The way we were in Hessle

CHANGING times in Hessle in the 19th Century are recalled in this poem by John Barron who reflected on the many changes in the town during his life.
Barron (1837-1870) paints a picture of a dramatically changing town - one which he sees as being invaded by people from other areas.
The poem reflects the age in which he lived, one when the march of progress was just as relentless as it is now.
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Just three and thirty years ago, when I was but a child,
Twas in the Spring of thirty-seven, the weather it was mild;
We meet so many changes, as this world we journey through,
Just at this time, a lovely spot, 'twas Hessle met my view

The changes which have taken place between that time and this
To note them down, if memory serve, may not be much amiss;
Some people they may grumble at a chronicler so poor,
A man's a man for all that, tho' a beggar at the door.

The time which I now mention, no railway was begun,
To take you then from town to town, three coaches there were run,
But now we have an iron road, such running to and fro,
O what a mighty difference since thirty years ago.

Now when I run through the village, go and see what time has done,
The buildings which have sprung around, a generation's gone,
The once familiar faces which have disappear'd from sight,
And gone I hope for ever into everlasting light.

A sadness steals upon me, when I reflect upon the scene,
To see the places built upon, tho' not the village green,
Where I have played and run about, no bobby to annoy,
I almost feel inclined to wish that I was still a boy.

And when at church I look around for those who once sat there,
I look in vain, not one in ten who used to come to prayer;
But in the yard I there can see how many lie below,
Oh what a mournful difference since thirty years ago.

Here are a few old faces left which then were known to me,
Our good old Reverend Vicar, always find and free;
Also our skilful doctor, he is now put upon the shelf,
He has laid aside his business to attend upon himself.

But in tradesmen and in farmers such a thinning there has been,
There are still a few old labourers appear on the scene;
But of the many I now see, how very few I know,
Oh what a mighty difference from thirty years ago.

Now what was once old Spicer's farm is like a little town,
Look around which way you will, there's buildings up and down,
And what was once old Joel's little garden on the wire,
Is built upon and let unto the cotter and the squire.

Of the builders and the joiners we have reason to complain,
They build but not for comfort, 'tis more for getting gain,
They build houses with an eye to the profits they can draw,
Oh what a mighty difference since thirty years ago.

As seen from the western hill, the village church and spire,
It is a pleasant fertile spot as any in the shire;
It's beauties have attracted such a swarm of other scum,
That for it's old inhabitants there's scarcely any room.

When I was but a stripling, here then was work for all,
The scum here before mentioned they swallow it up all,
Like Pharoah's hungry kine their condition still is low,
Oh what a mighty difference since thirty years ago.

We used to grope in darkness, we are lighted now with gas,
The inhabitants were ignorant, now we educate the mass,;
An institute for reading and lectures to improve,
We're indebted to the Major for all this work of love.

For this light and education and improvement in our street,
The cleansing and the drainage to keep us clean and sweet,
And several other blessings to our gallant friend I'll throw
I see a mighty difference since thirty years ago.

We have three jolly butchers, but not all in a row,
They have meat of first rate quality as any men I know,
Likewise a first rate baker, of bread he makes the best,
What makes me so confident - I've put it to the test.

This picture here of Hessle, both the present and the past,
Although if I be spared it may now be the last,
As long as I the pencil wield the truth I'll try to draw,
I see a mighty difference since thirty years ago.

Written by The Editor - 05/05/2002 10:11:24

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