The Jarrow March/Crusade

Jarrow Town Marchers

This then the gathering of 200 hundred soul’s bent on (one thing) taking their plight of unemployment and extreme poverty to the capital, London. The day was the 5th of October 1936, a day that would go down in history, a day when 200 hundred individuals would take their place in our history books.

The global Great Depression in the 1930′s brought mean, lean years, particularly to North East England. Many families / people had to tighten their belts as unemployment and poverty became almost the norm. No town suffered like Jarrow. At one time there was more than 74% of the workforce unemployed. The latest figures issued in March by the Ministry of Labour had put the work force at a staggering 51% out of work. Many towns up and down the country were also suffering high unemployment and poverty.

Situated on the North East coast between Hebburn and South Shields, Jarrow was in the grip of high unemployment and poverty so much so, that the people had decided to take action, and so it was after a Service at Christ Church, the 200 hundred strong men and a dog, would walk the 282 miles to London to present their petition to Parliament.

Today this journey would take us about 4-5 hours by car, yet here were individuals so sick and tired of no work they were willing to walk the distance to have their voice heard. A distance of almost 300 miles (482.8km). Their march would take them through many towns, eventually arriving at Marble Arch on the 31 October, almost a month after leaving their home town of Jarrow.

Their life problems were not imagined. Only a few years earlier in 1933, the author J.B. Preistley on a visit to Jarrow commented on what he saw

“I have seen nothing like it since the war. There is no escape anywhere from its prevailing misery. One little street may be rather more wretched than another but to the outsider they all look alike. One out of every two shops appears to be permanently closed. Where ever we went there were men hanging about, not scores of them, but hundreds and thousands of them. The whole town looked as if it had entered a penniless bleak Sabbath.” J.B. Priestly. English Journey, London 1934)

The Route of the Marchers

Back in the 1850′s when Jarrow came into being, it was little more than a village if that, when brothers Charles Mark and George Palmer established their shipbuilding firm on the river Tyne. Some years later in December of 1870 Charles Palmer would go on to build a hospital for the use of his workforce and success upon success brought prosperity to the town so much so that by the end of the century, the population had grown ten-fold. The brothers expanded their business to include iron and steel manufacture which was soon to be recognized worldwide and from 1851 to 1933, Palmer’s built 900 vessels and kept well dated records of each transaction.

For more information and photographs I would recommend a visit to the family website of Philip Strong he has some impressive photographs of the Palmer shipyard engineering works, machine shop, a foot print of the Palmer’s Works, 1897/1907 OS maps of the area, aerial Views of Palmer’s Shipyard, photographs of Jarrow back in the 1960′s and for those who are also keen on genealogy he walks you through his family tree and shows what can be done when you put your mind to it.

Good fortune and prosperity lasted until around 1920 when slowly but surely, things went from bad to worse. In 1931 Jarrow lost its steel works followed by the loss of shipbuilding a few years later. This was yet another blow to the workforce and left Jarrow with literally nothing. The loss of the steel industry had been the first nails in her coffin but losing the shipbuilding three years later brought the workforce to their knees. Poverty and deprivation brought shame and sadness to a once proud workforce, who now through no fault of their making were forced to beg or ask for credit. Credit that no one knew how or when it could be repaid. This was the forerunner to the crusade. They had had enough,… their town was dying,… they needed work.

Notes:

• Fig.1 – Jarrow Marchers © Bede Gallery (1976)/ Bede’s World

Saint Mary & St Cuthbert Chester le Street - See page footer

The day was October 5th 1936. Leaving their local Town Hall, the marchers made their way to Christ Church for their service before embarking on what was destined to become a unique moment in history. After the service, the marchers exited the church to be confronted with great crowds as they embarked on their journey.

As well as the 200 men who made up the rear of the marchers, the local brass band, the Mayor, the Town Clerk and two men carrying an oak box containing the petition sign by 11,000 residents of Jarrow, were up front. Miss Ellen Wilkinson, Councillor Joe Hanlon, Councillor David Riley and Alderman Joe Symonds, were also among those at the front.

