2-889-580 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Festivities at Chippenham [in Wiltshire] - the High-Street, from the Bridge - Arrival of Mr. Neeld, M.P., 1850. Locals welcome their MP Joseph Neeld to celebrate the opening of the town's new cheese market, funded by Neeld. 'The whole of that part of the town through which the procession was expected to pass presented the appearance of rejoicings for some great triumph. Fir trees, planted for the occasion, lined the streets and road; festoons of evergreens and flowers extended across the streets in thick succession...[there was] a triumphal arch, surmounted by flags, and the word "Welcome" in flowers...it was a universal jubilee. The church bells rang, cannons fired, business was suspended the whole town was an emblazonment of flags and banners; every man and every woman and child waved welcome to Joseph Neeld'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.