SOLDIER VISITORS - Sep 5, 1914

What does the invasion of Northampton town by 20,000 soldiers mean?

Take the billeting alone.  It is safe to assume that at least half the men are billeted on private houses it not

more, and that the remainder are in public buildings.  At 3d. a night for those in public buildings and 9d. for

those in private houses the income to Northampton from this source alone is £3,500 a week, which is not

inconsiderable item in a town where already short time and reduced salaries are rife, even if actual

unemployment is not yet a serious problem.  The small traders in those parts of the town where the

soldiers are chiefly accommodated are reaping a golden harvest, particularly provision and foodstuff shops,

tobacconists, and newsagents and purveyors of postcards.  Every night is like a Saturday night, at least up

to 9.30, on the Wellingborough Road to quote one example. and other thoroughfares are similarly affected,

Abington Street and the centre of the town resembling at night nothing so much as Aldershot at its busiest.