3-009-000 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the Hartley Institution at Southampton by Lord Palmerston [the British prime minister]: the theatre - the town clerk reading the address of the corporation to His Lordship, 1862. 'Upon entering the hall Lord and Lady Palmerston were received with every demonstration of cordiality. The whole body of spectators rose and greeted them with cheers, waving of hats and handkerchiefs, again and again renewed. The theatre of the institution - a light, commodious, and admirably-ventilated building, with two spacious galleries - had for two hours before been crowded by ladies and gentlemen, who were admitted by ticket. The end gallery was reserved for those officially taking part in the ceremonial. Previously to the formal proceedings in connection with the opening of the institution, the Mayor and Corporation of the borough presented a highly complimentary address to his Lordship...Lord Palmerston, in reply, thanked the Mayor and Corporation for the address and for the hearty welcome which he had received. Prayer was offered by the Bishop of Rochester, and the "International Ode" was admirably sung by a select choir of vocalists'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.