Page 8 - Hampdens Monument Unveiled

The Aylesbury News 24th June 1843
The Scene at Monument 18 June 1843

At an early hour crowds from the towns and villages, and
hamlets, for several miles round, were seen moving toward the
point of attraction; and about one o'clock expectation appeared
to be alive, as every one began to look out for the arrival of
Lord Nugent, who, it was understood, was to give an address at
the dedication of the monument. But his Lordship did not arrive
until two O'clock, at which time the concourse was indeed
great, and the excitement of the people worked up to a high
pitch from long waiting. His Lordship, on coming opposite that
side of the pillar on which the medallion portrait is placed,
gave a signal, and the canvas which covered it was seen to
fall: he then exclaimed from his carriage (all being
uncovered).

"May this monument stand to all posterity as a record of the
virtues of the illustrious Hampden; and may it remain
undisturbed as a monument of our gratitude to all generations-
to our children and children's children for ever!"

Three cheers were then given for Lord Nugent. The band played
up the National Anthem, after which his Lordship's carriage
prepared to move off, while the people clamorously vociferated-
Shame! Lord Nugent! to go away without giving an oration; give
us a speech, tell us something of Hampden, we want a speech &c;
and one person observed, in a tone which indicated much
dissatisfaction, "we came to praise, not to bury Hampden - why,
then, not give us a speech."

Mr Faulkner’s Speech to the Crowd

His Lordship, however, moved off without complying with the
request, on perceiving which Mr. FAULKNER, of Oxford, ascended
to the top of the Banbury coach and began to harangue the
immense concourse of people, whose expectations were greatly
disappointed - He spoke of the impropriety of allowing such an
opportunity to slip-why should Lord Nugent go away without
saying something to edify and animate the hundreds who were
there assembled? (cheers, and cries of "he should not.) He (Mr.
F.) was prompted by his zeal for liberty to stand up and
protest against such a proceeding (cheers); - the fame of
Hampden should be lauded - his exertions for the public good
should be made known on an occasion like this (cheers); he
hoped he should be excused for standing up to speak when those
for whom they had so long waited had left them without a speech
(cheers, and cries of 'certainly go on'.) Hampden opposed the
tyrannical exercise of monarchical power both in and out of
parliament: in parliament he opposed the bullying demands of
the King for money - for he would not, and the majority of that
parliament of which he was a member would not, consent at the