Their first stop would see them at Springwell (Gateshead) for something to eat. Arriving at their first overnight stopping place, Chester-le-street, some 12 miles further on from their start point, the men took tea and later after a meeting in the market square, they retired to the Church Institute. The floor of the institute was rather dusty and hard but this did not deter the men from sleeping.

Next morning, 7th October, found them in good spirits and ready to hit the road. Their destination this time was Ferryhill located 7/8 miles south of Durham City. This time the journey was a little more hardy, with the bus that carried their equipment having great difficulty surmounting the hills. The marchers on the other-hand continued at a steady pace and had no such difficulties. Part of the way they added to their ranks in the way of a stray black Labrador dog whom they adopted as their mascot and rightly named “Jarrow”.

Ferryhill County Durham - See page footer

Arriving at Ferryhill, a town that relied heavily on the coal industry and going through serious economic suffering of its own, the men received a warm welcome and some much needed food. Next morning seen them tucking into a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs. By now, the doctors had their fair share of foot blisters to treat and two health problems of a more serious nature. A young boy had a seizure and a elderly man developed a septic heel and doctors agreed that the they should both return home.

Notes:

• St Mary St Cuthbert – Image: webshots
• Ferryhill County Durham – Image: webshots

The Alderman spoke of how their talents had been in great demand from 1914 to 1918, and he felt that Jarrow and its people needed the help of the nation if unemployment was to be reduced and poverty were to be stamped out. All that the people of Jarrow were asking was their right to work. I wonder what those proud men and women of by-gone days would think about to-days workforce if they were here to offer an opinion? While some people hold their head high as they make a life for themselves and their families, a great number of individual just do not. They quite simply will not work and would rather rely on unemployment benefits… A thought for another day maybe.

Darlington Town Centre - See page footer

While the men marched, Ellen Wilkinson attended the Labour Party Conference in Edinburgh to speak of unemployment. A Council Executive opened the debate saying there were hundreds and thousands of homes where there would be no food on the table or, a small amount of bread and dripping given to the children and the adults would have to go without. Areas that were particularly bad were the North East, The North West, Scotland and Wales. Unfortunately after all had been said and done, the Executive Committee refused to take action.

Many things were happening around the country at the time, I do not intend to outline every possible march that had taken place. Such groups did exist and one such organization was called The National Unemployed Workers Movement. This movement was Communist and lead by Wall Harrington. Another movement called The Fascist Movement was being lead by Sir Oswald Mosley. Unlike the Jarrow March, some of these other marches were poorly organized and often ended in violence and bloodshed. Not what the doctor ordered so to speak.

Cross Center Northallerton - See page footer

On the 8th October the marchers left their borders in county Durham behind and headed into North Yorkshire. Unsure of the reception they would get the men continued their march south. By late afternoon some 16 miles further they arrived at Northallerton, and their unspoken fears diminished to nothing. The people here were as friendly and generous as those in their own county. Many lined the pavements shouting words of encouragement. As well as a meal being provided in the Town Hall overnight sleeping arrangements had also been offered.

Leaving Northallerton on the 9th October they arrived at Ripon, a distance of approximately 17 miles, later that day. Here the men spent the weekend and handed over the box containing the petition with it’s 11,000 signatures to civic dignatories for safe keeping. Ripon is a small city in Yorkshire. The cathedral itself dates back to 672AD. Boasting a beautiful Cathedral, Canal Basin, thriving market, a Law and Order Museum plus a Workhouse Museum were visitors can see for themselves the hard times and suffering the poor endured back in the 18th century. Ripon is also known as one of the smallest cities in England and has lots to offer the visitor. There is much, much more to see and comes highly recommended.

Notes:

• Darlington Town Centre – Image: Webshots
• Cross Centre Northallerton – Image: webshots

Queen Victoria - See page footer

Bright and early on Monday the 12th October 1936, the marchers resumed their southerly journey, next stop Harrogate known widely for its health resort.

Covering the 11 miles they arrived in Harrogate later that day. Even here the marchers were given a warm welcome. The people of Harrogate had hung a banner saying Harrogate workers welcome Jarrow crusade. This lifted the spirits of the marchers as the welcome could have gone a different way. After checking that everything was set for their overnight stay The men were given an impressive meal and a comfortable place to sleep. All had been provided by the council and members of the Rotary Club. Defeating
The Conservative Member Mr. Pearson in the 1935 elections Ellen Wilkinson now the town’s Member of parliament rejoined the marchers at this point, and announced she intended to walk the rest of the journey to London. Later some 30 plus years into the future Ellen Wilkinson would lend her name to Jarrow’s first ever high rise tower block of flats/apartments.

