‘Generosity of the people appears to be tinged with a calculating business-like air’

The Jarrow marchers came across a different atmosphere as the crusade grew ever closer to London.

The reception that the people of South Tyneside received was certainly still a warm one from the general public as they arrived in Luton.

The marchers of the Jarrow Crusade in 1936, and leading them is their MP, Ellen Wilkinson. Photo by E Dean/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images | Getty Images

placeholder image — The marchers of the Jarrow Crusade in 1936, and leading them is their MP, Ellen Wilkinson. Photo by E Dean/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images | Getty Images

But, as the Shields Gazette reported in 1936: “The same kindly interest that we received in the North and Midlands is not being demonstrated down here, and the generosity of the people appears to be tinged with a calculating business-like air.”

Political and business organisations which were keen to exploit the Jarrow crusade for their own ends were ‘becoming more frequent as the marchers approach London,” our representative on the roads said.

“This morning several agents for firms manufacturing proprietary medicines approached the medial students who are acting as doctors for the men and made them presents of ointments, after which they asked them to sign letters declaring that these ointments had been used on the march and had proved a great success.

Crusaders carrying the petition on the Jarrow Crusade. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images) | Getty Images

“The three medical students at present with the march refused to have any dealings with these agents.”

The crusaders were even asked if they would not hold a meeting to highlight their cause when they were in Luton.

The Jarrow Marchers, walking to London to demand the right to work, line up for corned-beef and potatoes. (Photo by David Savill/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Our reporter added: “The feeling of Luton seemed to be summed up by the town’s leading citizen, the Mayor, when he said: "I understand you were thinking of holding a meeting in Luton tonight. If you could forego it, you would be doing a great service as the children are having a fireworks display to-night and we do not want to spoil their pleasure.”

“The Mayor spoke briefly of the march and declared that if the crusaders approached the Government “in the proper spirit" he thought the Government would certainly do something for Jarrow.

“ He spoke feelingly, if vaguely, of the troubles of the town, but failed to impress the men as he referred constantly to " Yarrow” following an error in a London newspaper.”

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