3-011-805 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Laying the Foundation-Stone of the Fettes College, Edinburgh, 1864. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. M'Craw. 'A hundred boys at least will be taught in the school, fifty of them boarders, who are to be admitted on the foundation, from eight to eighteen years of age...The building is designed in the Early French style, from plans by Mr. Bryce, R.S.A...The ceremony of laying the foundation-stone was witnessed by several hundred ladies and gentlemen...A broad platform was erected around the foundation-stone, with a dais and ladies' gallery to the west, and a large hustings to the south for the general body of spectators. At the request of the trustees, the Hon. Mrs. Primrose performed the ceremony, using the mallet and trowel with ladylike grace...the stone was lowered, and then tried with square and level; the architect pronounced it to be well and truly laid; Mrs. Primrose struck it thrice with her mallet...[and] delivered a brief, energetic, and appropriate speech'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.