1874 Hurrah Hurrah for 3,500lbs of cake, 4cwt of Sugar, 56lbs of Tea and The City Library.
Thursday October 8th 1874 and the new FREE library for The City was opened with much razamataz and hurrahs.
Every Shop in Hereford was closed for the day as were all the schools.
To quote the Hereford Times on October 10th.
“The whole population of Hereford was astir; the windows in all the principal streets were crowded with spectators, engaged in surveying the decorations or watching the streets of passengers, all attired in holiday garb….
The procession of the schoolchildren was the most interesting part of the whole proceeding.
As the tramp, tramp of the three thousand little feet sounded along the crowded streets, and the children shouted out their cheerful ‘hurrahs’ The streets were thickly lined with eager spectators …
Near the Cathedral gates a body of policemen and firemen in their dresses, boots and helmets were stationed to preserve order. After they had presented arms, the Corporation commenced to enter the Cathedral. They were met by the Lord Bishop ( James Atley ) of the Diocese, the Dean and Chapter. and the whole Choir of the Cathedral.”
A commemorative service was held.
City of Hereford 