Page 41 - Hampdens Monument Unveiled

Scene at the Monument 18 June 1843

The monument stands at the junction of the lane leading from
Chalgrove village with the Oxford and Watlington Road, in the
corner of a large field now under a wheat crop. An open plain
of some extent stretches round on all sides save one, where an
avenue of somewhat scrubbed trees and thick bushes, approaching
close to the pillar, mark the exact spot where Hampden was
mortally wounded.

The outdoor part of the ceremony was very simple. It
consisted merely of the removal of the cloth which concealed
the medallion portrait of the martyr; and shortly after two
o'clock this slight ceremony was performed.

Lord Nugent then from his carriage exclaimed, "May this
monument last to all posterity, and remain undisturbed and
unhurt by our children's children."

Three loud cheers were given in honor of the occasion,
followed by three cheers more for Lord Nugent, the originator
of the memorial. A tolerable band then struck up a military
air, and the company moved off the ground towards a
neighbouring barn for the purpose of dinner.

This however by no means satisfied the assembled thousands,
who could not afford the dinner ticket. They evidently expected
something more, and there were loud calls for "Nugent." At
length, a man named Faulkner mounted on the top of a coach, and
delivered himself of a long oration, which was well meant, and
consisted of sensible remarks, but rather ill-timed. Hampden's
memory, said he was beloved for his resistance to tyrannical
taxation; why should we not resist the tyrannical taxation of
the present day? A great deal was said about England being a
happy land; he wanted to see a happy people. The people of this
country were borne down by aristocratic and monopolising
taxation, and it was high time that some of the present day
would rise and imitate John Hampden in his opposition to
oppression. Mr. Faulkner then read a long address to the Queen,
which he proposed should be sent to her Majesty.

Dinner & Speeches

The dinner was comfortably arranged in a large barn, though
the accommodations were rustic and somewhat of a primitive
character, the dinner was very good, as far as the eatables
were concerned; of the wine, the less said the better.

Lord Nugent presided. We observed, supporting him on his
right and left, Sir John Easthope, M.P., Mr. Tancred, M.P., the
Rev. Dr. Hampden, Sir Samuel Hancock, Lowndes Stone, Esq., John
Lloyd, Esq. with a number of members of the University of
Oxford and, gentlemen from the adjacent towns. A considerable
number of ladies were also present.