The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
Hitchin Market
Jellied eels, popper bead necklaces, and striped humbugs; a few of the items offered at Hitchin Market. Amateur footage to accompany hand-written verse.
From the collection of:
Overview
An inventive way of documenting a day at Hitchin market in the mid 1950’s. This amateur footage accompanies long verse that narrates with humour giving a flavour of what to expect at Hitchin's thriving outdoor market, with stall-holders - cobbler, fishmonger, grocer, confectioner - selling their goods to a bustling crowd of shoppers. The visitors travel from each corner of the county by bus, and return the same way.
The hand-written verse, found in the can together with the film, unfortunately requires more space than provides here, however, in part: Can’t you hear the conductor? “Ere, come along, nark it, You can’t buy a pig nowadays in the market!” –That’s not true, exactly. In Hitchin at least, You can still go and purchase your fine fattened beast, your poultry and pigs and your cattle and horses. But to most folk these days, Hitchin Market of course is, The stalls set up here, th’other side of the town, Where the Church of Saint Mary looks cheerfully down, to the steps by the side of the River called Hiz. And is this Hitchin Market? You’re right, chum, this is! ... and so the verses continue.
Related
Watch for free
G.B. Christie Ltd: Special Occasion G.B. Christie Ltd: Special Occasion
Advert 1958 0 mins Silent Location: Hitchin
A name you can rely on: this snazzy 1950s animation advertises wine and spirit merchant in Hitchin
Watch for free
Hitchin. Honouring the Brave Hitchin. Honouring the Brave
Non-Fiction 1912 2 mins Silent Location: Hitchin
Victims of a tragic air crash are honoured in a sombre military funeral procession through the streets of Hitchin.
Watch for free
The Shepherd and His Flock The Shepherd and His Flock
Amateur film 1941 32 mins Silent Location: Hitchin
Shooting and incendiary bomb extinguishing practice; the home front activities of the Hertfordshire Special Constabulary and Air Raid Precautions (A.R.P.) Unit in Hitchin.
Watch for free
Hitchin Coronation Celebrations Hitchin Coronation Celebrations
Non-Fiction 1936 8 mins Silent Location: Hitchin
By George! (and Mary)... Patriotic crowds pack the streets of Hitchin for exuberant coronation celebrations.
Watch for free
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
Watch for free
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Watch for free
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Watch for free
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
Watch for free
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
Watch for free
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.