Kidnap attempt on one of the Jarrow marchers as the crusade reaches Market Harborough
‘It was suggested that she be bundled into a car’
A kidnap attempt was being planned on one of the Jarrow marchers in 1936.
But this was unlike any other kidnap attempt - because it was being planned to save the health of the Jarrow MP Ellen Wilkinson.
The unusual proposal came up as the march reached the town of Market Harborough. Our Shields Gazette reporter said: “The leaders this morning were very concerned about Miss Wilkinson’s exhausted condition last night, and it was suggested that she be bundled into car and taken straight through into Northampton.
“It is no use asking Miss Wilkinson not to march,” Cllr Hanlon said this morning. "The only way to save her from walking until she is ill, is to kidnap her and take her to the next stop.
“She is determined to march no matter what happens to her.”
But the plot was foiled by Miss Wilkinson herself.
The Gazette said: “Miss Wilkinson, who was staying with the Assistant Bishop of Leicestershire, the Right Rev. J. J. Willis, was in bed at 10.15 long after the marchers had moved off, and went ahead by car.”
Another ‘marcher’ who was facing troubled times was Paddy the dog who had adopted the crusade.
“As soon as he arrived, he sought a soft bed and was soon fast asleep. His weariness, however, did not deter him from attempting to fight half a dozen local mongrels which apparently had formed a special reception committee for him.”
Watch out for more coverage of the march and its progress next week.