3-043-731 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Prince of Wales fixing the last stone of the Portland Breakwater, 1872. Engraving from a photograph by Edgar Cox. 'The ceremony of laying the top stone was commenced by the Rev. Mr. Nicholls, chaplain on board her Majesty's ship Boscawen, reading an appropriate prayer. The stone, weighing 3¾ tons, was then raised in readiness, and in a cavity were deposited several of the daily newspapers and coins of the realm. A gold trowel was then handed to the Prince of Wales, who, taking some mortar, spread it in a workman-like manner, then tapped the stone three times on its being lowered, after which, in a clear, audible voice, he said: "I declare this stone well and truly laid, and this work to be complete." Colonel Clarke and Mr. Andrews assisted the Prince at the stone. The stone bears this inscription: "From this spot, on the 25th of July, 1849, his Royal Highness Prince Albert, Consort of Queen Victoria, sank the first stone of this Breakwater. Upon the same spot Albert Edward Prince of Wales, on the 10th of August, 1872, laid this last stone, and declared the work completed. These are imperial works, and worthy kings." The ceremony concluded, ringing cheers were raised, and a salute was fired from the Breakwater Fort'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.