On Monday, October 19th, the marchers continued their journey to London, covering the next leg of their 300-mile route. Mansfield, located approximately 12 miles south of Chesterfield, was their destination for the day. Unfortunately, the weather was unfavorable, with heavy head-on winds and continuous rain accompanying them to Mansfield. With morale low, they finally arrived in Mansfield, appearing wet and bedraggled. However, to their disappointment, no sympathetic cheers greeted their arrival, as reported by Sidney Sterck, one of the reporters who had walked with the men throughout the journey, in the North Mail.
A wet and bedraggled army, the Jarrow crusaders marched into the Nottinghamshire mining town of Mansfield and no one raised a sympathetic cheer
Sidney Sterck reporter North Mail.
The above quote says it all! Like Chesterfield before them, Mansfield was no more sympathetic than their neighbor had been.
Their spirits were uplifted upon reaching Nottingham, as the disappointments of the past few days in other towns were quickly forgotten. The men were welcomed with a delightful tea and received numerous gifts of clothing, footwear, and a substantial supply of medicines. Later in the evening, they were invited to the Music Hall for entertainment. The organizers had arranged excellent sleeping accommodations for the men, ensuring they were well-rested. Nottingham had truly gone above and beyond to support the marchers, showcasing the Midlands’ hospitality.
Footwear
Above I mention footwear however apparently the people of Nottingham not only repaired the marcher’s much-needed shoes but were ever necessary to replace them.
Many Thanks to (Brenda Nicoll Williamson) for this extra piece of information.
Nottingham’s prominent landmark is the Old Market Square, reputedly the largest square in England. Recently, it underwent refurbishment, featuring a magnificent water feature composed of fountains and rapids. Legend has it that Robin Hood, the renowned outlaw, resided in Sherwood Forest, where he established his camp and occasionally used the Sheriff of Nottingham as a metaphorical punching bag.
When the men departed from Jarrow, they were thin and malnourished, having endured years of unemployment. However, the provision of good food along the way transformed their appearance. They no longer resembled the same individuals who had set off on the march. The men’s spirits were lifted by the fact that it had been many years since they had eaten so well, and this alone had a positive impact on their morale.
Follow the Marchers: Nottingham to Leicester.