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There has always been a strong
military tradition in Bourne especially during the late 19th century when
troops were needed to fight wars in many parts of the world. Most of those
who joined the colours had trained with volunteer units in towns such as
this, forerunner of the Territorial Army we know today and so new recruits
were always needed.
Here the 2nd Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment is pictured marching
through the town centre with bayonets fixed during a recruiting tour of
the county in October 1897. The parade stretched down West Street and
sightseers, mainly men and small boys, crammed the pavements to watch the
soldiers pass by, halting cyclists and horse-drawn traffic including a
brewery dray loaded with beer barrels that has stopped outside Presgrave’s
Tea Warehouse on the corner of West Street and North Street, a familiar
building that is occupied today by a firm of estate agents.
The battalion camped overnight near Stamford when the officers were
entertained by the Marquess of Exeter at Burghley House while the rank and
file were given a smoking concert in the town. The following day, the
battalion marched on to Market Deeping where the soldiers were given food
and drink by residents who turned out to cheer. |
