Wedding of the Century
The marriage of "Little Billy" to Ruth Kent

During the summer of 1851 quite an extraordinary event took place in the Spen Valley which would become a talking point of the community for many years to come.

Unfortunately it was before the time of the Cleckheaton Advertiser and Guardian, but the matter was reported on in one of the main newspapers of the day, a transcript of which is reproduced below.

Leeds Times - Saturday 9 August 1851

Extraordinary Marriage Proceedings

For a length of time the inhabitants of Cleckheaton have felt shocked by a man and woman living together on terms only allowed when such forms have gone through as law and good morals demand.

Many times have they both been urged to become man and wife, but until the other day without success. Oft had they faithfully promised to have the ceremony of marriage performed, only to as often break that promise.

However, the inhabitants of the village of Cleckheaton determined that the couple in question should be married without fail last Monday; when, we are glad to say, the auspicious event was duly solemnised amidst public rejoicings, gaieties and music.

The inhabitants previously, at a meeting, appointed an active committee to bring about the affair, and liberal subscriptions were obtained to defray expenses on the much desired and interesting nuptial day.

Thirty asses, decorated with yellow saddle cloths and white and blue ear-caps, mounted by lads attired in appropriate costume, formed a startling and prominent part of the procession that accompanied the "happy pair" on their way to Birstal Parish Church, where the marriage took place.
The honoured couple rode in a cart drawn by a couple of sober.paced and sure-footed horses, and were enlivened by music from the Pananinis of the neighbourhood, French piano players, etc. 

The procession proceeded through Cleckheaton and Gomersal to Birstal, in very good order. When they arrived at Birstal, there were about 10,000 people to witness the sight, there not being a mill or workshop within four miles at work. The affair was the occasion of a general holiday.

Returning as man and wife, they were met by the Cleckheaton Brass Band, and allowed two gallons of ale from every inn and beerhouse in the town. Arriving at the George Hotel, the bridegroom was lifted upon the balcony, from which eminence he vehemently addressed the people.

The procession arrived at the Punch Bowl Inn, about four o'clock to dinner, after which a gala was held in a field adjoining, and was kept up until a late hour. Finally, and as a wind up, a tea party was held on Tuesday, in honour of this long-to-be-remembered marriage.

A further article appears in the Doncaster Gazette at the same time. The content is very much a copy of the above but estimates the masses assembled as between 15-16,000!

Cleckheaton Guardian - Thursday 24 March 1910

Nearly 60 years later, a further article appears which tells of various stories of "Owd Cleckheaton." The marriage of William Walker and Ruth Kent is touched upon and the words of the song that the multitudes sung at the time of this marriage were reproduced. The author of this song signed himself as "a native, Spen." The tune was the same as "Artichokes and Cauliflowers."

Come all you country people, I'd have you lend an ear,
'Tis of a native wedding, to you I will declare:
His name is William Walker, and hers it was Ruth Kent,
'Twas on the fourth of August, to Birstall Church they went.

Chorus:
So to the wedding we did go, brave boys,
To the wedding we did go;
There were many thousand people,
To see this extra show.

There were twenty-eight fine asses, and six horses besides,
Accompanied the wedding - now, you need not be surprised;
They were nicely decorated, now what I say is true,
So well they did their duty, did this wonderful "Jovial Crew."

Chorus

They were drawn by two fine asses, were this William and Ruth,
And followed by this "Jovial Crew" - now, what I say is truth;
They marched so well together, it was beautiful to view,
And gave many hearty cheers, did this wonderful "Jovial Crew."

Chorus

There were two fiddlers playing in a cart, and a piano between,
And another instrument besides, some called it a tambourine;
Remember what I say my lads, I'm sure you find it true,
They passed the day with mirth and glee, this wonderful "Jovial Crew."

Chorus

When from Birstal they returned to Cleckheaton again,
William said, "he'd have a kiss", Ruth said "Could you for shame?"
But William still insisted a kiss he'd have, 'tis true,
They said "Then let him have it," did this wonderful "Jovial Crew."

Chorus

Now, when they came to the Moorbottom, where many of them resided,
The wedding dinner was nicely cooked, and amply was provided;
And to finish the sports of the day, a gala they had, 'tis true,
And the lads did kiss their lasses, belonging the "Jovial Crew."

Chorus

What became of the happy couple? Unfortunately there is no fairy-tale ending as just over three years later, Ruth sadly contracted pneumonia and passed away with William by her side. She was buried at Whitechapel church on 16th January 1855. Such a sad end to a most wonderful story, but the memory of the joyous events of that summer's day obviously lasted for many years in the history of the Spen Valley. 

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