Cross Party Politics

How far would you go to try to prove something?  

Yes, it would be important to go that extra mile if it were a matter of life or death, similarly if an issue of morality, principle and ethics but what about trying to demonstrate that the Romans could walk across a major UK river......or in the case of Rufus Noel-Buxton a total of three of the major watercourses. 

Over a couple of years in the early 1950's this Labour Member of the House of Lords put himself and his academic credentials to the test in attempts to ford, in this order, The Thames, Humber and Severn rivers. 

His London exploit was from St Thomas's Hospital to Speakers Stairs but in a self professed miscalculation of tide times he could only complete the challenge by swimming the last section. 

His Yorkshire endeavour in August 1953 attracted large crowds on the Banks of the Humber . On the north side the venue was Brough Haven. 

This starting point had strong Roman associations having been an important harbour for supplying the occupying forces in York and farther North as well as, in the opinion of Noel-Buxton being the point to cross on foot, horse or wagon from Ermine Street, a major Roman Road from the South on any onward journey in the service of the Empire. 

The Humber attempt was not without dangers. 

There was a strong spring ebb tide but the date and time had been selected as the best to take advantage of a lower water level than normal neap tides but at the same time these would generate more of a current. 

The distance for the crossing was shortened to around one and a quarter miles because of the existence of a 100 yard wide deep water shipping channel and Noel Buxton was to be taken over this in a boat before making an official start from a large sandbank before heading towards Whitton Ness on the Lincolnshire side. 

In terms of equipment all that was carried was a pole with an aluminium base to help him keep his feet and take soundings for any potential traps or snags , a series of white flags to indicate his progress, a lifejacket and a reliable compass. 

A rescue boat was in the area if the forder got into any difficulties.

A main obstacle was negotiating the swift running water in the channels closer to the south bank but unlike his London adventure Noel Buxton did not have to resort to any emergency swimming to get out of a tight spot. 

The whole event was captured by a newsreel cameraman and overhead a helicopter and several planes such was the level of public interest. 

The triumphal landfall was over cloying and heavy mud but the 6 foot 3 inch tall Peer made it look easy. He later gave his account of the exploit and that although at times he was wading through water above his hips the overall going had been good. 

The special knack was to keep moving as any hesitation meant a rapid sinking into the unseen river bed. 

In all Noel Buxton felt that he had indeed demonstrated that in ancient times this was indeed the place to ford the mighty Humber. 

What do the best dressed river crossing Peers wear on such occasions? Of course, grey flannels, an ordinary shirt, a wind cheater and sand shoes.