Lord Roberts' Visit to Manchester (1901)

The Boer War hero addresses a capacity crowd in Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens and unveils a statue to the late Queen Victoria.

The capacity crowds demonstrate the celebrity enjoyed by the Boer War leaders - this is one of several Mitchell and Kenyon films featuring generals recently back from South Africa. Lord Roberts addresses the crowds as he unveils Edward Onslow Ford's statue of Victoria. There's an intriguing gentleman in a Fez, plus a rare glimpse of film pioneer Cecil Hepworth vying for position with his camera.

Lord Roberts returned from South Africa around the end of 1900, after a series of decisive victories had turned the course of the war in Britain's favour.