Friday, March 4, 2005

100 years ago: The Lancaster Inn in Scarborough was being rebuilt, and during excavation work a couple of stones of some antiquarian interest had been found. One appeared to be a holy water stoup such as was found in Roman Catholic churches, of a plain character. The second stone was apparently the octagonal upper portion of a piscina or lavacrum, like those found near the altar in 13th century churches. It was surmised that these were remains of the old church of St Sepulchre, which stood near the spot where they were discovered, and which was pulled down after Henry VIII dissolved the community of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, who owned the church.

50 years ago: An experimental fire float, "home-made" by York firemen when off duty, had its first practical tests on the River Ouse. A type of raft, the float had been designed to carry a crew of not more than three firemen, and its purpose, if it passed its tests, would be to pump water to the shore in cases of riverside fires, where it was difficult to obtain water through shore pumps. Its object was not to fight fires directly, as it was not of sufficient weight or size to stand up to the force which would be created if it had jets mounted upon it. It was propelled by the force of water being pumped through a jet and back into the water.

25 years ago: The demise of the old 6d piece prompted a reader to send in his memories of 50 years previously, illustrating just how much the old tanner could buy. As young railway signalman at Earswick on a wage of 42s a week, he rented a house in the village for 13s a week. He recalled one morning when his wife turned to him and said: "I don't know what you are going to get for your dinner; I have paid everyone their money and have nothing left." It so happened he had earned an extra tanner for hauling a barrowload of goods to a village shop, and when he declared he had it his mother-in-law jumped up and said: "What are you doing with 6d, and her with nothing in her purse?" The chastened man set off into York, where his tanner bought him cow's liver, half a pound of onions, two penny 'ducks' and a packet of Woodbines, providing enough food for two days' dinner.

Updated: 08:41 Friday, March 04, 2005