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Just noticed this in The Halifax Guardian, May 24th, 1902.

Came across this little gem today. Little Matlock, Loxley.

The Fitzalan Square toilets were upgraded in 1901 but it was realised they were inadequate and for the next six years the council hummed and harr'd about where to build more town centre toilets. In July 1908 the invitation to tender was issued for "UNDERGROUND LAVATORIES and an UNDERGROUND TRAMWAY OFFICE, and the FORMATION OF A BALUSTRADED TERRACE IN FITZALAN SQUARE"

The building attached to the Citadel and going around the corner into Pinstone Street and containing some shops and offices, was also part of the Salvation Army construction. (wonder if the Sally Army still own this block) Construction of the Citadel started around 1892! This dates the Picture Sheffield photograph to "c.1891"

The toilet in the photo was the ladies, the men`s was on the opposite side facing Marple's, they both had separate exits and entrances, the photo shows the men`s entrance and exit on the right and left of the foreground.

There used to be public conveniences under Fitzalan Square, so it could be the remains of those.

Actor Roy Haywood explains that the police incident in this scene wasn't supposed to be in the film! The hole in the road scene was funny in respect that, Ken Loach told us to make a nuisance of ourselves. The policeman wasn't part of the script I remember saying to him we were making a film. He looked over at the camera and said to me "Oh sh*t, I'm sorry" then walked off. Ken Loach loved it and kept it in the film.

Just back from one of my regular walks in the General Cemetery where I unexpectedly found the grave of Charles Ross. I'm interested in him as his name appears all over Sheffield's pavements. The firm made coal hole covers, tramway features, and more. Strangely I've found only one drain cover of his (just off Thompson Road at the bottom of the Botanical Gardens) which is in the c.1900-10 style.