An appreciation of Councillor Franklin Thornton’s year as Mayor of Grimsby and Chief Magistrate 1920/21.

An original 1921 manuscript created by an unknown artist. Beautifully illuminated using watercolours and gold paint. The artwork includes miniature paintings of the Town Hall, the Dock Tower, Grimsby Cenotaph and the Houses of Parliament.

The council desired to place on record their high appreciation of the valuable public services rendered by Councillor Franklin Thornton as Mayor and Chief Magistrate of the County Borough of Grimsby during the preceding municipal year. The Council also desired to express their hearty thanks and appreciation to Mrs. Franklin Thornton for her services as Mayoress of the Borough.

The increased responsibility of Councillor Franklin Thornton’s year owing to the level of unemployment is noted. His work towards the final passage into law of the Grimsby Corporation Act, 1921 is also recognised. There is also a tribute to Councillor Thornton’s services on behalf of the Cenotaph Scheme. He was chosen to perform the ceremony of the unveiling of the Memorial on December 18th 1921.

The document is signed by the succeeding Mayor, Joseph H. Curry and the Town Clerk, John W. Jackson. (Joseph H. Curry was also the manager of the Prince of Wales Theatre in Freeman Street.)

The motion to place on record this high appreciation of the work of Councillor Franklin Thornton was moved by Alderman A. J. Knott J.P. and seconded by Councillor J. W. Hobbs. A full attendance of Members resolved the motion unanimously. Date: 9th November 1921.

(Alfred John Knott was Mayor of Grimsby in 1911 and John William Hobbs in 1919.)