3-028-566 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Cambridgeshire Steeplechase, Cottenham: arrival of the Prince and Princess of Wales, 1870. 'The Grand National Hunt and Cambridgeshire Steeplechases took place at Cottenham, six miles from Cambridge...The party from Kimbolton [Castle], the Duke and Duchess [of Manchester], with the Prince and Princess [future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, travelled by train] to Oakington station, by Huntingdon and St. Ives. Here a number of carriages were in waiting; and the party, some in them and some on horseback, rode to the course, which is two or three miles from Oakington station. Their Royal Highnesses were received with lively demonstrations of loyalty and esteem. On their arrival at the Cottenham pastures they were conducted to the Royal stand, close to the saddling paddock...After the first race the foot-people crowded in front of the grand stand and gave her Royal Highness a hearty cheer, which the Princess acknowledged. The Royal party inspected the saddling for the Grand National Steeplechase, after which they entered the open carriages and proceeded to the water-jump to see the horses clear the brook'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.