Historic%20Yorkshire
Historic%20Yorkshire
Historic%20Yorkshire
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186<br />
THE BISHOP BLAIZE FESTIVAL.<br />
has always taken the leadin the rejoicings, whichusually<br />
occurred every seven years. In this town a statue is<br />
erected to his memoryat the entrance to the Exchange.<br />
Few demonstrations have been more jubilant, more<br />
imposing, and more unique than the celebration which<br />
occurred on the 3rd February, 1825. On this day every<br />
inhabitantofthe townindulgedin a holiday,and thestreets<br />
presented a thronged and brilliant appearance. The<br />
chief promoter of the demonstration was Mr. Matthew<br />
Thompson. The place of meeting of those who were to<br />
take part in the ceremony was in Westgate. The procession<br />
started from the noted hostelry called the Bull's<br />
Head. So great was the interest taken in the movement<br />
that it is said that for twenty miles round the town all the<br />
vehicles had been taken beforehand, and every one, both<br />
employer and employe, were alike full of enthusiasm.<br />
The number who took part in the proceedings was as<br />
follows: — 24 woolstaplers,38 spinnersand manufacturers,<br />
6 merchants, 56 apprenticesandmasters' sons, 160 woolsorters,<br />
30 combmakers, 470 woolcombers,and 40 dyers.<br />
These moved in the under-mentionedorder: —<br />
Herald bearing a flag.<br />
Woolstaplers on horseback, each horse caparisoned with a fleece.<br />
Worsted Spinners and Manufacturers on horseback, in<br />
white stuff waistcoats, with each a sliver over the<br />
shoulder, and a white stuffsash;the horses' necks<br />
covered with nets made of thick yarn.<br />
Merchants on horseback, with coloured sashes.<br />
Three Guards. Masters' Colours. Three Guards.<br />
Apprentices and Masters' Sons on horseback, with<br />
ornamented caps, scarlet stuff coats, white stuff<br />
waistcoats, and blue pantaloons.<br />
Bradford and Keighley Bands. ,<br />
Macebearer on foot.<br />
Six Guards. King. Queen. Six Guards.<br />
Guards. Jason. Princess Medea. Guards.<br />
Bishop's Chaplain.<br />
BISHOP BLAIZE<br />
Shepherd and Shepherdess,<br />
Shepherd Swains.