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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.

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