Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevplayed 'Home, Sweet Home' and 'Soldiers of the King.' After a hymn had been sung by the choir of the Parish Church, and prayers offered by the Vicar (Canon Goodall) on behalf of the the inhabitants I welcomed home Captain Boyle, Sergeant Powell, Lance Corporal Severs, Privates Burgon, Dolphin, Stottard, Foote and Pratt.
DEATH OF QUEEN VICTORIA
The news of Queen Victoria’s death reached the town whilst the Town Council were holding a special meeting convened to confirm some business connected with a Parliamentary Bill. Whilst proposing a vote of sympathy with the Prince and Princess of Wales at the serious illness of the Queen I learnt Her Majesty had passed away. Rotherham has never been lacking in loyalty, and in common with others, its people paid the last tribute of respect to the dead Queen’s memory. Saturday, February 2nd, 1901, was a shocking day. It rained incessantly as the public bodies wended their way to the Parish Church to attend the memorial service. In spite of the rain, however, thousands waited with commendable patience to see the public men perform in their own name and on behalf of the townspeople, their last sad duty.The procession was under the direction of the Chief Constable (Mr. S. Enright) and headed by mounted police and volunteers. Amongst the latter, wearing khaki uniforms, were several men invalided home from South Africa. The friendly societies, wearing their regalia, mustered in great force; they were followed by the Grammar School boys, the members of the School Board, Borough and County Magistrate the Medical Officer (Dr. Robinson) wearing his University cap, gown and hood, the Town Clerk Mr. H. Hampton Copnall,and the Mayor (Councillor Geo. Gummer) in his robes and chain of office. On this occasion the Town Clerk insisted that I should wear with the robe a special white frill and sleeve cuffs, these being, he said. the official mourning for royalty. The old church was packed as it had never been packed before; nearly 2000 were said to have been present. I believe this was the last occasion Mr. Geo. Wilton Chambers. who walked with me in the procession, was seen in public. It was one of those days that will live long in public memory.