Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Transport > Railway
Turning the First Turf of the Ceylon Railway, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Turning the First Turf of the Ceylon Railway, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Turning the First Turf of the Ceylon Railway, 1858. Engraving from a photographs by Mr. Parting, of a ceremony performed...by his Excellency Sir Henry Ward, the Governor of the Island. The gentleman standing at the wheelbarrow with the blade of the mammotie (hoe or spade) resting on his arm is Sir Henry Ward. Next on his left is General Lockyer; to his left is Mr. W. T. Doyne, the chief resident engineer; and the gentleman in uniform immediately behind Mr. Doyne is Mr. G. Cumming, the Railway Company's agent in Ceylon. Immediately to the Governor's right is the Bishop of Colombo; and near him are several members of the Legislative Council of Ceylon...Bishop Chapman implored the Divine blessing on the work about to be commenced. Immediately on the conclusion of these prayers, his Excellency Sir Henry Ward cut the first turf, which he deposited in a wheelbarrow of polished satinwood and ebony. Mr. Doyne then, amidst the roar of the artillery and the cordial cheers of the spectators, wheeled the barrow up the incline, and tipped over the turf at the top with the art of a navvy and the air of a prince of engineers. From "Illustrated London News", 1858
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36376720
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Administrator Attache Benediction Bishop Blessing British India British Raj Ceremonial Ceremony Ceylon Sri Lanka Colonial Administrator Commissary Crowds Diplomat Engineer Engineering Governor Imperialism Official Prayer Prayers Railways Speech The Raj Wheelbarrow British Empire Governor Of Ceylon
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> P
> George Prince
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> George White
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> James Ward
> Asia
> Sri Lanka
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Transport
> Railway
> People
> Politicians
> Popular Themes
> Railway Posters
Turning the First Turf of the Ceylon Railway, 1858
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating historical image that depicts the beginning of a significant project in the colonial history of Sri Lanka. The photograph, an engraving from a series taken by Mr. Parting, captures the ceremonial event of laying the first turf for the construction of the Ceylon Railway. The image features a group of distinguished gentlemen gathered around a wheelbarrow, with Sir Henry Ward, the Governor of the Island, standing at the center, turning the first sod of land with a blade of a mammotie (spade) in his hand. To his left is General Lockyer, followed by Mr. W. T. Doyne, the chief resident engineer, and Mr. G. Cumming, the Railway Company's agent in Ceylon. The Bishop of Colombo is seen next to the Governor, with several members of the Legislative Council of Ceylon in the background. The occasion began with the Bishop of Colombo imploring divine blessings on the work about to be commenced. Following the prayer, Sir Henry Ward, with great pomp and ceremony, cut the first turf and placed it in a wheelbarrow made of polished satinwood and ebony. Mr. Doyne then wheeled the barrow up an incline and tipped over the turf at the top, marking the official start of the railway construction. This image is a testament to the grandeur and significance of the Ceylon Railway project, which was a vital infrastructure development during the British colonial era in Sri Lanka. The event brought together the political, religious, and engineering elite of the time, and the image captures the excitement and anticipation of the beginning of this monumental undertaking.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