The marchers arrived in Leeds on the 13th October completing the first 100 miles of their 300 mile journey. Leeds turned out to be the warmest reception of the whole journey Given by Mr. William Nicholson President of the Leeds Conservative Party. Mr Nicholson was also a newspaper proprietor and provided the marchers with a five course meal in the Town Hall even the dog Jarrow was not forgotten. After the meal, Mr. A. Burrill, president of the Leeds Trade and Labour Council spoke of his sympathy for the march and wished the men every success on behalf of the workers of Leeds.

Wakefield Cathedral - See footer

Arriving in Wakefield on the 14th October the welcome did not match that of Leeds, but never the less the welcome was warm and sincere with tea and free cinema tickets. That night found them sleeping in a disused church next to a graveyard.

Wakefield stands by the side of the River Calder in West Yorkshire. The duke of York was defeated close to the city (then a town) in the battle of Wakefield at Sandal Castle.

The Cathedral is a 14th century parish church. With around 3,000 full-time and 10,000 part-time students,[9] and campuses in both the city centre and surrounding towns, Wakefield College is the major provider of further education in the area.

The picture to the left shows All Saints Church. In 1888, the Diocese of Wakefield was created and All Saints church became the diocese’s cathedral. The Cathedral stands on the site of a Saxon church in the centre of Wakefield in the northern English county of Yorkshire, and the present building was mainly built during the 14th and 15th centuries in the Perpendicular style. The 15th century spire is 247 feet (75 metres) tall and is the highest spire in Yorkshire, as well as being the fourth loftiest spire in England.

Notes:

• Queen Victoria – Image: Webshots
• East Window Wakefield Cathedral – Image: Wikipedia

Barnsley Town Hall - See footer

The next morning found them on their way to Barnsley. Here thousands of people had lined the streets, offering their support to the men of Jarrow, as they marched toward the Town hall. Here they were met by the Mayor of Barnsley and his dignatories waiting on the stairs of the Town Hall it was here the Mayor proclaimed: “Everything that Barnsley can do for you will be done.”

After a nice hot meal of potato pie the men enjoyed some light entertainment before retiring for the night to Baths Hall in Race street. Years later Baths Hall would once again lend its-self to others needing overnight accommodation. This was to be evacuees of mothers and children from Romford. The evacuees were being escort to Voluntary Billets in Barnsley.

On the 16th October the men arrived in Sheffield some 13 miles further south of Barnsley. Here Mr. E Whittaker chief Conservative agent spoke of his feelings about the march.

“I say this march is a good thing, no matter whether my head office and other people like it or not. And there is one thing I like about it above everything else and that is politics don’t enter into it. There can be no politics when people are fighting for their bread and butter. From the bottom of my heart I wish you every success. For you have brought to the notice of the people, not only of Great Britain but to the whole world, that you are fighting for the right to work and the means to live”.

That night the marchers settled down to a nights sleep in Pomona Street council school.

Chesterfield Leaning Tower - See footer

On awaking the next morning the men learned of some Scottish marchers also sleeping over night in the same school. These marchers 50 strong had left Inverness some three weeks previous passing through their home town of Jarrow some days before they themselves had set off. Because of lack of organization the Inverness marchers had met with great hardship on the way their ranks were now down to a dozen or so men.

Arriving in Chesterfield on the 17th October over half way to their goal the marchers reflected on the journey so far. It was remarkable how almost everywhere they had received warm and sincere welcomes with offers of free food and accommodation. The march so far had lent itself to donations which would pay for much needed clothes by the time the men reached London their own clothes would be thread bare from continuous day and night wear in all conditions. This was their second weekend away from their home town and as like Ripon they rested here in Chesterfield until Monday.

During the march there had been a number of times where their ranks could have be penetrated by the Communists. Here in Chesterfield one such group had set up a meeting in the same market square claiming support from the marchers. This was not true of the vast majority of the marchers and a quick rebuff was given from the march leaders.

