This film is part of Free
Animated Politics
Woolwich candidates face the voters in the first of 1910's two general elections.
Overview
Edwardian elections were a passionate affair. Today's politicians can only dream of matching the attentive throng gathered outside Woolwich's famous arsenal in this 1910 hustings, in which sitting MP Will Crooks (Labour) and his opponent Major William Augustus Adams (Conservative) face off. Curiously, the newsreel leaves both behind to catch Home Secretary Winston Churchill on a more sedate visit.
Politics in 1910 was balanced on a knife edge, much as it is today. Two elections that year - in January and December - failed to do much to break the deadlock between Conservative and Liberal. The constituency of Woolwich in South East London neatly expressed the volatile mood, with Crooks, who had held the seat since 1903, ousted by Adams in January, only to win it back in December. The fact that this newsreel - believed to be Pathé - puts Crooks first and gives him more screen time suggests that it was shot when Adams was still the sitting MP - that is, in January.
Related
London Street Scenes - Trafalgar Square London Street Scenes - Trafalgar Square
Non-Fiction 1910 1 mins Silent Location: Trafalgar Square
Spot the changes and continuities in this majestic Edwardian panorama of Trafalgar Square.
Miss Davison's Funeral Miss Davison's Funeral
Non-Fiction 1913 2 mins Silent Location: Bloomsbury
The funeral procession of suffragette Emily Davison - fatally injured at the Epsom Derby - passes through London to her final resting place in Morpeth.
To Defend the East Coast To Defend the East Coast
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Eltham
Magnificent artillery horses and their youthful riders parade the streets of Eltham as rapt locals look on.
Looping the Loop at Hendon Looping the Loop at Hendon
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Hendon
Spectacular feats of early aviation at Hendon Aerodrome, North London.
Old London Old London
Non-Fiction 1914 6 mins Silent Location: Westminster
A revealing tour of London's notable buildings - some now lost for ever - which uncovers their intriguing histories.
Khaki Bank Holiday Khaki Bank Holiday
Non-Fiction 1915 1 mins Silent Location: Hampstead Heath
The holiday crowds are in the mood to enjoy themselves at Hampstead Fair, and army recruiters seize the opportunity to encourage enlistment.
Another Name for Power Another Name for Power
Documentary 1959 23 mins Location: Castle Donington
Light bulbs, television tubes and nuclear power stations: electrifying the world with AEI.
People with a Purpose People with a Purpose
Documentary 1939 16 mins Location: Woolwich
Documentary on the history of the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society’s and its education programme inspired by the Rochdale Pioneers.
Leisure Time Groups Leisure Time Groups
Amateur film 1962 16 mins Silent Location: Woolwich
The good folks of Woolwich & Plumstead appear busiest at their leisure, even finding time to put this film together
Gunners Put up a Good Show Gunners Put up a Good Show
Non-Fiction 1929 1 mins Silent Location: Woolwich
Charging horses and blazing guns at the Woolwich Garrison tattoo, leading to a toy soldier massacre.
Princess Mary and the Babies Princess Mary and the Babies
Non-Fiction 1926 1 mins Silent Location: Woolwich
An Indian nurse and newborn babies greet Princess Mary at the British Hospital For Mothers And Babies in Woolwich.
Woolwich - The Prince Mobbed! Woolwich - The Prince Mobbed!
Non-Fiction 1927 1 mins Silent Location: Woolwich
Hat-waving, barely controlled crowds surge around the Prince of Wales as he pops into Beresford Square market in Woolwich.
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.