Halifax Diary - October 4th
WHITWORTH MILL DESTROYED BY INFERNO
Catastrophic Fire at Lee Bridge Causes £80,000 Damage
Saturday, 4th October 1853
The peaceful valley of Lee Bridge was transformed into a scene of devastation yesterday evening when fire consumed the extensive Whitworth Mill, reducing one of Halifax's finest textile establishments to smouldering ruins. The damage is estimated at £80,000 - a sum representing the livelihoods of hundreds of workers and the prosperity of an entire district.
The conflagration, first observed shortly after six o'clock in the evening when most workers had departed for their homes, spread with terrifying rapidity through the mill's four storeys. The building, constructed largely of timber with stone outer walls, proved tragically susceptible to the flames which, fed by vast quantities of raw cotton and wool stored within, created an inferno of such intensity that it could be observed from Halifax town centre, some two miles distant.
The Whitworth family, prominent manufacturers in the district for three generations, watched helplessly as their life's work was consumed. Mr Benjamin Whitworth, proprietor of the mill, was observed standing in silent contemplation as the flames reached their zenith, the heat so intense that spectators were forced to retreat a considerable distance.
The Halifax Fire Brigade, under Captain Morrison, responded with commendable alacrity, but the inadequacy of water supply at Lee Bridge rendered their efforts largely futile. Bucket chains formed by local residents and mill workers demonstrated admirable community spirit, but proved no match for flames of such ferocity.
The origin of the fire remains under investigation, though early speculation suggests a spark from machinery may have ignited cotton waste in the carding room. The rapidity with which the flames spread suggests the building's timber construction and the abundance of combustible materials created ideal conditions for disaster.
Miraculously, no lives were lost, though several brave souls sustained burns whilst attempting to rescue machinery and raw materials from the lower floors before the building became wholly engulfed. Mr Thomas Greenwood, an overlooker of thirty years' service, suffered severe burns to his hands and face whilst leading efforts to save the mill's account books and wages chest. Dr Sutcliffe attended to the injured at the scene.
The mill employed upwards of 300 souls, whose immediate futures now hang in the balance. Weavers, spinners, carders, and dyers - many of whom have served the Whitworth family for decades - face the prospect of unemployment in an already difficult economic climate.
Mr Whitworth, addressing the assembled crowd as dawn broke over the smoking ruins, pledged to rebuild. "This mill has stood for fifty years," he declared, his voice breaking with emotion. "It shall stand again. I give my word that every man and woman who laboured here shall have employment when we rise from these ashes."
HALIFAX MISSIONARY MARTYRED IN CHINA
Miss Edith Nettleton Beheaded After Months of Captivity
Saturday, 4th October 1930
Halifax mourns the loss of one of its bravest daughters. Miss Edith Nettleton, aged 42, was beheaded by Chinese bandits yesterday in the remote Fujian province, along with her colleague Miss Eleanor June Harrison. The two missionaries had endured months of brutal captivity before their tragic deaths.
News of the martyrdom reached Halifax via telegraph from the Church Missionary Societyheadquarters in London. The Society confirmed that despite payment of a substantial ransom, rebel forces under the command of Luh Sing Pang executed both women when provincial troops attacked the bandits' stronghold.
Miss Nettleton was born in Halifax, the second daughter in a family of seven girls and three boys. She attended St Augustine's School and was a devoted member of St Augustine's Church congregation. Her early life gave little indication of the extraordinary path she would follow.
In 1890, at the age of sixteen, Edith began work at Dean Clough Mills - a typical Halifax lass following a typical Halifax path. Yet even then, those who knew her remarked upon her serious demeanour and deep faith. She attended church services twice on Sundays and taught at the Sunday School, where her patience and kindness with children were widely noted.
The call to missionary service came in 1905. At the age of thirty-one, when most women of her station were long married with families, Edith announced her intention to serve God abroad. Her family, though initially shocked, came to support her decision with pride.
She travelled to London in September 1905 to train at the Church Missionary Society. Her dedication was remarkable. Knowing she would serve in China, she purchased Chinese language books and studied by candlelight in her lodgings, determined to master Mandarin before her departure.
On 3rd November 1908, Miss Nettleton arrived in Kien Yang, Fujian province, south-eastern China. She quickly demonstrated her linguistic abilities, mastering not only Mandarin but also the local Fujianese dialect within her first year.
In 1910, she and Miss Eleanor June Harrison ventured to Chungan, a remote town in the mountainous interior of Fujian province. Their mission was to work amongst women and girls, providing education and medical care alongside Christian teaching.
The work was arduous and often dangerous. The region was poor, banditry was common, and anti-foreign sentiment ran high. Yet both women persevered, establishing a small school and clinic that served the local population.
In 1919, illness forced Miss Nettleton's return to England. She spent four years recovering her health in Halifax. But the pull of China proved irresistible. In 1923, despite her family's pleas, she returned to Chungan.
The kidnapping occurred in August 1930. The women were travelling down river from Chungan to Fuzhou when their boat was intercepted by bandits. They were taken into the mountains and held for ransom of $500,000.
During their captivity, the women endured horrific conditions. In a particularly barbaric act, the bandits severed Miss Nettleton's finger in August and sent it to Peking with renewed threats.
The end came swiftly. When provincial troops attacked the bandits' camp on 3rd October, the rebels panicked and beheaded both missionaries on the morning of 4th October 1930.
In Halifax, news of Miss Nettleton's death was received with profound shock and grief. St Augustine's Church held a memorial service attended by hundreds. In July 1931, a brass memorial plaque was unveiled in the church, bearing the inscription: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
The Reverend Canon Savage said: "Edith Nettleton was a true daughter of Halifax - steadfast, faithful, and brave. Halifax has lost a daughter, but Heaven has gained a martyr."
HOTELS SOLD AT AUCTION
Queen's Hotel Commands £4,700, Withins Hotel £725
Wednesday, 3rd October 1928
Two Halifax public houses found new owners yesterday at a well-attended auction conducted at the Town Hall by Mr Hebblethwaite, the noted auctioneer.
The Queen's Hotel, situated in the bustling Swine Market in the heart of Halifax, commanded the impressive sum of £4,700 after spirited bidding between several local brewers and hoteliers. The establishment, known for its comfortable accommodations and well-appointed public rooms, has served the town for over a century.
The successful bidder is understood to be a consortium of local businessmen with interests in the licensed trade. The Queen's Hotel boasts twelve guest rooms, three public bars, a dining room, and extensive cellars.
Meanwhile, the Withins Hotel at Ogden, a more modest establishment serving the moorland community, sold for £725. The property, a free house unaffiliated with any particular brewery, occupies a picturesque location on the moors above Halifax.
The purchaser, Mr Albert Crowther, stated his intention to continue the hotel's operation whilst maintaining his agricultural interests. "The Withins has served the community for generations," he said. "I intend to preserve its character whilst perhaps making modest improvements."
Both properties will transfer to their new owners on 1st November.
If you have enjoyed your visit to this website, please spread the word by clicking the 'like' and 'share' buttons below. Thank you
Are you wanting to find information on a specific Halifax subject? Search here
