Sepia Scenes: Across Old Court Street

This view of Hyde Town Hall was taken with a zoom lens from Water Street looking across Old Court Street.

The large bell in the clocktower is known as "Owd Josh", after former mayor Joshua Bradley.

This poem is from Gleams Of Sunshine by James Leigh.

Opening Of Hyde Town hall Clock And Bells
October 18th 1884
Presented By Mr. Joshua Bradley, Of Godley.

Hark! To those sounds of jubilee
In honour of our friend J.B.;
Hark! To those sounds -
Loud cheers are heard on every hand,
Whist with the music of the band,
The town resounds.

With joyful step and hearts elate
This noble gift we celebrate
With demonstration:
Our hearty cheers this day we raise,
The givers worthy of all praise
And emulation.

But now's the time, and now's the hour
J.B. ascends the Town Hall Tower
To play his part, -
He starts the Clock, the Bells chime out,
And with the sounds, a mighty shout
Doth thrill the heart.

And now they're off - the Town Hall Bells,
Each listening heart with pleasure swells,
To view the scene;
Strains of sweet music fill the air,
Whilst joyful faces everywhere
With pleasure beam.

As to the clock our eyes we lift,
We thank the donor for his gift
With loud acclaim.
And others will in future times,
When listening to those mellow chimes
Pronounce his name.

That grand old spinner's played his part,
For he with large unselfish heart
Doth noble give;
Then let this mighty concourse sing
The words that in my ears now ring
Long may he live

Long may he live to view with pride
The gift he has bestowed on Hyde
For many years;
And when this generation's gone,
Those Town Hall Bells may still chime on
For other ears.

The full view from Water Street can be seen on Hyde DP Xtra.

For more sepia visit Sepia Scenes.