Burning effigies

THE Rev Stephen Griffiths of St Bridget's Church, Moresby, is conducting guided tours of his church as part of the Heritage Open Days on Saturday, September 11. But I wonder if he'll be recounting the tale of how parishoners once burnt the effigy of the Moresby rector.

Moresby church - where trouble flared in the 19th century

Trouble flared in this usually peaceful parish during the summer of 1878 and it was the Rev W. B. Wallace at the centre of the storm. It seems he was determined not to allow funerals on a Sunday. With most miners working a six-day week, Sunday was the only day when they could be sure of attending a funeral of one of their family or friends. While some churches were happy to accommodate the hard-working locals, Rev Wallace was standing his ground.
So one Saturday in June 1878, word went around that an effigy of Rev Wallace was going to be burnt on Parton village green. Large crowds gathered and, as a consequence, a good showing of the police. There were even brass bands playing to entertain the crowds - although Rev Wallace was keeping well away.
Finally the effigy itself appeared. The Whitehaven News reported: "It was a really capital get-up, representing the Rector in his surplice, with a book in his hand. It was not feted to have a long life, however. Preceeded by one of the bands, it was marched a short way towards Lowca, and back out the village but somewhere opposite the Rector's house again, it was gallantly charged by Superintendent Bird and PC Tomer. The latter officer hugged it lovingly in his arms, and its apologies for raiment were torn off, and, it was said, were buried by the police. The stuffing, hay or straw, was set fire to be some lads, and all that was left of the figure speedily perished on a midden behind Croasdale-terrace. There was much cheering and shouting by a large crowd assembled, which was renewed and kept up when a huge bonfire on the hill immediately in front of the Rectory was kindled; and into this a second effigy, was thrown and burnt."
Despite this huge demonstration of protest, Rev Wallace stood by his decision and reiterated the following Sunday in his sermon that there would be no funerals on a Sunday.

Hopefully this September's events at Moresby will be more civilised! The church will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, September 11 and there will even be a vintage bus offering transport to and from the church, departing from Whitehaven Market Place. There will also be re-enactments of Roman and Viking life throughout the day, reflecting the area's long heritage. But please: No effigies.