• Mayor Henry Impey reading the King's proclamation on Peace Day.

It was not until ten years after the riotous events in Luton on Peace Day that 1919 Chief Constable, Charles Griffin, revealed some added details of how Mayor Henry Impey was got away from the blazing Town Hall, and how an attack aimed at also burning down the police station was thwarted.

The man who was Luton police chief from 1917 to 1920 was in 1929 about to be elected President of the Chief Constables Association after being for eight years the Chief Constable of Brighton.

Mr Griffin (pictured right) confirmed to a newspaper reporter that it was in a police uniform that the Mayor was smuggled through the crowds away from the burning Town Hall, and Union House - the Workhouse - became his place of refuge. There he spent the rest of the night, not in sleep but in waiting until, acting on advice, he could be got away from the town.

This was effected at dawn, and if there were few who knew of where Mayor Impey had sought shelter there were still fewer who saw the manner of his going. An ordinary commercial lorry was driven into the Union House grounds, and in the seclusion the then Mayor took his seat in the lorry, along with an escort of police officers in civilian attire.

The passengers were kept in the background of the lorry until Luton was well behind, although few people were about at such an early hour. It was raining hard, and altogether it was a particularly cheerless Sunday morning.

In order that the Mayor's whereabouts should be kept a secret he was set down on the outskirts of London. This was at a tramway terminus and, on account of it being a Sunday, he had some hours to wait in the tramways shelter before there was a car available to take him to his destination.

Mr Griffin recalled his own experiences of the fateful July 19th, 1919, when "ex-soldiers stormed the Town Hall and burned it to the ground". When the battle began Mr Griffin had 60 policemen under him. When it ended at 2am, all but four were badly disabled.

The rioters threw tins of petrol through the Town Hall windows and fired the place. The horse which Mr Griffin was riding was stabbed and died.

The next day the rioters appeared with the intention to also burn down the police station, where it became known that the Town Council were holding a meeting that Sunday night. But they had something of a shock - they expected to see only four policemen and Mr Griffin, but during the night the Chief Constable had obtained help and was able to hide 200 extra police in the police station. The raiders had scarcely got assembled outside the police station when they had their surprise.

The reporter himself recalled: "I was in the station yard, and shall always remember how it filled with uniformed men and how, at a signal, the gates were flung wide open and the imported police dashed out with batons drawn and laid about those who were not quick enough to beat a retreat. It was an awesome experience and one that did not inspire one with with any desire to forsake the shelter of the station premises for the streets so hurriedly cleared."

[The Pictorial: Tuesday, July 9th, 1929]

[The Luton News: Thursday, September 4th, 1919]

The Mayor of Luton (Councillor H. Impey), who has been absent from the town for the greater part of the time since the night of the riots on July 19th, was present at Tuesday's meeting of the Town Council. In explaining his absence from the meetings held in the intervening time, he also stated that he proposed to continue to hold the office of Mayor till his successor is appointed in the normal course in November, and then for health reasons to vacate all his public appointments.

Before proceeding with the ordinary business of the meeting, the Mayor (pictured with macebearer Frederick Rignall), said: “I want to do tonight what I was anxious to do a month ago, but which on medical advice I was unable to do. I am here tonight against medical orders. I am sorry to say I am not very much improved in health, but I thank the Council for the kind letter of sympathy they sent.

“No one regrets more than I do the terrible events that took place in the town. I want it to be clearly stated that I never have had any idea that discharged sailors and soldiers and soldiers of any organisation had anything to do with the affair that we all regret so much.

“With reference to the matter of Wardown, I simply was one of some colleagues, and I say today, as I said then, that Pope's Meadow was practically Wardown and, personally, I thought it would be better to have the service on rising ground, although I do not think that had anything to do with the disturbances in the town.

“I had an interview two months before with the Secretary of the DS&S, and they did put to me the question of a drumhead memorial service. I thoroughly fell in with it, and did all I could to suggest what was best to carry it out, and even suggested at that time that Luton Hoo Park, for quietude, size and rising ground, would be the very best spot to hold it. There is no more for me to say any more on that.

“With reference to the Peace Celebrations, I think it is fair to myself I should say this: On June 27th I interviewed Lady Wernher, at the request of Mr Baker [Hoo Steward], and Lady Wernher was willing to fall in with any suggestions I had to make, and that she felt were the best celebration in connection with our town. The soldiers and the children were put before her as cases needing attention. I told her the town would no doubt take them up, and she preferred at the time the children.

“Mr Baker saw me a week afterwards, and said Lady Wernher had decided to leave the children to the town, and to deal herself with the soldiers on August 16th, which was carried out. Mr Baker came to me before the celebrations and said: 'I have just been to the DS&S and the Comrades of the Great War and given them their invitations, and I hand you now a letter with a plan in it of the ground which Lady Wernher has decided to grant, as you suggested, as a war memorial park in the south end of the town'.

“When I mentioned to the Peace Celebration Committee that Lady Wernher was going to entertain the soldiers, the Committee at once decided they would deal with the children, and because of the medals not being ready and the teachers being away, it was decided this part of the celebration should be held later on.

“With respect to the Town Clerk and myself, a lot of odium has been put forward, no doubt. I have not read a paper since I have been away. I have not read one paper of any kind locally, but from the letters that have been sent to me, out of hundreds of letters that have been sent sympathising with me in this matter, only one or two – and those anonymously, have come reflecting on the Council in any way and, of course, they were calling the Council down from top to bottom.

“I do not want to say anything reflecting on any of my colleagues, but I should like to say this is praise of a few of them. Alderman Oakley, Alderman Arnold, Alderman Cain, Councillor Escott and Councillor Barford stuck through it [in the Town Hall on Peace Day], until Alderman Cain had to go because of his wife being ill. The others stuck right through to the bitter end, until we were obliged to leave the building at the finish. Alderman Williams came in several times to see that I was all right, and so did Councillor Briggs, and I personally thank them, for it would have been rather worse than it was had I been left there all alone.

“The Town Clerk, too, stood by me. In all matters connected with the Council, although sometimes his opinion has been different from mine, we have come to an agreement, and every step I have taken all along during the time I have held office has been in conjunction with the Town Clerk.

“I feel that the outcome of the whole of it will be that though some may get punishment in one way, I, unfortunately, shall have to suffer the greatest punishment, for, under medical advice, I shall have to disappear when November comes, and to retire from all public offices – work that my heart and soul has been in for 20 of the best years of my life.

“But I must study my health, and that will be the outcome in November. I shall continue to hold the position until that time comes round, but another candidate will have to be found for the vacancy in the East Ward in connection with my other public offices.

“It cuts me to the heart to say this, because if there is any work I love it is public work.”

Councillor Bone remarked: “Stick to it.” But apart from this the statement was received in silence.

[Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: November 29th, 1919]

The electors in the East Ward of Luton do not seem enamoured of Mr William Twort as a candidate for municipal honours. He contested the Ward in the election which took place on November 1st, and, although he was in good company with Mr W. J. Mair JP, another Labour candidate who had the distinction of being the first of his party to secure a seat on te Town Council. Mr Twort was left at the bottom of the poll.

In the resignation of the late Mayor of Luton, Mr Henry Impey, who was one of the representatives of the East Ward, Mr Twort saw another chance to have a fight for a seat in this Ward. Yesterday he received the verdict of the electors.

Outwardly there appeared to be very little interest taken in the election, but much quiet work must have been done for the other candidate, Mr Tom Neville Jnr, and although polling was somewhat slow during the morning, when the votes were counted at St Mary's Hall last evening it was found that the total poll was heavier than on November 1st, a somewhat unusual feature for a by-election of this character.

The electors in the Ward number 6,178, and of these 3,124 cast their votes, giving a percentage of just over 50. In the earlier election only 2,614 votes were given, for division between four candidates, this being a percentage of 42.31.

Mr Neville had five cars running, and a lot of voluntary helpers, but the roads were anything but good, being so greasy that driving was somewhat difficult, and as a result as full service was not obtained from the vehicles as might have possible on another occasion.

Mr Twort relied entirely on the goodwill of his supporters to walk to the polling station, and a few of them did, but the modest number of his supporters made be gathered from the following figures:

Neville F. T. (Ind).......2634

Twort W (Lab).............483

Majority......................2151

Ald H. O. Williams JP was the returning officer, and the Mayor and Town Clerk were present. There were seven spoiled papers.

On Monday, November 10th, 1919, Councillor Arthur Bennett Attwood, of High Croft, London Road, was formally installed as Mayor of Luton for the ensuing year at a Town Council meeting held in the Court House.

At the same meeting, letters were read from outgoing Mayor Councillor Henry Impey, who was not present, resigning the East Ward seat he had held since 1902 and intimating his intention to leave public and political life for health reasons.

The Beds & Herts Tuesday Telegraph of November 11th, 1919, reported that Councillor S. B. Hubbard moved a resolution: “That the thanks of this Council be accorded to, and the illuminated copy was sealed. Councillor Henry Impey for his services as Mayor of the Borough during the municipal year which has ended today, and that the Common Seal be affixed to a transcript of this resolution, engrossed on vellum, and presented to Councillor Impey.” The resolution was seconded by Councillor J. H. Hawkes, and agreed to

In a letter dated November 7th that was read out by Town Clerk William Smith, Mr Impey [pictued] said: It is with sincere regret that I have to write to you instead of being able to express my thanks in person for the resolution passed by you, appreciating the services I have rendered to the town during my year of office. First of all let me thank the mover and the seconder for the kind manner in which they have placed it before the Council.

“The year has been remarkable in that it saw the finish of the great world war, and I had the extreme great pleasure of being able to announce the signing of Peace. We all regret that the celebration of such an event was marked by a most regrettable outbreak among a section of the people, but I trust that never again will the good name of Luton be marred by such wanton destruction and disloyalty.

“I have no wish to say more about that regrettable occurrence, as God only knows how long the disastrous effect on my health will too painfully recall the day to mind.

“I trust my successor and his good wife, to whom I offer my hearty congratulations, will have health through their term of office, and the loyal support of all their colleagues in carrying out the great programme of urgent matters now to be carried in the interests of the town.

“I also hope the new councillors will find a great pleasure in serving the town, as I have for many years. It is a big wrench to sever ourselves from the various spheres of service to which we have been accustomed in our beloved town, and nothing but health considerations would have induced us for moment to leave, even for a prolonged period, the lifelong association with Luton and the host of sterling friends with whom we have been so long associated.

“I wish to express my sincere thanks not only to the Council but to the Town Clerk and to all the officials and staff generally for their loyal support and help. My thanks are also due to the public generally who have been loyal and true and most sympathetic.”

In conclusion, Mr Impey expressed the hope that at no distant date he and his wife might be able to renew their lifelong association with the town and people of Luton.

The resolution was accompanied to Mr Impey with a tea service, a personal gift from members of the Council.

Henry Impey's formal council resignation letter was dated October 17th, 1919, and was also read out by the Town Clerk.

In that Mr Impey said: “With deep regret I follow up my former intimation to leave public and political life, and ask the Council to accept my resignation as Councillor for the East Ward as from November 9th. After so many years taking an active part in the affairs of my native town nothing but extreme necessity would have induced me to have taken this course until my term of office had expired in the ordinary way; but considerations of health compel me to have a term of rest.”

New Mayor, Councillor Arthur Bennett moved: “That this Council accept with regret Mr Henry Impey's resignation of his office of Councillor for the East Ward, and place on record their appreciation of the earnest and capable service he has rendered to the town as member of the Council for a period of 17 years, and their hope that with the release from public service his health may speedily be restored to its normal condition.”

Councillor Primett seconded, and the resolution was carried, and a vacancy in East Ward declared.

 

The Tuesday Telegraph also reported that a resignation letter from Henry Impey at his Northamptonshire residence was read at the previous day's meeting of the Luton Board of Guardians. He wrote that as it would be impossible for him to attend to his duties as Board Chairman for some months he felt it his duty to resign.

