Great Wyrley Institute: An 1870 Beacon of Hope for 2024

The Great Wyrley Institute: P Ford. 2017.

Time for a small article extracted (and rejigged) from the forthcoming Great Wyrley (and Cheslyn Hay) Great War book. This one is a little different though, as the preamble will be longer than the article, which is one especially timed for the start of a new year – when most of us hold, however briefly, positive hopes for the future.

This is not an article about the merits or the vanity of those ‘wealthier people’ that founded the Institute, for if that is all that comes from reading this then the point of these few words has been missed. Neither is it a history of a building, all too familiar to most of us, but an extract about its foundation; as the reasons for that foundation, very poignantly, are as needed today, with the rise of social media, as much as in 1870.

What I ask you is to take a look around you, as the year opens, at the inability of people to accept or understand another’s point of view. It seems to be everywhere. Do not get me wrong, this is not a naive plea for world peace, but aimed at those, usually from the stronger political and ideological elements of the spectrum, that seem to dominate the narrative and often with vitriol.

There are plenty of things I would likely have disagreed with Geoffrey Elton on – a pre-60s historian that I once described as that manager of your Sunday league team that drags you off after scoring a hat-trick as your socks are not pulled-up – yet, I fully agree with him when he says of himself: ‘to be a good historian he must question his own faith and admit some virtue in the belief of others. If he allows the task of choosing among the facts of the past to deteriorate into suppression of what will not serve the cause, he loses all right to claim weight for his opinions’ (Elton, The Practice of History, p60-61).

He advocates asking questions, and especially of oneself, as well as acknowledging the strengths in other people’s arguments or opinions, as only then can you formulate a rounded opinion of your own. This lacks today.

The Walsall Road/Norton Lane junction c1840, with its splay, prior to the building of the Institute. P Ford (Staffordshire Record Office)

Other than the pubs, the schools, St. Mark’s Church, the Wesleyan Methodist Church (then on the corner of Bentons Lane and Gorsey Lane), Great Wyrley and Landywood only had one other venue apiece that could host events and shows in 1914. That in Landywood was the recently opened Lower Landywood Club, or Harrisons as it is today.

The redesigned junction after the building of the Institute in 1870. P Ford (Staffordshire Record Office).

That in Great Wyrley was the Workingmen’s Institute, or simply the Institute. It needs to be set contextually against three movements around the time of its opening in 1870: education, temperance and political. The idea of adult education (the National Education League had been formed the year before its opening, and the first Education Act for the teaching of children was also passed in 1870) is why the Wyrley library was established at the Institute (there were small libraries in both Lower and Upper Landywood as well); the temperance movement was also growing strength after a glut of beer-houses were opened after the 1830 Beer-house Act, simply replacing rather than removing the previous scourge of gin; and finally, the 1867 Reform Act had started the enfranchisement of the working-class man.

The Institute, where the stone-laying ceremony was celebrated with a half-day holiday for villagers, was opened in October 1870. An account in the Staffordshire Advertiser, 22 October 1870, laid out the reasons for it being constructed: it was the brainchild of a committee of ‘wealthier’ locals and was designed to draw working men from the temptations of drink (women were not barred from entry, of course – and no, drink was not just a male problem) through providing a meeting, recreational and educational venue that was free from religious or political bias.

During the ceremony, when Mayor Banrock of Wolverhampton officially opened the Institute, he said: ‘It would secure a greater toleration among persons of diverse political views and religious opinions, who would meet within its walls, and lead them to respect the honest, independent opinions of each other.’ This statement now puts us to shame.

The raised stage area, able to be partitioned off, in the Institute: a place built in 1870 to keep working men out of the pub, and offer space for education and recreation without political or religious bias. P Ford 2022.

The recreation function saw it used as a venue by many clubs, such as Great Wyrley Cricket Club in 1897, and societies by 1914. Through the Great War it hosted events to raise money for the Red Cross, to entertain the families of serving soldiers, whist drives for new heating apparatus at St Mark’s Church and, interestingly, a baby show (this was quite serious, as it was about raising awareness on child mortality). It is amazing to think that it was still of sufficient size to host such events despite the population rises between 1870 and 1914.

