Catalogue

The Borough of Newcastle had always made a point of celebrating royal events and considered loyal to the crown for centuries and had the honour of admitting more than one of the Royal family to the rights and privileges of burgesses. Preparations for the celebrations on the 24^th of May 1837 were not considered until the last minute, but even so there was no lack of feelings on the auspicious day when the Princess Victoria attained her 18^th birthday, and became qualified, to fill the throne.

The day prior to this special day, it was arranged among a number of the tradesmen in the town, that they should dine together at the Roe Buck the following day, but at the same time they thought of towns men, who, thought the depression of trade were short of the means to participate in any form of celebration or the enjoyment of the day.

Two x A4 pages and photographs

It is impossible to make comparisons today for the working and living conditions of the middle years of the 19^th century and yet it was a reality of life not to be brushed under the carpet. Without exception, the vast majority were either potters or colliers in every town of the Potteries and the challenge to the working class was to avoid the workhouse at all costs.

The causes of such depravity are numerous, the pottery industry was unpredictable especially with the USA market. Breadwinners, because of the payment system of wages being paid in the corner pub were encouraged by the landlord to have more to drink as he claimed had not enough change to pay them from a £5 note from the foreman who held the pay for all under him. Many wives, along with their children would stand outside imploring their husbands to come out before all their wages were spent but to return home with drunken spouse with the certain knowledge, they would be evicted the following week as there was no money for the rent or food.A true reflection of life in the pottery towns ideal for the study in Humanaties. Nearly 1800 words x three pages.