3-017-050 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe placing the memorial stone of the Devonport, Stonehouse, and Cornwall Hospital, [Plymouth], 1862. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. W. May, of the public ceremony with masonic honours. '...the members of the Board of Commissioners of Devonport, the local authorities of Stonehouse, the heads of the police departments, and naval, military, and marine officers were invited, as well as the Devonport Rifle Volunteers, who were requested to attend in full dress as a guard of honour...On the arrival of the D.P. Grand Master and the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe on the platform they were received by the architect [Mr. Alfred Norman]...The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe then received the silver trowel from the Provincial Grand Officer, and spread the cement on the lower stone, when the upper stone was lowered to its place...Corn, wine, oil, and salt were then strewed and poured on the stone in the accustomed manner; after which the stone was declared laid in due form, and the "Hallelujah Chorus" was sung by the choir. The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem, also sung by the choir'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.