Rochester Bridge opening (1856)

Post date: Apr 17, 2012 1:10:6 PM

Extract from London Standard, 14th August 1856.Unfortunately I have yet to identify the R. Tapsell of Wateringbury who took part in the procession of the "gentlemen of distinction".

THE OPENING OF THE NEW BRIDGE AT ROCHESTER.

ROCHESTER, Wednesday.

The interesting and important work of opening the new bridge across the River Medway took place this afternoon, in the presence of nearly 2000 persons from the towns and neighbourhood. The Mayor and Corporation of Rochester, accompanied by the city magistrates, preceded by the Royal Marine band from Chatham, went in procession to the Bridge Chamber to meet the bridge wardens and assistants.

The Mayor and his party left the Guildhall at 3.30, dressed in full costume, and after a few moments the procession was joined by the wardens and assistants, and proceeded over the old bridge in the following order :— The band, in full uniform; the wardens, consisting of tbe Earl of Romney and Edward Twopenny, Esq., from Woodstock, the assistants, and the following gentlemen : — William Masters Smith, Esq., M.P. for West Kent; William Lee, Esq., M.P. for Maidstone; F. L. Hodges, Esq., Lord Darnley, Wykeham Martin, Esq., of Leeds Castle; W. Golding, Esq., R. Tapsell, Esq., of Wateringbury; G. Baker, Esq., John Stunt, Esq., of Gillingham; Sir Wm. Cubitt, Sir C. Fox, the Mayor of Gravesend, the Mayor of Maidstone, and the Recorder, P. W. Martin, Esq., M.P. for Rochester, Sir H. Maddock, M.P., Rev. J. Formby, Rev. W. Conway, the Recorder of Rochester, and other gentlemen of distinction, walked in procession, and entered upon the new bridge from the Strood side. On their arrival there was a discharge of artillery from the wharf near the bridge.

On the party arriving at the centre of the middle arch Lord Romney announced on behalf of the wardens and assistants, that the bridge was now open for public traffic. From one end to the other, on both sides, the bridge was decoratod with flags, those of the City waving across the centre arch. During the ceremony of opening the bridge the ancient castle and its walls were covered with spectators.