yesterday, for the trial, pro forma, of Lieutenant Charles Hill, and the surviving officers and crew of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus at present in England, for the recent loss of that ship on the bar of Manukau harbour, New Zealand. The Court was composed of Captain Scott, Her Majesty's ship Victory, President; Captains Wainwright, Cumming, Phillimore, Chamberlain, and Seccombe. After hearing a mass of evidence the finding was read by the Deputy Judge-Advocate. It set forth that Her Majesty's ship Orpheus was lost by striking on the bar of Manukau harbour on the day named when going over it in the absence of pilot boats, that no blame whatever was attached to Commodore Burnett, C.B., or any of her officers and crew, that the conduct of every officer, seaman and marine, man and boy. On board was deserving of the very highest praise, and that Lieut. Hill and the officers and crew of Her Majesty's late ship Orpheus were therefore fully and honourably acquitted. Lieut. Hill was then called to the table and presented with, his sword. The President observed that the duly he had to perform was gratifying to him, and that he only expressed the feelings of the entire Court when he said they felt the sword could not be intrusted to better and more worthy hands. It gives us much pleasure to announce that Her Majesty has forwarded to Sir Michael Seymour, G.C.B., Admiral Commanding at Portsmouth, through Sir C. Phipps, the sum of 50 l. for the families of the crew of the Orpheus, with the expression of Her Majesty's deep sympathy with them in their affliction.

 

Monday 4th May 1863 NO ONE TO BLAME!- The Court of Inquiry into the circumstances of the wreck of the Orpheus have found, as we are informed by the correspondent of The Times, "that Her Majesty's ship Orpheus was lost by striking on the bar of Manukau harbour when going over it in the absence of pilot boats, that no blame whatever was attached to Commodore Burnett, C.B., or any of her officers and crew, and that the conduct of every officer, seaman and marine, man and boy, on board was deserving of the very highest praise." This is an astounding verdict, excepting only the last award of praise, thoroughly merited, as regards the conduct of all after the stranding of the ship. The conclusion is that no one was to blame for the loss of a fine ship in broad day and moderate weather. It was all right that she should attempt to enter the Manukau when she had no particular business there; it was all right that she should make the attempt at the wrong tide-time; in short, it was right that she should be lost, for, if there was no wrong in the case, all was right and as it ought to be. It is unfortunately true that the officers to whom blame may have attached are not living to defend themselves, but surely the Court, without direct censure, might have adverted to the causes of the disaster with regret, and thus given a warning against the repetition of the same errors. As it is, the imprudences seem approved and sanctioned. The Court found that the ship was lost by striking on the bar when going over it in the absence of pilot boats. The bar is only a cable's length in breadth. The ship first touched according to lieutenant Hill's statement, at 1 30, and 10 minutes afterwards struck, where she went to pieces. Was she, then, with all plain sail set, a fair wind and steam power in aid, 10 minutes in traversing the distance of a cable's length? If not, she was clearly not lost on the bar, the passage over which could not have taken her two minutes, allowing for a strong adverse tide, As we have before explained, the ship was lost on the Middle-bank, inside the bar, and not at all in the position of a bar, which, as the name expresses, stretches across the entrance of a harbour or port; the Middle lies in the direction of the entrance, and its north side makes the south side of the channel. The Court find that the ship struck in the absence of pilot boats. Does it pretend that pilot boats could be expected? Is it not well known that the pilot boats do not go beyond the Heads, and in the Admiralty Sailing Directions is it not notified that "it is seldom possible for the pilot boat to board outside the bar?" And for this reason all necessary directions for guidance are given by signals from the pilot-station at the Paratutai Head. But if, notwithstanding information to the contrary, the ship expected a pilot and was disappointed, why did she not then give up the attempt and proceed to Auckland, with a leading wind round the north cape? It is quite clear that the disaster was referable to the culpable error of attempting the entrance at the wrong tide-time. The signal for water was made at 11 30, 50 minutes before high water, and if there was only water enough in the 50 minutes before high water, there would certainly not be more in the 50 minutes after high water; for wherever there is a great inlet like the Manukau the first of the ebb runs off quicker than the last of the flood runs in. But with only 50 minutes of tide time to be depended on the Orpheus did not even approach the bar till that time had expired, and might have passed it about an hour and ten minutes after high water, when the tide had fallen full half a fathom, and a rougher weather-tide had increased the sand, and by so much diminished the depth of water necessary to float the long-legged ship over the shoals. But there was nothing to blame in all this according to the view of the naval Court, and officers are free to follow the example of Commodore Burnett without fear of censure, living or dead. Certain we are that the unfortunate officer himself must in his last moments bitterly have reproached himself for the rash error by which he had thrown away the lives of so many brave men. No officer's character stood higher than that of Commodore Burnett, and inexplicable is the one fatal error closing his meritorious career. Perhaps it never occurred to the Court to inquire what the ship was doing from daybreak, when she made the land, to midday, when she ran her head against the shore, for the answer might give some clue to the cause of the disaster, and might not be reconcilable with the foregone conclusion that no one was to blame.- Examiner.

