MEMORABLE DINNER 1856
In the fifties a factory was built by Hopper’s at Colliery Row, and with that came the provision of adequate facilities for the quick despatch of goods, a branch line being laid into the end of the factory, says Mr George Dawson, of Shiney Row. About the time of the Colliery Row venture Mr. Hopper suffered a bereavement in the death of his son who had actively identified himself with the work. When this new factory was completed the Marchioness of Londonderry performed the opening ceremony.
It was in a branch of the Hopper Works at Chilton Moor that a memorable dinner was given by the Marchioness on March 1st, 1856, to the miners, harbourmen, quarrymen and railwaymen her Ladyship employed in the area. It was a large brick building, 200 feet long by 70 feet broad, and additional accommodation was required to provide for an assembly of 3000 people. A raised platform was erected at one end of the room, and a gallery at the other; and 30 large tables in three divisions were arranged. In the centre of the platform was a baron of beef weighing 168 pounds.
Provision for the feast consisted of eight fat bullocks and 15 sheep; a ton of plumb pudding, a ton and a half of bread, 100 bushels of potatoes and 50 barrels of strong beer. Earl Vane presided, and on his right were his Mother, the Marchioness, and The Countess Vane. The Marchioness delivered an eloquent address which was replied to by one of the older workmen, Mr James Cuthbertson. The events that day were talked of for many years.
An extract taken from Houghton le Spring A History by Frank H Rushford
Related posts:
