Page 58 - Hampdens Monument Unveiled

Dashwood, Nugent, Lord Chief Justice Denman, Lovelace,
Colborne, C. T. D'Eyncourt, T. Leader, T. Fiennes.

The eastern side has a recess in which is inserted a
medallion bust of John Hampden, but in white marble by Scoular,
a pupil of Westmacott. The name of the patriot is immediately
beneath the medallion, and the family motto, "Vestia nulla
restrorsum," surmounts it.

Shortly after 2 o'clock the procession moved onwards from the
neighbouring hamlet, headed by two rural bands of music, in the
direction of the pillar. Among those who took part in the
proceedings we observed Lord Nugent, Sir S. Hancock, Sir J.
Easthope, the Rev. R. Hampden, D.D. Regius Professor at Oxford;
Mr. Tancred, M. P. for Banbury; Mr. L. Stone, and several
members of the University of Oxford. At this time there might
have been 800 persons present, and the most perfect order
prevailed.

The procession having arrived opposite the memorial, Lord
Nugent addressed the following words to the assembled crowd, a
sailcloth which had previously covered the medallion being
removed at the same instant: - "May this monument last to all
posterity, and remain undisturbed and honoured by our
children's children."

This dedication was received with loud cheers the band
playing, "God save the Queen," after which his Lordship invited
all present to meet him for dinner at 3 o'clock in the adjacent
barn, which was really converted into a very comfortable dining
room for the occasion.

A person named Faulkner complained loudly at his Lordship's
not addressing the meeting in the open air, thereby depriving
that large class of the spectators who might be unable or
unwilling to pay 5s. for a dinner ticket from taking part in
the interesting ceremony they were met to celebrate, and stated
that he had prepared a document for presentation to the Queen,
soliciting her to inquire into and ameliorate the present
distressed condition of the people.

Lord Nugent deprecated any attempt to disturb the unanimity
they must all feel on that occasion, and, being supported by a
majority of those present, the assemblage adjourned, three
cheers having been first given to the memory of Hampden.