Opening of the Infant Orphan Asylum, 27th June, 1843.

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LOCAL HISTORY

Opening of the Infant Orphan Asylum, 27th June, 1843.

The Infant Orphan Asylum in Wanstead was opened some two years after the first stone had been laid by Prince Albert in 1841. The following article appeared in the Illustrated London News on July 1st 1843, and recounts the ceremony of the day's events.

'Tuesday was the day appointed for opening the new building just erected for the Infant Orphan Asylum in the village of Wanstead, about five miles from London; and his Royal Highness Prince Albert, who laid the first stone of the new structure on July 24, 1841, had graciously consented to be present also at the above ceremony. The Prince was, however, we regret to say, precluded from carrying his benevolent intentions into effect, by a severe attack of infuenza, and the King of the Belgians very kindly officiated for his Royal Highness. His Majesty was received at Lea-bridge, which connects the counties of Middlesex and Essex, by a detachment of the West Essex Yeomanry Cavalry, under the command of Colonel Bulmer, who had the honour of escorting the King to the asylum at Wanstead, a distance of about three miles. At Whip's-cross the city marshals were in attendance, and immediately joined the procession. A large concourse of spectators lined the roads; the scene was gay and animating; the bells of the various churches rang merry peals; and the strong muster of "the gentler" sex proved the popularity of the cause.

On the arrival of the procession at the Asylum, which is situated near the large pond at Snaresbrook, and close to the Eagle Tavern, the band of the Coldstream Guards commenced on playing the national anthem; and the King of the Belgians and his suite were immediately met by the stewards with their wands, the committee, the infant children, attended by their teachers, the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs, and the clergy in their official robes, who preceded his Majesty to the building, and conducted him to the committee-room, where his Majesty was received by the nobility and gentry in attendance, and the various introductions took place.

The King of the Belgians arrives

The following personages honoured the ceremony with their presence, viz. :- The Marquis of Westminster, Earl Manvers, the young Earl of Coventry, Lord R. Grosvenor, M.P., the hon W. Ashley, Baron L. De Rothschild, The Hon. And Rev. Baptist W. Noel, M.A., the Rev. Dr. Croly, the Rev. T. Dale, the Rev. Dr. Kenney, the Rev. W. P. Wigram, the Rev. T. Stanton, Mr. G. Byng, M.P., Mr. Masterman, M.P., Mr. George Palmer, M.P., Colonel T. Wood, M.P., the Lord Mayor, M.P., Sir Charles Forbes, Mr. Sheriff Pilcher, Mr B. B. Cabbell, Sir G. Carroll, Mr. J. Deacon (treasurer), Mr. J. F. Maubert, Captain Owen, Mr. Tucker, Mr. J. Masterman, jun., Mr. J. Labouchere, Mr. W. Kirby, Mr. T. Marriott, Mr. C. J. Brown, Mr. Arbuthnot, etc.

The following ladies acted as patronesses on the occasion, viz. :- The Duchess of Northumberland, the Duchess of Sutherland, Countess Cowper, the Countess Dowager of Pembroke, Viscountess Sydney, Viscountess Beresford, Viscountess Canning, Viscountess Mahon, the Right Hon. Lady Charlotte Denison, Lady Ashburton, Lady Ashley, Lady Stanley, Lady Kerrison, the Hon. Mrs. Rushout, Miss Harley, Lady Watson, Lady Whitshed, the Lady Mayoress, and Mrs. G. Byng, but they were not all present.

The King of the Belgians, after the introductions had taken place, made the first entry in the visitor's book by affixing his autograph, after which the nobility and gentry presentalso entered their names. His Majesty then proceeded to inspect the various apartments of the institution.

At about a quarter to five o'clock, the company sat down to a very elegant dejeuner, served under the superintendence of Messrs. Staples and Co., of the Albion Tavern, his Majesty the King of the Belgians taking the presidential chair. The health of the Queen and the Queen Dowager were drunk with all honours; and the King, on proposing that of Prince Albert, informed the company that Sir J. Clark had peremptorily forbidden his Royal Highness to leave his apartment that day, or otherwise he could not be responsible for the consequences that might ensue. The Prince, however, sent a donation of 100 guineas, to which he (the King of the Belgians) added £105.

After "Prosperity to the Infant Orphan Asylum" had been drunk, the children were introduced, and sang the national anthem. The King took one of them in his arms, and most kindly caressed the child. His Majesty and his suite shortly afterwards took their departure, and were speedily followed by the rest of the company.

The Infant Orphan Asylum was instituted in 1827; its purpose is to board, clothe, nurse, and educate destitute children, who are received, if necessary, from the birth. The temporary establishment is situated at Dalston, and 187 orphans are now on the foundation. The new asylum at Wanstead has been erected from the designs of Messrs. Scott and Moffatt, and will accommodate 400 children; though a large sum is yet required for fitting and furnishing. The new building is in the Elizabethan or late Tudor style, and is of fine brick, fronted with stone, of which material also are the dressings throughout.

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Opening of the Infant Orphan Asylum in Wanstead (1843)