J H Buckingham - "Fate of the TRIUMPHAL Arch. A Rough Sketch of a Squall 23rd July, 1860 by JHB".

Social History (Museum of St Albans)

2008.5558

Watercolour by J.H. Buckingham showing the collapsed triumphal arch errected at the top of Holywell Hill for the "St Albans Fire Brigade and Rural Fete" on the 23rd July, 1860. The captions at the bottom of the page read: (left): "This is what all flesh is heir to, Foul weather for Fete & Fair to [sic.]. Our Green Triuphal Arch to be lit by Gass [sic.], was blown DOWN by spiteful Bozzas [?] - assisted by a flood of St. Swithins Tears, To Torment & soak many pretty Dears." (right): "Drenching the Bands of Fire Brigade, as thro' our fair Town they did parade, Spoiling this anticipated Holyday with heavy Wet to soak Their Clay. St Swithen has no respect for Fairs or Fetes, or Polish'd Boots & Crinoline - all alike he saturates."

1860

PH9206Buckingham.tif

Amy Cooke

3) MoStA Archive Room

Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK

PWD box 9

26/04/2006