Chesterfield was there first disappointment the men received no welcome and were housed in a distant school as far from the town centre as was possible. The Chief Constable gave the impression the marchers were meddlesome and were only being given attention because all eyes followed the marchers.

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Notes:

• Barnsley Town Hall – Image:Webshots
• Chesterfield Leaning Tower – Image:Webshots

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A wet and bedraggled army, the Jarrow crusaders marched… into the Nottinghamshire mining town of Mansfield and no one raised a sympathetic cheer

The above quote says it all! Like Chesterfield before them, Mansfield was no more sympathetic than their neighbour had been.

Nottingham Old Market Square - See footer

On arrival in Nottingham the last few days of disappointment in other towns was soon forgotten. Here the men were given a wonderful tea and were inundated with gifts of clothes, foot-ware and a large supply of medicines later in the evening saw the men invited to the Music Hall. After the evenings entertainment excellent sleeping accommodation was provided. Nottingham had really pulled out all the stops and done the Midlands proud.

At the centre of Nottingham stands the Old Market Square, reported to be the largest square in England and was recently refurbished to include a large water feature, made up from fountains and rapids. Robin Hood is said to have lived in Sherwood Forest, here he setup camp and used the Sheriff of Nottingham as a punch bag.(so to speak) The statue of Robin Hood is a short walk from the Old Market Square. As for the Medieval Nottingham Castle, which was founded by William the Conqueror, well sadly only the gatehouse, recently restored, and some ruined foundations remain today. This is one beautiful City and lives up to its tourist reputation.

When the men had left Jarrow the marchers were thin and underfed many had been out of work for years. Now because of the good food that had been provided along the way they did not look the same people. Many years had gone by since any of the marches had ate so well, this in itself raised the men’s spirits.

Parish church in Loughborough - See footer

The following morning, the 21st of October, saw the men marching the 15 miles to Loughborough. On arrival they received a £50 public subscription. Loughborough is in central England, on the Soar Riveras as well as having a wealth of historic buildings is also famous for its University and Colleges. Many famous people have walked through their doors. One such individual is the world record holder for long-distance running Paula Radcliffe.

The usual market days in Loughborough date back to the 13th century. Coming more up to date, the market square plays host to a piece of controversial sculpture by Shona Kinloch. Loughborough has a beautiful Parish Church also known as All Saints with Holy Trinity. The church dates back to the 13th century. Situated in a older part of the town, there has been many additions to the church and certainly warrants a visit to this beautiful medieval church. Alongside the church Loughborough can boast the John Taylor Bellfoundry Museum, Great Central Railway, War Memorial situated in Queen’s Park and much, much more. Surely well worth a visit.

On their arrival at Leicester some 14/15 miles further south of Loughborough Councillor Riley announced that public donations had been that substantial that the men could be fitted out with new clothes. Sidney Sterek one reporter who walked side by side with the marchers reported,

“If the wives and families of the Jarrow pilgrims to London could have seen their men folk last night, they might have mistaken our sturdy and well nourished army for a huge theatrical male chorus. The crusaders have been rigged out in new flannel trousers, new boots and new underwear.”

The old boots were repaired for the cost of the leather and the local cobblers gave their services free. Later a lovely meal was provided and overnight sleeping would be at the Institute. Of this Sidney Sterck reported,

“If Leicester had done no more than this for the marchers, it would have been said… that it just about topped the list of the most hospitable cities, towns and villages through which we have so far marched.”

But Leicester did more. It fell around our necks and hailed us as friends in dire need of assistance.(Quote North Mail 23rd October 1936)

It was reported that around this time Ellen Wilkinson not only spoke at the nightly meeting the marchers held, she had also been leaving the march to speak at the Labour Party Conference in Edinburgh, or to Dewsbury to make speeches on behalf of the men. She was also a great leader of encouragement and made it her business to speak to the men as they marched, letting them know she was 100% with them.

Note:

• Loughborough Parish Church.Image: Webshots

All Saints Church - See footer

The marchers reached Northampton on the Saturday afternoon of October the 24th. While spirits were high, among the men, arrival in Northampton found them tired and exhausted from the constant up one hill and down the next for the last 17 mile to Northampton. The trek had taken in some wonderful views of the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire country-side.

