There is mention in this article of Barton Fletcher Allen.
Did Isaac Wilcockson write this article?
Was Isaac present, did he see George Stephenson?
How many others of our families were in the crowd witnessing this event?
(I thought this was a short article but it has taken me three evenings to handwrite it from the screen, I hope it does not take as long to type up. And I found it fascinating. How many times have I travelled on the Blackpool line!)
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The Preston Chronicle and Lancashire Advertiser.
Preston. Printed and published by Wilcockson and Dobson.
17 Market-Place
price 4half D ready money
5s3D per Qr on credit
or 4s9D per Qr if paid in advance.
Saturday July 18 1840
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Opening of the Preston and Wyre Railway.
This railway was publicly opened on Wednesday last, under the immediate management of the directors, engineers and contractors. For some days previously several experimental trips had been made, with a view to prove the perfect readiness and to test the security of the line - a precaution highly praiseworthy on the part of the directors. The opening, on Wednesday, created a very powerful and lively interest. A great number of the principal inhabitants of this town and of the surrounding neighbourhood were specially invited to be present on the occasion, and by eleven o'clock, the time appointed for being at the North Union station, thousands of spectators, including a goodly sprinkling of fashionably attired ladies, were assembled to witness. Our readers are probably aware that the North Union Company have contracted, for a certain period, to work the Wyre line, and this is the reason why the starting place was from that station. Between eleven and twelve o'clock, the station and its environs presented a scene of great bustle and animation, the greatest anxiety being manifested by everyone to participate in the rejoicings of the 'opening day'. It was at this period that we were rendered fully alive to the value of our 'ticket', as scores and scores of persons were running about in all directions, anxiously and importunately desiring, either for love or money, to be included among the privileged lot. From all the convenient places at, and adjacent to the station, as well as from the engines and several of the carriages, flags and banners of every hue were proudly waving, while two excellent bands of music contributed their exhilirating influence to the interest, gaiety, and excitement of the occasion.
At a quarter before twelve o'clock, the travellers having taken their places in the carriages, and everything being in readiness, two splendid engines, decked with gorgeous colours, moved gracefully forward, and being instantly attached to the train, we started on our jouney, amidst the enthusiastic acclamation of the assembled multitude. All the way to the viaduct at Tulketh, the road was thickly lined by spectators of both sexes, and of all classes and conditions, who lustily and loudly cheered us on our course. Indeed, it was very good and very thoughtful of our kind friends to keep up our spirits on our approaching to the viaduct, - for many very dark and dismal forebodings had been whispered aboard as to the fate that there awaited us; and although as an outside index every countenance wore the smile of joy and the aspect of buoyancy, yet undeniably hundreds there were who secretly feared and trembled for the result of that part of our probation - or rather, we should say, the probation of the bridge, for, where we sat, one gentleman was heard to say, with a rueful countenauce, on nearing it, in reference to the speed being a little increased, "that it was most dangerous and exceedingly improper." We went however gallantly and safely over, and when on the other side we were greeted by the loud and enthusiastic gratulations of the thousands who had assembled to lament over our downfall, or to exault over our preservation from it, the aforesaid gentleman, doffing his rueful countenance, and mingling in the triumphant shout, was heard coolly to declare, "that it was evidently very safe, and exceedingly proper." We mention this little incident mainly because the 'exceeding propriety' exclamation formed, in a certain circle, one of the standing jokes of the day. On starting from the North Union station the train consisted of eleven carriages, and on arriving at the Wyre station, which is at the junction of the Lancaster and Wyre lines, three more were attatched.
From Tulketh, we proceeded as pleasantly as could be desired, to the Kirkham station, where hundreds, and perhaps thousands, had congregated together to witness the novel spectacle. Here again we were hailed with loud huzzas ; and the good people of Kirkham were evidently in high glee at the commencement of railway operations in their locality. Precisely at fifty minutes from the time of starting, we arrived at the Poulton station where every thing wore the appearance of a gay and gladsome holiday. From the Church steeple a flag was waving, while the bells sent forth their merry peals. The concourse of spectators was immense, and their reception of the train was of no common kind. Loud and long were the shouts of enthusiasm which issued from the motley group, and manifold were the compliments and gratulations interchanged between friend and friend. After a short stay in Poulton, we proceeded on our journey, and in a few minutes arrived at the embankment on which the railway is carried over the bay to Fleetwood, a distance of about two miles. This we crossed without the least accident or interruption, arriving at Fleetwood, a distance of 19(and three quarters) miles from Preston, in precisely one hour from the time of starting. We must not omit to add, that nothing could be more steady and agreeable than the movement of the carriages on the rails. It is highly creditable to the directors, to have brought the line into such excellent trim before opening it.
