I've recently finished writing the Liverpool Book of Days which will be published by the History Press next summer. For 31st December I thought I'd see of there were any out of the ordinary celebrations to mark the passing of the 1800s, but it seems not. The Liverpool Mercury was its ususal judgemental self regarding the state of some people:-
On this day in 1899 crowds gathered in Liverpool to welcome in the New Year, but there were no extraordinary celebrations to mark the passing of the 1800s.
Although crowds were larger than in the past few years, the Liverpool Mercury put this down to the milder weather rather than any significance attached to the date.
Crowds began to gather around 8pm, the Mercury stating:
“As is customary the central thoroughfares of the city were crowded by individuals who desired to ‘let the New Year in’. The number of enthusiasts was greater than in former times, owing no doubt to the fact that the weather was agreeable. During the last two years, if memory serves right, the heavy rains somewhat dampened the crowds”.
The Mercury lamented the behaviour of many children:
“The scene in Church Street was the most disgraceful ever witnessed on such an occasion. Young boys and girls of ten years and twelve years were helplessly drunk and many more children who ought to have been in bed, were screaming out coarse ditties”.
By one o’ clock most of the crowds had dispersed, the police having remained on hand to ensure there were no major disturbances.