Friday 8th May 1863

THE LOSS OF THE ORPHEUS.

 

The Secretary of the Admiralty presents his compliments to the Editor of The Times, and encloses herewith a return of the names of officers and men who perished in the wreck of Her Majesty's late ship Orpheus, at the entrance of the Manukau harbour, New Zealand, on the 7th. Of February last.

 

Admiralty, March 7th.

A Return of the Names of Officers and Men lost in the Wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus, at the entrance of the Manukau harbour, New Zealand, on the 7th of February, 1863:-

William F. Burnett, C.B., commodore; William T.F.W. Mudge and Arthur Jekyll, lieutenants; William D. Strong, master; Robert H. Burton, commander; William J. Taylor, second master; William Hudson, gunner; Arthur R. Mallock, Thomas H. Broughton, and George H. Verner, midshipmen; John J. Tozer, master's assistant; Rev. C.B. Hazlewood, chaplain and naval instructor; William H.P.M. Gillham, secretary (assistant-paymaster); A.D. Johnston, assistant-paymaster; James Clarkson, asistant surgeon; Samuel Stephens, chief engineer; Jqhn H. Adams, engineer; John H. Vickery, assistant-engineer, 1st class; Edward J. Miller, William Adamson, and George F. Gossage (lent from the Miranda), assistant-engineers, 2d class; Henry N. Naylen, clerk; George Townsend ship's steward; George Drew, ship's cook; John E. Ernest, master-at-arms; Thomas Osborne, ship's corporal; William Sheppard and John Hutchins, gunner's mates; Frederick Kemp, Jesse Bignell, Frederick Allen, and Thomas Lane, leading stokers; Michael Mahoney, ropemaker; John Bosworthick, blacksmith; John Trautman, carpenter's mate; David Norris, caulker; George Warn and Henry Corps, quartermasters; Arthur Haggis, captain's coxswain; Thomas Ambrose, captain maintop; Abraham Voice, coxswain launch; John Pascoe and William Milliard, boatswain's mates; Joseph. W. Wilson; captain hold; John Plowman and Edwin Lloyd, captains after guard; George .Redman, armourer; George Vincent, caulker's mate; John Davey, captain mizen-top; Samuel…Mardon, musician; Henry Baker; cooper; Henry Redman, sick berth attendant; Alfred Brown, Felix Kelley, James Healy, David Lee, John H. Maud, Charles Davis, Andrew Dorey, William Swain, and John Moore, stokers; Thomas Smith, sailmaker's crew; William E. Bayliss, painter; George Hill and Thomas Kelly, leading seamen; Charles E. Rowe, John Pay, and Henry Thomas, carpenter's crew; John Wealords, shipwright; John Woodrow, tailor; George Anderson, Thomas Parke, Henry Sheargold, Edwin Pelham, William H. Hutton, William Stephenson, James M'Cloud, John Higham, Joseph Northover, Charles Whetnam, Jos. J. Rockett, Robert Randall, Edward Jenner, John Young, Edward Springer, John Hewitt, Harry Mark, George Mark, and William Cowen, A.B.sa; William Hillier and John Davis, ordinary second-class; John Cleary, James Hall, Daniel Hines, Edward Finn, William Rowland, Herbert Adams, John Bennett, William Blackwill, Alfred Crow, Noah Jones, Samuel Cole, James Ellis, William H. Bickle, William Halson, and Peter Newman, ordinary; Henry Weatherstone, William Palmer, Henry Welstead, and William Gannaway, ordinary second-class; William H. Cookney, wardroom steward; Thomas Stoneham, wardroom cook; C. Goldshmidt, captain's steward; Augustus Holdgate, captain's cook; John Hyde, gunroom steward; George Mitchell, gunroom cook; Samuel Scutt, engineer's servant; and John Phillips, engineer's cook. Boys.- James Goodwin, William F. Hunt, Edward M. Warner, William Jenkins, John T. Broadway, William J. Bridle, William J. Orchard, John Kingston, Jeremiah Murphy, Denis Donoghue, George Duffett, Charles Theobald, George Bunce, John Simmonds, Isaiah Thompson, and John Searle, first-class; Samuel F. Spencer, ship's steward's-boy; John H. Avis, William Davis, Albert Early, John Knowlden, Richard White, William Hartfield, Robert H. Veal, Thomas Callaghan, and John Cronin, second-class. Royal Marines.-Edward E. Hill, First lieutenant Royal Marine Artillery; John Howard, corporal; Sidney Hoyle, Thomas Ladbroke, John Shorthouse, David Horsfield, Daniel Davis, John Greenwood, Henry Baylam, Francis Starrs. Michael Flanaghan, Thomas Coffins, John Durkin, George Gray, Thomas Doren, Thomas Littlefield, Stephen Foyle, Henry Gardner, and John Heard, privates; William Tranter, sergeant; George Gordon, corporal; John Broad-wood, Bradley Starkay, John Kave, Lewis Cramp, Henry Crabb, Samuel Johnson, Thomas Brady, William Hobbs, Thomas Letheby, George King, William Burge, Charles Heath, and John Vince, gunners; Charles Binfield, Thomas Tucker, Henry Pearin, George Trott, Thomas Gould, John Williams, James Andrews, John P. Masters, Richard Williams, John Budge, and Peter Pafford. Privates.

