Britain shuts down as freeze sees the nation grind to halt

An institute you can’t disparage

The lead story just three days before Christmas in 1946 was an ominous one as it heralded the start of a winter fuel shortage that would have profound effects on the UK.

The headline of “coal famine causes another stoppage” was above a story about a foundry being forced to close due to a lack of coal. “Dudley Foundry Co Ltd, Staffs, has closed down. Two hundred employees have been laid off,” the story read.

The shortage was being caused in large part by the freezing weather conditions that had hit the UK. Snow drifts and ice affected businesses and shut down factories, leaving homes without power or heating.

Minister of Fuel and Power, Emanuel Shinwell, who was responsible for Britain’s coal supply, bore the brunt of public anger and received death threats. A magistrate had some sage marital advice for one disgruntled husband in this short court report from London.

“A man complained at Clerkenwell Court, London, yesterday, that his wife would not get up to cook his breakfast at 8am.”

The magistrate, a Mr Powell, who the article states has been married since 1915 (36 years), was quick to set the man on the right path.

“You may take a tip from me,” he said. “It is the husband’s job to bear the brunt of early-morning duties.”

However, the man would not be told, adding: “My wife is so tired that she had to withdraw two previous summonses against me because she could not get up to attend court.”