Our History Is Being Rewritten | Glossop History

Our History is Being Written - But Do We Have a Chance to Shape It? 

I finally have an opportunity to sit a write through what can only be said as underrepresented times. I have been involved heavily with my other line of work which is assisting with end of life care and bereavement specialist. The world is changing and our social tendencies are changing forever. It might no be obvious from a closed door, or is it. the way we communicate strives of modern technologies, phones, iPads and computers. It is the way we react to other human being when we venture out, for those who seek their government guided walk or exercise. If you know your neighbor or the person you see the Glossop (Northern) way of greeting is an sincere hello and a smile. A resounding reassurance of our fellow neighbor has reignited the community spirit and is changing life forever.

We are reevaluating all aspects of life including, relationships, work, travel and most of all food. Many have taken the opportunity to use local produce, sellers and providers. I hope it will continue long after the storm but its not just that, its how we cook, the ingredients we use, how much and how we store them where the vast adjustments are being made. In the beginning of the outbreak people were hording or panic buying toilet rolls, hand wash and pasta. Along with tins and alcohol (where it was told it would kill the virus along with long lasting food, dried, tins and frozen. Some have gone back to having milk delivered along with bread and companies helping deliver hot meals and addition support to our most vulnerable. It its fantastic to see community groups strategically managing other organisations to help the most in need. The Bureau is doing just that, the headquarters of local operations. It sparks great reminisces of four local gents who I had the pleasure to work with who spoke proudly of being in the Home Guard in Glossop. I they let me document their stories and they were fantastic and I hope to transcribe them to share them with you soon. In addition I will be updating the website as I have been recording mini documentaries for you while you are staying safe at home at will be aired next week.

Some of the other stories they shared were of different training and preparation exercises, call outs and funny mishaps. They have shared some documents with me along with a small box of personal diary's which will take some reading as there is several of them. A document from the evacuation procedures in the town and a permit for a bike is among the items. Glossop was at the epicentre of both world wars because of its vast production power, range of equipment and techniques.

A part of history is repeating itself. The government announced within one of its daily televised updates for manufactures of all kinds to swap to making urgently needed supplies such as asking breweries for alcohol gel and others to make masks, face shields and ventilators. As part of one of my talks and guided tours I share the story of the admiralty walking through the large mills of Glossop and preparing just over 20 different war supplies. There is a fantastic picture in an archive in Cornwall (don't ask me how it got there) of just that. The powers that be stood for a very formal image of the secret war effort in Glossop. Join me on my mini documentaries to see more of this in more detail.

Now we do not hold the power of that but we do still hold the strongest of weapons, our community. So continue to do your bit and Stay at Home. This is our fight, the biggest fight of our generation. I will be continuing to care for our individuals and families that need support more than ever. It was pleasing to see carers from all walks of social care be recognised in tonight's briefing. To all my colleagues, clients, friends who risk their lives for the sake of others, take care and thank you for what you do so well.

On this day at the time of print 11.55pm Captain Tom Moore's 100th Birthday Walk for the NHS
He wanted to raise £1000 for the NHS for is 100th Birthday - Time of print 10.4 Million Great British Pounds had been donated, We as a family have contributed. Well Done Captain!




If you would like to see more see Website: glossoptours.co.uk
Mini Documentations and Tours from April 18th   Be Well Youtube Channel  https://tinyurl.com/u4zefol

Irvine Thornley, Glossop to Manchester City - Football Heroes

Irvine Thornley From Glossop began his football career with Glossop Villa FC, also playing with Glossop St. James FC, and then Glossop North End FC in 1901-02 he then went on to join Manchester City FC on 22 April 1904. As his talent blossomed, people loved his personality, he became the Captain of Manchester City and even picked up a cap for the National side. Join us as we delve into the life of another influential Glossop man.

Irvine Thornley was born 1883 in Whitfield, Glossop, Derbyshire.

After leaving school he became a butcher. He also played football for several local teams before joining Glossop in 1901. At the time Glossop was playing in the Second Division of the Football League. A centre-forward, Thornley scored 42 goals in 79 games for Glossop (now Glossop North End).