It was with sincere regret, after nearly 20 years, he was obliged to take this course, and nothing but sheer necessity would have compelled him to wrench himself from public services as he had done.

He felt grateful to the members of the Board who had worked with him, and he trusted the memory of his association with them would always be pleasant. He also thanked the Clerk and staff of the Board for their unceasing efforts and their unfailing courtesy and kindness.

The Vice Chairman (Mrs Attwood), who presided, said she was sure they all regretted that the Chairman had felt it compulsory on his to retire owing to ill-health, and it was the wish of everyone that he might make a speedy recovery.

Councillor Impey's resignation was accepted.

Henry Impey's year of office was the most traumatic that any Mayor would not want to experience. From a high with the announcement of the signing of the November 1918 armistice after more than four years of war, his term reached a low with riots and the burning down of the Town Hall at the end of peace celebrations in July 1919.

Henry Impey, his health impaired, was smuggled out of Luton following the riots and made only a small number of return visits before resigning from the Town Council at the November 1919 elections. He died in Lincolnshire on April 17th, 1930, and is buried at the General Cemetery, Rothesay Road, Luton.

Below is the start of an evolving calendar (with much more to come) about some of the significant happenings and personalities during Henry Impey's Mayoral year (the links in yellow are to more in-depth related items based on reports in local newspapers):

 

1918

Saturday, November 9: Saturday Telegraph reports the abdication at 4.45pm of the Kaiser in Germany.

Saturday, November 9: Henry Impey invested with the insignia of office of Mayor of Luton in a public ceremony. He had been unanimously elected after previously winning nomination by 11 votes to 10 and one blank paper.

Monday, November 11: Armistice Day. At 11.10am Henry Impey announces to Luton from the Town Hall balcony that Great War hostilities had ceased at 11am.

Tuesday, November 12: Public holiday declared to celebrate the armistice.

Tuesday, November 12: Civic thanksgiving service held at St Mary's Parish Church.

Saturday, November 16: Rev J. L. Barkway inducted to the living of Christ Church by the Bishop of St Albans.

Wednesday, November 20: Mr Willet Ball formally adopted as Labour Parliamentary Candidate for the South Beds Division, including Luton, for the December 14 General Election.

Friday, November 22: Alderman Edwin Oakley resigns as long-term President of the Luton and South Beds Liberal Association in opposition to the Lloyd George Coalition (Lib-Con) Government.

Saturday, November 23: MP Cecil Harmsworth adopted as Liberal-Conservative Coalition Candidate for the South Beds Division for the December 14 General Election.

Saturday, November 23: Victory celebration party for 1,000 guests at George Kent's works at Chaul End.

Thursday, November 28: Souvenir last edition printed of the 'N-T-F' magazine, first published in June 1916 to raise funds to help prisoners of war.

Thursday, November 28: Farewell dance for girls of the Admiralty depot, Bute Street, at the Castle Street Hall.

Saturday, November 30: Vauxhall Motors Fuze Department farewell evening.

 

Tuesday, December 3: 'N-T-F' magazine acquired by the Luton News and published for the first time as the 'N-T-F & Tuesday Telegraph'.

Saturday, December 7: DS&S Ivy Leaf Club in Park Street officially opened.

Thursday, December 12: 100 Army horses sold at auction at Luton Cattle Market, including 23 to Messrs G. Powdrill & Son.

Saturday, December 14: General Election polling day – the quietest on record in Luton and South Beds, according to The Luton News.

Saturday, December 14: Davis Girls' Club at Davis Gas Stove Co (Diamond Foundry) entertained wounded soldiers from Wardown and Wheathampstead in works mess room.

Monday, December 23: Christmas party given by Luton branch of the Discharged Sailors and Soldiers Association at Winter Assembly Hall for 450 local children left fatherless by the war.

Saturday, December 28: Cecil Harmsworth (Lib-Con Coalition) retains the South Beds seat in General Election.

1919

Wednesday, January 1: Over 1,000 men of the Royal Field Artillery stationed at Biscot Camp entertained at a New Year party in the Princess Victoria YMCA Hut.

Tuesday, January 7: Eminent and controversial Russian violinist Edvard Soermus concert with Bolshevik speeches at the Winter Assembly Hall, sponsored by the Luton branch of the Independent Labour Party.

Thursday, January 9: Order of the British Empire, for services in connection with the war, awarded to Mrs Nora Kathleen Durler, Joint Commandant, Wardown Auxiliary Hospital, Wardown.

Friday, January 10: Tramcars No 1 and No 11 collided head-on in darkness on Beech Hill with two passengers slightly injured. Tram No 11 was badly damaged at the front and underneath.

Saturday, January 11: Victory bonfire and fireworks display, Mr Arthur Panter's Meadow, Stockingstone Lane, Round Green, organised by Young Leaguers Union on behalf of Harpenden Sanitorium for Children (National Children's Home).

Monday, January 13: Mr Charles Mares unanimously re-elected President of Luton Chamber of Commerce at AGM at Franklin's Restaurant, George Street.

Tuesday, January 14: Tuesday Telegraph reports that Biscot windmill is about to lose its sails and be converted to gas power.

Wednesday, January 15: Death of Mr Alfred Thomas Loose, long-serving keeper of Luton Town Hall.

Wednesday, January 15: Annual meeting of local branches of the National Union of Women Workers at Luton Public Library unanimously passed the resolution: “The Luton Branches Nos 1 and 2 of the N.F.W.W. call upon the Government immediately to establish at a national factory a centre for the teaching of straw work, the local industry, to local girls desirous of learning the trade, and to pay them a minimum of 30 shillings per week whilst learning.”

Thursday, January 16: Roof of Messrs Balmforth's factory damaged by fire, presumed to have been caused by sparks from a core-drying stove.

Thursday, January 16: Winding up dance of hockey club formed while Chaul End munition works were in operation.

Saturday, January 18: Memorial to 2nd Lieut Alexander Pigott Wernher, youngest son of Lady Wernher, of Luton Hoo, unveiled at Luton Parish Church.

Saturday, January 18: Mr Albert E. Wray announced his resignation as Luton Tramways Manager.

Tuesday, January 21: Luton Town Council unanimously approved the use of Wardown House as a maternity home, an infants' hospital and home for neglected infants, heralding a blistering Press campaign against the scheme.

Saturday, January 25: Two captured German weapons – a 77mm field gun and a howitzer, towed by lorries - paid a visit to Park Square, Luton, as part of a tour of Bedfordshire. The guns arrived from Dunstable at 11.30am and departed for Hitchin at 2.30pm, but as a result a lack of advance publicity little interest was created.

Saturday, January 25: Mr Fred Mortimer, conductor of the Luton Red Cross Band, released from the Army and returned to Luton to resume his old duties. During his three years in France he became a corporal in the 36th Divisional Band.

Sunday, January 26: Founder Chairman Mr Herbert W. Booth elected first President at the annual meeting of the Luton and District branch of the Discharged Sailors and Soldiers Federation. Pending leaving the area, Mr Booth resigned as Treasurer to be replaced by Mr H. V. Hoy. Chairman Mr Frank Rudd, also leaving Luton, replaced by Vice-Chairman Mr W. B. Clay. Branch membership had reached 750.

Tuesday, January 28: Luton Borough War Prisoners Committee's fund to provide food parcels for POWs wound up following meeting at the Town Hall.

Tuesday, January 28: Snow lying seven to 11 inches deep fell on Luton, with 4ft drifts reported in some villages around the town.

Tuesday, January 28: Death of Mr James Martin, head of J. Martin & Sons, bleachers and dyers, Oxen Road, at his home, Belgrove, Crescent Road, aged 64.

Wednesday, January 29: 'A' Company, 2nd Volunteer Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, dinner for 140 at Luton Town Hall.

 

Tuesday, February 4: Winding up of POW committee that had sent life-saving food parcels to local prisoners in Germany.

Monday, February 10: Fifty surplus Army horses sold at Luton Sale Yard, averaging £31 9s each. One mare fetched 75 guineas.

Wednesday, February 12: Dinner for demobilised Special Constables, Winter Assembly Hall.

Thursday: February 13: At one of the largest gatherings of buyers seen in the town, 133 Army horses were sold at Luton Sale Yard, 86 heavy draught horses averaging £60 13s 6d each, one fetching 90 guineas.

Monday, February 17: Around 50 war refugees left Luton on the 8.57am train on the first leg of their repatriation to Belgium. About 120 other Belgians remained in the Luton area.

Tuesday, February 18: Luton Town Council's Peace Celebrations Committee presented its draft plans for eventual Peace Day festivities.

Tuesday, February 18: Demobilised Dr W. Archibald returned to Luton to resume his duties as Medical Officer of Health.

Thursday, February 27: 'C' Company, 2nd Volunteer Brigade, Beds Regiment, dinner for 130 members at Luton Town Hall.

Friday, February 28: Mr George Wistow Walker retired as headmaster of Old Bedford Road Boys' School after serving about 20 years. He was presented with an easy chair from staff and scholars. New headmaster Mr A. Mander later addressed the scholars.

Monday, March 3: 104 Army horses – the largest number to date – sold at market in Luton by Messrs Cumberland & Sons. Prices ranged up to 60 guineas.

Tuesday, March 4: Presentation to Mrs Hilda Hewlett at the Hewlett & Blondeau factory in Leagrave to mark her impending departure for New Zealand.

Tuesday, March 4: Luton Gas Company raised prices by 10d per 1,000 cubic ft, backdated to Christmas. At a meeting of Luton Town Council, Councillor Hawkes said there was a large amount of justifiable discontent in the town over the increase. The rise was put down to the higher cost of coal.

Tuesday, March 4: Messrs J. W. Green, proprietors of the Luton Brewery, bought the old-established Glovers' Brewery, Harpenden, that was put up for auction in London. Included were 14 fully licensed houses, five beerhouses and two off-licences, nearly all being in Luton, Dunstable and surrounding villages. The sale was negotiated privately.

Tuesday, March 4: Labour gained a first Luton seat on Beds County Council in elections in a 15 per cent turnout in Luton. The Party's successful candidate for a seat that attracted fewer than 250 votes was Dr John Birch, with a majority of 110.

Tuesday, March 4: Luton Town Council approved support for a recommendation from the Royal Commission on Decimal Coinage to adopt a decimal coinage system based on the pound.

Tuesday, March 4: Cinema treat for the Telegraph's League of Happy Children at the Gordon Street Picture Theatre postponed due to influenza epidemic.

Wednesday, March 5: 'B' Company, 2nd Volunteer Battalion Beds Regiment, dinner for 100 members at Luton Town Hall.

Thursday, March 6: Inspector Walter James Hagley, senior inspector of the Luton Borough Police Force, retired after more than 31 years service. He had joined the force as a constable on September 30th, 1887.

Thursday, March 6: Handley-Page bomber crashed at Barton. No-one seriously injured.

Saturday: March 8: A meeting of the Luton branch of the DS&S passed a resolution that a massed meeting be held to publicly demand greater representation of discharged men on the War Pensions Committee and other local civic bodies. The meeting also decided to take strong action against its own members involved in “irregular conduct” at the Ivy Leaf Club.

Monday, March 10: Another 100 surplus Army horses sold at Messrs J. Cumberland and Sons' market in Luton, including 78 draught horses, for which the highest price paid was 53 guineas. A further 100 horses were offered for sale on the following Thursday.

Thursday, March 13: The Luton News reported that Lady Wernher's Collecting and Forwarding Depot in Upper George Street had now closed. Since opening on August 31st, 1914, it had supplied more than 12,000 garments etc to men at the Front, including 6,243 articles to men of the Bedfordshire Regiment.

Thursday, March 13: Influenza in Luton was on the wane, according to Councillor W. J. Primett, Chairman of the Health Committee. One of the latest to be affected was the Rev W. E. Lewis, curate of St Matthew's Church.

