3-052-758 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Duke and Duchess of Connaught at the Royal Albert Orphan Asylum, Bagshot, 1880. 'The Asylum at Collingwood Court, Surrey...was established in the year 1861 for the purpose of rescuing and giving a Christian education to thoroughly destitute orphans...the cost...[is] over £3000 per annum...The hall was beautifully decorated with flags, banners, and flowers, whilst a number of choice foliaged plants ornamented the platform. The artistes...gave their services gratuitously, for the purposes of the concert...the Duchess of Connaught ascended the platform to receive purses from ladies desirous of assisting the charity...The Duchess was supported on the left by his Royal Highness and on the right by the Lady Mayoress...Between fifty and sixty ladies gave purses, and upwards of £300 was thus realised. At the conclusion of the concert their Royal Highnesses inspected some specimens of work executed in the establishment, and the children took advantage of the opportunity to present to the Duchess several pairs of silk stockings, knitted by themselves, and a satin ottoman, the cost of upholstering which was paid out of their own savings. The Royal visitors then quitted the asylum amidst grateful cheers'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.