The Glossop Connection - The Calvert Family

The Calvert Family

Charles Calvert the elder was born into a busy cotton family in 1754. Charles lived on Oldham Street in Manchester close to his father’s business.  At around the age of 25 at social gathering of lords and ladies he crossed paths with the Duke of Norfolk and became good friends. The Duke of Norfolk offered his help, when Charles had to sell his father’s factory, to come and be a personal steward to the Duke at Glossop Hall. Charles stayed at his family home in Manchester during the winter and served at Glossop Hall during the summer.

Glossop Hall where Charles Calvert served the Duke of Norfolk  

In 1793 Charles became a father to his son Frederick Baltimore Calvert who was born in Glossop Hall. There is very little known about Frederick’s mother apart from she also served at the Hall. Frederick was to become one of the greatest English actors. He was taught locally in Glossop before he entered Manchester Grammar School on 12 January 1804. Then he went to the Roman Catholic St. Edmund's College, in Hertfordshire, with a view to receiving Holy Orders.

However, he took to the stage, and in the course of his career alternated leading parts with the elder Edmund Kean who was regarded, in his time as the greatest Shakespearean actor. In 1829 he became elocutionary lecturer of King's College, University of Aberdeen and gave lectures on oratory, poetry, and other literary subjects in the large towns up and down the country. He later traveled to the US with Edmund Kean, featuring in Shakespeare and branching off to give lectures on the English poets.

In 1846 he was appointed master of English language and literature at the Edinburgh Academy. Some years after, he became lecturer on elocution to the Free Church colleges of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

He went on to be married, in 1818 to Miss Percy of Whitby, with whom he had a large family. His youngest son, Michael Talbot Calvert, made a reputation as a tragic actor, under the stage name of Henry Talbot. He died at his home, 2 West Newington, Edinburgh on 21 April 1877.

A boy who was born here in Glossop grew not only into one of the greatest actors of all time but a man of great literary and language refinement, a master of British history.

by Matthew Cox

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

Benefits for Glossop A Hundred Years On

In the year nineteen hundred and twelve the National Insurance Act was introduced which was, however, passed by the government the year before. This would see the first major benefits for not only the sick but the unemployed. The first stepping stones towards the National Health Service we have today.

The new National Insurance Act specified that every worker who earned under £160 a year had to insure themselves by paying 4 pence a week, the employer paid 3 pence a week, and the general taxation paid 2 pence. As a result, workers could take sick leave and be paid 10 shillings a week for the first 13 weeks and 5 shillings/week for the next 13 weeks. Workers also gained access to free treatment for tuberculosis and the sick were eligible for treatment by a panel doctor.

Unemployment had risen by 30% nationally the previous year but in Glossop there was a population just over 21,000 according to the 1911 census of which there was around 60 unemployed. The worker gave 2.5 pence/week when employed, the employer 2.5 pence, and the taxpayer 3 pence. After one week of unemployment, the worker would be eligible of receiving 7 shillings/week for up to 15 weeks in a year.

More than one hundred years on unemployment is at an all-time high Glossop’s current population is around 28,000 according to the latest census with over 900 unemployed, however, there is more than 6,000 retirees.

By M. Cox

Check Out Our Events & Projects at glossoptours.moonfruit.com

Woolworth's at Glossop 1941 to 2009

Winter Woollies

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”. There is definitely a chill in the air as the festive season sneaks in to town.  There was a feast of traditional sights and smells that were sampled by many at the Glossop Christmas switch on, last Saturday evening. The celebration kick started the late night shopping throughout the town and market, for all your gifts, goodies and treats.  It was at that moment I reflected about our more recent history.

In 1941 the drapers at 9 High Street West was bought by the American company that was spreading the country by storm. That company was F. W. Woolworths. It opened its doors later that year and offered a wide range of wares. It was to become one of Glossop’s first self-service stores. Previously you would have given your shopping list to the shopkeeper in order for them to find the goods for you.

The first Woolworths store to open in America was back in 1879 then in 1909 the first British store opened in Liverpool with a huge celebration with a full orchestra, circus and firework display. It was then in 1910 that Frank Woolworth commissioned the design and construction of the famous Woolworth building in New York.

Back in Glossop the store was vital throughout the war years, providing a wide variety of goods that were available all in one place.  It was an early example of the modern supermarket. The store expanded over the years taking up three shop spaces. The original sign over the door read “Woolworths. F. W Bazaar” and was set in gold and black very similar to the Finlay McKinlay’s sign next door.  The name changed over the years as it became a British company. This resulted in the famous red sign we all knew and loved.

