Funeral of Dan Irving, Burnley Labour M.P. 1924

Funeral of Dan Irving, Burnley Labour M.P. 1924
Funeral of Dan Irving, Burnley Labour M.P. 1924
Funeral of Dan Irving, Burnley Labour M.P. 1924
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EBU20171108002
Funeral of Dan Irving, Burnley Labour M.P. 1924
Burnley
Dan Irving, Clara Beadsman Irving, Stanley Baldwin, Ramsay MacDonald
David "Dan" Irving, died on 24th January 1924,aged 69. He had retained his seat as Burnley's Labour M.P. in December of 1923, but on returning to Westminster came down with pneumonia, suffered a heart attack, and died. Due to illness he was "paired" in the vote of no confidence by which the combined votes of Labour, Liberal and Independents brought down the Baldwin Conservative government, with Ramsay MacDonald becoming the first Labour Prime Minister. His death was greeted by political friend and foe alike with great sorrow, the next day the local newspapers printed lengthy tributes, and a public funeral was arranged for Saturday 2nd February 1924. The Burnley Express and the Burnley News both dedicated several pages and many photos to the event in their editions of 6th February 1924. The coffin was brought back to Burnley by train, and taken to his home at 80 Glen View Road. The cortege with family and friends was joined at Burnley Town Hall (illustrated) by representatives of civic authorities and public bodies in vehicles, three landaus with flowers, the Municipal Brass Band, and representatives of socialist organisations and trade unions carrying their banners, who followed on foot, the newspapers list the large number of organisations represented, illustrating Irving's involvement in all walks of local life. Crowds lined the route, to the Cemetery. Weavers had been allowed to finish work early at 10 a.m. that Saturday to attend. Businesses were closed for the duration of the procession. A four- page memento was distributed. The Labour Party cancelled their election victory celebrations due to take place on 6th and 7th February, despite 1000 tickets having been sold. His widow Clara Beadsman Irving, J.P., subsequently erected a monument at the grave, and his socialist and labour friends added stones with tributes to his life as Member of the School Board, Board of Guardians, Town Council and House of Commons. Clara died in 1944 and is commemorated on the monument also.
Photographic print
Monochrome
24.5 x 17.5
1924
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P11
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