On Wednesday last the village of Flintham was the scene of unwonted excitement, owing to the marriage of Miss Fanny Myers, daughter of the Vicar, with Brigadier General Lumsden, C.B., who first raised and commanded the celebrated Corps of Guides, afterwards better known in this country as Hodson's Horse. Hodson, originally Adjutant, having succeeded to the command of the regiment. General Lumsden, as commander of the Hyderabad Contingent, has now the military superintendence of an extensive district, the Nizam's Dominions, the population of which exceeds ten million.
The aspect of the early morning of Wednesday was gloomy, and rain fell heavily, with one brief interval, until nearly two o'clock. Even this, however, did not prevent the enthusiastic villagers from testifying their interest in the fair bride, by erecting arches, adorned with evergreens, flowers and flags, across the path by which the bridal party were to reach the church. The church was crowded with spectators, the chancel being left exclusively for the wedding party, among which we noticed Major-Gen Hodge, C.B.(commanding the cavalry brigade at Aldershot), Mrs Hodge, Colonel Lumsden,(Deputy Quartermaster General in India), Mrs Lumsden, T.B.T Hildyard Esq (M.P.), R.Hildyard Esq, R.E.H. Hildyard Esq, Mrs Hargreaves and Miss Ward (aunts of the bride), in addition to the family circle.
About half-past eleven o'clock the distinguished bridegroom arrived, attended by his best man, Major-Gen Coke, C.B., an old friend of his, and one who, we learn, was his companion in arms in many a perilous struggle. Soon after the bride appeared, leaning on the arm of her father, and tastefully attired in rich white corded silk, diamond ornaments selected from the wedding gifts, and a wreath of stephanotis and orange blossom, over which was thrown a superb veil of Brussels lace.
She was received at the church door by her four bridesmaids, three sisters of the bride and one of the bridegroom, whose attire was the theme of general admiration, as combining simplicity with elegance. The material of their dresses, we understand, was white embroidered grenadine, with blue trimmings, and chuny lace, bonnets of white tulle, with forget-me-nots, flowing veils, and pearl ornaments.
After the ceremony, which was performed in a most impressive manner, amid the decorous silence of the numerous assemblage, by the Rev W. Rimington, Incumbent of Bolsterstone, Yorkshire, cousin of the bride, the party returned to the vicarage, where a splendid dejeuner, which did great credit to the culinary skill and artistic taste of Mr Farrands, confectioner, Long-row, Nottingham, was served in the dining room.
About three o'clock the happy pair started in bright sunshine amid a perfect shower of bouquets and old shoes, and the hearty cheers of the villagers, for North Wales. After their departure the children of the Sunday schools partook of tea and cake in front of the vicarage. Then followed juvenile games, foot races for both sexes, jumping in the sacks, etc, suggested and started by the gentlemen, who distributed the prizes.
In the meantime, about fifty women, by invitation of the bride, sat down to tea the trays being presided over by the Misses Myers and their visitors. The church bells rang out merry peals at intervals throughout the day, and the whole proceedings terminated with deafening cheers from the villagers, and will long be remembered in the annals of Flintham.
The Myers Family History- Wedding Festivities at Flintham
Cathy Clarke, Wellington, New Zealand
email: catherine.clarke@clear.net.nz
Last updated: 9 Oct 2009
