Posted: Sat 30 Jun, 2012 3:05 pm
The following are reported in John Mayhall's 'Annals of Yorkshire' vol 3.June 30 1869:- "The old Clock, first of the old Moot Hall, then of the old Corn Exchange, Briggate, Leeds, which for nearly a century had proved a faithful servant to the public, was taken to pieces, in more senses than one, and sold in the Crypt of the Town Hall, to Mr. Turton, of Marsh Lane, (the highest bidder,) for £50. An inscription on the dial set forth that the clock had been erected by Geo. Goodall, of Aberford, in 1787; repaired by Wm. Bowling, in August , 1795, and taken down previous to the removal of the Middle Row, by Richard Cheetham, 1825. Mr. Turton also bought, for 30s., the iron vane, ball, and copper fleece which surmounted the clock."I wonder what happened to the clock?June 30 1871:- "The Leeds joiners the previous December gave six months' notice to their employers claiming a reduction of the hours of labour from ten to nine hours daily, an increase in their pay from 6½d. to 7d. per hour, and the abolition of piece work. The masters declined to accede to these demands, and the men at a largely attended meeting, held this night, determined to adhere to them. The dispute terminated on the 31st of the following month, the masters consenting, at a conference with the men, to the nine hours a day, and 7d an hour asked for by them."For the young ones among us (or the older ones who have now forgotten ) 7d is a little under 3p.