This sombre photograph, taken from an upper window of the Craven Bank in North Street on a raw day, February 2, 1901, shows some of the 20,000 who, despite the weather, assembled to hear the Proclamation of King Edward VII, packing the centre of Keighley within approximate earshot of a platform in front of the Court House.

All eyes are directed to a small group of raised figures: the Mayor and Assistant Town Clerk, the Mace-Bearer in ceremonial robes and cocked hat, and two trumpeters of the 2nd West Yorkshire Artillery.

Behind them, inside the railings, are magistrates and notabilities -- "the flower of our local authorities," according to the press.

A close examination of this scene through a magnifying-glass suggests that it records a moment prior to the singing of the National Anthem, as a brass band at the foot of the platform have their instruments to their lips, whilst a number of men are in the act of doffing their hats. Significantly, most of those directly in front of the platform are bareheaded, many immediately behind them are taking their hats off, whilst those to the right of the platform still have their heads covered; which shows that the crowd in front hears best whereas those at the sides are having difficulty in following the proceedings.