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A chimney explosion in Edwardian Nelson, near Burnley, presents an exciting public spectacle.
Non-Fiction 1906 2 mins Silent
Many of Mitchell and Kenyon's films celebrate the industrial landscape. This film takes the opposite approach, revelling in the 'thrilling scenes' of the destruction of an imposing feature on this Lancashire town's skyline. The demolition makes a fine spectacle (and a very filmic one) and attracts quite a crowd. This was a chimney belonging to the now long-gone Hibson Road brick works.
With its colossal explosion and smouldering remains, this is an unusually dramatic film for Mitchell and Kenyon. Within seconds of the chimney's collapse, crowds swarm in to inspect the site - health and safety are clearly not much of a concern as people smile, wave and salute the camera.
Non-Fiction 1901 3 mins Silent Location: Rotherham
Edwardian workers react to the camera at one of Rotherham's major employers.
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: North Shields
Girls gut herring on the quay at North Shields while a Showman tries to stir up trouble.
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Silent Location: Pendlebury
A black miner makes an intriguing addition to an already captivating film of coal workers up from their pit.
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Silent Location: Hollinwood
A flood of Lancashire cotton workers and their children at the end of another shift.
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Glistening brass and galloping horses thrill the crowds at a municipal Fire Brigade drill.
Non-Fiction 1900 2 mins Silent Location: Manchester
Victorian Manchester mill workers enjoy the novelty of a moving picture camera.
Advert 1948 4 mins Location: Nelson
A tribute to Lancashire, land of industry, leisure, sublime landscape - and laundry detergent
Non-Fiction 1900 1 mins Silent Location: Nelson
Lively Lancashire millworkers, including young boys and girls, at the mill gates.
Non-Fiction 1900 2 mins Silent Location: Nelson
Athletic young Lancashire cotton weavers show off outside their Victorian mill.
Charity appeal 2020 2 mins
Beautiful NHS fundraiser, setting Michael Rosen’s poem to powerful archive images.
Non-Fiction 1924 1 mins Silent Location: Woking
The UK's first purpose-built mosque welcomes a huge crowd of worshippers - and newsreel cameras!
Comedy 1914 9 mins Silent
A vicar is caught flirting with an improperly-dressed chorus girl in this saucy silent comedy.
Non-Fiction 1901 4 mins Silent Location: Manchester
A volunteer cavalry regiment is enthusiastically welcomed home after active service in South Africa.
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: Liverpool
All ashore! Passengers disembark and crew offload after a long Atlantic crossing.
Non-Fiction 1902 3 mins Silent Location: Weston Park
A stroll in the park for civilised city-dwellers in Edwardian South Yorkshire.
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