Description:Giuseppe Garibaldi, the famous Italian patriot responsible for the unification of Italy, visited England in 1864. Whilst in England he was the guest of the third Duke of Sutherland at Stafford House, the Duke’s famous London residence. The Duke also assisted Garibaldi in his return to Italy by taking him to Caprera on his personal yacht.
Amongst the many scrapbooks in the Sutherland Papers is a scrapbook containing news cuttings, illustrations and notes on speeches relating to Garibaldi’s stay with the Duke. In addition, the collection also includes letters received by the Duke regarding Garibaldi’s stay, from people in favour of his visit and those opposed to his politics. These documents provide a valuable insight into the contemporary perception of Garibaldi and British Politics at the time of his visit.
A number of newspaper cuttings from 'The Morning Post' indicate that Garibaldi’s visit to England was welcome and celebrated. The articles express enthusiasm about ‘the arrival of this celebrated man’, referring to Garibaldi as ‘the great champion of Italian unity and independence’.
One article asserts that ‘when we say that our visitor is GARIBALDI, the name renders all mention of distinctions not only superfluous, but even ludicrous’.
The article suggests that England was enthusiastic to receive Garibaldi in order to celebrate his work towards the independence of the oppressed. It states: ‘Garibaldi has been from his earliest youth the apostle of political liberty, and hence it is that his visit to Great Britain derives all its significance.’
The reporter continues, noting that Britain, ‘as a nation which has accomplished its independence, as one which holds political liberty dear’ will give ‘a hearty welcome’ to Garibaldi, who is described as ‘one whose sword and whose genius have always been placed at the command of those who, wishing to be free, had the courage to raise their arms to achieve their independence’.
The third Duke of Sutherland played an integral part in Garibaldi’s visit to the Country. 'The Morning Post' for Thursday April 7th provides the official programme of Garibaldi’s visit, stating that he will process through London in ‘a carriage provided for the occasion by his Grace the Duke of Sutherland’. In addition, 'The Morning Post' for Wednesday April 20th 1864 reports on Garibaldi’s departure, stating that Garibaldi ‘will embark on board the Duke of Sutherland’s yacht, and will be taken by the duke to his residence in Caprera’.
Click on the images on the left to learn more about Gardibaldi's visit in the Sutherland Papers.