In a poignant entry from February 6, 1926, a country diarist vividly describes the encroachment of industrial pollution into the pristine landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, highlighting early environmental concerns that resonate today.
The Reach of Industrial Smells
The diarist notes that even at Ribblehead, nestled among the remote hills of Ingleborough, Whernside, and Pen-y-ghent, the fog carries a blackness contributed by manufacturing towns. Remarkably, the reek from oilcloth works in Lancaster travels up the Lune and Greta rivers, reaching as far as the source of the Greta River, where meadows are soon to bloom with globe flowers, bird’s-eye primulas, and grass of Parnassus.
A Sign of Rain and Widespread Impact
Locals in the dale claim that this smell is a sure sign of rain, and it extends beyond Yorkshire to Cark-in-Cartmel at the edge of the Lake District, with even the vast expanse of Morecambe Bay unable to cleanse the air. This illustrates the far-reaching effects of industrial emissions in early 20th-century Britain.
Critique of Urban Carelessness
The diarist expresses horror at how great cities seem to carelessly assassinate the living England, recalling childhood memories of polluted areas like Wigan, Warrington, and Landore in Wales. The sentiment persists with every train journey from Manchester to Leeds, underscoring a deep-seated environmental dismay.
Artistic vs. Human Needs
While sophisticated romantic painters might find tragic beauty in industrial cities such as Bradford, Sheffield, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, and Glasgow, the diarist argues that this is not what children need. Instead, there is a call for political action, aligning with figures like the Greenwoods, Tawneys, Lloyd Georges, and Baldwins, to transform the black power of coal into white power and reclaim a place in the sun.
This archival reflection serves as a stark reminder of the long-standing battle against air pollution and the enduring need for sustainable policies to protect natural environments.
