The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-16 00:00:00

16, 1845

TURNING THE FIRST TURF ON
THE BEDFORD AND BIRMINGHAM RAIL-
WAY.
On Saturday afternoon the works of the Bedford and
Birmingham were commenced at about the centre of the
line, and extensive arrangements were made for the ce-
lebration of the event. It had been previously decided
that the ceremony should be performed on Wednesday
last, but from some circumstance it was unavoidably
postponed, which was unfortunate in one respect, inas-
much as it prevented the attendance of his Grace the
Duke of Bedford, who had acceded to the wish of the
Directors, that he would commence the works by re-
moving the first earth. The spot appointed for the
ceremony was that portion of Brogborough-hill
situate near the farm of Mr. Turney, in the parish of
Husborne Crawley, and about four miles from Woburn.
On arriving at this place, about two o'clock, we
found a large concourse of people from Bedford, Woburn,
Ampthill, and the surrounding villages; and a profusion
of flags and standards planted along the lands in the
direction of the proposed line. A carriage and four
with postilions in scarlet livery arrived, and it was then
announced that the Duke of Bedford was unable to at-
tend, having been suddenly summoned to London to at-
tend the new Council. In order, however, that th.re
might be no delay in the proceedings, the Duchess of
Bedford consented to officiate for the Duke, and Lord
Alford attended to assist her. Her Grace was conducted
to the site of the proposed works, where she was wel-
comed by the Directors of the Bedford Railway, Mr.
Theed Pearse, the secretary, the deputations of the Lon-
don and Birmingham, and the Eastern Counties lines,
Mr. Scott, the engineer, Messrs. Gtissell, Peto, and
Jackson, the contractors, and a large party composed
principally of the county families and. clergy. Her
Grace's arrival was announced by a salute of cannon,
which was followed by three cheers from the assembly,
and a band of music struck up as her Grace was con-
ducted along the temporary platform.
Mr. THOMAS JOHN GREEN, of Bedford, the Chairman
of the Directors, then formally announced to her Grace
the nature of the works, and went into detail of the great
advantages that were likely to accrue to this part of the
kingdom by the formation of this line. He invited her
Grace to do honour to the proceedings by commencing
the works, and handed her the spade. The Duchess
curtsied, and, taking the spade, pressed it into the
earth.
Lord ALFORD then took the spade, and turning to
the company, said—l cheerfully and cordially, assist in
commencing the works of a railway
.which, I am sure,
is calculated to be of immense importance to the
town and county of Bedford.—(Cheers.) I think
it is.a matter of peculiar congratulation to you all that
the county of Bedford, which has hitherto had no rail way,
is now about to have one formed that will open a line of
communication with the metropolis and some of the most
important parts of the kingdom. I am of opinion that
very great advantages will quickly be experienced by
this line to all persons resident in and connected with
the county. We have hitherto been considered very
quiet people in these•districts, but I have no doubt when
we have a little more communication with other parts,
we shall receive considerable benefit from the attrition.
There is another feature in the affair which gladdens
me, and that is, that a large quantity of work will, by
this railway, be provided throughout the winter for the
labourers; of this county.—(Hear, hear.) I hope that
the exertions of the Directors will be crowned with the
success they deserve, and that all their expectations
will be more than realised. I shall now commence
these works, which those around me will, I am sure,
carry out successfully.—(Loud cheers.) His Lord-
ship then took off his hat and great coat, and
began digging the clay most diligently until
he had filled the bttrrow, amidst cheers and en-
couraging bravos. Having filled the barrow he wheeled
it away along the platform, and led the way to a
splendid marquee. The cannons were again fired off,
flags waved, and the national anthem was played. On
arriving at the marquee, his Lordship emptied his
barrow, and then deposited it, together with the spade,
at one end of the tent. The barrow was made of beauti-
fully grained oak, grown on the Woburn estate, richly
carved and polished. On the front the arms of the
Duke of Bedford were carved in a very elaborate style,
and beneath them was a silver plate bearing the follow
ing inscription :

" With this barrow
he works of the Bedford and London and Birmingham