Truth is a Virtue

In a remarkable find during the restoration of our church, we uncovered two pieces of wood hidden behind a large panel at the front of the pews.

These pieces, their graffiti-covered sides once glued to the panel, provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, merging moral reflection with local political history.

The first piece of wood carries a succinct motto,

This short, evocative inscription underscores the timeless value of truth. It suggests that truth is a quality to be respected, both by those who practice it and by those who strive to do so. In the context of a church setting, this message resonates deeply, reflecting a moral sentiment that remains relevant today.

A Snapshot of Political Turmoil

The second piece of wood is far more detailed and offers a window into a specific historical event:

To understand the significance of this inscription, let’s delve into the historical context it references.

The 1874 Dudley Election: A Closer Look

Noah Hingley was a prominent local ironmaster and former mayor who stood as a candidate for the Member of Parliament (MP) for Dudley. The date inscribed, May 16th, 1874, is slightly off from the actual election date of May 21st, 1874. This discrepancy hints at the chaotic nature of the period.

The election came on the heels of the February 1874 parliamentary election, which had ended in widespread riots across Dudley. The incumbent, Henry Brinsley Sheriden, a Londoner representing the Liberal Party, had clashed with Frederick Smith-Shenstone, the Conservative candidate and manager of the Round Oak Works. Shenstone, originally Frederick Smith from Tipton, had adopted the name Shenstone after inheriting an estate in Staffordshire.

Allegations flew as Sheriden’s supporters were accused of preventing Shenstone’s backers from voting, leading to violent retaliation.

Despite the turmoil, Sheriden was re-elected, but the election was declared void on April 28, 1874, prompting a by-election.

During this by-election, Noah Hingley stepped in as the Conservative candidate. The graffiti seems to capture the sentiments of a local supporter, whether disillusioned or prophetic, predicting Hingley’s defeat. The mention of Judge Grove refers to Mr. Justice Grove who had declared the February election void “on the ground that, in consequence of largo tumultuous assemblages of persons armed, of serious riots, and grave assaults upon individuals, a large number of voters were intimidated, and prevented and deterred from exercising the franchise”.¹

These pieces of wood, now revealed, serve as more than just historical artifacts. They encapsulate a period of intense social and political strife, illustrating the community’s engagement with broader events. The motto about truth stands as a timeless reminder of virtue amidst chaos, while the detailed account of the election turmoil provides a tangible connection to Dudley’s past.

As we continue to restore and preserve our church, these finds enrich our understanding of the local history and the enduring values that have shaped our community. They remind us that even in times of discord, the pursuit of truth and justice remains a noble endeavour.

Read the report of the riots and follow their path around Dudley here.

1. (Hansard, Commons: 4 May 1874 – Controverted Elections, Stroud and Dudley )

1. Noah Hingley in Mayoral Robes
2. The election prediction graffiti
3. The Riot Act
4. Truth is a Virtue