Woolworth's lasted 68 years in Glossop as it closed its doors in 2009. During its closing down sales it sold everything right down to the fixtures and fittings.

Woolworth's was a local favourite and a national icon but will you miss it this Christmas?

By Matthew Cox

glossoptours.co.uk

Glossop Cotton Queens - From Miss Glossop to Miss England 1930

The Cotton Queens 

According to a recent survey over 18 million people attend music festivals here in the UK every year. Music, arts and film festivals are on the rise and now attracting global attention bringing in the biggest names. History festivals are now starting to crop up here and over thirty took place over the summer.

There have always been festivals in Glossop some festivals have survived the test of time and some have now faded. It was not up until recently that we celebrated the May Cotton Queens. This festival celebrated just one thing, cotton. This one day in May was dedicated to a huge, colourful parade throughout the town. It was not only to celebrate the towns industry but an advertisement! A huge competition would take place between all the mills in the valley to determine the best cotton queen. The mill owners would choose the fairest girl within their business to showcase their finest product, similar to the Miss World competitions today.

They would parade through the town on the back of rickshaws and flatbeds and later vans. Some would depict a moment in history and others would show fashion, similar to the floats we have today at carnivals. It would then be up to a panel of judges normally including the Mayor to announce and crown “Miss Glossop”.

Then later in June it would go National a massive competition to find the “Cotton Queen of England”. I have found a report in a 1930s National newspaper, a truly fascinating little piece of our history, how “Miss Glossop” got to the final.

Cotton Queen 1930 Miss Glossop to Miss England  

In May 1930 Cotton Queen Festivals took place all over the North West of the country. Glossop held one of the largest; over 60 queens were presented that year from far and wide. The competition was fierce; competitors came from Manchester, Hyde and Cheshire. The competition was won by Miss F. Lockett who came from Newton Moor Mills of Hyde, a weaver aged 20. Miss Lockett was crowned ‘Miss Glossop’ and was paraded through town and was done so with,  “full of delight and splendor” according to a local reporter.

In June following on from the regional events, the Nationals took place. As I mentioned last week, I have found a report in a National newspaper that covers the Final in 1930. The Grand final of the search for “Miss England” took place in the Tower Circus, Blackpool. A total of 40 queens made it to the final stage where they were put “on display” and asked to do a variety of task, properly just walking round!

The panel of judges cut the 40 queens down two and took time to select a winner. The two finalists were, “Miss Salford” Miss E. Knox a clerk from Ordsall Dye Works in Salford and “Miss Glossop”.

The winner was selected by the Mayoress of Blackpool and was crowned “Miss England”. The top prize was given to “Miss Glossop” and was put on the grand throne in the centre of a massive parade. According to the news article, “ over 400,000 people flocked to see the Cotton Queen of England, the storm clouds retreated and the glorious sun shone over the queen of queens and her people”.

More than 20,000 people lined the streets when Frances Lockett returned to Hyde after being crowned the first Cotton Queen of Great Britain. Such was the town’s pride that she was treated like a member of the Royal Family.

Yet Frances was actually a Derbyshire girl. At the time of her success she lived, quite aptly, on Queen Street, Hyde. But she was born at a house on Gladstone Street, Glossop, and spent her infancy there.

Indeed, because of the way the competition was organised by the Daily Dispatch (a newspaper which folded in 1955 and was ultimately absorbed by the Daily Mail she won her title as Miss Glossop and Hyde.

"The final took place at the Tower Circus, Blackpool, on 28th June, 1930. Frances, wearing an ivory-coloured ball sheen gown designed in the latest Parisian style by Kendal Milne of Manchester, was described as tall, slim and pretty. She certainly made her mark on the judges – the Marquis of Donegal, Lord Inverclyde and JW Tout MP – and there was a huge roar when it was announced that Miss Glossop and Hyde had beaten the other 17 entrants.

Before the crowning ceremony, Frances changed into a gown that was 50 per cent cotton and 50 per cent satin, with red Lancashire roses forming a line from the shoulder."

The train was white-edged with ermine, caught at the neck with golden cords. The lining was golden also.

Mrs GW Gath, the Mayoress of Blackpool, placed the crown on Frances’s head. Made of gold lined with red velvet, it was set with rubies and diamonds. She also received a portable gramophone, and a silver dressing case on behalf of Blackpool Corporation. The people of Hyde were ecstatic and thousands lined the streets for the victory parade, which began at Frances’s place of employment, J and J Ashton’s Mill, off Ashton Road.

