Familiar place in report from 1888 (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Familiar place in report from 1888

10:48am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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AFGHANISTAN has evidently posed a problem through the centuries.

In an old book telling the story of the Feilden’s of Witton Park, published by the recreation department of Blackburn Corporation some decades ago, reference is made to the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1888.

They had come to lay the foundation stone of the new technical school, built to celebrate Victoria’s golden jubilee.

After being met at Cherry Tree Station by Lieutenant-general Feilden and his son Lieutenant cecil Feilden, they stopedd first at Witton House.

There were 4,000 children in the park and bands from Blackburn Ragged School, Wensley Fold and Cherry Tree schools.

When the Royal couple left to carry out their engagement, children of Witton School waved flags outside, as the mounted band of the 9th Lancers arrived in their dark blue uniforms.

All eyes, however, were on the drummer, who led the procession on a cream-coloured charger, presented to the regiment by the Queen, in recognition of services rendered in... Afghanistan.