George's Notes
One of the most colourful characters in Rochdale during the early part of this century [20th] was William (Bill) Fox, who lived near to Cronkeyshaw Common and trundled his iron barrow around the streets on the north side of the town each night. During the day he was employed in the textile trade, but at night, his familiar figure, with his cry of “Hot peas” and the tinkling of his bell, was a welcome sound wherever he went.
The barrow, all-metal, had an under-slung coke fire on which was placed a large iron pan filled with savoury black peas. A gill pot for a penny and a pint pot for twopence. How I remember his tall stooping figure and kindly personality. His peas had a delectable flavour of their own which can never be forgotten.
George Mainwaring