On entering Fleetwood, the appearance of the town and hrabour were extremely imposing. The day being fine, the crowd of visitors was exceedingly vast, and comprised a very great number of elegantly attired females. While descending from the carriages, four times four rounds of cheering, loud as peals of thunder, broke upon the ear ; the bands struck up their inspiring music, and ever and anon the jolly tars on board the different vessels, gave us 'the minute gun at sen', not in tones of soft music, but in real artrillery. In the river, besides a number of other craft, three handsome steam vessels were cruizing, while as soon as we alighted from the carriages, were in readiness for an excursion. In a very short time they were all 'standing out,' each being abundantly freighted with passengers, and as they gracefullly moved up the magnificent estuary, the coup d'oeil, and all the associations connected with it, were of a character almost to beggar description. On the steamer where it was our lot to get ensconced, Sir Hesketh Fleetwood was a fellow voyager, and many and ardent were the gratulations he received from persons of all classes and all interests. This we feel bound to state, for it came under our personal observation.
(I shall come back to type some more of this latter, my fingers are sore.)
After about an hour's cruize, during which we passed the beautiful lighthouse, recently erected near the estuary, we returned to Fleetwood, and took a river side tour round the town. At the observatory, refreshments were provided, which, after our long ride and breezy sull, were very acceptable.
After a short sojourn at the several public buildings and other works which are in progress here, we repaired to
THE DEJEUNER
Here a splendid reception awaited us. We were ushered into a superb pavilion, here after to be used as the station shed, but fitted up on this occasion with all the show, glitter and pomp of a banqueting hall. Two long tables were arranged all the length of the immense apartment, which were united at the western extremity by the cross table. This arrangement of the tables left a large rectangle in the centre, which was occupied by the piano-forte, and a party of glee singers, who were engaged for the occasion. The bands of music, which kept playing at intervals during the entertainment, were also stationed in this portion of the room. The repast itself was in excellent keeping with all the rest of the arrangements. It was a cold collation, and included everything that the most fastidious appetite could desire, or the most skilful epicure invent. Mr. Benjamin Smith, of the Castle Inn, in this town, was the principal purveyor, and the provisions, the attendance, the cooking, and the hospitable scale on which everything was conducted, reflected the hightest credit upon his catering, and upon the skill and activity of Mrs. Smith, the worthy hostess of the Castle. Mr. Taylor, of Poulton, had some share in furnishing the repast, to the extent, we believe, of fifty guests, and so far as we could learn, he gave the fullest satisfaction. The wines were supplied by Mr. E. Sidgreaves, of this town, and they were of excellent quality. Of prime port and sherry, and sparkling champagne there was no lack, and every person partook ad libitum. The desert, including all the horticultural delicacies of the season, was also amply provided, and supplied to the guests without stint, and without exception. About a quarter-past three, the dejeuner commenced and Sir HESKETH FLEETWOOD, Bart., M.P., took the chair.
Among the gentlemen who sat near to him, and who were present at the entertainment in other parts of the room, we noticed Reece Bevan, Esq. of Wigan; Wm. Garnett, Esq., of Lark Hill, W. Garnett, Jun., Esq., Wm. Taylor Esq., S. Horrocks, Jun., Esq., C. Swainson, Esq., C. Swainson, Jun., Esq., T. Ainsworth, Esq., J. Blauchard, Esq., R.Friend, Esq., J,Kay, Esq., W. Calrow, Esq., G. Gradwell, Esq., D. Newham, Esq., A. Power, Esq., T. Miller, Esq., W. Talbot, Esq., and J. Bray, Esq., of Preston; G. Burrow, Esq., and J. Binns, Esq., of Lancaster;
G. Stephenson, Esq., of London; W. Birley, Esq., of Kirkham; G. Thornber, Esq., of Poulton; Captain Denham, R. and J. King, Esqs., of Liverpool; Henry Boyce, and T. Downward, Esq., of London; James Dixon, Esqs., of Preston; the Revds. C. Hesketh, J. Hull, R. Moore, J. Pedder, J. Thurtell & c., &c., &c.
As nearly as we could calculate, from 380 to 400 persons sat down to the repast, including a great number of the squireacrchy, whose names we did not learn.
The Rev. C. Hesketh said the grace before and after meat, when the tables being cleared.
The Chairman gave the following toasts, introducing each of them in appropriate and elegant terms.
'The Queen, and the Ladies of England.' Four times four. Air, 'God save the Queen.'
'Prince Albert.' Three times three. Air, 'Rule Britannia.'
