Image ID: 07894

Sunday School Festival devices in the Market Place

Courtesy of Antoine

Market Place
Newark on Trent
England

Newark's annual Sunday School treat, staged by the Sunday Schools of non-conformist churches within the town, was held on the third Thursday (later Saturday) in June. Floats (or 'devices' as they were termed locally) assembled in pre-ordained order in the Market Place to be judged for their inventiveness and splendour. There were three categories, A, B and C. Category A was for religious themes, Category B for non-religious themes, and Category C for ordinary wagons by junior members. Certificates were also awarded for the best groomed horse pulling the devices. After judging the devices processed around the town preceeded by children with garlands of flowers. A King and Queen of the treat were also elected to undertake the necessary ceremonies. The procession ended at Sconce Hills (now Devon Park) to the south of the town. Here races were run on the Bottom Hills, while on the Top Hills competitions in skipping, singing and performing 'Action Songs' were held on a central wooden platform. To make the day complete, each child was given a ticket which could be exchanged for a bun and lemonade. The Sunday School devices in this picture are drawn up before the Saracen's Head Hotel, on the south side of the Market Place. The Inn dates from 1341 although the building seen here was erected in 1721. The ground floor of the Saracen's Head is occupied by two shops -The Public Benefit Boot Co. (far right) and Johnson & Longdon's gents outfitters shop (left). The Public Benefit Boot Co. occupied premises on this site from the 1890's to the 1970's. Johnson & Longdon meanwhile are listed on this site from c 1904 to 1960 when the premises were acquired by Bainbridges drapery store (Bainbridge's store may be seen at the far left of the picture).

Date: 1920

Organisation Reference: NCCE001700

Organisation: