2-888-037 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Great Protectionist Meeting on Barham Downs, [near Canterbury, in Kent], 1850. '...the object [of the meeting] being to discuss questions bearing on the present agricultural distress, and to adopt an address praying her Majesty to afford remedial measures, and dismiss her present Ministers...there were not fewer than from eight to ten thousand persons present...the rest of the ground was scattered over with refreshment booths, orange carts, &c...a couple of boats rigged, upon waggons, and surmounted with masts and flags...Sir N. Knatchbull concluded his address as follows: "This being St. George's day, I call upon all present to join me in the cry of "St George for England, and may God preserve us in the midst of these most serious difficulties!" (Loud applause)'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.