What the Judge Saw

is a reflective memoi rwritten inthe early20thcen tury. The author, who has served as a judge, recounts his experiences and observations during his lengthy career in Manchester, showcasing his affec tionate yet critical perspective on the city and its people. The work explores themes of nostalgia, identity, and the passage of time, offering insights into both personal and societal changes over the decades. The opening of the memoir introduces us to Parry’s bittersweet farewell to Manchester as he reflects on his return to London after a significant period in the city. He fondly recalls the nostalgia associated with places and people, contrasting his memories of the vibrant past with the present’s changes. Parry expresses anattachmenttoManchester,despiteacknowledgingthecity’sflawsandthe 'duller' aspects of its current inhabitants. His narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of his life and career, hinting at the rich tapestry of ex periences, both mundane and profound, that have shaped his relationship with Manchester and his reflections on the nature of home and belonging.'Some poet has observed that if any man would write down what has re ally happened to him in this mortal life he would be sure to make a good book, thoughheneverhadmetwithasingleadventurefromhisbirthtohis burial.' Even Thackeray does not take the responsibility for the thesis, but with a light heart lays the burden upon the shoulders of 'some poet.' And for my part I had never any intention of answering thepoet’schallengeuntil after a quarter of a century of life in Manchester I found myself back again in my original domicile. I doubt if I had ever really acquired a domicile in Manchester. There was residence, but was there intention? I think I must decide that somewhere at the back of my mind there was an intention if not a desire to return. But when I did return, how many changes I found.