'The Queen Doweger.' Three times three. This toast was most rapturously received, and elicited 'one cheer more.'
'The Army and Navy. Three times three.
William Garnett, Esq. then rose, and said that as his stay was unavoidably short, he would avail himself of an early opportunity of proposing a toast, and he was quite sure that the company would not refuse to drink it in a bumper. He must confess that the events of the day, and what he had witnessed since his arrival, had afforded him the him the hightest delight, He had no interest in the great undertaking they had met to celebrate, and had no reason therefore to give anything but a disinterested and unbiassed opinion; and he had no hesitation in declaring it as the deliberate conviction of his mind, that the works in which the chairman had borne so prominent a part, would turn out to be a great national and public advantage. (Loud cheers.) He sincerely hoped that in its benefits and results, it might prove exceedingly advantageous to the projectors. (Cheers.) Perhaps there never was an undertaking commenced with less prospect of success than this one. It had been the custom to deride the project on all hands; and yet the result was, that in his judgement, Fleetwood would become a second Brighton. (Loud cheers.) He would give no opinion respecting the port, because he was not competent; but if the advantage of a port could be added to its other advantages, there could be no doubt but that it would be highly profitable. (Loud cheers.) He would avail himself of that occasion for addressing a word or two to Sir Hesketh Fleetwood in his capacity as a legislator of the country. He could not but deprecate the busy meddling spirit which had been manifested by those in high places, to interfere with projects of this kind. The effect of such interference might be to drive enterprise and capital out of the country, as had been the case in France, Denmark and other countries. A bill, entitled a 'Railway Bill,' had been introduced by Lord Seymour and Mr. Loch, the certain effect of which would be to impair and to destroy railway enterprise. (Cheers.) He hoped the hon. member would look to the subject in his place in parliament. Without further trespassing on the company, he would now beg to propose 'Prosperity, success, and every possible advantage to the Preston and Wyre Dock, Harbour, and Railway Company.' (Loud and continuous applause.)
The Chairman rose to return thanks. In the prosecution of these works, he had always been supported by the consciousness, that a man of high resolve could not fail, and that perseverance overcame difficulties - (Great cheering.) As the work progressed, individuals of knowledge and of science came down to inspect it, and they one and all reported favourably. From time to time friends flocked in and supported it, and it might be said of Fleetwood, and the undertaking generally, that almost every eminent engineer in the kingdom had visited and approved of it - (Loud cheers.) Some people talked of the gain being remote, but he felt even were this the case, there was a pleasure in handing down works of benefit and usefulness to ages when the projectors of them would cease to exist - (Cheers.) During that morning, they had been enjoying the benefits of pure air and water, and the proprietors of the undertaking had endeavoured to adapt it, alike for the advantages of pleasure and of commerce, or for the combination of both - (Applause.) In their acts of parliament they had endeavoured to keep their charges down to the lowest rates, thereby affording every facility to the public. He considered that such undertakings could not fail to be of public benefit. Every railway was like a vein or artery in the human system, connecting, feeding and invigorating the national system at large - (Cheers.) This being the case, there need be no jealous rivalry; but they should sink everyhing that had a tendency to mar and jar and work together as men bound by the ties of one holy and happy brotherhood, promoting, in harmony and good will, the happiness of each other, and striving only for the pre-eminence of being reciprocally of advantage to each other. (Loud and enthusiastic cheering). As to the exertions of the Wyre Company in future, the public might measure them by what had been already done. Their ambition was to render the spot where they then were, and the operations connected with it, a kind of artory by which to unite it and its occupants with the world at large - (Cheers.) In reference to the bill which had been referred to by his friend Mr. Garnett, he might state, that he had seen Lord Seymour and Mr. Lock on the subject, and had told them that the restrictions imposed by that bill ought equally to extent to all public companies - (Hear, hear.) He need not say, that he sould carfully watch the future progress of the bill, in fact he was interested, and that, perhaps, was the best security. (Cheers and laughter.) He begged to return his sincere thanks for the manner in which the last toast had been received. (The honourable baronet sat down amid enthusiastic cheering.) The healths of 'Mr. Brockholes, the High Sheriff,' and 'The Lord Lieutenant of the County,' were next given, and duly honoured by the company. The Chairman rose and said, that there was no toast which he had so much pleasure in proposing, as that which he now begged to introduce to the company. He meant the health of his brother,' The Rev. Charles Hesketh, and the Clergy present' - (Cheers).
