3-046-961 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Prince Arthur at Leeds: the Prince declaring Roundhay Park open, 1872. 'The procession arrived at the park about two o'clock, when a Royal salute was fired. The place erected for the opening ceremony was a large wooden structure, capable of seating about 500 persons, which was filled to overflowing; and when the Prince and suite, accompanied by the Mayor [John Barran] and other distinguished persons, proceeded down the avenue and ascended the platform, a ringing cheer from more than a hundred thousand voices greeted the Royal presence. When quiet had been obtained, the Bishop of Ripon offered up a prayer, after which the Mayor addressed his Royal Highness, and stated the manner in which Roundhay Park had been acquired for the public enjoyment, inviting the Prince to open it. Prince Arthur again expressed his hopes that it would benefit the health of the people and afford them a great deal of pleasure. He then declared the park open, after which he entered a marquee and partook of a luncheon provided by the Mayor for a select company of two hundred'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.