Emma Sharp
Emma Sharp (1832–1920) was an athlete famous for her feat of pedestrianism completing a 1000-mile walk in 1000 hours, the event first completed by Robert Barclay Allardice in 1809.[1][2] She is thought to be the first woman to complete the challenge, finishing on 29 October 1864, having started on 17 September that same year.[3][4] This 'arduous task' was reported in the newspapers of the day,[5][6] in which she was described as having a medium build but an active frame, dressed in male clothing with the exception of her straw hat which was adorned with 'feminine ornaments'.[7]

Emma Sharp | |
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![]() Emma Sharp in the attire she wore for the 1000 mile walk | |
Born | 1832 Bradford |
Died | 1920 |
Occupation | Pedestrianism and business |
Language | English |
Nationality | British |
She rested in the Quarry Gap pub in between walking approximately two mile stints every 90 minutes and completing 14,600 laps of 120 yards over the course of 1000 hours.[8] It is reported that her food was drugged and people attempted to trip her to prevent her from finishing, for the last two days she carried a pistol to protect herself. At the end of the walk the weather was extremely wet. The event was heavily wagered upon both in Leeds and provincial towns.[9]
Sharp is reported to have used the proceeds of the walk, which exceeded £500,[10] to set up a rug making business in Perseverance works in Laisterdyke, and to have had a life in business after the event.[11]
Her journey was covered by Horrible Histories and broadcast on children's BBC(CBBC).[12]
Family
She was married to mechanic John Sharp. Her granddaughter Ann Land retained her walking stick as a memento. Her great great granddaughter Kathy Nicol was interviewed on the subject of the 1000 mile walk in 2009.[2] A distant relative, Val Moran, planned to match the achievement around Lennox Gardens, Adelaide Australia in 2009.[8]
References
- "Forgotten History: the Story of Emma Sharp and the Barclay Challenge". Today I Found Out. 11 May 2016. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
- Barnett, David (29 May 2009). "Long walk to put women on the map". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
- Mead, Helen (15 September 2014). "Great walk celebrated". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
- "Lady Pedestriens". Dundee Evening Telegraph. 6 June 1903 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- "Journal of Illustrated Sporting News" (March 1864 to September 1865). 21 January 1865.
- "The Borough of Marylebone Mercury". 24 September 1864.
- "Extraordinary Pedestrian Feat in Bradford". The Bedford Times and Bedfordshire Independent. 24 September 1864.
- Priestley, Mike (3 October 2007). "Val steps in ancestor's history". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
- "Bradford". Leeds Times. 19 October 1865.
- "A thousand miles in a thousand hours". The Daily Post. 2 November 1864 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- "Register British Newspaper Archive". Bradford Daily. 29 November 1905 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- "Emma Sharp, the woman who walked 1000 miles in 1000 hours". HHTV Sport. Series 5. Episode 4. 3 March 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2019.