Ever since the Norman Conquest in 1066 the position of Northampton was given national importance It is also know as the county of ‘squires and spires. A visit to the renowned Northampton Museum and Art Gallery celebrates Northamptons past. There is a fine market square a well preserved Norman church of the Holy Sepulchre, there’s a splendid Guild hall designed by the celebrated architect, Edward Godwin. The town has many attractive parks, gardens and riverside walks. Members of the royal family have visited the town on many occasions, from the time of Henry I right up to the the late Princess of Wales, whose family home was at nearby Athorp, and again I remind you this list is short and no way does justice to the many places to see and things to do.

This was their third weekend away from home and was spent in Northampton. As we have seen in other cities, towns and villages controversy was never far from the marchers. Here a letter from the Bishop of Durham appeared in The Times stating his disapproval of the Jarrow March. His letter to The Times read,

“Is the method of marches to London likely to illumine the intelligence of the Legislature or quicken the conscience of the nation”

This appeared in The Times on the 24th October 1936. Ellen Wilkinson lost no time in her reply which appeared in the same newspaper a couple of days later explaining that all legal methods had been tried both in and out of Parliament.

Note:

• All Saints Church Northampton Image: Webshots

Bedford Town Bridge

Some days later, on the 29th of October, a letter of support would appear in The Times from Mr. R.I. Dodds a former Mayor of Jarrow he wrote: “These men belong to no one political party but to all parties. They are not hooligans or revolutionaries but unemployed men who are walking nearly 300 miles to London with no less high motives than the crusaders of old” (Quote from The Times 29th October)

Rested, the weekend over the men set their sights on Bedford some 21 mile away. Arriving at the town found the marchers short of 5 men two of the men found themselves in hospital while the other 3, returned home to Jarrow. One of the men in hospital was a chap called Sammy Rowan he had fallen down some steps over the weekend and ended up in Sheffield General Hospital. As he was the only one authorised to sign checks, his loss would be surely felt. However, after a restful weekend he was able to continue when the march restarted on the Monday.

The welcome in Bedford was rather different from other places there were many speeches of support for the men, but when it came to food and accommodation it was rather poor. Now, close to their goal the men needed to rest up here for an extra day this would then ensure their arrival in London for the coming weekend.

The River Ouse runs through the town centre and is lined by gardens, also referred to as the Embankment. There is also a war memorial to those that fell in the first world war. (1914 to 1919) The memorial was designed in 1921 by the sculptor Charles Sargeant Jagger and depicts a Knight vanquishing a dragon. The views of the River Great Ouse in Bedford from the Town Bridge, looking downstream are something else. (breathtakening) In St. Paul’s square stands Bedfords principal church St. Pauls. Bedfords Museum, of local history and interest, is adjacent to The Cecil Higgins Gallery, here you can see collections of watercolours, prints and drawings, ceramics, glass and lace. The UK’s Long-distance runner and current world record holder Paula Radcliffe went to school in Bedford the views from the Town Bridge, looking downstream is (breathtaking). On the left bank can be seen The old Coaching Inn, and the Swan Hotel. Bedford Rowing Club and the multi-storey Bedford Park Inn are on the right.

Leaving Bedford on Wednesday, 28th October, the men walked the 19 miles required to reach Luton. Earlier that day the Duke of Kent had been opening the new Town Hall so the residents were still in high spirits when the men marched into there town. Later that evening the men had to cancel their usual meeting as there was to be a fireworks display for the children and the Mayor of Luton thought the meeting may put a damper on these festivities. Accommodation for the marchers had been prepared in the Winter Assembly Hall. Friday would see the men entering Greater London.

Note:

• Bedford Town Bridge Image: Webshots

St Albans Cathedral - See footer

On the 29th, October the men left Luton and journeyed to St. Albans. St Albans is the main urban area of the City and District of St Albans, around 22 miles (35 km) north of central London. The city’s one of several places that, by repute, has the most pubs per square mile in the country. It also claims to have the oldest pub in England, in which Sir Walter Raleigh is said to have stayed, named Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. St Albans area has a long history of settlement. The Celtic Catuvellauni tribe had a settlement at Prae Hill a mile or so to the west. The Roman town of Verulamium, second-largest town in Roman Britain after Londinium, was built alongside this in the valley of the River Ver a little nearer to the present town centre. The local economy is made up mainly of offices, small enterprises, retailing and tourism -based enterprises.

