ONE hundred years ago, it was hot. London witnessed the hottest July day for 40 years, with Regent’s Park recording 93 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade (34C) and 133 in the sun (56C).

“The renowned waterfalls at Aysgarth are now a memory and nothing more,” reported the D&S. “In place of teeming torrents is now a peaceful scene with little or no water visible. The trees which surround the riverbanks look really at their best at the present time and form a fine setting of foliage. It is quite easy to walk across the riverbed from side to side and to examine the moss-covered rocks which abound.”

In Darlington, laughed Spectator, a forthcoming firework display should be reconfigured so that the rockets aimed straight for the clouds in the hope of inducing rain.

In Richmond, reported Spectator, there was now an “unusual” spectacle for the time of year: “a happy family of about a score of seagulls on the Swale.

“Now everybody knows that seagulls migrate inland when the weather gets tempestuous, but it certainly seems a little peculiar to find them so far away from their native habitat when conditions are as perfect as can possibly be.”

Spectator, though, had an explanation for this unusual behaviour. “The depth of the Swale has grown small by degrees and beautifully less, and what fish there are must needs spend a lot of time dodging stones. The gulls have apparently got wind of this fact and they may now be seen every day hunting the waters in their leisurely style.

“They may deplete the small fry of the stream, but they certainly add to the beauty of the Swale on the stretch near the grand old castle.”