World War One talk: The Ballad of Billy Unsworth
Discover the fascinating story of Billy Unsworth - an Ordsall man who died at Gallipoli in 1915. He has also inspired a ballad penned by speaker, Graham Walker.
William (Billy) Frankland Unsworth, born on Sunnyside Street, Ordsall, Salford in 1881. A family with 8 sons living in a two up two down. Billy's father died suddenly in November 1899 and his mother Elizabeth married Joe Davies a short time afterwards. Billy now had 10 brothers and step brothers, all who participated in World War One.
Billy joined the militia, the territorial Army of it's day, and travelled to South Africa and took part in the Boer War. On his return he married Bella and had a family of his won, containing it's own tragedy when his daughter, Lillian, died at the age of 18 months.
Billy worked at Glovers in Trafford Park as a Brass turner until the outbreak of World War One where he joined the 9th Bn the Lancashire Fusiliers and travelled to Gallipoli in 1915, never to return. Frankland Unsworth was killed on 21 August 1915.
Please meet in the museum reception.
Want to know more about World War One?
Look out for our special World War One programme or visit our World War One website.
World War One programme
All talks, tours and events are held at Salford Museum and Art Gallery unless otherwise stated.
Title | Type | Date/Time |
---|---|---|
Salford Art Club: WW1 costume | Event | Sunday 28 September, 2.00pm |
Our Boys | Talk | Wednesday 1 October, 6.00pm |
Salford Art Club: WW1 costume | Event | Sunday 5 October 2014, 2.00pm |
A World War One kitchen | Workshop | Sunday 19 October, 1.30pm |
Creative Sundays | Event | 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 November |
Wilfred Owen | Talk | Monday 10 November, 2.00pm |
Tour of World War One exhibition | Tour | Tuesday 11 November, 11.30am |
Art and Symbolism in World War One | Talk | Wednesday 12 November, 6.00pm |
World War One Poetry: Readings and panel discussion | Event | Monday 17 November, 2.00pm |
Wilfred Owen, war poet: A life in words and pictures | Talk | Sunday 25 January 2015, 2.30pm (Ordsall Hall) |
Conscientious Objectors | Talk | Monday 26 January 2015, 2.00pm |
Visiting the battlefields of the Great War | Talk | Wednesday 11 February 2015, 6.00pm |
February half term activity | Event | Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February 2015 (Except Monday 16 February) |
Art and Symbolism in World War One | Talk | Sunday 1 March 2015, 2.30pm (Ordsall Hall) |