 

Thursday 14th May 1863 WRECK OF THE ORPHEUS.- In 1846, in Her Majesty's sloop Osprey, Captain Patten was wrecked off the same fatal bar. An interesting account of the encampment of her crew, and their march across the island of New Zealand, was written by the steward (Mr. H. Moon), and has been introduced by the Lords of the Admiralty into the seamen's libraries. The signal then was, "Take the bar, there is no danger."

 

THE ORPHEUS RELIEF FUND.- The widows and relatives of the crew of Her Majesty's late ship Orpheus, who have been paid allotments for the month of April from the relief fund at the Royal Naval College, Portsmouth, are requested to attend at the college at 11 o'clock on Friday morning, the 29th of May, when they will be paid the allotments for the month of May. Any other applications for relief from the fund will be considered at the same time.

 

Monday 14th March 1864

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

 

MELBOURNE, JANUARY 25th.

 

… I may also mention in this place that since the disastrous wreck of the Orpheus the entrance into Manukau harbour has been re-surveyed, and carefully, and, I am informed, rather profusely buoyed, so that the steamers engaged in the inter-provincial trade, and those in communication with the General, pass into and out of that harbour with safety and with perfect confidence.

 

Thursday 14th July 1864

THE WAR IN NEW ZEALAND.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

 

MELBOURNE, MAY 26th.

 

The following is the list of killed and wounded. Where not described otherwise, the wounds are gunshot wounds:-

HER MAJESTY'S SHIP CURACOA - Lieutenant Hill, late of the Orpheus; and James Harris, ordinary seaman.

 

Thursday 17th November 1864

DREADFUL ACCIDENT AT TUNIS.