Thursday, March 13: The Luton News reported that Mr J. H. Brown, a former employee of Commercial Cars Ltd, has just been released from Austria. He was studying labour conditions in Austria when war was declared, and he was interned as a civilian prisoner.

Thursday, March 13: Mr Willet Ball, who unsuccessfully contested the 1918 General Election in Luton and South Beds for Labour, was the new editor of the Railway Gazette, The Luton News reported.

Thursday, March 13: Luton record price of 93 guineas paid for a heavy draught horse in Messrs Cumberland & Sons sale of over 100 surplus Army horses.

Thursday, March 13: A letter writer in The Luton News advocated the use of the upper rooms of Wardown House for use as a museum to record the evolution of hat manufacture and straw braid plaiting. “It is difficult to realise that a town like Luton, with a unique industry, has no record of it,” said the writer.

Friday, March 14: Mr Thomas Keens elected as an alderman of Beds County Council.

Friday, March 14: Plans by the Osram-Robertson Lamp Company Ltd to create a factory employing up to 12,000 in Leagrave Road/Marsh Road revealed.

Saturday, March 15: Fire at Mr George Warren's straw hat factory at the rear of Castle Street. Attic floor and half of the roof of the 60ft x30ft four-storey building severely damaged, and water damage to lower floors. Damage estimated at £3,000 to £4,000.

Friday, March 21: Luton News staff reunion dinner, Town Hall Council Chamber.

Wednesday, March 24: Luton Town Council's Electricity Committee agrees a 100 per cent increase in consumer bills.

Wednesday, March 26: Luton Tradesmen's Association dinner, Town Hall.

Thursday, March 27: Davis Gas Stove Co Ltd, with a factory at Dallow Road, Luton, announced to shareholders a merger with John Wright and Eagle Range Ltd and the Richmond Gas Stove and Meter Co Ltd.

Thursday, March 27: Lydia Kyasht, famed dancer with the Imperial Russian Ballet, gave afternoon performances at the Grand Theatre.

Friday, March 28: Minister of Education, the Rt Hon H. A. L. Fisher MP, presented examination certificates to 24 scholars at the Luton Modern School speech day held at the Winter Assembly Hall.

Sunday, March 30: First post-war concert by the re-organised Luton Red Cross Band, Winter Assembly Hall, conductor F. Mortimer.

Monday, March 31: A new record price of 103 guineas paid for an Army heavy draught horse at Luton Market. Also, a buyer from Edinburgh bought 11 horses.

 

Wednesday, April 2: Death from pneumonia at his St Albans home of Mr Leigh Udall Kent, second son on Mr George Kent, Chairman of the directors of Kent's Works in Luton. He would have been aged 32 in May.

Friday, April 4: Final mass departure of Belgian war refugees from Luton (about 80), leaving Midland Railway station at 7.30am to return to their homeland.

Friday, April 4: Windsor Walk hat factory of Mr Sidney Farr extensively damaged by fire, damaged estimated at £3,000.

Friday, April 4: Mr George Wistow Walker, retired headmaster of Old Bedford Road School, elected to served on Beds County Council in a Luton North Ward bye-election caused by Mr Thomas Keens being appointed an alderman. He polled 643 votes against 316 for engineer Mr Thomas Knight (Labour). Of the 3,692 electors eligible to vote only 962 did so.

Saturday, April 5: Funeral at Stanmore of Mr Leigh Udall Kent, son of Mr George Kent, who died suddenly on April 2nd, at the age of 31.

Tuesday, April 8: Luton Education Committee paid tribute to Mr William Green, headmaster of Chapel Street Mixed School since 1895, and after 40 years in teaching in Luton and Leagrave.

Thursday, April 10: Lord John Sanger's Peace Year Circus and Menagerie, gave two performances in Dunstable Road, at 2.30pm and 8pm.

Friday, April 11: Mayor Henry Impey was the only Bedfordshire representative invited to attend the King's Conference on Housing held at Buckingham Palace. He and two other delegates had several minutes conversation with His Majesty, and later with the Prince of Wales.

Saturday, April 12: Luton conscientious objector Harry Edward, originally sentenced to death but then to ten years penal servitude in 1916, released from Maidstone Jail.

Friday, April 25: Meeting at the George Hotel to re-form the Luton & South Beds Motor Club.

Monday, April 28: 1st Battalion Beds Regiment “welcome home day” in Bedford.

Monday, April 28: Welcome home dinner for over 50 members and adherents of the Salvation Army on their return from military service, Park Street Temple.

Tuesday, April 29: Guildford Street plait store of Mr Herbert Brown severely damaged by fire.

Tuesday, April 29: Welcome home dinner at Chapel Street Wesleyan Church Lecture Hall for over 50 men who had returned from war service.

 

Friday, May 9: Boy aged three died in the Bute Hospital about six hours after being hit by the 5.20pm Hatfield-Luton train when he strayed on to the Great Northern Railway line near the Kimpton Road/Gipsy Lane bridge. A jury returned a verdict of accidental death at an inquest the following Monday.

Saturday, May 10: DS&S v Comrades of the Great War cricket match at Stockwood. DS&S 55 all out; Comrades 17 all out.

Saturday, May 10: Presentation at St Matthew's Parish Hall to Mr A. Burgess, church organist for 19 years.

Monday, May 12: Opening of three-day Synod of the Wesleyan Methodist Church for for Bedford and Northampton district, Chapel Street Wesleyan Church. About 160 ministers and others attended.

Monday, May 12: Medical Officer Mr D. Rollings reported to Luton Rural District Council an alarming increase in rats, especially at Leagrave and Limbury. He urged an organised attempt to control the problem in the interests of public health.

Wednesday, May 14: Welcome home supper for about 70 demobilised members of High Town Primitive Methodist Church.

Saturday, May 17: Fund raising for new parish church of All Saints launched with a bazaar at Beech Hill Schools.

Sunday, May 18: Thousands of people in Wardown Park for the first summer band concert of the year given by the Luton Red Cross Band.

Monday, May 19: Industrial dispute at Skefko, Leagrave Road, involving 600-700 workers.

Tuesday, May 20: Luton Town Council rescinded their January resolution to use Wardown House as a maternity hospital due to “public hostility”.

Tuesday, May 20: Breaking-up gathering at Wardown V.A.D. Hospital.

Tuesday, May 20: Plans approved for £2,000 improvements to the Town Hall. A new building was considered not to be financially feasible at that time.

Wednesday, May 21: Thanksgiving meeting for about 60 returned ex-servicemen, Wesleyan Central Mission, Midland Road.

Saturday, May 24: DS&S meeting unanimously agreed to hold an open-air service at Wardown on August 3rd, in memory of those who had fallen in the war. An appeal was to be made to local authorities, choirs and bands for assistance in making the event a representative one.

Saturday, May 24: Comrades of the Great War v DSS return cricket match at Stockwood. Comrades 21 all out; DS&S 114 all out.

Monday, May 26: Arrival of motor ambulance presented to Luton by the Red Cross. It was hoped it meant an end to use of the hand-trundling method of taking patients to hospital.

Wednesday, May 28: Contents of Wardown V.A.D. Hospital sold at auction by Messrs J. Cumberland & Sons. A considerable number of the lots were bought on behalf of the Bute Hospital.

Wednesday, May 28: First edition of the DS&S Journal published.

Wednesday, May 28: Mayor Henry Impey suffered a badly strained ankle when hurrying from the Town Hall to preside at the Magistrates' Court. He was later able to walk only with the aid of a stout stick.

Wednesday, May 28: Boating fatality at Wardown lake.

 

Sunday, June 1: Roof of an old building opposite the Fire Station, on the corner of Church Street, collapsed at around 9.20pm. The former premises of a bleaching and dyeing firm had fallen into disrepair and was about to be reconstructed.

Tuesday, June 3: Luton Town Council agreed programme for Peace Day celebrations.

Tuesday, June 10: Train taking King George V and Queen Mary to Leicester passed through Luton at 9.50am. Platforms at the Midland Road station were cleared and the station closed while the royal train passed through.

Tuesday, June 10: For two years a V.A.D. worker at Wardown Hospital, Miss Edith Mary Cain married Albert Ogden Gill, of Shipley, Yorks, in a ceremony performed by her uncle, the Rev W. A. Findlay, at Park Street Baptist Church.

Tuesday, June 10: A second-hand Commer Cars Army motor lorry fetched 550 Guineas at auction in London.

Wednesday, June 11: Considerable damage caused by fire at the hat factory of J. Saunders and Co, 61 Cheapside, due to a defective boiler flue. The machine and blocking rooms were damaged by fire, smoke and water.

Wednesday, June 11: Tram services temporarily halted when a tram on the Dunstable line jumped the tracks near the junction at the Town Hall.

Friday, June 13: Body of Luton hat manufacturer's daughter Annie Winifred Mary Smith found on a beach below cliffs at Dieppe in France. She was aged 25 and served as a baker and cook with Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps in France.

Friday, June 13: Annual meeting of the Luton General Cemetery Company Ltd report revealed 430 interments at Rothesay Road during the past year – an increase of 111, attributed largely to the influenza epidemic.

Saturday, June 14: Procession through the main streets of Luton celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Salvation Army. The arrival of the Salvation Army in Luton in October 1887 had been greeted with riots.

Tuesday, June 17: Roof of the steamroller shed at the highways depot, Church Street, destroyed after sparks from a traction engine ignited joists.

Tuesday, June 17: Coroner Mark Whyley recorded a verdict of accidental death on a 53-year-old navvy ganger who died after being buried by several tons of earth caving in during excavation work at the rear of the Langley Garage, Holly Street.

Monday, June 23: Crowds assembled in front of the Town Hall in anticipation of an announcement that the Germans had agreed to sign the peace treaty. The crowd was eventually disillusioned.

Monday, June 23: Farewell service for Rev W. Curry, superintendent minister of Luton No 1 Circuit Primitive Methodists. His next church was to be at Willesden, London.

Wednesday, June 25: Miss H. K. Sheldon, from Birmingham, appointed first headmistress of the Luton Modern Girls' School. Five candidates were interviewed for the post following the school being divided in boys' and girls' sections.

Saturday, June 28: Mayor Impey announces to Luton at 3.45pm that the Versailles Peace Treaty formally ending the Great War had been signed at 3.12 that day. There were accidents due to youths letting off fireworks, and a performance by the Luton Red Cross Band was brought to a premature end.

Monday, June 30: Luton branch of the DS&S unanimously agrees to take no official part in the town's Peace Day Celebrations, in line with national policy.

Monday, June 30: Leagrave Hall, formerly the residence of the late Mr Walter Thomas Lye, withdrawn from sale by executors at £3,400 at an auction at the George Hotel, Luton.

Monday, June 30: Concert and meal to celebrate the signing of the peace treaty held at the Royal Army Veterinary Corps camp in London Road, Luton.

 

Thursday, July 3: Luton Town Council agree final programme of activities to commemorate Peace Day in the town. It was also agreed to hold children's festivities at a later date.

Saturday, July 5: Luton branch of the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers (DS&S) inform Town Clerk Mr William Smith in a letter that, in accordance with the organisation's policy nationally, they will play no part in official Peace celebrations as a protest against the unemployment existing among discharged and demobilised men, and the inadequate compensation of widows and orphans.

Saturday, July 5: DS&S make a formal application to hold a public drumhead memorial service at Wardown Park on July 20.

Saturday, July 5: Chief Scout Sir Robert Baden-Powell at Bedfordshire Scout rally at Luton Hoo Park.

Monday, July 7: Six members of the Tolls and Public Buildings Committee who also belonged to the nine-member Parks Committee held a hastily-constituted meeting and decided, on the advice of the Town Clerk, not to allow the DS&S to use Wardown Park for their drumhead service on 1905 by-law grounds. [As there was no meeting of the full Council planned, the sub-committee decision was given silent approval by the Watch Committee.]

