Demonstration: Great Procession: Great Success: The great demonstration which took place on Saturday in the capital of the County, in support of the Extension of the Franchise, will long be remembered by those who had the privilege of taking part in the proceedings and of witnessing its remarkable success. The large muster of well-dressed persons from all the principal towns of Devonshire, their march four deep, shoulder to shoulder, in a compact procession, the head of which was entering St. Sidwell’s at the same moment as the rear of the column came around from the Bonhay Road into Fore Street, the order which distinguished the movement through the day, the earnestness shown by the demonstrators, these circumstances could not fail to impress everyone and to win respect from opponents as well as friends. That the county leaders of the Liberal Party should be present was of course only natural, but tradesmen, mechanics and others mustered in their thousands … The Bovey Tracey detachment, nearly 100 strong, came to Exeter in breaks and had the honour of being the first to move the city with the sound of their music, their band playing lively tunes as they drove up through Fore-street at noon. In the procession they were preceded by a fine banner inscribed “Bovey Tracey Liberal Association” and then came the band; next a banner inscribed “The Franchise is Our Right” and another “Willing or Unwilling – Mend or End” In addition there were a couple of large flags … among those present were … G. Pinsent …
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Referenced
GRO0340 Bovey Tracey: George Pinsent: 1844 – 1937 (?)