Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevRIFLEMEN
The periodical parades of the Riflemen provided another treat, Arrived in grey helmets or caps with knobs on the crown, we thought they made a grand display. These were the men of the 19th and 38th Companies, the former being established in 1856 by Captain Arthur Hirst. brother-in- law to Mr. Robert John Bentley and father of Lieut-Colonel W. L. B. Hirst. The 19th Company on such occasions was headed by two pioneers of great height named William Jessop and Tom Willoughby, both the very embodiment of Mars. A band, under the leadership of Mr. Bob Poulter, landlord of the Wellington Inn and in later days of the Falstaff, rendered these occasions of great importance and enjoyment to the younger generation.ROTHERHAM'S OPEN MARKETS
The Markets were formerly held in the open streets. In 1863 the Local Board of Health acquired the rights by compulsory purchase. The property consisted of the Shambles and all the buildings from Dominie Well lane to the Butter Market Bank. The Local Board also purchased from the Feoffees the Corn Exchange.After the Incorporation of the Borough in 1871, several years of bickering took place in the Council before the necessity for better market facilities was fully accepted. Having settled their differences, the Corporation decided to erect a covered market hall and killing Shambles. This quickly set the pace for other improvements, the formation of new streets being a pleasing substitute for the old Corn Exchange and the nest of slum dwellings at the side and rear.
In the open-air markets of my youth there was an assortment of objects of a miscellaneous character. Noisy stall proprietors retailing vegetables, boots and shoes, hosiery, prints, earthenware and oilcloth jostled shoulders with vendors of quack medicines and sellers of all kinds of drinks. Amongst the most notable of the latter was one called Williams. who could imitate the call of almost any bird and who knew the curative value of almost any root, from horehound to coltsfoot.
There were also vendors of fish, nuts at twenty a penny, hot pies. soap, old ironware. and a halfpenny a glass beverages.
Occasional auction sales, cheap jack sales, lectures on corns and bunions, all combining to make a fair representation of a Babel of confusion and forming a picture at once grotosque, unique, and interesting.
Often the market overflowed into Church Street and Bridgegate, this occurring chiefly on Saturday nights. One of the most attractive stalls was presided over by Matthew Schoales, a vendor of toys and small-ware. Dressed in a coat of all colours, he drew crowds round him, and in addition to offering good value for money, gave his patrons good advice free. Matthew was a Good Templar.
THE MARKET SITE
Seventy years ago the well known firm of Guest and Chrimes, brass founders, carried on their business in a factory at the back of the Corn Exchange.There were also three public-houses in the Market place, viz., the Blue Bell,The Nags Head, and the Royal Oak. I believe the licenses were voluntarily forfeited by the Corporation, a procedure I know my teetotal friends will commend, but one which only enhanced the value of the of the public-houses in the vicinity.
At the top of Corporation street and near the Sheffield Bank (it was then known as the Butter Market), there formerly stood a flour mill owned by Geo.Appleyard. This eventually was converted into a brewery by Slinn Searle and Co. Parts of the premises still exist and are in the possession of Sides and Sides (auctioneers).
At the rear of the Corn Exchange there were a few offices in which members of the professional class conducted their business, also one or two substantial residences.
So I could go on almost interminably describing the old town. I have, however, on this subject written sufficient for my readers to realise the difference between then and now. Many of the changes have been an improvement, others I am afraid cannot be so described. » next
Reminiscences of Rotherham - The Market Fire