Monday, July 7: Women members of Luton Board of Guardians protest at their exclusion from a 15 shillings-a-head, all-male Peace Banquet planned to be held at the Plait Halls on Monday, July 21.

Tuesday, July 8: Town Clerk William Smith informs DS&S that the Town Council are unable to permit the use of Wardown Park for a drumhead memorial service, offering the Moor or Pope's Meadow as an alternative. The Council also regretted that it was not practical for them to take part in a DS&S procession.

Tuesday, July 8: Nearly 4,000 racing pigeons liberated from the Midland Station, Luton, as the Northern Pigeon Flying Associations re-commenced their races from Luton to the North. The birds had arrived by special train on Friday but their release was delayed due to detrimental weather conditions.

Saturday, July 12: Story appeared in the Saturday Telegraph revealing the Town Council's refusal to allow the use of Wardown for DS&S memorial service. Lady Wernher quickly responded with the offer of the use of Luton Hoo Park for the service.

Tuesday, July 15: DS&S informed the Town Clerk that Lady Wernher had offered use of Luton Hoo Park for the drumhead memorial service on July 20. [This was finally held on July 27, with the Mayor and Town Clerk absent but other councillors present in non-Council capacities.]

Wednesday, July 16: Entertainment and tea for Workhouse aged poor and Children's Home youngsters provided by management of the Palace Theatre, Mill Street, at the theatre.

Wednesday, July 16: Mr William Austin congratulated on completing 25 years as Luton's Clerk to the Justices. He was appointed in June 1894.

Wednesday, July 16: Rev G. A. Lucas welcomed as pastor of Mount Tabor Primitive Methodist Church at a garden party at the London Road home of Mayor Henry Impey.

Thursday, July 17: Widespread public outrage reflected in the correspondence column of The Luton News over the Wardown decision.

Thursday, July 17: Without further explanation, the Luton News published one sentence saying that the Peace festival would conclude on Monday evening, when an invitational Mayoral banquet would be held at the Town Hall. [The previously advertised men-only 15 shilling subscription banquet for 500 had been due to be held at the Plait Hall on July 21, but presumably did not attract enough support from husbands, with the DS&S ex-servicemen having in any case decided in June to take no part in official celebrations.]

Thursday, July 17: DS&S members met Hoo Steward Mr James Baker to discuss details for the holding of a memorial service for the fallen in the grounds of Luton Hoo on July 20th. [This date was subsequently changed to July 27th.]

Thursday, July 17: Mutilated body of a well-dressed middle-aged unidentified man found beside the Great Northern Railway line at Gipsy Lane, near the Vauxhall Works. The body was spotted by the driver of a 6am goods train. The later identified former engineer's fitter at the Leagrave aeroplane works had been expecting the offer that never came of a job at the Diamond Foundry. A verdict of "suicide while temporarily of unsound mind" was recorded by the Coroner at an inquest. The deceased was the father of four children, one a six-months-old baby.

Friday, July 18: 'Grand Victory Peace Dance' 7pm-1am at the Town Hall. Open to the public with tickets costing two shillings, it was the last event held prior to the burning down of the Town Hall.

Saturday, July 19: Peace Day celebrations ended in the burning down of the Town Hall and rioting over three days.

Saturday, July 19: Ex-servicemen employees of Commercial Cars Ltd entertained to a Peace Day lunch in the firm's canteen.

Sunday, July 20: Henry Impey, accompanied by police in civilian clothing, leaves Union House at dawn in the back of a commercial lorry and is taken to a tram stop in London to complete his escape

Sunday, July 20: Rev G. H. C. Shorting preached his final service as Vicar of Stopsley before leaving to become Vicar of Kempston.

Monday, July 21: No mayoral Banquet. The event had been due to be a subscription event held at the Plait Hall but lacked support. A smaller revised banquet was to have been held at the Town Hall to end Luton's Peace Celebrations, but was cancelled due to the fire and was never held.

Monday, July 21: Meeting of Luton Board of Guardians held in the absence of the Chairman, Mayor Henry Impey.

Monday, July 21: Luton Town Council third private meeting over Sunday and Monday, in the magistrates' room at the Courthouse. Mayor Henry Impey not present.

Tuesday, July 22: Meeting of Luton Town Council heard a statement on the Peace Day riots given by Alderman Harry Arnold, in the absence of Mayor Henry Impey.

Wednesday, July 23: First six defendants appear before Luton magistrates charged with theft or receiving stolen goods during the Peace Day Riots.

Thursday, July 24: Henry Impey pays a surprise flying visit to Luton to meet Town Clerk William Smith and give an interview to local reporters.

Thursday, July 24: Seven more defendants appeared before Luton magistrates charged with riot offences.

Friday, July 25: A further 13 defendants appeared before Luton magistrates charged with offences following the Peace Day riots.

Saturday, July 26: Vauxhall Motors Athletic Club annual gymkhana and sports held at Luton Town football ground.

Saturday, July 26: Rev G. N. L. Hall, Curate of Christ Church, departed to become Vice-Principal of Ely Theological College.

Sunday, July 27: DS&S drumhead memorial service held at Luton Hoo Park in the presence of Lady Wernher and a crowd of thousands.

Monday, July 28: Farewell service for Canon H. Coate after 25 years as Vicar of St Matthew's Church, High Town. He was presented with a cheque for £112 2s 6d.

Monday, July 28: Public meeting organised by the Leagrave and Limbury Victory and Peace Celebrations Committee at Norton Road Schools, Leagrave, approved the holding of a welcome home dinner and other events for ex-servicemen of the two villages on September 20th.

Monday, July 28: Sports meeting at Luton Town FC ground for Luton police and outside colleagues brought in for riot duty.

Monday, July 28: Three police officers injured in rioting discharged from Bute Hospital.

Tuesday, July 29: Three more defendants appeared before Luton magistrates on riot charges.

Tuesday, July 29: Town Clerk William Smith explained that Mayor Henry Impey's absence from Town Council meeting was due to a health breakdown.

Wednesday, July 30: Luton began hearing charges against 39 defendants accused of Peace Day riot offences.

Wednesday, July 30: Outing to Brickets Wood for inmates of Union House and Luton's Children's Homes, courtesy of Luton Waste Paper Scheme.

Thursday, July 31: Mayor Henry Impey informed Luton Board of Guardians by letter that his enforced absence as Chairman was due to a health breakdown and he was not fit to attend to public duties at present.

 

Friday, August 1: Presentation to show appreciation of Chief Constable Charles Griffin from members of the six police forces who joined their Luton colleagues to quell rioting in Luton.

Friday, August 1: Ten workers at Luton Iron Foundry, High Town, gave notice of strike action in support of a national wage claim.

Saturday, August 2: Luton magistrates concluded hearings against 39 defendants accused of Peace Day riot offences. Eleven not accused of actively being involved in rioting were sentenced, 28 sent for trial at Beds Assizes in October.

Saturday. August 2: Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph reported that under an Army Order just issued, the Bedfordshire Regiment would in future be known as the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, in recognition of the splendid war service of Herts Territorials in the fighting line.

Saturday, August 9: Comrades of the Great War first annual sports meeting, Dunstable Grammar School grounds.

Saturday, August 9: Former RFA soldier from New Town Street jailed for six weeks in the second division at Luton Borough Court for obtaining out-of-work donations by false pretences. The sentence took into consideration the state of his health.

Monday, August 11: Mayor of Luton Henry Impey reported to have spent the day in Luton (his second recorded visit since the riots) but returned to London in the evening.

Monday, August 11: Striking pattern-makers at the Davis Gas Stove Co returned to work after the firm granted a seven shillings increase to the men.

Monday, August 11: Death in the USA of millionaire Andrew Carnegie, who was made a Freeman of Luton in October 1910 after providing £11,666 to build the town's Carnegie Library.

Tuesday, August 12: Former Dunstable soldier thought to be suffering from shell-shock was remanded in custody at a special Dunstable Borough Court charged with threatening his estranged wife with a revolver.

Wednesday, August 13: Maud Kitchener, who had been held in custody since August 2nd on Peace Day riot charges, had an application for bail approved at Luton Borough Court in her own surety of £5 and two others of £10 each. She was also bound over to keep the peace.

Wednesday, August 13: Woman from Tebworth admitted to the Bute Hospital, Luton, with a head injury and bruising after being hit by an aeroplane with engine trouble as it tried to land at Hockliffe. Her six-year-old daughter escaped with bruises and a finger injury.

Wednesday, August 13: Discarded cigarette end was believed to have resulted in a fire at the Black Swan pub, Limbury, in which some stock and furniture were damaged. The licensee had been awakened by smoke.

Saturday, August 16: Sports and tea for 5,800 ex-servicemen provided by Lady Wernher at Luton Hoo, followed by dancing and entertainment for the men and their wives/lady friends.

Monday, August 18: One-day strike by moulders at the Diamond Foundry over wages.

Monday, August 18: Iron grinder at George Kent Ltd received fatal injuries when the high-speed emery-wheel on which he was working broke into fragments, some of which struck him. A verdict of accidental death was recorded at a later inquest.

Thursday, August 21: Peace Celebration Committee placed an advertisement in the Luton News to launch a £1,000 fund-raising campaign to provide a peace tea and entertainment for the town's schoolchildren. The Luton Reporter later said Mayor Henry Impey had attended the meeting at which the fund was launched.

Thursday, August 21: Meeting of the Luton Labour Party chose five candidates to contest Town Council elections in November.

Thursday, August 21: Executive Committee of DS&S unanimously agreed at a meeting in favour of fielding candidates in November's Town Council elections.

Thursday, August 21: Miss Alice Green, a teacher at the Central Girls' School. Oxford, appointed headmistress of Chapel Street Girls' School, following the resignation and death of headmaster Mr William Green.

Saturday, August 23: Plait salesman, aged 42, of Dumfries Street, found to have committed suicide because he was worried over losing weight since he was demobilised. He mistakenly believed he had cancer, an inquest heard two days later. The coroner recorded a verdict that the man died from strangulation, self-inflicted with a piece of cord, while temporarily insane.

Tuesday, August 26: Luton Reporter story reproduced from a London daily said boaters could be bought at much reduced prices. Dull weather had ruined the trade, and soft felt hats in light shades were more popular – and could not blow off.

Tuesday, August 26: Sister Miss F. N. Hobbs, Wardown V.A.D. Hospital, among those brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for valuable nursing services rendered in connection with the war (Luton Reporter newspaper).

Wednesday, August 27: Riot accused Joseph Frederick Pursey released on bail from Bedford prison on appeal to magistrates at Luton Borough Court.

Saturday, August 30: 'Joy Day Celebration' for villages of Slip End, Woodside and Pepperstock held at Stockwood Park, by permission of Mrs Crawley.

 

Monday, September 1: Henry Impey chairs a meeting of Luton Board of Guardians in Luton, announcing that for health reasons he did not expect to take further part in public matters for a few years.

Monday, September 1: Meeting of ratepayers at the Plait Hall, Waller Street, unanimously passed a resolution calling on all members of the Town Council to resign ahead of the November elections. Only six members were required to resign.

Tuesday, September 2: Mayor Henry Impey chaired a meeting of Luton Town Council, referring to his “greatest punishment” as a result of the Peace Day riots.

Wednesday, September 3: Short Bros discharged 500 employees from their airship works at Cardington following the curtailment of airship manufacture. Two-thirds of the office staff lost their jobs the following Saturday.

Sunday, September 7: Rev E. Tweedie began his pastorate at Bury Park Congregational Church.

Monday, September 8: Works firemen dealt with 200 gallons of boiling tar which caught fire at the Diamond Foundry in Dallow Road.

