This first stone of the Norwich Free Library, was laid on the 13th September, A.D. 1854, by Sir Samuel Bignold, Knight, Mayor of this City in the years 1833-4, 1848-9, 1853-4. Henry Birkbeck, Esq., Sheriff. John Rising Staff, Esq., Town Clerk. Architect--Edward Everett Benest, City Surveyor." The ceremony having been completed and the stone securely fixed in its place, addresses were delivered on the contemplated advantages of the library by the Mayor, the Rev. Edwin Sidney, M.A., Rector of Cornard Parva, Suffolk, and author of various works, Mr. Samuel Morton Peto, M.P. for Norwich, Sir J. P. Boileau, Bart., an archaeologist of Ketteringham, who was Sheriff of Norfolk in 1844, Sir Fitzroy Kelly, M.P., who in the early part of his legal career was on the Norfolk circuit, and two members of the Council, Mr. W. J. Utten Browne, and Mr. J. H. Tillett. The Town Clerk presented to the Mayor an address from the Norwich District of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, begging "most respectfully to tender the thanks of our numerous association to you and the Corporation of this city for the manifestation of regard for the Working Classes in having determined on the erection of a Free Library; feeling assured that such an institution will be welcomed by a large number of the industrious inhabitants, and will prove largely beneficial to all who will avail themselves of the advantages it offers." In the course of his address the Mayor said: "It has been my lot now, during my life, which has not been a short one, to aid a great many undertakings in this city--insurance offices, spinning factories, waterworks, literary and scientific institutions, and public charities; but I have never lent my assistance to any undertaking which more entirely commends itself to my judgment than that in which I am this day engaged in commencing" . . . "and I must here say that Mr. Tillett has been the main-spring of this undertaking, for he has never lost sight of it since the act placed it in the hands of the Corporation." After the erection of the building had been commenced it was considered that it would be highly advantageous if the School of Art was connected with and formed part of the Library, and the Council authorised the expenditure of a further sum in order to add another story for the accommodation of the School of Art. This involved some delay in the progress of the building, and for various reasons the Library was not ready for opening until March, 1857.