Page:History of the Fylde of Lancashire (IA historyoffyldeof00portiala).pdf/243

 *pated and long remembered.

In January, 1845, a general meeting of those who were interested in Fleetwood, or wished to testify their respect and admiration for the noble efforts of the founder of the town, was held at the North Euston Hotel, to determine upon the most suitable public testimonial to be erected in honour of Sir Peter Hesketh Fleetwood. Doctor Ramsay proposed that day schools for 200 children of the labouring classes, with a house for a master and mistress, having the name of the "Fleetwood Testimonial Schools," open to all denominations of Christians and connected with the National Society, should be erected. This resolution was carried without a dissentient; subscription lists were opened; and on Wednesday, the 26th of August, 1846, the foundation stone of the building was laid by Charles Swainson, esq., of Preston. Large numbers arrived early in the morning to be present at the ceremony. The town, shipping, and river craft, decked out in bunting, presented quite a gala appearance as the officials and guests proceeded to the site in West Street. The procession marched as stated below:—

The Beadle. Band. The Wesleyan Sunday School Children. The Independent Sunday School Children. The Church Sunday School Children. The Architect holding the Mallet and Trowel. The Contractors. The Clergy. Charles Swainson, esq. The Treasurer and Mr. Swainson's Friends. Rossall School. The Gentry and Visitors. The Tradesmen. Independent Order of Oddfellows. The Rechabites.

In the cavity beneath the foundation stone were enclosed a bottle containing coins of the present reign, a copy of the Fleetwood Chronicle of that date, printed on parchment, and another sheet of parchment inscribed thus:—

"The first stone of these schools, which are to be erected as the fittest Testimonial to the benevolent founder of this town, Sir P. H. Fleetwood, Bart., M.P.,