MAY 11th, 1865:EXHIBITIONS OF manufacturing and other achievements of the industrial revolution were much in vogue in the early Victorian era and one such event in Dublin in 1865 brought the Prince of Wales to the city to perform the opening ceremony.
Among the other events surrounding his visit was a military parade and review at the Fifteen Acres in the Phoenix Park (later the scene of the Eucharistic Congress and Pope John Paul’s first Mass in Ireland) which culminated in a “sham fight”, that is, without any of the blood, sweat and fears of the real thing. The report in this day’s paper in 1865 began, as was the practice of newspaper reports in those days, at the beginning.
Since the grand review which was held on the occasion of her Majesty’s visit to Ireland in 1849, so vast a crowd has never assembled in the Fifteen Acres as gathered yesterday . . . At two o’clock it was quite impossible to find a car in the city. The streets were completely emptied, and half the population was out at the review . . .
After the marching past came the event of the day, which was a sham fight. The enemy were supposed to be posted somewhere in the vicinity of the flagstaff. A force of cavalry was thrown forward to dislodge them from this position, but the attempt having been unsuccessful, the infantry advanced. This assault was also repulsed, and the infantry retired and formed into squares. File firing then began from right to left of the forces, and speedily a volley was discharged at the enemy’s cavalry, who were supposed to be repulsed.
A brilliant charge drove the enemy across the field towards the Hibernian Military School, whither they were followed by the whole force, the first brigade opening fire and being relieved by the second. A terrific cannonade was maintained on the flanks, and the sham fight concluded with a magnificent charge of cavalry, which was supposed to complete the rout of the enemy. It need scarcely be said that the spectacle was most interesting and picturesque, that the appearance of the troops was excellent, and that the evolutions were executed with singular precision.
At the close of the sham fight the troops formed in a line of contiguous columns, and at the word “officers and colours to the front”, the line advanced, and at the command of the Duke of Cambridge gave the general salute, the bands striking up at the same moment the National Anthem. This produced a most imposing effect, and was followed by cheers from the spectators who had congregated around the flagstaff. His Royal Highness, who seemed highly gratified by the display of enthusiasm returned to the Viceregal Lodge at five o’clock. Here it should be mentioned that the arrangements for the day were admirably made. A detachment of the 5th Dragoons kept the ground, and under the direction of Insp Boyle, the horse police, who showed great good temper and forbearance when the crowd was fractious, assisted in maintaining order. At half-past five o’clock the troops were marched home.
No sooner was the flag lowered than the rain commenced, and then occurred a tremendous rush of cars and carriages on the road to town; pedestrians, horsemen, and vehicles mingled in an extraordinary, but somewhat picturesque confusion. Hundreds took shelter under the trees, in the vain hope that the rain would cease. The scene at one period almost baffled description. All kinds of vehicles became jammed on the road. The drive to the park-gate was little better than a walk. The cars were sometimes three and four abreast, and along both sides of the quays there extended a long line of carriages, which was not broken until Essex-bridge was reached.
In this dismal rain and disagreeable confusion ended the most brilliant military spectacle which has taken place in the Phoenix Park since her Majesty’s first visit to this country.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/archive/1865/0511/Pg003.html#Ar00300