3-021-177 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Inauguration of the new head-quarters of the 1st Middlesex Volunteer Engineers, 1865. Opening of a building in College Street, Chelsea, London. 'The spacious drill-shed, 110 ft. long by 52 ft. wide, is solidly built of brick, lighted from the top, and covered with zinc. It was constructed after the design of the late Captain Fowke, R.E...The opening ceremony was performed by Colonel MacLeod (of MacLeod), accompanied by Colonel Erskine, Inspector of Volunteers, and a strong staff of the officers of the corps marching round the hall, the corps lining the way as the procession passed. Colonel MacLeod having made a brief address explaining the present satisfactory position of the corps, Colonel Erskine pronounced the hall open, and in a few emphatic words congratulated the Colonel and officers upon having acquired such a valuable property in a central position and in having built such useful and complete quarters. After this ceremony the company of ladies and gentlemen proceeded to enjoy the ball...and dancing was kept up until a late hour, the bands of the corps acting the part of orchestra'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.