The building is home today for the Great Wyrley Table Tennis Club, but I ask you to remember in your hearts not the builders or current users of the Institute, but the purpose, although I do not like the non-drinking bit, for which it was erected.

We need to burst bubbles and engage in meaningful discourse. 

Cheslyn Hay, Great Wyrley and Landywood Schools: Children in Need 1916

Cheslyn Hay pupils knitting for the war effort, or the Belgian Children’s Relief Fund@ 

Another one I have had to nick from the Great Wyrley/Cheslyn Hay Old and New Facebook page (and Tony Kulik) as the comments were turned off. I thought I would add a couple of paragraphs to this photograph for context – as I am proof reading the 1916 year from the upcoming book on the Great War – at the moment, and as it ties in with Children in Need day, tomorrow. These paragraphs could be describing the photograph above, although we cannot be sure…

To show the continued, and in general, goodwill that existed from the people of Great Wyrley, Landywood and Cheslyn Hay towards the allied nations, we shall look at events of 10 July 1916 (reported in the Cannock Courier on 15 July). While the general Belgian Relief Fund continued, there appears to be have been a switch in the latter half of the year from supporting that fund to supporting a Belgian Children’s Fund. This fund was more attractive to schools, for obvious reasons. It is worth remembering that these events examined, held at the Schools of Great Wyrley, Landywood and Cheslyn Hay, took place when the British offensive on the Somme was less than two weeks old.

At Great Wyrley Council School on the Walsall Road, Mr Samuel Mason, the Rowley Regis born headmaster, organised an open-air event: ‘There was a very large company present, presided over by Mr W.J. Bowen, who made some interesting remarks concerning the object of the gathering and also the efforts put forth by the headmaster, his staff of teachers and the children, but he could not forget the enthusiasm displayed by the general public. The entertainment consisted of a large number of drills by the children, the patriotic songs, recitations etc being greatly appreciated. At the close of a most successful gathering a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman, the teachers and children. It is anticipated that £7 13s 6d will be realised when the full returns are forthcoming.’

At Landywood School, under the care of the 35-year old Albert Ezra Henshall, the Parish Council Chairman: ‘[He] and his efficient staff had arranged a capital entertainment, which proved highly successful. The Chair was occupied by Mr W. Hawthorne, of Essington, who made a stirring speech on the object of the gathering, congratulating all concerned on the successful efforts for the Fund. The programme was a lengthy and varied one, including songs, drills, recitations and dialogues, in which the children excelled themselves. At the close of two hours enjoyable entertainment, Mr Dudley of Essington proposed a vote of thanks to the teachers, the accompanist Mr Reggie Whitehouse [who would be drowned when the Leinster was torpedoed in 1918], and the children for providing such an enjoyable evening. The event will realise something like £11 when everything is settled up, so it can be said that Landywood Schools have done remarkably well.’

Cheslyn Hay Schools went further: ‘A procession was formed and marched through the principle streets in the afternoon. The younger children were placed on a waggon kindly lent by Mr E. Smith. The waggon was prettily decorated with flags and bunting, and along the route children were busily collecting. Patriotic airs were sung, and the children appeared to enjoy themselves immensely… at 6.15pm a concert was held in the school yard… the children performed exceedingly well in their drill and various exercises, while their singing and marching left little to be desired.’

It went on: ‘Mrs [Mary] Allan for the girls’ school, and Miss Scragg utilised their efforts to the greatest advantage, and one of their chief items was an action song, “the knitting song,” in which over 100 children took part, and each child was knitting something. It was quite a novelty, and met with the appreciation of the large audience. The Chair was Mr Thomas Weetman… who commended [the teachers], also the accompanists Mrs Perks and Miss Copestake [Great Wyrley], with the children… The event concluded with the audience heartily singing the National Anthem, followed by hearty cheers for the teachers.’ The event had raised nearly £8 at the time of the report being printed, with the expectation of more to come.

Great Wyrley (Cheslyn Hay) in the Great War: 1918 (Part 2)

The grave of Shapurji Edalji at St. Marks’ Church. He had been vicar for 42 years, passing in May 1918. P. Ford

This is the second part of the Great Wyrley’s and, to some extent, Cheslyn Hay’s 1918 war-months story; it looks at the increasing control of the population, the problems with the food supply and making the best use of what was available, the continuing support for the war effort and the day-to-day administration of the township.