 According to the 1901 census, Irvine is a tripe dresser, the oldest of three children, now living at 13 Hadfield Place in Whitfield. His father remains a butcher.

On 7th April, 1904, Thornley was transferred to Manchester City for £800. Soon afterwards the Football Association carried out an investigation into the financial activities of the club. Tom Maley was interviewed and he admitted that he had followed what seemed like standard English practice by making additional payments to all their players. He claimed that if all First Division clubs were investigated, not four would come out "scatheless".

According to the 1911 census, Irvine is a professional footballer married to Emma. They live at 9 Slatelands Road, still in the Whitfield area of Glossop.

As a result of their investigation, the Football Association suspended Tom Maley from football for life. Seventeen players were fined and suspended until January 1907. Billy Gillespie refused to pay his fine and instead emigrated to the United States.

As Gary James pointed out in Manchester City: The Complete Record: "Basically, the entire squad that had finished as FA Cup-winners in 1904 and narrowly missed out on the Championship two years running were banned. This brought a premature end to City's first golden age."

Irvine Thornley From Glossop  In his England Strip

Journalists were aware that virtually every club in the Football League was making illegal payments to its players. Football writers based in Manchester argued that the club, being a northern side, were being made an example of, and thousands of people complained to the Football Association, but it refused to reduce the bans and fines.

Harry Newbould was appointed as the new manager in July 1906. As a result of the bans and transfers, there were only 11 players available. The first two games in the 1906-07 season resulted in to heavy defeats at the hands of Arsenal (4-1) and Everton (9-1). Manchester City finished 4th from bottom that season. Thornley ended up as the club's top scorer with 13 goals in 29 games.

In March, 1907, Thornley won an international cap playing for England against Wales. Also in the England team that day was Bob Crompton, Colin Veitch, Steve Bloomer and George Wall whereas Wales included Leigh Roose, Billy Meredith and Billy Jones. Thornley also played for the Football League against the Scottish League.

Manchester City finished in 3rd place in the 1907-08 season. However, Manchester United, a team that included City's former stars, Billy Meredith, Herbert Burgess, Sandy Turnbull and Jimmy Bannister won the league championship. Once again Thornley was the club's top scorer with 14 goals in 31 games.

Thornley was in great form in the 1908-09 season and scored another 18 goals. However, the rest of the team played badly and Manchester City finished second from bottom and were relegated.

Irvine Thornley
Cigarette card 

In 1909 Thornley was appointed club captain. He responded well to this new responsibility and scored 12 goals in the opening 17 games. He was then seriously injured and missed the rest of the season. Thornley had built the foundations for a good campaign and by beating Leeds United 3-0 on 23rd September, 1910, Manchester City guaranteed promotion to the First Division. Hull City could still deny them the championship but they lost their final game and City took the title by one point.

Height/Weight: 5' 9", 11st. 0lbs – In 1911 From Manchester City Records

As a reward for Thornley's service, the club awarded him a benefit. Over 40,000 fans turned up to the game and Thornley picked up a cheque for £1,036.

In 1912 Thornley was transferred to South Shields. During his time at Manchester City he had scored 92 goals in 195 appearances.

Player Number: One of four who became the 326th players (327) to appear for England

Position(s)Centre-forward

Only match No. 90, 18 March 1907, England 1 Wales 1, a British Championship match at Craven Cottage, New Road, Fulham, London, aged 23 years 102 days.

Major tournaments: British Championships 1906-07;

Distinctions: The only player in the match against Wales not to win another cap.

Thornley returned to work as a butcher but he continued to play football for South Shields, Hamilton Academical's and Houghton.

Irvine Thornley From Glossop Died 24 April 1955 at The Ingham Infirmary in South Shields, aged 71 years 139 days

He was living at 10 Aldwych Street in South Shields.

Another true pioneer of sport who not only found fame but had some amazing talent but was a family man at heart. For a man who stood out from the crowd at Glossop to gain national status with Manchester City and to grace the England team he returned to be family man and a butcher. Not many in his shoes in this day and age would to the same.

Complied and edited By M.Cox 

References:  An English Football Internationalists' Who's Who. Douglas Lamming (1990)

                     www.englandfootballonline.com