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A well-respected community figure is laid to rest in Edwardian South Yorkshire.
Non-Fiction 1902 4 mins Silent
This is the only surviving part of what was probably a longer film marking the death of fire brigade chief WS Petit, a much-admired pillar of the Doncaster community. It's a curious film, beginning with shots of the hounds and members of the Rotherham hunt with which Mr Pettit was associated, before showing family members, officials and fireman colleagues making their way to the funeral.
Said the Mexborough and Swinton Times (31st January 1902): "The appearance of the photographer at the funeral of the late Mr W S Pettit at Mexboro', yesterday (Thursday), aroused some curiosity, especially at the cemetery, where a most unusual - as far as Mexboro' is concerned - photograph at the grave-side was taken." The film was commissioned and shot by Mitchell and Kenyon's cameraman Albert Wilkinson; Mitchell and Kenyon presumably retained the original negative after processing the 200 feet of film for him. This event was a change of pace for Wilkinson, who was particularly skilled at recording difficult live action sporting events. He is himself captured on film in Rotherham Football (c.1900).
Non-Fiction 1901 5 mins Silent Location: Hyde Park
The crowds stand silent as the nation says goodbye to Queen Victoria in February 1901.
Non-Fiction 1902 9 mins Silent Location: Old Elvet, Durham
Thousands march up Old Elvet in Durham to mark the Coronation of Edward VII.
Non-Fiction 1902 3 mins Silent
Representatives of two royal families visit one of early 20th century Ireland's most ambitious exhibitions.
Non-Fiction 1902 2 mins Silent Location: Leeds
Edward VII's rescheduled coronation was held on 8th August, not a nice day in Leeds...
Non-Fiction 1902 6 mins Silent
Businesses, unions, religious representatives and civic dignitaries march through Cork.
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: Edinburgh
Mourners process through the wintry streets of Edinburgh.
Amateur film 1959 8 mins Silent Location: Doncaster
An eye-opening, albeit rough-edged, look at the modern rebuilding of the historic St. Mary’s bridge in 1950s Doncaster.
Advert 1952 1 mins Location: Doncaster
This strange early 1950s stereoscopic 3-D film is a colourful document of the Co-operative Wholesale Society in Doncaster
Documentary 1988 10 mins Location: Doncaster
Snow is no barrier for 74 year old Helena as the propellers get fired up on her Hornet Moth and off she flies over the hills of South Yorkshire.
Drama 1981 54 mins Location: Doncaster
This harrowing look at the realities of farm and child labour in 1904 reveals the residues of feudalism persisting into the twentieth century.
Documentary 1981 53 mins Location: Doncaster
Move over Spinal Tap, there is no need for parody in this superb documentary of a Doncaster Rugby League team, and loyal followers, that turns out every Sunday for a ritual beating.
Non-Fiction 1913 3 mins Silent Location: Doncaster
Top hats and flat caps, a flat race with a close finish; jockey Elijah "Whippet" Wheatley, winning his solitary Classic, dismounts, and Night Hawk shows off her unsaddled beauty.
Industry sponsored film 1960 24 mins
A new luxury express is put through its paces. This film looks over the shoulders of the select band of craftsmen, engineers and operators, whose combined skills try to ensure that a train journey is a delightful experience.
Documentary 1973 15 mins
British Transport Films record the varied daily lives of their neighbours as seen from the high roof of their building in London’s Marylebone.
Industry sponsored film 1957 20 mins
Illustrating the efficiency of express freight trains, and how they link manufacturers with their customers at the other end of Britain.
Documentary 1952 30 mins
Examining a day in the life of what was then the busiest railway system in the world – British Railways.
Travelogue 1953 21 mins Location: York
The Stationmaster at York guides us through a typical day, from dawn to dusk.
Industry sponsored film 1957 9 mins
A 1957 film examining the future for British Railways, and some of the opportunities provided by a new modernisation plan.
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