Great Wyrley (Cheslyn Hay) in the Great War: 1918 (Part 2)

 

 

Great Wyrley (Cheslyn Hay) in the Great War: 1918 (Part 1)

Great Wyrley’s Roll of Honour. WH Smith & Son.

The end came, not before a major scare from March to the July, in November in 1918 with the signing of an armistice. To the last the local population assisted the war effort and raised funds, although war-weariness was very evident. This, the first part of the 1918 story, gives a brief summary of the military events for context, and then covers the local understanding of the war, the perceptions of the other combative nations and the ever present questions of joining-up, shirking and the continuing need to remember those at the front be they living or dead…

Great Wyrley (Cheslyn Hay) in the Great War: 1918 (Part 1)

Great Wyrley’s Memorial Garden: A Potted History

Some of the War Memorial Committee outside of the gates, 1921. Unknown.

This article is an amalgam of different parts of the forthcoming Heritage Lottery funded book on the Great Wyrley area during the Great War. It pulls together the information on what is now the Great Wyrley Memorial Garden, in order to give a straight-forward, single narrative of one of the townships most sacred spaces… https://wyrleyblog.wordpress.com/wyrley-landywood/great-wyrley-memorial-garden-a-potted-history/

 

Great Wyrley (Cheslyn Hay) in the Great War: 1917 (part 2)

A food economy exhibition at the Temperance Hall, Walsall, during the war (Walsall Local History Centre)

The continuation of the story of 1917, and the advent of pessimism. This part looks at the controlling of the population through draconian law, the advent of shortages in food and materials, the local efforts to support the war effort and, the ever continuing problems of, local administration… https://wyrleyblog.wordpress.com/about/great-wyrley-in-the-great-war-book/great-wyrley-cheslyn-hay-in-the-great-war-1917-part-2/

 

Great Wyrley (Cheslyn Hay) in the Great War: 1917 (part 1)

The site of the Cheslyn Hay Roll of Honour, unveiled in April 1917 – between Glenthorne (effectivel the manor house of the village) and the Salem Church (the administrative headquarters of the village war effort). P. Ford 2023

1917: The Advent of Pessimism

This is the first of two parts covering Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay (incorporating evidence from Walsall to Cannock) in 1917, as a part of the series of draft versions of the Heritage Lottery Funded book chapters on Great Wyrley’s Great War. While Great Wyrley is at the heart of these essays it is impossible to ignore Cheslyn Hay, as the two complimented each other, as well as other areas from Walsall to Cannock. These areas are also often better documented. This part has a war in brief section, along with local perspectives on the war, on friends and foes, and on joining-up and ‘shirking.’ Part 2 is to follow…

Great Wyrley (Cheslyn Hay) in the Great War: 1917 (part 1)

The Great Wyrley Area (Cheslyn Hay) in the Great War: 1916 (Part 2)

This is an alleged photograph taken of the Bradford Place bomb crater in Walsall. The background has been removed, if that is the case. There are difficulties, in that the terrain does not match the place where the bomb landed (the slope behind the man to the far right, for example) and looks more like a staged picture. It does show the interest such places received. W05933: Walsall Local History Centre

This is the second part of the story of the Great Wyrley area (Cheslyn Hay, Cannock and Walsall) during the Great War – focussing on 1916. Here we shall examine local feeling towards joining the fight (perceptions on soldiers and shirkers), feeling the pinch (hardships, shortages and price hikes), supporting the war effort (charities and fund-raising) and general business as usual (parish business and life going on)… https://wyrleyblog.wordpress.com/about/great-wyrley-in-the-great-war-book/the-great-wyrley-area-cheslyn-hay-in-the-great-war-1916-part-2/

The Great Wyrley Area (Cheslyn Hay) in the Great War: 1916 (Part 1)

A report on the shell found in Great Wyrley from 15 May 1920. Walsall Local History Centre

Having emerged from 1915, and the loss of innocence, we find ourselves at the real start of total war. As ever, our breakdown of events in the Great Wyrley, Cheslyn Hay, Cannock and Walsall areas starts with the context of what is happening militarily. The year is then divided up: Part One has local understanding and supporting of the war, local views on friends and foes, and the controlling of the local population through the daylight saving hours, the Defence of the Realm Act and the dreaded military tribunals… https://wyrleyblog.wordpress.com/about/great-wyrley-in-the-great-war-book/the-great-wyrley-area-cheslyn-hay-in-the-great-war-1916-part-1/

