Author: Chris Page 5 of 6
… In exposed situations – such as St George’s Square, and a portion of John-William-street, it was with the greatest difficulty that pedestrians could maintain their equilibrium against the extraordinary pressure of wind. Females especially, suffered from this inconvenience; and not a few – males as well as females, were glad of a roadside lamp-post or a sheltered corner or doorway to obtain a moment’s respite from this ceaseless blowing which either retarded their walk to a snail’s pace or sent them flying along the street like winged Mercurios. One poor old woman whom we noticed, after tacking about in the Square for a length of time like a ship in distress, trying in vain to reach the pavement on the opposite side, and blown about in the attempt until her power of voluntary motion was almost exhausted, gratefully accepted the assistance which the strong arm of a cabman was able to afford her and by this means she was able to reach a harbour of temporary shelter. A passing milkman at about the same spot sustained a more humiliating reverse. The wind sent him sprawling over his cart and milk cans, and he had great difficulty for the moment in assuming guardianship over the lacteal fluid.
Huddersfield Chronicle, 5 december 1863
The article goes on to describe the damage to Lion Arcade and particularly Mr Wood’s music shop – Mr Wood was playing a piano very near to the shattered window at the time – and Mr Milnes’s carpet shop next door.
This photograph was taken in July 2014 when there was a temporary fruit, vegetable and flower market in St George’s Square as part of the celebrations surrounding Tour de France coming to Yorkshire. During the race itself large screens were placed in the square and many people watched the race outdoors. In the photograph are Janette Martin and Maria Clegg, with one of the French stall holders. Inspired by Tour de France we cycled along the narrow canal to Slaithwaite that day!
JANETTE MARTIN
Photograph © Janette Martin
