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Have you heard the one about the lady who set off walking one day in 1864 & didn’t stop….
You know, the one with a connection to @AnnieLennox & @The_Proclaimers
She became so famous she had to carry a pistol with her everyday.
No? Read on to meet Emma Sharp...
You know, the one with a connection to @AnnieLennox & @The_Proclaimers
She became so famous she had to carry a pistol with her everyday.
No? Read on to meet Emma Sharp...
Emma Sharp (1832–1920) was an athlete famous for her feat of pedestrianism completing a 1000-mile walk in 1000 hours.
She is thought to be the first woman to complete the challenge, finishing on 29 October 1864, having started on 17 September that same year. That reminds me, the 1000 miles is link to Craig and Charlie Reid, the famous bespectacled Edinburgh rockers below
Well our Emily became a bit of an internet sensation, before the internet was invented…..her feat went viral.
Her 'arduous task' was reported in the newspapers of the day in which she was described as having a medium build but an active frame, dressed in male clothing with the exception of her straw hat which was adorned with 'feminine ornaments'.
Each day she rested in the Quarry Gap pub in Bradford between walking approximately two mile stints every 90 minutes and completing 14,600 laps of 120 yards over the course of 1000 hours.
It is reported that her food was drugged and people attempted to trip her to prevent her from finishing, for the last two days she carried a pistol to protect herself. The event was heavily wagered upon both in Leeds and provincial towns.
Sharp is reported to have used the proceeds of the walk, which exceeded £500, to set up a rug making business in and became very succesful.
Her journey was covered by Horrible Histories & broadcast on children's BBC.
So what’s the moral of the story I hear you ask? It’s simple, walking is not a new thing. In fact it’s ancient. It’s also good for you. Follow @Welcome2Yorks & our #Walkshire campaign for daily inspiration. It’s good for you & fun at a very difficult time. http://Walkshire.com