 

(From the Malta Times, November 10th.) It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow that we have to announce in our columns to-day an awful calamity which has befallen a number of brave officers and men of Her Majesty's ship Orlando. The afflicting tidings reached us by the French steamer Du Trembly, arrived this morning from Tunis, that one of the boats of the above ship bad been upset in a squall, by which no less than eight of her officers, three seamen, and a marine lost their lives. All the men-of-war in port, including the French frigate Cacque, immediately hoisted their flags half-mast high, and a like testimony of regret and mourning was shown by many of the merchant ships in harbour as soon as the lamentable event became more generally known. The following are the particulars of this catastrophe, which will cast many families into mourning:-It appears that on the morning of the 3d inst. a cutter, having on board the following officers:- Lieutenant Still, Surgeon Wood, Captain Pritchard, Royal Marines, Midshipmen De Gama, Fielding, and Kemble, Master's-Assistant Hadrill, and Assistant-Paymaster Stratford, together with four seamen and one marine, left the ship on a picnic party, and while returning at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, under sail, a sudden squall struck the boat when about a thousand yards from the shore, and upset it. Seeing that all hope of assistance was impossible, one of the seamen struck out for the shore, and was the only man saved. Ha was found the next morning completely exhausted, and in a state of nudity, in an Arab hut, by another cutter of the Orlando, which, in tow of the French frigate Invincible's steam launch, had been sent in search of the missing boat. Up to the last accounts, nothing else had been found but a jacket belonging to Mr. Fielding and a portion of the mast of the boat, notwithstanding the Orlando and gunboat Tyrian had been searching under steam for the missing bodies. The Orlando is expected here at the end of the week. The sudden calamity has created universal sympathy in Tunis. All the foreign representatives displayed their flags half-mast, and waited upon the English Consul-General to express their condolence and respect for the memory of so many brave officers and men appertaining to Her Majesty's naval forces, whose untimely death has deprived their Sovereign and their country of their valuable service. The Commandant Chevalier of His Imperial Majesty's ship Inflexible, senior officer of the French Emperor's ships in those waters, also waited on Her Majesty's representative for the same purpose, and the French Consul-General wrote besides a very feeling letter of condolence on the melancholy occasion. His Highness the Bey also conveyed his sympathy and condolence, and gave strict order to the authorities on the coast to protect any of the bodies of the victims that might be washed ashore, and to report immediately any such occurrence to the Bey's Government. It is a circumstance of melancholy interest to know that Mr. Fielding, one of the unfortunate young officers who perished on this occasion, was one of the few survivors of the lamentable wreck of Her Majesty's ship Orpheus on the coast of New Zealand.

 

"Bryan and Clement Broughton had emigrated to the western arm of Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island. Clement had settled in Anakiwa and become a sheep farmer. Bryan, too, was almost certainly engaged in farming, exploiting the knowledge he had acquired at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester in 1853/4, where he had obtained a Diploma, coming first in the Order of Merit and having his name placed on the College’s Honours board. He had married Maria Theresa Downes, at Picton, Marlborough, in January 1861.

 

After playing cricket in Picton on 21 April 1862, Bryan Broughton was sailing home between Picton and Onahau Bay when a heavy squall arose and he was drowned, aged 24, leaving a wife and a three-month-old baby daughter (Broughton Bay in Keneperu Sound was subsequently named after him). " Mark Penfold from an article about their aunt pittvillehistory.org.uk/bios/9920.html

 

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LOST - Commodore, W. F. Burnett, C.B., Commander, R. H. Burton, Lieutenants, Mudge and Jykill Master, W. D. Strong Lieutenant Hill, Royal Marine Artillery Rev. C. Hazlewood, Chaplain Mr Gillham, Commodore's Secretary Mr Johnston, Assistant Paymaster Dr Clarkson, Surgeon Dr Crawford, Assistant Surgeon W. Stephens, Chief Engineer W. D. Taylor, Second Master A. R. Mallock, Midshipman T. H. Broughton, G. H. Verner, J. J. Tosser, Master's Assistant ; Mr Avian, Assistant Clerk J. H. Adams, Engineer 3lr Vickery, Engineer's Assistant Mr Miller, Engineer's Assistant, Mr Adams, Engineer's Assistant G. Gossage, Engineer's Assistant W. Hudson, Gunner.

 

SAVED - Lieutenant Yonge Lieutenant Hill Paymaster Amphlett Mr Barfely, Midshipman Mr Fielding,Midshipman, Mr Hunt, Midhsipman, Mr Mason, Boatswain Mr Beer, Carpenter and 61 Sailors and Marines.