Henry Croxton (of Croxdene, Great Wyrley)

While working on the Great Wyrley in the Great War book for the Heritage Lottery Fund/Local History Society, I thought I would write a few lines on little things that piqued my interest as I went along. These will have something to do with the local townships then, but what I wanted to do was to link them, where possible, to something visible today. This time, I have chosen to say a few words about Henry Croxton, who once lived in one of two adjoining houses on the Walsall Road, Great Wyrley, that carry the name Croxdene.

The two adjoining properties on the Walsall Road, Great Wyrley, that are called Croxdene. P Ford 2023.

Henry Croxton was born on 17 April 1880 in the Castle Church area of Stafford to Henry Croxton (senior), a ‘waggoner,’ and wife Frances (nee Clews). In 1881, the family were living on the Wolverhampton Road, leading out of Stafford towards Wolverhampton, near the current Star and Garter pub. The family would, within a few years, split apart – making them traceable only because a Harry Croxton would leave a touching obituary in the Cannock Courier in 1902 to his mother that had died a year before – a Frances Morris.

Dealing with Henry senior first – he is living at his sister’s pub in Berkswich in 1891, where his mother and another sister are also living. He then appears in Penkridge as a lodger in 1901 – before passing away in 1904, at the young age of 47 years. Henry junior would stay with his mother, but this does get complicated. In 1891, the two are in Bloxwich – living with, and Frances married to, a miner named Edward Morris. Edward had lost his first wife in 1882. Edward and Frances would go on to have children, as well as each having children from their previous marriages.

By 1901, the family are in Great Wyrley and Henry had become an engine fitter; sadly, Frances, Henry’s mother would pass away in the September. Two doors away from Henry (described as Morris on the census) was the Perks family and on 1 May 1902 Henry married Sarah Ann Perks. Sarah was born in Great Wyrley, was around 18-months older than Henry, and the youngest daughter of James, a coal miner, and his wife Louisa.

In 1903, the only child the couple had, Frances Louisa, named after the parental mothers, was born.  The family were, in 1911, living with Sarah’s somewhat elderly parents on the Walsall Road. The 1911 census provides another fact that may have shaped his life: that the next property along on the census is Ashleigh, on Slackey Lane (now Hazel Lane), which was the home of Harrisons colliery manager, Thomas Cook. I am not suggesting Cook knew Croxton as a neighbour, however, it is likely that Croxton was an employee at the same Harrisons colliery and, what is more, a member of the Club on Wharwell Lane; Cook helped set up the Club in 1909, and in 1912, after the resignation of the then steward, a new one was sought that lived locally – word of mouth would have spread both at the Club and the colliery and the new man that would come forward would turn out to be Henry Croxton.

Croxdene, the house, was built in 1911. We have no idea when the Croxton family moved into it, but I would suggest if was not when first built then it was not that long after he obtained his new position on 1 February 1912. Whether the name Croxdene is in any way a derivation of Croxton is unknown, it may be purely coincidental.

Croxdene, the left property was that of Croxton, the other that of Westwood in 1921. It is the opposite side of Jones Lane to the Memorial Garden – which was just rough land when the house was built. P. Ford 2023.

Croxton had an early experience in his tenure as steward, when the Club was broken into on the evening of 3 March. He had to give evidence at the Magistrate Court when three brothers from Great Wyrley were arrested for breaking and entering (Croxton’s address was given as Walsall Road, Landywood – but this would apply to both Croxdene or his previous address). The boys smashed a window in the Smoke Room to gain access, then proceeded to empty the contents, presumably into themselves, of many a bottle, pausing only to steal some fags and slash the tyres on Croxton’s bicycle that was stored in the Club.

