The 29th May 1856 was described by the Maidstone Journal as a memorable day in the annals of Maidstone. The recollections of which were not  however based  on the event – the Treaty of Paris 1856, which gave occasion for the feasting, but the celebrations which had thrown the nation into the ‘paroxysms of joy and triumph’ and all felt that the peace was an ‘inestimable blessing’ and it would be wise to mark it’s return by festivities, which would give the ‘rising generation’ an idea, that the cessation of war, was an event at which all men ought to rejoice. The mayor H. Argles convened a meeting, of gentlemen of all sides of politics and religion to consider the matter and it was agreed that there should be public rejoicings, the principal feature to be a treat to all the school children of the town, and if Lord Romney’s permission could be obtained, it was thought that tea and plum-cake in the park, would form a very satisfactory celebration. There would be a procession and it was suggested that clubs and other societies might wish to display their flags and regalia and with the assistance of the military, besides showing respect to the brave army, it would bring a grand ‘feu de joie’ in the High Street, that would impress the youngest child present, more effectively than almost anything else could do. The cost would be about £300, and it was thought that the inhabitants, would willingly contribute. A sub-committee was formed and plans drawn up and modified, the ‘feu de joie’ could not be fired in the High Street and a dinner for soldiers, who had served in the Crimea, would be given in the park.

On the day, the morning dawned amidst fog and and mist, but towards seven o’clock, the glorious sun dispelled the watery vapours and for some hours, the sun shone brilliantly, giving the promise of a magnificent day. The festive character of the day was announced by merry peals from the sweet toned bells of All Saints church, which at intervals poured out their floods of cheering melody, until two o’clock.

By nine o’clock, the streets were thronged with sightseers and by eleven o’clock, it was difficult to move about in the High Street, which formed the centre of attraction. In all directions, flags and banners were displayed, with the royal arms displayed over Mr Oakley’s shop, the Journal’s office exhibiting the banner of the Constitutional Society, with the motto “Prosperity to British Industry” and the splendid new Alhambra front of Messrs Payne, Evenden and Lewis had an appropriate finish by a profusion of national and patriotic flags from the windows. The upper part of the High Street was set out with spaces and placards, indicating the spaces for the various schools to wait in place for the commencement of the procession. The schools present were the British National School, The Trinity Church Model National School, Tovil National School, The Mote School, St Peter’s School, The Garrison School, Independent School, Wesleyan School, King Street Sabbath School, Bluecoat School, All Saint’s National School, Girls’ British Day School, Zion Chapel School, Bethel School, Salem School, Unitarian School, Miss Bishop’s School, Sir Charles Booth’s School, St Faith’s School, Bonny’s yard School, Shernold School and Coxheath Union School. The scene was described as one of the most animating and magnificent that Maidstone probably ever saw. Viewed from the Town Hall, where a large party of ladies had assembled, the whole expanse seemed a forest of flags, including a large banner carried by the All Saint’s National School, representing the arms of the Romney family. The All Saints School had no fewer than 35 large flags, besides a multitude of smaller ones, carried by each child. The effect was that of a waving forest of brilliant coloured branches, swaying to and fro, and displaying an underground, as it were of happy cheerful faces. This was fringed around by the tall forms of the gallant fellows who had fought or would have served in the Crimea, if the opportunity had risen. Shortly after the schools had taken up their positions, the military arrived from the barracks, under the command of Colonel Balders. Preceded by the band, they entered the High Street by the Mitre yard and marched in single file, encircling the waiting school children. The Marine Band which arrived, shortly after were positioned at the end of King Street and the Depot Band remained at the Town Hall. All the windows of the surrounding buildings, were crowded with well dressed ladies and the tops of houses with gentlemen.

At half past twelve, the various clubs assembled in the lower High Street, including the Ancient Order of Foresters, with their banners, one depicting a widow and child lying at the side of a newly made grave and another depicting an old soldier shielding a wounded younger comrade, probably his son, from further harm, whilst lying on the snow covered ground. Other clubs included the Loyal Order of Odd Fellows, the Hand in Hand Benefit Society, the Ancient Druids, Members of the Friendly Society of the Market House, and a strong muster from Tovil of the Philanthropic Society and the Men of Kent.

At one o’clock the Mayor H. Argles, attended by the Town Clerk and accompanied by the aldermen and councillors of the borough, ascended a platform erected at the Town Hall,  with the mace bearers and their golden charges at either end, facing the children. Despite a heavy shower ensuing, the children and members of the Maidstone Choral Society, accompanied by the Depot Band, with Corporation and other inhabitants, sang the “Hundredth Psalm” The Maidstone Journal stated “the effect was most imposing as the multitude of the youth of the town with one consent and in excellent harmony raised their cheerful voices to their maker in devout acknowledgement of his supremacy.” This was followed by the Mayor reading her Majesty’s proclamation of peace, followed by the National Anthem, sung by the children and other vocalists, accompanied by those assembled in the High Street. As the anthem finished, to the tune of the “British Grenadiers” played by the Marine Parade, the procession moved off towards the direction of Mote Park, followed by many of the town’s inhabitants. They were followed by twenty waggons dressed with laurels, containing groups of children from the infant schools, too young to endure the fatigues of the journey on foot. They were greeted along the route, by loud cheers from the spectators. The children were transported from Messrs Tassell’s yard in the West Borough, the vans lent by the railway company and several tradesmen of the town.

The scene in the park was described as of ‘varied but of an intensely interesting character.’ The children on arrival were marched to their respective places in the tea circle and the clubs to the lodges provided for their reception. A battery of cannon from the Stone street brewery fired royal salutes, during the afternoon and an archery ground attracted many spectators. An acrobatic performance, to the inspiring strains of the Loose Band was much admired and a variety of other sports were presented. Stalls provided drinks, some of a strong character, but no drunkenness or disorder was found in any part of the park. Despite the rain, it seemed many enjoyed the event. The south side of the park, which was occupied by many carriages filled with elegantly dressed ladies, the grass having become too wet to walk on. The Journal stated the circle around the quadrille band was always filled, and ‘occasionally a fair one was seen, in search of a truant swain to whom she was engaged to dance: whilst he, forgetful of his promise, was fortifying himself against the damp, in one of the booths or perhaps (we blush for our sex while writing it) having made the engagement without the slightest intention of fulfilling it.’

The arrival of the younger children in the waggons was greeted by a loud cheer from the older children and after each waggon had deposited it’s living freight, the ringing of a bell attached to the tent, caused a scene of the most lively bustle and excitement, that signalling the commencement of tea. The half pint pots were first served and the by no means ‘Lilliputian slices of plum-cake’ rapidly disappeared from the table. During the this time, the clergymen, ministers and teachers were fully employed in satisfying the wants of their young charges. A reverend gentleman could be seen hurrying round with a can of tea, another supplying the juvenile feasters with plum-cake, but all evidently ‘actuated in their labour of love by a hearty goodwill, and joy and happiness reigned supreme in all countenances.’

At the close of the feast, many persons who had no right to participate crushed in and the excitement, therefore prevented the music committee carrying out their singing of patriotic songs. Later in the evening, each child was given an orange and cheers were given for the Queen, Earl of Romney, Lord Marsham and the committee. The Crimean soldiers at the Depot were specially feasted, a grand cricket match was played and the evening closed with a grand display of rockets and Roman candles and a tremendous bonfire on Debtling hill.

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