Wigan Album

Googled the march and it looks like they left Peterborough cathedral grounds on the 12th June 1922.Cannot find out what the march was about. On the results page for my search someone is selling this photogragh and 2 others on ebay.

Peterborough manufactured top hats; hence name POSH. They were bringing up a consignment to be worn by the Wigan miners. The management at the time thought them too scruffy.

The Church Army - the CofE's response to the Salvation Army - held a number of Route Marches and Crusades in the 1920s. If you Google Church Army Route Marches you'll get a number of pics of them - most seem to have headed from inland towns like Peterborough and Derby to seaside towns, where they then held Beach Missions on the sands. The history of the village hall of Castor, just outside Peterborough, records that the CA hired the hall for a stop en route to Blackpool in June 1922. Perhaps someone mistakenly thought Wigan must also be by the sea because it had a pier....
A CA Crusade was held in Wigan in October 1922.

Well, I can say for sure it's certainly Peterborough Cathedral...someone out there will find out what the march was about. Let us all know when you do.

In the 1920s, the church was very much concerned with the poverty, and awful living, and working conditions, that were prevalent at that time. I suppose this was a way of portraying their support for those suffering under these conditions.

The Jarrow march, from Jarrow, to London, in 1926, had similar motives.

I believe the Jarrow march had an exceptional amount of public support.

I have asked the question on a Peterborough Facebook page and someone has dug out a newspaper quote:"Peterborough gave a great send off on Monday to the Church Army Crusaders who, after a week-end stay in the city set off in eight columns to various parts of the country to “witness the faith as they went.” The Crusaders numbering 72 men and 12 sisters, arrived in the City on Saturday. Very great assistance was rendered them by workers in St. Mary’s Parish, led by the Rev. C. E. Turner and the Bishop and local Clergy and representative Free Church Ministers (notably Rev. Willoughby Gee) rendered inspiring service to Prebendary Carlile and his Band of Evangelists."

It appears that the Church Army Crusaders were starting on a pilgrimage to various seaside resorts. I did make the point that I have never heard Wigan described as a seaside resort. :)

George - They heard it had a pier and got confused!