Overnight, Frances went from mill girl to celebrity. A cotton queen waltz was written in her honour and her likeness appeared on specially produced Queenella handkerchiefs. However, she was much more than a clothes horse. As articulate as she was elegant, Frances wrote and delivered speeches promoting the value of cotton produced by British workers.Drawing huge crowds wherever she went, Frances spoke at West End theatres, the British Fashion Ball at Covent Garden and British Cotton Textile Exhibition at White City.

A Clip of 1936 Cotton Queen Final can be seen here: http://www.britishpathe.com/video/cotton-queen-aka-blackpool

By Matthew Cox

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A Brief History of The Oakwood, Glossop

The Oakwood public house sits proudly on the corner of High Street West and George Street in Glossop. There has been a building on this site since 1844. The original inn was owned by George Pye and remained in his family till 1875, when it was sold to John Gardener Sykes who had it demolished.  The original Public House was named The Surrey Arms, in connection to the Lord Howard’s family relations. However, it was know locally as “The Big Surrey” to distinguish between the other Surrey pub on Victoria Street. Mr Sykes made plans to build a guest house or hotel on the site.

The building work began on the plans to build a “Grand Style” hotel in 1878. In local papers in November in the same year is said that “A large and handsome hotel to the cost of £6000 is to be erected on the site of the present Surrey Arms with work in progress”. The building had many rooms for guests as well as a hall and billiard rooms upstairs. It possessed a spire with a flag pole that was eventually removed in the 1940s but can be seen on the 1910 tram footage of Glossop featured on the Times Past DVD from the Glossop Heritage Trust.

Eventually in 1901 it was bought by Robinsons Brewery and it remains with the same brewery to this day.  It had a major renovation in 1991 where it uncovered the original oak panelling on the first floor. Robinsons renamed the pub The Oakwood in relation to their findings. In more recent times it has undergone more renovations, however it still possess the fantastic glass windows that advertise the billiard rooms and Burton Mild and Bitter Ales. It also has a castle carved into its stonework but can you find it?

The Oakwood still uses the hall upstairs for music, concerts and theatre performances. So next time you are in town, take a look for yourself at Glossopdale’s fantastic history.

A huge overhaul has just taken place bringing the public house right up to date but with plenty of historic charm. A big highlight of the High Street today.

www.glossoptours.moonfruit.com

Matthew Cox

Olive and Partington Paper Mills, Glossop

The Hidden Gems of Glossop and the High Peak

A brief look at Olive & Partington Paper Mills, Glossop

Glossop was once famous for producing endless miles of cotton products but it is often overlooked that the town produced some of the finest paper in the world. Its produce was used by some of the world leading brands and companies.

The Turnlee Mill stood on Charlestown Road, Glossop. It was bought by Edward Partington and his business partner William Olive around 1874 from Thomas Hamer Ibbotson. Edward Partington brought his flourishing business from Manchester to Glossop only to develop further. The paper mills at Glossop gradually incorporated several other smaller mills such as Tip Mill and Burymewick Mill in order to try and develop the modern method of paper manufacturing using the sulphite process.

The sulphur was brought by the railway to the goods yard in large barrels along with the vast quantities of logs. These were then loaded, by hand, onto the horse pulled flatbeds and trailers which were replaced later in 1917 by the famous fleet of Tiger tractors. Some locals still remember the huge steam tractors hauling many tons of logs and sulphur from the Railway Station up Victoria Street onto Charlestown Road, towards the Turnlee Mills.

One of the 'Tiger' Tractors (No.3) still remains today having been fully renovated by a group of enthusiasts and currently lives in New Mills and visits many national steam events throughout the year 

Guinness, Cadbury's & Women Magazine are just a few from the extensive list of companies that used the paper produced in Glossop. The mill provided over 1,000 jobs and offered “All the year round vacancies”- a slogan of the bygone era.

Disaster struck on 25^th June 1943 as one of the spherical boiling pans, weighing six tons and spanning twelve feet in diameter, exploded killing four men. There were numerous other injuries including burns from the boiling sulphur solution.  The steam Tiger traction engines were used to clear the debris. The appalling stench of the sulphur gases were reported all over the town.

Very little exists of the Olive and Partington Paper manufacturers at Turnlee Mills as many of the buildings have been demolished. You can still see some of the grand architecture such as the main gate stones and walls that still survive.

Today on the site, there are are a few small businesses flourishing from the ashes of what was one of Glossop’s greatest assets. The rest has recently been demolished to make way for a new housing estate but one corner of the original building has been saved and been converted into apartments. It is yet another gem of Glossop Dale that should never be forgotten.

Matthew Cox

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