United Kingdom
6 November 1888
Prince Albert Victor has been granted long leave of absence from his military duties, and will leave London on Saturday next for Copenhagen, to represent the Prince and Princess of Wales at the celebrations in honour of the twenty fifth anniversary of the accession of the King of Denmark to the throne.
Some attempt to keep up Guy Fawkes' Day was made in London; but the original object was completely lost sight of. Such effigies as were carried about were those of persons who have recently made themselves popular or notorious. Amongst a few political "guys" there was a large sprinkling of stuffed figures labelled "Jack the Ripper" or "Leather Apron." Sir Charles Warren also came in for some attention. At Hampstead the usual bonfire was lighted on the heath, in the presence of a crowd of visitors. There was also a procession of masqueraders. The annual carnival of the "bonfire boys" was held at Lewisham amid a good display of coloured lights, but the bonfire was dispensed with. At Eltham Mr. Parnell and other Irish members of Parliament were "guyed." In connection with a masquerade at Yeovil a balloon ascent was made, and a dummy was allowed to float down to the ground by means of a parachute in imitation of Baldwin. The descent is described as successful, and graceful. At Eastbourne several bonfires were lit and effigies of unpopular persons were burnt amidst a display of fireworks. At Salisbury a bonfire was lighted by the Mayor, and there was a display of fireworks. A torchlight procession in costume was organized at Bridgwater, and there was a mimic combat between H.M.S. Orlando and the Royal Horse Artillery with Roman candles. At Exeter the celebration was on a more extensive scale than has been the case of late years. "Young Exeter" and the guys marched in procession with lighted torches and accompanied by a band. In the roadway facing the west front of the Cathedral a huge bonfire had been erected, and on the arrival of the procession in the cathedral yard a light was applied to the pile and it was soon ablaze. There was also a display of fireworks. Unfortunately some accidents are reported in connection with the celebration. At Swanley a set piece was accidentally ignited, and a youth had one of his hands blown off. At Crayford a young man was discharging a pistol when it burst in his hand and injured it. A rocket was let off at Bexley with the result that it put out the eye of a young lady named Jephson.