Wednesday, September 10: The committee responsible for organising peace festivities for Luton schoolchildren heard that Lady Wernher had telegraphed from Harrogate that she would be pleased to give them use of Luton Hoo Park for the festivities.

Wednesday, September 10: Marlborough Road allotment holders passed a resolution at a meeting protesting against the action of the Town Council in giving notice to quit the land near Marlborough Road, held under the War Allotment Scheme.

Friday, September 12: Luton Education Committee and local teachers arrived at an agreement for a salary increase in the form of a bonus.

Saturday, September 13: Applications for bail refused by Luton magistrates in the cases of John Stanley Long and Sidney George Quince, both previously remanded in custody at Bedford Jail on riot charges.

Saturday, September 13: Memorial tablet to Capt William Henry Coate and 2nd Lieut Alfred Melbourne Coate, sons of former vicar, Canon H. Coate, unveiled at St Matthew's Church by the Rev A. E. Chapman, Vicar of Luton.

Saturday, September 13: Around 4,000 children entertained at Young Co-operators Field Day at Stockwood Park.

Sunday, September 14: Altar cross presented by Mrs Crawley, of Stockwood, and a brass memorial from parishioners were dedicated at St Andrew's Church, Woodside, to the men of the parish who had fallen in the war.

Sunday, September 14: Roll of Honour unveiled at Pepperstock Baptist Church, including the names of three who fell in the war – Joshua Dyer, Bertram Wood and Teddie Perry.

Tuesday, September 16: Mayor Henry Impey recorded as being present at a second meeting of Luton Town Council since the Peace Day riots.

Tuesday, September 16: Luton town councillors decided in committee to postpone consideration of who should be the 1919-20 Mayor until after the November elections.

Thursday, September 18: Children's Peace celebrations at Luton Hoo Park for 6,300 older pupils of Luton schools.

Thursday, September 18: First boxing tournament organised by 8th Brigade, R.F.A., held in the YMCA Hut at Biscot Camp.

Friday, September 19: Children's Peace celebrations for younger Luton pupils at cinemas and other venues.

Saturday, September 20: Leagrave and Limbury 'Our Men's Day'Peace celebrations.

Sunday, September 21: Leagrave and Limbury Memorial Service for villagers fallen in war, Commer Cars Field, Marsh Road.

Sunday, September 21: DS&S Luton branch church parade headed by the No 1 Salvation Army Band from Park Square to St Matthew's Church.

Thursday, September 25: Lady Alice Wernher, of Luton Hoo, married 'in secret' to Lord Ludlow in a ceremony at Christ Church, Mayfair, London.

Friday, September 26: DS&S to write to Lady Wernher to invite her to accept the Luton Mayoralty in November.

Saturday, September 27: National railway strike began at midnight, initially leaving 200 passengers for the North stranded at Luton at 12.35am.

Saturday, September 27: Bailed riot defendant George Albert Goodship fined 40 shillings by Luton magistrates for the theft of a piece of wood worth two shillings from his employers, B. Laporte Ltd. Breach of bail conditions were not pursued.

Saturday, September 27: Death in Ireland at the age of 82 of Frank Chapman Scargill, who built Wardown House and laid out Wardown Park.

Monday, September 29: Second meeting of ratepayers at the Plait Hall again called on members of the Town Council to resign.

Tuesday, September 30: Luton Town Council agreed a 1s 6½d in the £ additional increase for the current half year, largely to cover compensation claims and policing costs as a result the July riots.

Tuesday, September 30: MP Cecil Harmsworth opened temporary buildings for use as Luton Modern School for Girls.

 

Friday, October 3: Announcement that Luton Volunteers were to be disbanded and discharged, many volunteering to form their own company of special constables for times of emergency.

Friday, October 3: Luton Town FC Supporters Club revived after a five-year break due to war, at a meeting at the Corn Exchange.

Sunday, October 5: National railway strike settled.

Monday, October 6: Cleaning of the riverbed of the Lea commenced following petitions to the Town Council from manufacturers and property owners concerned that the river was insanitary and detrimental to the health of the community.

Tuesday, October 7: Announcement that Mayor Henry Impey had taken over an old farmhouse in Northamptonshire and compelled to observe the strictest rest.

Tuesday, October 7: Councillor George Warren announced his decision to retire as Chairman of the Education Committee and its predecessors after 27 years service. He was presented with a bedroom clock.

Wednesday, October 8: Welcome home dinner for the 'Yellow Devils' at the Plait Hall.

Wednesday, October 8: Deputy Mayor Councillor C. Dillingham presented his promised cheque for £100 to Luton firemen who were on duty during the Peace Day riots. A second cheque, for £12 10s, was also presented on behalf of the management of the Palace Theatre.

Thursday, October 9: Lieut Frederick Charles Cook (RAF) died at the Empire Hospital, London, 13 months after being shot down and lying severely wounded in No Man's Land for 16 hours before being rescued. He was later buried with military honours at Luton General Cemetery.

Saturday: October 11: Newly appointed Judge Mr Justice Greer named to hear Luton rioting prosecutions at Beds Assizes, commencing on Friday.

Monday, October 13: First meeting of Profiteering Committee for Luton.

Thursday, October 16: Opening day of Beds Assizes. Only non-Luton cases heard.

Friday, October 17: Beds Assizes day two, opening statements in Luton riot trials.

Sunday, October 19: Death of Mr Thomas Meadows Clutterbuck, owner of Putteridge Bury. He was aged 69.

Thursday, October 23: His Honour Judge Macklin sat for the first time at Luton County Court.

Friday, October 24: Close of Luton riot trials at Beds Assizes with 19 prisoners convicted.

Friday, October 24: Closing date for nominations for Luton Town Council elections.

Friday, October 24: Caddington dinner for service and ex-servicemen in village schoolroom.

Saturday, October 25: New Vicar of St Matthew's Church, the Rev D. A. Jaquet, instituted by the Bishop of St Albans.

Saturday, October 25: Workers' Union meeting held at Plait Hall, Luton. Union membership locally was said to total over 4,000.

Saturday, October 25: Former Mayor of Luton Mr Samuel Weatherhead (1887-1888) died at his Redbourn home at the age of 79. He had had a plait business in Cheapside.

Sunday, October 26: Pavilion and dressing rooms at Luton Town Football Club ground ransacked after a break-in. Little was taken, and the previous day's gates receipts were not on the premises. At a children's court on November 5th two 13-year-old boys admitted the break-in and were bound over under the supervision of a probation officer.

Monday, October 27: Families of three convicted rioters granted weekly cash relief by Luton Board of Guardians.

Wednesday, October 29: Dinner at the Plait Hall organised by Luton Conservative and Unionist Club for 160 of its returned ex-servicemen members.

 

Saturday, November 1: First post-war elections for Luton Town Council. Labour gained first seat in a 42 per cent turnout.

Tuesday, November 4: Newly re-elected councillor Arthur Bennett Attwood nominated as Mayor of Luton for 1919-20, in succession to Henry Impey.

Monday, November 10: Out-going Mayor Henry Impey resigned as a member of Luton Town Council, after representing East Ward since 1902.

Monday, November 10: Chairman Henry Impey resigned as a member of Luton Board of Guardians for health reasons.

Tuesday, November 11: Luton came to a halt for two-minute silence of remembrance on first anniversary of armistice.

Friday, November 28: East Ward by-election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Henry Impey.

Saturday, November 29: Members of Luton No 1 Voluntary Aid Detachment, who had worked at Wardown Hospital on behalf of the British Red Cross Society from 1915 to 1919, entertained by their Commandant, Mr J. W. Green.

Sunday, November 30: Last 200 men and their equipment vacate Biscot Camp, leaving on three special trains for Shorncliffe, Kent.

[The Luton Reporter: Tuesday, September 9th, 1919]

So the climax has come! The Mayor has reconciled himself to the inevitable, and decided to end his public career in local life. We are genuinely sorry for the break up in health which has determined this decision on his part, yet we cannot but commend the wisdom he has, at the last, displayed in the interests not only on his personal health, but also of the town's welfare.

It is an extremely unfortunate ending to a career of public work, dating back for 20 years. The British love of fairness compels the acknowledgement Luton loses by the retirement of Councillor Impey one who was zealous in his devotion to the requirements of his public positions, and made himself extremely capable in certain phases of public work, but candour requires it to be also recorded that these attributes, in the main, sprang from a spirit of personal pushfulness and ambition carried to excess.

Councillor Impey's fatal mistake was a determination to equal the record set up by his East Ward colleague in public work, Councillor Primett, of occupying the dual role of Mayor and Chairman of the Board of Guardians. The indiscretion into which this led him, when last year he was defeated for the chairmanship of the Board, and again this year when someone else was nominated in opposition to his promotion will be well remembered, and it is hardly necessary to recall how a year ago he allowed himself to the pushed for the Mayoralty in the face of such opposition that the office fell to him by only one vote.

It was a crowning blunder. He was not the man to be the Peace Mayor, temperamentally or otherwise.

 

WHAT NEXT?

We hear the notices issued for the next Council meeting will include one for a “to be” meeting to consider the Mayoralty for next year, and we hope the ratepayers will lose not a moment in entering an emphatic protest against the present Council settling this important question. The six councillors elected on November 1st are entitled more than any to a voice in it, and the choice of Mayor should be left until after that date.

Meantime the question everybody is asking is : Who will follow the Mayor into retirement from the Council? Report is busy with the names of Councillor George Warren and Councillor Stewart Hubbard and others.

The resolution passed at a large and thoroughly representative meeting of ratepayers can scarcely fail to have some moral effect. There are unquestionably councillors who still possess the confidence of the burgesses, and our suggestion to them is that their position would be more secure and satisfactory to all concerned if they seek and obtain a fresh mandate from the electors, than if they hold on to their legal rights. We believe more than one member is inclined to look at it in that light.

With respect to the six ordinary vacancies, we have reason to believe the Liberal and Unionist parties will be recommended to respect one another's seats.

[The Luton News: Thursday, November 6th, 1919]

The “to be” meeting of the Luton Town Council was held on Tuesday evening at the Court House, the Deputy Mayor presiding over a full attendance of members, the only absentee being the Mayor (Councillor Impey).

Councillor Dillingham opened the proceedings by asking for nominations, and remarking that he hoped whoever was selected that night would receive the unanimous and loyal support of his colleagues during his term of office.

Then, as no proposition was forthcoming after a momentary pause, he said he would like to propose that Councillor Attwood [pictured right] be invited to take the position. He was an experienced member of the Corporation and came back to the Council with the confidence of the ratepayers as expressed in his re-election on Saturday. Councillor Escott seconded.

Councillor Mair then proposed and Councillor Linsell seconded the nomination of Alderman Staddon, who in response to the invitation said he could not consider it unless he were assured of the unanimous support of the Council.

The voting disclosed also the nomination of Councillor Hubbard, and resulted in the choice of Councillor Attwood, who received the votes of 17 of his colleagues in his favour. Councillor Attwood, before deciding, consulted with his wife by telephone, and then intimated his willingness to accept the position.

The election will take place on Monday next, November 10th, at 12 noon.

[Beds & Herts Tuesday Telegraph: September 2nd, 1919]

On Monday, the Mayor (Councillor H. Impey) appeared at a public meeting for the first time since the unfortunate happenings following upon the official peace celebrations when he presided over the meeting of the Board of Guardians. Among the members present were Mesdames Attwood (Vice-Chairman), Needham and V. G. Lewis; the Rev R. Hyne, Messrs J. Bone, S. Kilby, J. T. Lee, T. Breadsell, J. Tibbett, T. Smallwood, Knight, S. Green, C. Yarrow, J. Sanders, R. Sear, J. Burgess, L. Gates and Woolworth, with the Clerk (Mr W. Austin) and the Master (Mr A. B. Richmond).

Before commencing the business of the meeting, the Mayor, who appeared to be suffering under considerable emotion, said:

“I should like to express my thanks to the Board for the very kind expression of sympathy with me in my illness. I am sorry to say I am not better. I am not anything like I ought to be, and I don't feel the slightest interest in public matters at present.

