2-913-921 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Arrival of the King of Denmark at Flensburg, 1854. Opening of the British-built Royal Danish Railway by Frederick VII, King of Denmark. Present were Samuel Morton Peto, a partner of the firm of Peto, Brassey, and Betts, and engineer George Parker Bidder. The king arrives on the Cygnus, which carried '...an assortment of fireworks...which permitted the inhabitants...to be favoured with a pyrotechnic display which much delighted the natives; between whom and the English the best possible feeling exists. This is owing, not only to the English capital poured into their country both by the formation of the line, and by the North of Europe Steam Company opening up numerous British markets for native produce, but to the conciliatory spirit and excellent tact of all the English railway officials and employees resident in Denmark...The Flensburgers were most enthusiastic in the loyalty of the reception of their King'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.