The Exeter Flying Post of 10th September 1812 (in a leading article dated the 9th) resorded that:
"Last evening a general illumination took place in this city, in celebration of the glorious victory obtained by the great Wellington and the British army on the plains of Salamanca, and on the recent capture of Madrid. "Never have we witnessed on any former occasion more general joy than was diffused amongst all ranks of people.
"The morning was ushered in by the firing of cannon, ringing of bells, flags triuphantly waving in every direction, and the houses so decorated with laurel, as to form the appearance of a grove. In the evening each endeavoured to outdo his neighbour; there were an immense number of coloured and other lamps displayed in various devices, whilst the name of the conquering hero shone conspicuously every where.
"Mr. Land, New London Inn, had a most brilliant crown, with the words, 'Wellington and the Army,' the whole length of the house in front, which took nearly one thousand lamps, and had a fine effect. There were also an immense number of transparencies appropriate to the event....
"....The Cavalry Barracks, now occupied by the 88th regt. of foot, had a large transparency, and was otherwise brilliantly lighted. The band of this regiment passed though the High-street in the course of the evening playing "God save the King" and "Rule Britannia," amidst the loud acclamations of thousands of people with whom the streets were thronged."
'General Joy' pervaded Exeter, or so it would seem It was, writes The Post, a 'joyous scene, in which every individual seemed so highly interested.' Nowadays, I suspect, half the citizens would have been grumpy about it and more or less offended. How did the Georgian Exonians manage to be, to seem at least, so united?
I'm glad the Cavalry Barracks was 'lighted' and not 'lit'.
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