“My absence has been absolutely force – through illness – and I don't expect that I shall be able to take part in public matters for a few years; at any rate, unless there is a strange alteration. Thank you all.”

Mr Burgess said he thought he was expressing the opinion of every member present when he said they were glad to see him there that morning, but they were sorry to learn that he was not better than he was.

“I am sure,” he continued, “you have the kindest feelings of the members of the Board – (hear, hear) – and it may be that the outlook is not quite so dark as, under the circumstances of the moment, you may think” - (hear,hear)

The Board then proceeded with the business without further comment.

 

In its September 9th edition, the Luton Reporter said Councillor Impey bore unmistakeable traces both in his appearance and speech of still being shaky and broken down in health, and it was therefore no surprise to find that the sole object of his reappearance in the limelight was to announce his decision to retire in the near future from local public life.

[The Luton News: Thursday, November 13th, 1919]

The Mayoral election at Luton on Monday marked the conclusion of a civic year which has had no equal in the history of the borough, and in the ceremony of electing the new Mayor there were several things to remind people of some of the unhappy things which have happened during the past few months.

For one thing, the retiring Mayor was not present to hand over his charge to his successor, and this in itself would have been sufficient to mark the occasion as one of no ordinary character.

Then the ceremony of investing Councillor Arthur Bennett Attwood JP [pictured right] with the rank of chief citizen of the borough had to take place at the Courthouse, as there is now no Town Hall or Council Chamber.

In addition, the various speeches which were delivered of necessity had some regard to the position in which the town has been placed by the unhappy occurrence of July last, and there was also read from the retiring Mayor [Henry Impey] in which he formally resigned his membership of the Council, which will result in a by-election in the East Ward.

The ceremony was held at noon, and in the absence of the retiring Mayor the Council voted the Deputy Mayor (Councillor C. Dillingham) to the chair until the new Mayor was elected and invested with his robes of office – a new set purchased to replace those destroyed at the Town Hall. The mace was absent, as it was considerably damaged in the fire, and had been sent away for repairs.

Alderman J. H. Staddon, to whom was given the task of proposing the resolution that Councillor Attwood should be elected Mayor, said the Mayor-elect was elected to a casual vacancy in the East Ward in 1898, and in 1900 he and the speaker were returned together at the ordinary November election. During the whole of the period they had been associated, and therefore it was in order that he should have the pleasure of proposing his colleague for the high and honourable post of Mayor.

Whatever had taken place during the past year was past. They had the future to look to, and both the incoming Mayor and all his colleagues were, he was certain, prepared to wipe out whatever stain there might be upon the Borough, and see that it was reinstated very quickly in the position it held for such a great number of years.

Councillor Attwood had been a consistent worker of the Council, and had served on the three most important committees – the Sewage, Highways and General Purposes Committee. They heard a good deal that traders should not be on public bodies, of whose work they knew something. To his mind that was an utter fallacy.

In this instance they had a gentleman who had gone through the hoops as a builder, and was a practical man, and such men were necessary to the work of the Corporation, whatever the opinions outside might be. Councillor Attwood had also been co-opted a member of the Housing and Town Planning Committee – a perfectly justifiable co-optation; and he was a useful member of the committee.

In seconding, Councillor Barford said that Councillor Attwood's return by so large a majority by the East Ward electorate might be taken as an indication that the burgesses not only had confidence in his as a councillor, but also as a Mayor. This confidence would be shared in other wards of the borough, and especially by those who had an opportunity of working with him in public life.

In looking to the future, it was almost impossible not to cast one glance backward. As a nation they had passed through a year of great rejoicing, not unmixed at times with some anxieties. Locally, whilst sharing with the national joy, they had a year of much tribulation, heart-searching and misunderstanding.

Whatever the burgesses as a whole have experienced in anxiety and uncertainty during the last few months, those anxieties had been shared to the full and flowing over by the members of the Council. The clouds of uncertainty appeared to be dissolving, and there was every reason to believe that they were on the eve of a period of great commercial prosperity, and it would be the Council's duty under the new Mayor to foster that prosperity by every means in their power. It would also be their duty to do what was possible by consideration, foresight, diligence and strenuous work to re-establish their good name in the annals of communal life.

As the first Labour representative elected to the Council, Councillor Mair said he supported the motion. He stated his objection in committee, and that objection was as sound now as then, but he was democratic enough to accept the voice of the majority. One of the great questions which the Council had to face was that of housing and the health of the people, and Councillor Attwood as a practical man would undoubtedly be of great assistance in his high office.

The resolution was carried with unanimity, and Councillor Attwood signed the declaration book. As he left his seat for the robing room he was heartily applauded, not only by his fellow councillors but by the public in the gallery; and he was warmly greeted as he took the chair attired in the new robes.

Returning thanks, the new Mayor said he was not entering the office lightly. He could see rocks and shifting sands ahead if they were not careful, but he hoped he would have the support of every burgess.

[The Luton News editorial comment: Thursday, September 4th, 1919]

The Mayor of Luton attended the meeting of the Board of Guardians on Monday [September 1st], for the first time since the unfortunate happenings of July, took his place as chairman and made a statement as to his personal position. From this it appears that that he is still no better, that he is in fact so unwell that he does not feel the slightest interest in public matters at present, and that “he does not expect that he will be able to take part in public matters for a few years”.

The following day Mr Impey attended the Town Council, and explained that his health was such that he would be compelled to give up all public work as from November next.

We greatly regret that Mr Impey's health should have been so much impaired by the experience through which he went in July, but it is not from that point of view alone that we think he is doing the right thing in giving up his municipal work. Indeed, we go further, and say that he would have better consulted his own dignity had he placed himself unreservedly in the hands of his colleagues immediately after the unhappy events in connection with the Peace celebration.

The Mayor's explanation of the circumstances attending the arrangements for the celebration did nothing to put the action of the authorities in a better light. Doubtless they meant well, but they bungled badly.

Mr Impey (pictured) says that in the first week in July Lady Wernher had intimated that she would entertain the returned soldiers and leave it to the Council to deal with the children. Then why in the world was that not made public at the time? Who was responsible for the deplorable blunder of keeping the information?

All that people knew was that a certain programme had been arranged. That it included a banquet at 15 shillings a head, but nothing for the soldiers, and that the children might be entertained on some future date.

As to the decision in regard to the use of Wardown for a drumhead memorial service, the less said about it the better. It was a ghastly mistake, and the only thing is to leave it at that.

The most significant feature in connection with Mr Impey's statement was the silence with which it was received. Only one councillor ventured to interpose a remark, and it was characteristic of a man who for some time past has shown himself strangely out of touch with the Luton of today. Public representatives are entitled to exercise their own discretion and form their own views on the matters coming before them, but if they deliberately flout public opinion, they also must disappear from the public service – when November comes.

The next thing the Council will be concerned about – that is if they do not fall in with the resolution passed at the Plait Hall meeting [of ratepayers] – is the choice of a Mayor for the ensuing year. Now we do not hesitate to say that the only satisfactory way in which to proceed is to elect a man on his merits, and not because it is his turn.

It is the welfare of the town that has to be considered, not the aspirations of the individual. The talk about 'letting the honours go round' is mischievous from beginning to end. Men ought not to enter public life in pursuit of honours, but for the sake of serving their day and generation.

When the claims of the individual run counter to efficiency of administration, can there be any doubt as which ought to be sacrificed?

[Beds & Herts Tuesday Telegraph: October 7th, 1919]

We are authorised to state that the health of Mr Henry Impey, Mayor of Luton, is still such that he will be compelled to observe the strictest rest and quiet for some time to come. To that end he has taken over an old farmhouse in Northamptonshire and there, under country conditions, plenty of fresh air and new interests, he hopes in due time to regain his normal vigour.

That Mr Impey feels the position keenly there is no doubt; it is a very severe wrench to him to put on one side his public work, but it will be readily realised that considerations of health must have first claim.

It will remembered that the Mayor was too unwell to get to the last Council meeting [September 30th]. It is his intention if he is sufficiently recovered to attend the next, and he also desires to be present on November 9th, but whether this will be possible is not at present certain.

• Henry Impey and Mayor's Sergeant Frederick Rignall.

Mayoral Day [Saturday, November 9th, 1918] was celebrated in Luton in an atmosphere of expectation. The possibility of a peace proclamation or the signing of the armistice by Germany attracted even a larger crowd than usual, and the ceremony was performed with due solemnity.

Punctually at noon the Council assembled, those present being the Mayor (Councillor Charles Dillingham in the chair), Aldermen E. Oakley, H. O. Williams, T. Cain and H. Arnold; Councillors G. Warren, A. B. Attwood, W. J. Primett, H. Impey, W. W. Merchant, R. F. Briggs, J. Unwin, J. H. Hawkes, C. W. Escott, S. Green, M. Barford, W. A. Rainbow and J. Bone, with the Town Clerk (Mr William Smith) in robes, Mr C. F. Fairfax (Assistant Town Clerk), Dr W. J. Cox (Medical Officer of Health), Messrs E. A. Mander (Borough Accountant), J. W. Tomlinson (Borough Engineer), Chief Constable C. Griffin, C. Wright and A. E, Slough (Inspectors), A. Cooper (Baths Manager), Mrs Hurry and Miss Beasley (Town Clerk's Department), F. J. Rignall (Mayor's Sergeant).

The public included the Mayoress and Miss Dillingham, Mrs and Miss Impey, Mrs Escott, Mrs William Smith, Mrs Needham, Mrs T. Keens, Miss Sear (Board of Guardians), Messrs Cyril Dillingham, G. E. Marten, Willet Ball, W. H. Cox, H. and W. Moody, C. Green, F. Thurston, H. Sell, W. Allen, Baxter Hart, H. Gregory, H. Shane, A. Firmin, Arnall, R. Gibbs, C. Hewitt and many others.

The Mayor at once called upon Councillor Yarrow, who said: “We meet today to perform a very important and interesting function, viz to elect the gentleman who shall discharge the duties of chief magistrate and occupy the civic chair for the coming year, and to invest him with the insignia of office. I have therefore the greatest pleasure in moving the resolution: -

“The Henry Impey Esquire, of Whitecroft, London Road, a Councillor of this Borough, be and he is hereby elected Mayor of the Borough of Luton for the ensuing year.

“I think it is very gratifying, Mr Mayor, that since the incorporation of the Borough the Council have always been able to find candidates able and public-spirited enough among those elected by the burgesses to transact the work of the town, to stand for this important position. The gentlemen who in the past have served the office of Mayor have invariably been selected on the ground of ability, couple with long and faithful service, and I am pleased to say that the subject of this resolution is no exception to the rule.”

Councillor Yarrow then detailed Councillor Impey's positions as a Corporation servant, and said he was presented by the Council with a certificate of merit testifying to the faithful and efficient service he had rendered for 12 and a half years.

“Seventeen years ago Councillor Impey was elected a member of this Council. Since then he has continuously represented the East Ward and assiduously attended to the duties of important committees to which he has ben annually elected.

“On the Parks Committee, to which he was relegated the carrying out of the Land Cultivation Order, Councillor Impey, as Chairman, by his valuable service and the aid of his colleagues and the Borough Surveyor, was successful in helping 1,780 persons to take up derelict or other land for allotment purposes – about 250 acres in addition to that cultivated before the war. The importance of this is obvious when one sees the plentiful supply of vegetables in the town and neighbourhood, and some weeks ago, the Minister of Agriculture, attending the exhibition of Luton Allotment Holders, paid a well-deserved compliment to Councillor Impey for his great part in this work.

