Freda Mary Walker was the third daughter of Peterborough doctor Thomas Walker. Her wedding to Harry Gill of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1898 was the society event of the autumn in Peterborough and the good and the great turned up to celebrate the event.
The wedding was held on Tuesday 20th September in St. John's Church, where the bells rang out through the day. The Peterborough Advertiser claimed 'The afternoon was a perfect one. There was not a cloud to be seen, but still the undimmed rays of the sun were tempered by a delightful breeze - an ideal September day.'1 The ceremony began at 2.30pm, with some people unable to enter the church, such were the crowds of people who had turned up before the event. The streets were crowded from The Walkers home in Westgate to the church too.
The wedding was relayed in great detail in the local papers, with Freda's dress described as 'a white satin dress trimmed with chiffon,' along with 'a white Brussels net veil and orange blossom wreath'.2 Both mothers were in Bengaline dresses and the bridesmaids wore 'dresses of white embroidered muslin over blue, trimmed with blue chiffon sashes and valencienes lace, white chip hats, with white gauze and blue tips.'2
At the end of the wedding the new Mrs Gill was 'wreathed in happy smiles as she was gently and kindly chaperoned through the people-lined aisles by her tall and proud protector to the carriage, which drove them to Westgate.'1
The reception afterwards was held in a marquee in the garden of the Walkers' house, which was decorated with lights and carpets and filled with the sound of 'Mr Strickson's band and the cathedral quartet'.2 Exotic flowers were used to decorate both the house and marquee.
The bride and groom departed for their honeymoon on the 5.18 train for London, travelling later to the Channel Islands and France.
The list of guests at the event was incredibly long, they included: all of the local doctors, infirmary staff and Florence Saunders; the Lord Bishop and local clergymen; the Fitzwilliams, Berties and Strongs; local councillors; local solicitors and other dignitaries.
Presents for the couple were listed in the Advertiser and included: a piano from Dr Walker; a set of table silver by Mr Gill; a silver teapot; a crumb scoop; silver candlesticks; a set of toilet cans; a clock; Norwegian sugar spoons; a silver-topped inkpot; a gong; two silver bonbon dishes; a silver muffineer; a spoon warmer; several scent bottles; a box of chocolates; an ostrich feather fan; silver salt cellars and several vases.
References:
1. 'Marriage of Miss Freda Walker of Peterborough,' Peterborough Advertiser, Saturday 24 September, p. 5.
2. 'Marriage of Miss F. M. Walker at Peterboro',' Stamford Mercury, Friday 23 September 1898, p. 6.
