2-995-649 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Review of Lancashire Rifle Volunteers in Knowsley Park - the Earl and Countess of Derby leaving Knowsley Hall for the Review, 1860. 'The troops, amounting to about 11,000 strong, were all assembled, and had taken up their position in a line, the front of which extended along the verge of the high ground on which they formed...All now was expectation for the commencement of the proceedings which had drawn such numbers - numbers variously computed at from 150,000 to 200,000 people - together. On a sudden the union jack was hoisted on the flagstaff at Knowsley. It was the signal that Sir G. Wetherall and his Staff were quitting the Hall, of the splendid hospitality of the noble owner of which they had, in common with an immense number of other guests, been partaking. A salute from the guns of the Liverpool Artillery, who were stationed on the extreme left of the line of volunteers, heralded the nearer approach of the brilliant cavalcade. On it came, at a quick pace, headed by Sir G. Wetherall, with whom, mounted on a powerful horse, rode the Earl of Derby himself'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.