“It has been repeatedly said that men are born to greatness, while others have greatness thrust upon them, but neither of these conditions apply to Councillor Impey. The high position in which he finds himself is the result of courage, perseverance and indomitable persistence, qualities we all admire in a man, especially if he aspires to a leading position, for we all know that Councillor Impey is a fighter and does not go round a corner to say what he means, but hits out straight, possibly too much so on occasion, to his own disadvantage.

“If I may use a paradox, his chief fault is a virtue all possess more or less – the liking to have one's own way, but if at times he oversteps the boundary line, his honesty of purpose is so apparent that he is freely forgiven; hence his exalted position today.

“I am glad to present another side of Councillor Impey, for behind a somewhat stern exterior is a warm and kindly heart, which few know better than some at this table who have worked with him so many years on the Board of Guardians. Few have championed the cause of the deserving poor or been more sympathetic and solicitous for the welfare of unfortunate little children under the care of the Poor Law. On the Bench, where he will preside as chief magistrate, I am sure he will lean on the side of mercy rather than mete out strict justice, and any extenuating circumstances will meet with his consideration in favour of the accused.

“For some years Councillor Impey has represented a division of this town on the County Council, thus being in the unique position of serving on three public authorities. He is also Chairman of the Committee of the Waste Paper Scheme, the willing workers of which have been so conspicuously successful. With a recognition of his religious work at his own particular church [Mount Tabor], I think I have said sufficient to justify a claim to the wisdom of the Council in their choice of the gentleman to preside over the destinies of the town during the ensuing year.

“Mr Mayor, we are entering on the most eventful year the town has ever experienced, and epoch in our history. Pre-war conditions will not suffice today; we must be prepared as a Council to adapt ourselves to new conditions, determined to do our share in the great work of reconstruction. Great and urgent questions have already been foreshadowed which will need most serious attention. Foremost is the question of a Housing and Town Planning Scheme which, is carried out on the lines suggested, will mean a large expenditure.

“I daresay there will be a difference of opinion as to whether the public authorities will be the most suitable to carry out the work, also whether the financial loss anticipated should not be borne by the State, knowing that the national dearth of houses is chiefly owing to war conditions, and whether the 25 per cent loss to be charged on the local rates will not seriously handicap arrears of other important social work.

“The Chairman of the Sewage Committee has asked us to prepare for a large and costly drainage scheme to meet the pre-war growth of the town, which abnormal conditions prevented being carried out. Then there is the £80,000 extension scheme of the Electricity Works which, happily, does not affect our financial burden; the proposed transference of Poor Law administration from the Guardians to this body; the all-important welfare scheme of nursing mothers and children.

“These and many other urgent matters which call for our immediate concern show that the incoming Mayor will have no small burden to carry during his year of office, and it will need the united and whole-hearted support of his colleagues, which I know will be forthcoming, to successfully carry out the onerous tasked which lie before him.

“May he and Mrs Impey be blessed with good health during the coming year, and may it be our national joy to soon hear the glorious Proclamation of Peace.”

Councillor Rainbow said he had the greatest pleasure in seconding the nomination, because Councillor Impey was a man of the people, and not only inside but outside would he be one of the most popular of recent years.

He had known Councillor Impey for over 30 years, and his character and conduct had been of the highest, and his public service stood out by reason of thoroughness. Councillor Impey was independent in his views, and he gave to matters that came before the Council enthusiastic support when he believed them right. He had every confidence that Councillor Impey would carry out the duties with credit to himself and his colleagues.

Great matters would have to be considered affecting the general welfare, and they were fortunate in having at the head of the Council a practical man with a great knowledge of the town. There was no necessity to enter into the work of Councillor Impey on the County Council and the Board of Guardians.

The speaker concluded with the hope that Councillor and Mrs Impey would enjoy good health and a happy term of office.

The Mayor read the resolution and, amid applause, declared it unanimously carried. The Mayor and Councillor Impey then retired to the Mayor's Parlour for the robing, and three minutes later returned. The new Mayor then took the oaths.

The newly-elected Mayor said: “On an ordinary occasion I should not feel nervous addressing my colleagues, but it is very difficult to control one's feelings at a time like this to sufficiently express what is in my mind to do justice to the occasion and position.

“I am deeply indebted to Councillors Yarrow and Rainbow for their too kindly remarks in submitting my name, and I can assure the Council that I feel very much the confidence shown by their unanimous vote which has placed me in this position.

“Some 38 years ago, through that principle I have repeated advocated as a member of the Council, of giving lads an opportunity to enter offices under the Corporation without a premium. I was elected out of 45 applicants as a pupil in the Surveyor's office. I served eight and a half years under the late Mr W. H. Leete and then, feeling that an outdoor life was necessary, I took the position of sanitary inspector, to which the Council added building and drainage inspection.

“I served in that department four years. The town had then a population of 20,000, and from 1880 to 1885 was growing as fast as at any time in its history. Only Alderman Oakley and Councillor Guilder are left of the members of the Council at that time.

“I have watched the progress of the town since then and it has been wonderful – having now an estimated population of 60,000. The Borough Accountant was at that time a lad under me.

“The present is overshadowed by the great world war, and most things have to stand on one side so that it can be successfully carried on. The events of the last two or three weeks have enabled us to see the dawn of the sun of peace rapidly rising, and very shortly, we confidently believe, it will be shining in full meridian splendour, and thus close a chapter of unparalleled tragedy and heroism in world history (applause). We wait with every confidence the announcement of final and complete victory over the powerful enemies to liberty and righteousness (applause).

“We acknowledge out gratitude to the great God of the Universe, and also to our leaders – civil, military and naval – and last, but no means least, to the unequalled heroism and determination of our brave soldiers and sailors, assisted by the helpful work of the men and women at home, the whole working together against a dastardly and barbarous foe whose principle has been that might is right.

“I shall be expected to say a few words as to the immediate future, which is pregnant with great possibilities. Locally, we have to deal fire and foremost with the great housing scheme. The thousand houses suggested by the Housing and Town Planning Committee, to my mind, are rather under than over the estimate. This will probably mean an expenditure of £250,000.

“Then there will be required a number of schools, and that will probably mean another £100,000. There is the sewerage and storm water scheme and the expansion of the sewage farm to cope with the growing needs of the town, and that is estimated to require about £100,000. Another large estimate is for road work about £50,000 - bringing us to an undertaking of work necessitating the expenditure of approximately £500,000.

“Other matters that must sooner or later engage the attention of the Council are the extension of the borough, the enlargement of the Council, the expansion of the electricity undertaking, and the taking over of the trams (hear, hear).”

In conclusion the Mayor said that with the assistance of his colleagues, the Town Clerk and other officials, he would endeavour to fulfil the office with honour and credit, and would try to remember he was not the Mayor of a sect or party but of the whole town. He loved his native town, and all his efforts would be directed towards the welfare of his fellow burgesses.

Councillor Attwood then proposed a vote of thanks to the outgoing Mayor, who was presented with a silver epergne bearing the borough coat of arms and the inscription 'Presented to Councillor Charles Dillingham JP by the Council and Officers of the Borough of Luton upon the conclusion of his Mayoralty - 9th November, 1918'.

[Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: November 9th, 1918]

[From the Beds & Herts Tuesday Telegraph: July 22nd, 1919]

For practically, if not actually, the first time in the history of the Luton Board of Guardians, the proceedings of this public body were yesterday [Monday, July 21st] conducted under the presidency of a lady – Mrs A. Attwood, the Vice-Chairman. This was necessitated by the absence of the Mayor (Council Impey), who is Chairman of the Board.

In taking up the position, Mrs Attwood briefly alluded to te sad state of affairs prevailing in the town, stating that she deeply regretted the cause of the absence of the Chairman, but had great faith in the people of Luton, sincerely believing that the trouble was only very temporary and everything would soon be settled down again. She assumed the presidency without further comment.

 

[Henry Impey did chair a meeting of the Board of Guardians on September 1st, 1919, and a meeting of Luton Town Council the following evening]

Having given interviews to two newspapers when he returned to Luton on the Thursday following the Peace Day riots, Mayor Henry Impey was recorded as having paid another visit on Monday, August 11th, 1919.

In its editorial column the following day, the Beds & Herts Tuesday Telegraph wrote: “The Mayor of Luton, Councillor H. Impey, has paid another visit to the town of which he is the nominal head, but from which – for the sake of his health – he has found it desirable to be absent of late. He was in Luton yesterday, but went back to town [London] during the evening.

“We understand that his Worship anticipates that when this holiday month is over he will be well enough to return to his civic duties, and that he is quite prepared to ignore all the unpleasantness which arose in connection with the Peace Celebrations, and to carry on as though nothing had happened.

“His spirit of willingness to let bygones be bygones is very gracious, but it is possible that some other townspeople may not be so modest in their views as to what ought to be his course of action.”

Henry Impey was born in 1865, and served as Mayor of Luton from 1918 - 1919. He had the dubious honour of being Mayor during the Peace Day Riots, and when people began to attack the town hall, he was smuggled out of Luton, never to return to live and work here, although he paid a few brief visits.

Following his death in Lincolnshire on April 17th, 1930, at the age of 65, his body was finally brought back to Luton for a funeral service at his beloved Mount Tabor Church in Castle Street, followed by burial at the General Cemetery in Rothesay Road.

It was the tragedy of his life that his work in Luton should have been cut short by the unfortunate peace celebration happenings in 1919, said his obituary report in The Luton News. Broken in health, the then Mayor of the borough had to leave the scene of his many trials and many triumphs.

Born in Luton, Henry Impey, worked for 8½ years in the Borough Surveyor's office, then was for four years a sanitary, drainage and building inspector and ultimately a surveyor and estate agent.

He was first returned to Luton Town Council in November 1902 and was unanimously elected Mayor for his fateful year on November 9th, 1918. He lived at Whitecroft, London Road, Luton.

At the election of Mr Impey's successor as Mayor, Councillor Stewart Hubbard recorded the thanks of the Council. Mayor Impey had ruled the Council as a man of business in a most able and efficient manner, with perfect fairness to everyone, and with despatch, said Mr Hubbard. The Mayor, as the responsible head of the town, had to accept all the blame for what occurred on Peace Day, but taking that blame had shattered his health. Whatever might have been Mr Impey's shortcomings, the penalty he had had to suffer was out of all proportion to whatever he might or might not have done, and it was the duty of every member of the Council to extend their sympathy and every measure of support to a colleague who had to bear an indignity out of all proportion to his shortcomings.

Following his departure from Luton, Mr Impey went first to Milton, then to Northampton and eventually to Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire, where he served on the Mablethorpe and Sutton Urban District Council, finally becoming its chairman.

 

[Beds & Herts Tuesday Telegraph: November 11th, 1919]

Councillor Stewart Hubbard moved a resolution of thanks to absent outgoing Mayor Henry Impey, at the Mayor-making Council meeting on Monday, November 10th, 1919. He also reflected on Mr Impey's turbulent year of office.

Congratulating new Mayor Councillor Arthur Attwood on his appointment, Councillor Hubbard moved the following resolution: “That the thanks of this Council be accorded to Councillor Henry Impey for his services as Mayor of the Borough during the municipal year which has ended today, and that the Common Seal be affixed to a transcript of this resolution, engrossed on vellum, and presented to Councillor Impey.”

Councillor Hubbard said he very much regretted that he was unable to be present at the election of Councillor Impey as Mayor last year, and he did not have the privilege of hearing the able speech of Councillor Yarrow when moving the resolution which the Council heartily and unanimously carried.

Through the kindness of the Luton News he had been reading that speech. It would take too long to quote it in full, but he heartily endorsed it, as he was sure everyone did who listened to it.

It was a record of a man who had served the town of Luton, and the Council in particular, for nearly 20 years, a record of which any man could be justly proud – 12½ years faithful service as a servant of the Corporation and a certificate of meritorious service at the end of it, and 18 years service upon the Council; hardly ever absent from his duties on the several committees on which he was deputed to serve; and Chairman of the committee which enabled 1,800 people to secure allotments amounting to 250 acres, for which he received special thanks from the Minister of Agriculture.

