‘Hides lifted from a lime-pit were soaked for days, scraped and ‘bated’ in solutions of dog excrement and ground bark before hanging up to dry.’
You ancient company
of skinners and glovers,
you gossiping crafts.
You hatters and tanners,
leather dressers and cutters,
we can hear you and sniff you in Hexham’s dank lanes.
You clockmakers and bookbinders,
pipemakers and joiners,
we touch your worksore hands.
You shoemakers and collarmakers,
weavers and saddlers,
we bear your burdens and your smiles.
You dressmakers,
ropeworkers,
cabinetmakers,
basketmakers.
Tinsmiths and
millwrights,
butchers and
engravers.
You 1000 sewing women in your homes,
you bakers and tapestry-makers,
you’ve led us here -
we worship you,
we drink your sweat.
KEITH ARMSTRONG
