By historian Roger Bingham of Ackenthwaite:
KENDAL'S industrial history goes back further than the more famous industrial towns of the north.
In 1759, when many Lancashire towns had hardly got going and when Middlesbrough and Barrow-in-Furness had not been dreamed of, Kendal held its last 'guild'.
Like Preston Guild, guilds were supposed to occur every 21 years, though next to nothing is known of pre-1759 guilds.
By displaying their wares in displays, pageants and processions, local craftspeople hoped to advertise the town's products to visitors from afar.
Included in the guild procession were 300 weavers, 100 wool combers, 80 shearmen and dyers, 150 tailors, 100 shoemakers, 80 ironmongers, 60 tanners, 100 builders and 70 glovers.
Hence the opening verse of the processional chorus extolled: "Kendal long famed for trade and useful arts,
"Sends forth her skilful sons with joyful hearts,
"Clothed with the product of their native land,
"Wrought with the labour of each artist's hands,
"In ordered rank they march with solemn pace,
"With music, flags and every martial grace."
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