The centre of the city suffers significant road traffic congestion because of the city’s many small surrounding streets, high car use, inadequate roads, poor take-up and provision of local public transport, to persuade motorists to drive around rather than through the centre. The council estimates that 75% of traffic entering the city is through-traffic. The Pic shows the Abbey Church, now St Albans Cathedral formally the Cathedral & Abbey Church of St Alban but still known locally as The Abbey.

Friday found the marchers entering Greater London here they would rest up over night at Edgeware. As a road, it runs north-west from Marble Arch, and as the A5 road, it passes underneath Marylebone Road, through Maida Vale, Kilburn and Cricklewood (as Cricklewood Broadway). It is joined by the North Circular Road before West Hendon at Staples Corner. After this, the road continues even further north, through The Hyde, Colindale, Burnt Oak, and finally, to Edgware. The pic is of a piece of Sculpture known as “The Window Cleaner” by Allan Sly outside of the tube station.

The Window Cleaner - See footer

The southern most part of the road forms part of the London Inner Ring Road and as such is part of the boundary of the London congestion charge zone. It is principally a shopping and residential area and is known by those who regularly use the London Underground as being one of the northern termini of the Northern Line. It has a bus garage, a shopping centre called The Mall, a library, a large hospital, Edgware Community Hospital, and two streams, Edgware Brook and Deans Brook, which are tributaries of the Silk Stream, which in turn merges with the River Brent at the Welsh Harp.

Finally on the morning of Saturday the 31st October the men had reached their goal, Marble Arch, almost one month after leaving their home town of Jarrow. There they were met by Alderman William Thompson, The Mayor, Mr. Charles Perkins, the Town Clerk, and a number of Jarrow councillors who had arrived overnight by train. Apart from a few poor days the weather had been on the marchers side for almost the full month. Sadly here at the the end of the line it let them down. London was in the grip of its worst downpour for months. So much so, that the men had to use their ground sheets as capes to protect them from the elements.

This then was the journey that has gone down in our history books. Some people are of the opinion that the march did little good. My own opinion is it gave standing to a town that had been crippled by loss of the very industry that England had depended on. So the way I see it Jarrow had nowhere else to go but up. The towns people did the one thing no one else had done. A march where there was no politics involved a whole community (town) was represented by 200 men who’s only crime was a need to work. This then was the Jarrow March. What ever you make of it?.

For those individuals among us who like facts and figures the Jarrow Appeal for donations brought them £1,567. 0. 5p old English pounds shillings & pence, before decimalization. If you do have an interest in who made donations to the marchers see bottom of page.

Marble Arch London - See footer

I have tried to re-create what it may have been like to march 300 miles in only the clothes you stood up in. These men/women knew what hardship and deprivation was all about. My version of the Jarrow March was inspired by The Jarrow March 1936 compiled and organised by Bede Gallery (1936)/ Bede’s World Jarrow. Text by: David Dougan, Photographic Interpretations by: Irene Reddish.

If you hold an interest in bygone days this book makes an emotional point and sticks to it. If you think the here and now is tough I would recommend you read this book.

“It reminds me of rough justice, a blind Government, and a I’m all right jack, to hell with you attitude.”

As for poverty it still exist today… will it ever be stamped out. I doubt it very much, not in my life time anyway”… Jal Jineseyo… Thank you for your visit.

This YouTube link will take you on a journey of the River Tyne, showing a slide-show of both old and new images. The background song, The Big River, is sung by Jimmy Nail.

Just like natural-tys no-longer exists neither do the shipyards… Its appropriate to use their words. “Its a song of forgotten Memories and tremendous pride and the right to be so…superb song…brilliant video.. Never forget your roots and be proud of who you are.”

Note:

• St. Alban’s Cathedral Image: Webshots
• Marble Arch Image: Webshots
• Edgeware Road The Window Cleaner Image: Wikipedia