His advice on all matters concerning the Surveyor's department was always sound, said Councillor Hubbard, and in matters relating to highways or housing his services were always sought and always readily forthcoming.

During his term of office as Mayor his whole time was at the disposal of the Council and the business of the town. In matters concerning negotiations with the Government he carried out his duties with credit to the town, and the town was greatly his debtor for those services.

Councillor Impey ruled the Council as a man of business in a most able and efficient manner, with perfect fairness to everyone and with dispatch. As Chief Magistrate he discharged his duties with a strict sense of responsibility coupled with discretion and consideration.

No Mayor in the history of the Borough, said Councillor Hubbard, was ever elected under such seemingly happy auspices of joy and better things to come, yet had at the same time such a load of heavy responsibility placed on his shoulders.

On the day of his election the war had reached its final stages and peace seemed almost certain. We had been passing through the very dark days; how dark very few of the general public knew or how very near to breaking point some of our services had become. For example, every able man up to 51 had been called up; our shipping position was nearly intolerable, and many other public services were in like state.

On that day, November 9th last year, he himself [Councillor Hubbard] was unable to be present, having to attend a most important conference in London with the HQ Staff over the question of civilian horses, and the utter impossibility of going on much longer unless the Army relinquished some of its stocks of fodder. On that memorable day the decision was deferred until Monday on the understanding that if the Armistice was not signed, they would not. That automatically would have signed the death warrant of 100,000 horses which were not engaged upon essential employment, and all procedure was ready for such an eventuality. All these things were now happily past, yet we were apt to forget.

Remembering all the horrors of the terrible war, could they wonder at the joy of the Mayor when he had the pleasure and honour of reading the Proclamation of Armistice from the Town Hall steps? Such a day would never be effaced from their memories.

How glibly they all talked of immediate reconstruction, and many though we should in a few months reconstruct the nation upon a basis of equality to all. How greatly we had been disillusioned! Demobilisation was not yet even complete, housing schemes had hardly begun, there was very much unemployment of certain classes, much discontent and suspicion, real and imaginary, in many places, dear living, and high prices.

Was it to be wondered at that whilst this unrest was going on all over the country Luton should not be exempt from it? Luton was included in it, and a combination of most unfortunate circumstances culminated in that lamentable affair on Peace Day, July 19th.

Whoever was to blame for it was not his province to determine. The Mayor, as the responsible head of the town, has to accept all the blame for what has occurred; but taking that blame had shattered his health, and, what was almost worse, taken away that which all men cherish most, his good name.

Mistakes were made, and Councillor Impey would be first to admit it. He made mistakes, as all make mistakes, but whatever may have been his shortcomings, the penalty he had to suffer was out of all proportion to whatever he may or may not have done.

In saying that, Councillor Impey was no more to blame than any other member of the Council. Councillor Hubbard said he attended most of the committees about that period, but never heard a single individual amendment to what was proposed to be done. Therefore, if the Mayor was to blame, then all the councillors were equally to blame.

Councillor Impey had completely broken down in health as a result of this painful episode, and it was the duty of every member of the Council to extend their sympathy and every measure of support to a colleague who had to bear an indignity out of all proportion to his shortcomings.

In moving the resolution, therefore, he assumed it was the Council's wish that it be added that their sympathy be extended to Councillor Impey in his retirement and that he might be speedily restored to health.

Councillor J. H. Hawkes, having also tendered his congratulations to the new Mayor, seconded the resolution proposed by Councillor Hubbard. No gentleman, said Mr Hawkes, ever started to occupy the position of Mayor of Luton with a greater desire to do his duty and served the town well than did Mr Impey.

Unfortunately for him the year just ended was no ordinary year. The years preceding were very difficult years, as Councillor Primett, Alderman Staddon and Councillor Dillingham would know. But during their terms of office trade was good, and labour at a high premium. With the end of the war these things altered, and while they were all glad to see men return from the war, the results of their return and of the closing of munition factories was a considerable shortage of work, and with it unemployment.

Consequently, not only in Luton, but throughout the country, there was great unrest. Councillor Impey, however, endeavoured to take his part in the government of the town in an impartial manner, and was most attentive to all the duties involved by his office. He place his service at the disposal of all, and gave his time ungrudgingly. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, and many a poor person benefited by his help and advice, and found in him of the Mayoress true friends.

Councillor Hawkes said he hoped the resolution would be carried unanimously, so that in the time of his affliction Councillor Impey might know he had the appreciation of those with whom he had worked for so long.

The resolution was agreed to, and the illuminated copy was sealed.

 

In its editorial the following Thursday, the Luton News said: “We share to the fullest extent the regret expressed at Mr Impey's ill-health, but as we have said before, in our opinion, he failed badly at a critical time, and it seems hardly worth while handing out bouquets now it is all over.

“We agree that the responsibility was not his alone; indeed, had the Council individually and collectively been working in close co-operation with him, the probability is that the proceedings on the 19th of July might have taken quite a different turn. Lip-service on ceremonial occasions doe now compensate for aloofness at other times.”

It was popularly believed that after Mayor Henry Impey fled his seven-hour ordeal of being barricaded in Luton Town Hall during the Peace Day riots on July 19th, 1919, that he never returned to the town.

In fact he was back as early as the following Thursday, July 24th, albeit on a surprise flying visit lasting only about an hour. He briefly had talks with Town Clerk William Smith at the Carnegie Library before giving an interview to the Luton Reporter and Luton News newspapers. The Reporter article said:

Probably no topic has been so much discussed locally as the absence of the Mayor from the town during the most critical of times, and the story we have been able to piece together concerning this aspect of the matter is both unique and extraordinary.

In last week's Reporter was exclusively given a description of how the Mayor was got out of the Town Hall in the uniform of a special constable by the small bodyguard of aldermen and councillors who remained with him and the Mayoress in the doomed building right up to the last. Just as the crowd was getting excited and threatening and starting to rush and smash the building at the front on Saturday night, the Mayor quietly walked out by the back way into Upper George Street and was able to get away unobserved. A veil was drawn over his subsequent movements and they remained a complete mystery for two or three days. Few were in on the secret, and they kept it well for nearly 48 hours.

The Town Council had a trio of private meetings during the weekend prior to their customary public sitting on Tuesday evening, and the Mayor was not present at any of these, or at the Board of Guardians meeting on Monday morning. The Mayor's absence resulted in the Board being presided over by a lady, Mrs Attwood, for the first time in its history. [Mrs Attwood had also been inside the Town Hall when the Saturday afternoon rioting began.]

During Monday it became clearly established that the Mayor was away from the town altogether, and subsequently it leaked out that he and the Mayoress had gone to Harringay. Nothing more was heard concerning him until Thursday afternoon, when, to the surprise of pretty well everybody, he paid a flying visit to the town.

He arrived by a train just before half past twelve, had a brief consultation with the Town Clerk about local public affairs in the lecture hall of the Public Library that is temporarily serving as the administrative offices of the Town Clerk's department, and incidentally appended his signature to a notice now displayed in the vestibule at the Williamson Street entrance convening a special meeting of the Town Council for this Tuesday evening. He subsequently saw local newspaper representatives and returned by a train at about half past one.

A Luton Reporter representative met him in Manchester Street just as he had left the library, and he readily accompanied our representative back to the office and made a statement.

About the incidents precedent to the rioting, he intimated straight away he was not in a position to say anything.

"I am quite prepared to, and I have all along wanted to, make my position clear," he said, "but I have been advised it will be better to wait until things have quietened down. I have written and sent along a statement meant for the Press, but the Council thought it had better not go in at present, and I bow to their decision."

Time after time the Mayor emphasised that he only left the town and was staying away for a time because he was advised by the Town Clerk and Chief Constable that this course was advisable in the interests, not only of the health of the Mayoress and himself, but in the interests of the town generally.

"I should not have gone away if it had not been for the very definite opinion they expressed that it would be wise," he said. "I have never wanted to be out of it. I wanted to speak to the crowd on Saturday afternoon, after they had asked for the Mayor and Town Clerk and broken into the place. I was willing to go out - in fact I thought I ought to do so - but the colleagues left with me were all against it. They thought it would only exasperate the crowd more as they were not in a fit condition of mind to be talked to, and I thought there was a good deal in what they said.

"After we got away on Sunday I wrote and told the Town Clerk I was willing to come back on Monday morning if he and the Chief Constable thought it advisable, although I can tell you I felt nothing like fit, but the Town Clerk thought I had better stay away for a time.

"It has been a very trying ordeal for the Mayoress as well as myself," added the Mayor. "My wife was the only woman left in that building at the finish, and she was there until after ten o'clock on Saturday night. I stayed until just about half past ten when the crowd had started to smash the windows and were trying to get in again.

"We were in the Mayor's parlour until the last two or three hours, and then we moved into the Council Chamber. It was thought it would be only inciting the crowd if a light was shown in the parlour.

"My wife surprised me by the way she kept up all that time, but the strain was too much for her. At the finish she had become quite overwrought and cried every time she was spoken to. I think she stuck it remarkably well. After we got away from the Town Hall she had a bad collapse and she has since been suffering from the effects of a severe nervous breakdown. She was in bed all of Sunday and part of Monday, and is still far from well, although much better than she was.

"I fainted away four times on Sunday, and I can tell you neither of us has had two hours sleep at night since we have been away."

The Mayor added that he had to some extent been able to keep in touch with local affairs during his absence, as he had been in communication with the Town Clerk by telephone and letter the whole time.

"But I do feel it," he added. "It is enough to break a man's heart to feel compelled to keep away from a town he has lived in the whole of his life and served in public office the years I have when you know you have done nothing to deserve it. After all, as far as this is concerned, I am only one with the rest. It was not me and the Town Clerk only, and it is not right or fair we should have to shoulder the whole responsibility. Still, the Town Clerk tells me in a letter, public feeling is still strongly against me and himself, and perhaps it is as well to wait until things have calmed down a little."

The Mayor showed us a letter from the Town Clerk stating "The Council unanimously directed me to convey to the Mayoress and yourself their deep sympathy, their great regret at the whole occurrence, and their fervent hope that you may soon recover from the shock and trouble that has fallen upon you."

He also said he had received telegrams from the Mayors of Bedford, Dunstable, Folkestone and Newcastle, and scores of letters from residents and friends in all parts of the country expressing their sympathy.

Asked about his return to the town, the Mayor said he would say no more than that he was leaving himself in the hands of his colleagues, the Town Clerk and the Chief Constable.

"For myself I am ready to come back as soon as they think it advisable," he said, and he gave the impression that he was fully expecting to return to Luton and take up the threads of his public work within a very short time.

A brief newspaper report recorded Henry Impey visiting Luton again on August 11th, giving little detail other than he returned to London in the evening.

Mayor Impey did chair two meetings later, his first being that of the Board of Guardians on Monday, September 1st. Appearing to be suffering under considerable emotion, as the following day's Tuesday Telegraph reported, he said: "I should like to express my thanks to the Board for the very kind expression of sympathy with me in my illness. I am sorry to say that I am not better. I am not anything like what I ought to be, and I don't feel the slightest interest in public matters at present. My absence has been absolutely forced - through illness - and I don't expect that I shall be able to take part in public matters for a few years; at any rate unless there is a very strange alteration. Thank you all."

He also chaired a meeting of Luton Town Council the following night.

Henry Impey resigned from the Town Council at the time of the November 1919 council elections. He eventually returned to public life in Lincolnshire, where he died on April 17th, 1930, at the age of 65. He was finally brought home to be laid to rest at the Rothesay Road Cemetery following a funeral service at Mount Tabor Primitive Methodist Church, at the junction of Castle Street and Hibbert Street.

[The Luton Reporter, Tuesday, July 29th, 1919]

For the Mayor's statement to the Luton News on July 24th, click here.