History of Halstead

Recreation Ground, Halstead, 1955
Reproduced courtesy of The Francis Frith Collection.

History of Halstead >> Halstead Snippets

Halstead Snippets

When researching for this website we often find a little snippet of information on a location or subject which may be of interest. Some are quirky, some show that there is nothing new in this world, and some about the attitudes and morals of the time. [index to snippets] Here's one for Halstead on the collapse of a church spire.

Ipswich Journal 13 July 1844

Church spire collapses

We deeply lament to learn that on Wednesday afternoon, about three o'clock, the beautiful tower and spire of the new church of the Holy Trinity building at Halstead, which was nearly completed, fell to the ground, and is now a mass of ruin. "On hurrying to the spot" says our informant, "the scene we witnessed was most awful, for the first impression was that all the labourers were beneath the ruins; and the shrieks of their wives and children were dreadful."

Most providentially this was not the case. It appears that Mr. Johnstone, the builder, about five minutes before the catastrophe, saw the tower was in danger, and immediately ordered all the labourers to come off. This was done; and with the exception of three all got clear. The three men alluded to are severely hurt, and we understand one is in some danger. Had it not been for the timely warning the sacrifice of life would have been awful.

This sad occurrence has cast a gloom over the town, as the consecration of the church was arranged to have taken place on the 31st inst. The body of the church is but little injured, as the tower fell outwards. The part completed was 115 feet in height.

[End of article]

Newspapers could provide a wealth of information about your ancestors or where they lived. See our article on exploring newspaper archives.

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