Harrison’s Club, opened in 1909, where Croxton became the steward in 1912. WH Smith & Son

Croxton, despite being of age, neither volunteered at the outbreak of the Great War, nor served in the armed forces under conscription. He likely didn’t serve as a Special Constable for example, due to his commitments at the Club. The Club did, of course, aid the local war effort during the conflict and Henry in particular went through very difficult times regarding the price and quality of the beers and spirits – as well as the club’s opening times (see https://wyrleyblog.wordpress.com/wyrley-landywood/the-harrisons-club-great-wyrley-war-memorial-history/harrisons-club-and-the-great-war/). which even led to a petition in 1919 by the members over the dreadful quality of the beer sold. This was NOT Henry’s fault, but down to increasing legislation restricting the sale, strength and price of alcohol through the war period.

It was the events of 1919 that really triggered this article, for after the initial organic celebrations after the signing of the armistice in 1918, peace was only secured after the formal signing the Treaty of Versailles in June 1919. Up and down the country, the weekend of 19 July became the the formal period for rejoicing and Great Wyrley received praise for its ‘Peace Celebrations,’ with it being noted in the Cannock Courier on 26 July that: ‘the hearts of the Committee and the parishioners were thoroughly in the affair, and there was much outside interest manifested.’

The celebrations, in fact, started on Sunday 6 July with a combined procession and ‘Thanksgiving Service’ at the Anglican church. The Courier reported on 12 July: ‘The procession included the Parish Council, Police and Special Constables, under the supervision of Sergeant Wright, Demobilised and Discharged Soldiers, Druids and other members of Societies, Firemen, Tradesmen, Cheslyn Hay Boy Scouts, and Band. The procession, which was unusually large, started at Bentons Corner [Benton Road, the site of the Roll of Honour, opposite to Croxdene] and marched along Walsall Road and on to Wyrley St. Marks Church, where Rev. Lanfear preached an appropriate sermon to a crowded congregation. Suitable hymns were sung and special prayers offered. A collection of £11 was realised, in aid of the Sunday Schools and Peace Celebrations.’

Over the weekend of 19 July properties and streets were tastefully decorated, with an award given to Henry Croxton for Croxdene – the best decorated house – and this is why this story has come about. Further, Henry was awarded another prize for ‘decorating the Roll of Honour with flags, ribbons and small lamps that presented a pleasing spectacle.’ Henry declined this second award as that was ‘purely voluntary.’ We must also remember that while Henry was nominated for the awards, I would eat my pocket watch if Sarah Ann had not been a co-contributor – or even the true artistic talent behind it – although Henry was a keen gardener and had won many prizes at flower shows.

Just for context and general interest in this article: meals and sports were also enlisted to make up the ‘Peace’ programme: ‘The old people were treated to dinner at the Great Wyrley Institute, and the children to a tea at the Schools… and the sports were held in the fields on Monday when a large number of parishioners assembled.’ Local clubs and businesses also rallied around the returning soldiers on or around Peace Day. Harrisons Club, and Croxton, started with a concert being provided for their members, and their friends, on the Friday evening. On the Saturday, however, they provided a meal and a concert in the club room for all the demobilised and discharged soldiers and sailors; there were ‘nearly 200 present, and they thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the entertainment. At the conclusion of the substantial meal Councillor George Goodwin in a few appropriate remarks made the toast “Our local Soldiers and Sailors,” which was enthusiastically received.’

Elsewhere, the publican of the Robin Hood, John Perks (I am not sure if this is a relation of Sarah Croxton), had hosted the veterans from Churchbridge to a meal in the May – indeed, six of the ‘lads’ were not yet back from service – and Gilpins hosted their veterans, giving recognition to those that did not return, in the August.

The Croxton family were still in residence at Croxdene in 1921, and in 1925 Frances married William Wootton, a diary farmer from Black Lees Farm in Saredon. If we fast-forward to 1939, we still find the Croxtons at Croxdene, along with the Westwoods next door – as they were in 1921. In 1939, Henry is still the Club steward. Sadly, he would pass away in 1942. Sarah Ann passed away, I believe, in 1964.

So, when you next pass Croxdene give a nod to Henry and Sarah – especially if you are a member of Harrisons Club. If you read this and live in the house, remember that Croxdene outshone all others in the village during the Peace Celebrations in July 1919 and if you put a flag in the window for Remembrance Sunday you will be simply keeping up a tradition – especially if you nip into Harrisons for a pint after!

In memory of Henry and Sarah and dedicated to Pat, the current steward at Harrisons, and all the terrific bar staff.