Hercules and The Hydra mb-artistname William Allan The launch took place at

The launch took place at the East India Docks

A fat Lord Mayor sits in the stocks

Jim Steele digs for victory

'Sir Frederick Prat Alliston'

Lee Guinness took the land speed record to 133

Hercules and The Hydra mb-artistname William Allan The launch took place at'Hercules and The Hydra', 1870. This cartoon shows the Liberal Prime Minister, Mr Gladstone, dressed as Hercules. The hydra, a mythical many headed serpent here represents all the various difficulties that Mr Gladstone will face during the coming Session of parliament. Armed with a large sword, he will have to behead each of the problems which include sanitary and railway reform, education and various Irish issues. From Punch, or the London Charivari,