2-970-008 - /Heritage Images

Commencement of the Salisbury and Yeovil Railway, 1856. 'Notwithstanding the heavy rain, which began at an early hour and continued without the slightest intermission all day, the town of Gillingham [in Dorset] saw a very great influx of visitors...a substantial triumphal arch had been erected...The ceremony of turning the first turf was performed by Miss Seymour, sister of the hon. member for Poole, the Chairman of the Company. A very elegant barrow and spade were prepared for the occasion...The barrow is formed of walnut...The spade, of solid silver, is beautifully engraved and ornamented, displaying the arms of the South-Western and the Salisbury and Yeovil Railway Companies...having drunk a glass of champagne to the prosperity of the undertaking, the company adjourned to the pavilion, where nearly four hundred persons sat down to a first-rate dejeuner'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.