The Rev. Charles Hesketh M.A. begged to return his thanks for the kind manner in which his health had been received by the company, and in which it had been proposed by his brother. He begged to congratulate their chairman upon the successful results of all his exertions, which he could truly say had been unwearied - (Cheers.) It appeared like magic, that such a town should spring up in a place, which only a few years ago was inhabited by rabbits, curlews and wild ducks. - (Cheers) He was glad to find, that among other public buildings, a church was in the course of erection. He hoped it would keep going up with railway speed, for among all the advantages they contemplated, this would not be found among the least - (Loud applause).
The Chairman gave us the next toast, 'The Manchester and Liverpool Railway.'
Wm. Garnett, Esq. as the only director of the Manchester and Liverpool Railway present begged to return thanks, and to assure them that anything which they could do in co-operation with the Preston and Wyre Railway Company shoud be done. (Cheers.) He begged to give the health of
Mr. Geo. Stephenson the father of railways. (Great cheering.) The toast was drunk with three times three.
Geo. Stephenson, Esq,. rose to return thanks, and on his rising was greeted with tumultnous applause. He spoke very briefly, but in so low a tone, that amid the noise which prevailed, we could not catch an entire sentence of what he said. He concluded by proposing the health of Captain Denham R.N.
Captain Denham briefly returned thanks, and proposed the health of John Power Esq. the secretary, who also briefly and appropriately acknowledged the compliment. Mr Power proposed the health of his predecessor, Mr. Owen T. Alger.
The Chairman expressed his sorrow at the unavoidable absence of Mr. Alger, who was, he was sorry to say, confined to a sick bed. He could sincerely say, that Mr. ALger not being present, and the cause of his absence, deprived him of one half his pleasure on the occasion. He begged now to propose success to the North Union Railway Company. (Cheers.)
Chas. Swainson, Esq. returned thanks in a suitable speech, and proposed the health of Sir Hesketh Fleetwood. (Immense cheering.)
The Chairman in a speech characterized by eloquence and pathos expressed his acknowledgements.
The following toasts were then given and responded to ; but as by this time the wine began rather prominently to manifest itself in noisy and festive conviviality, the speeches were delivered for the most part in dumb show :-
'The Lancaster Railway.'-Responded to by George Burrow, Esq.
'The Longridge Railway.'
'The Lancashire Witches.'
'The Contractors for the Wyre Railway.'-(Mr. Stanton returned thanks.)
'The Rev. Mr. Thurtell.'
'Abel Smith, Esq. , and the Wyre Directors.'
'Mr. Burridge.'
The Chairman, in an excellent speech, proposed prosperity to the working classes.
Mr. Barton. F. Allen begged to propose the health of Mr. Kemp Sir Hesketh Fleetwood's agent ; who had purchased a whole line of railway without a single dispute or a single inquiry. The toast was drunk amid great applause, and Mr Kemp duly expressed his acknowledgements.
The train being now ready, a great portion of the company rose to depart, but we believe a large party remained behind and kept up the hilarity for some time longer, under the presidency of Sir Hesketh Fleetwood. Soon after the dejeuner was over a large party of ladies entered the room and remained until nearly the close of the proceedings. We understand that the evening was kept up by fire-works and other amusements, and that the rejoicings continued all day on Thurday; the visitors to Fleetwood on that day being exceedingly numerous.
RETURN TO PRESTON
About a quarter before seven o'clock we left the banqueting hall, and proceeded, amid the playing of the band and firing of guns to take our places in the railway carriages on our homeward journey. The train consisted of nine carriages, and the arrangements were so admirably conducted that not the least inconvenience or interruption arose in getting through the crowd to the respective positions assigned us. - We proceeded pleasantly and safely over the embankment, and, doubtless, should have arrived in Preston with the pleasing and consoling reflection of having spent a day unmixed by gloom, and unmarred by accident, but for an appaling and fatal accident which occurred to a man named Dean, a tailor, of this town. The particulars of the painful occurrence will be found below; it will be seen that the unfortunate deceased was intoxicated at the time of the accident, and that not the least blame is attachable to anyone but himself. This painful and untoward occurrence detained us about twenty minutes, and it was ten minutes past eight when the train arrived in Preston. With the solitary exception of this accident, nothing else occurred during the day to interfere, in the least degree, with the gaiety and gladness of the proceedings.
THE RAILWAY
Most of our readers are aware that there is only one line of rails on the Preston and Wyre line. It is nineteen miles and three-quarters in length, and has cost, up to the present time, about £260,000, or rather more than £13,000 per mile being we believe less considerably than the construction of any other railway in England has cost. The harbour, exclusive of the docks, is estimated to have cost from £40,000 to £50,000. The works on the railway generally, are, we are given to understand, not inferior to those of any other similar undertaking.
