172 the box was constructed for the female branches of the Royal Family admitted to the ceremony; at the opposite side, and also at the royal platform, was the box appropriated to Foreign Ambassadors and their Ladies; over the former were the boxes subdivided between the Earl Marshal, the Lord High Steward, and the Lord High Constable; and above the firstmentioned, boxes were fitted up for the suites of the Foreign Embassies. The lower gallery on the east side was devoted to persons having the Lord Great Chamberlain's and Peers' tickets; the upper was divided into sections, for the public depart- ments. The lower tier at the west side was appropriated to Peeresses alone, for about one third of its length, and the remainder to Peers' tickets. The upper tier was allotted to different official personages, principally for the tickets of the Lord Great Chamberlain and Lord Chamberlain. At each side of the Hall a long dinner table was placed, with marked seats for the Peers. From the cantalivers ornamented with angels bearing shields, which support the antique roof, gilt chandeliers were suspended, to shed a light upon the dining tables. Within Westminster Abbey.-All the galleries raised in this ancient pile, as well as the benches situated just before them on the pavement of the aisle, were covered with scarlet cloth, forming a magnificent prospect to the eye of the spectator. the choir were the benches on which the Knights Commanders of the Bath, the Privy Councillors, and Knights of the Garter, not being Peers, the Judges and different Law Officers of the Crown, took their seats during the Coronation. In the centre of the cross was a raised floor, called the theatre, and upon it a throne; cent work. magnifiThe theatre was under the tower of the Abbey, and on a platform of four steps, raised in the centre of it, covered with cloth of gold, and surrounded by the richest Turkey carpets, stood the Coronation chair of the Kings of England, which has been so often described. On the north and south sides of the theatre were the north and south transepts of the Abbey Church, in which seats covered with scarlet cloth were assigned for the Peers, and plain matted seats for the spectators who sat behind them.-At each of the four pillars, which support the main tower of the Abbey, seats were reserved for the Heralds and Officers of Arms; and near to the south pillar stood the pulpit, out of which the Coronation Sermon was preached; decorated with crimson velvet and gold. Rising another flight of steps was the platform on which was the altar and the communion-table, and on which were placed the chairs and fold-stool used by the King during the sermon and litany, and also the [Aug. old chair of St Edward the Confessor. The floor of this platform was covered with the walls which surrounded and rose from it most superb Persian tapestry, whilst the In the front of the throne was the Sacrawere hung with the most beautiful damask. rium, which, as the place of the most select ceremony, was very superbly prepared. The centre of the transepts on the left simple and elegant construction, though its was the pulpit, fixed to a pillar, and of a The area of this Chapel was a square formmaterials were of gold and crimson velvet. Two silk benches for the Bishops were on ed for the Ambassadors and the Princesses. the left side. In the centre of the side formed by the organ gallery was the altar, a splendid table covered with large pieces canopy sustained by golden palm trees. of gold plate under a slightly projecting On the right of the altar was an ottoman, covered with the canopy of gold tissue to the robe which he was then to wear. be held over the King at his unction, and desk, where the King was to offer his prithe right side was a blue velvet chair and vate devotions, and in the centre of the area stood King Edward's Throne, a statethose objects were admirable for their ly antique chair, covered with gold. beauty, and from their historic recollections. and the gentlemen of his Majesty's band In gradual order, the seats of the choristers rose, fringed with scarlet; and as a finale to stood the majestic organ of the Abbey.--the view from the grand western entrance, Boxes for spectators were fitted up in the cornice galleries which run round the whole extent of the Abbey, and were decorated in a superb manner. On All haps as much worthy of notice as the inBut the external preparations were perterior ones. Westminster Hall there was a winding From the north door of platform, which presented a lively appear. ance. covered with purple cloth, and the flooring The railing on each side of it was leaving about a yard on each side uncoverwas covered to the extent of sixteen feet, ed, with the same sort of blue cloth. The from the Hall to the Abbey was about course over which the procession proceeded 1500 yards in extent, exclusive of the exof which is about 240 feet long. Awnings tent of the Hall and the Abbey, the former lines were placed, to close or spread them. were drawn, but at short distances red To each line and pulley was allotted one man, with a particular dress, so that the most rapid change could be effected, as the weather required, while a staff enabled each man to act as a constable. There were also placed men with pincers, hammers, had a livery, with staves, and were sworn &c., to repair any damage. These men as constables. On each side of the platform was a narrow standing-place, some what under it, from the Hall to the Abbey; and on this sub-platform were stationed parties of foot soldiers, flanked and supported by horse soldiers. Thus the view was not intercepted. To gain the best possible sight, every house in view of the procession had either been let out upon speculation, or fitted up in front by the occupant with scaffoldings of stages of seats let at different prices, according to their nearness to, or distance from, the procession. The whole range of those houses opposite the Hall presented nearly an uniform erection of series of seats, in the form of theatrical boxes, with a kind of Chinese roofing over the uppermost of them. Some of them were neatly painted, with festooned ornaments in distemper. The stages erected on each side of the platform, from the Hall to the Abbey, were calculated to accommodate at least 100,000. persons, fitted up with awnings, and the posts that supported them were covered with crimson cloth, so that they made no unimportant part of the show. They were let at various prices, and designated by various names; such as the Royal Pavilion, the Bishops' Gallery, the Knights' Gallery, the Grand Crescent, the Western and Eastern Galleries, &c. Those persons, however, who had been at such expence in fitting places for the accommodation of the public, were not sufficiently remunerated for their trouble, as seats, which were expected to bring three guineas, were offered in the morning of the coronation at 10s. Very good seats were obtained at so low as 7s. The working classes of the public did not appear to take that interest in the coronation which was expected. The streets and neighbourhood of Westminster were not greatly crowded. The firing of guns and ringing of bells at one o'clock on Thursday morning announced the opening of this interesting day, and so early as two o'clock, the streets resounded with the rattling of carriages of every description, passing to the scene of this gorgeous ceremony or its vicinity. At three o'clock, the platform leading from Westminster Hall to the Abbey was thrown open to public view. The removal of the boards, which formed its sides, commenced on Wednesday night, and disclosed the interior, like the celebrated Trojan horse, filled with soldiers. They were lying down with arms at their sides, except a few who were on the alert to prevent the intrusion of the people. Thursday morning the canvas covering was furled up close to the top ridge, thus affording a view of the procession to the spectators in the most elevated places. The ledge along the outside of the platform was occupied by a detachment of the grenadier guards. There were also in attendance several troops of the 1st, 2d, and blue regiment of horse guards, which were stationed in several places near Westminster, but not in line with the platform. At this early hour carriages made their approach from several parts of the town, with persons entitled to seats to see the solemn ceremony, and with others who had paid for seats outside to see the procession. At five o'clock, a considerable number of the company had arrived. Large parties kept pouring in, and, as they entered, were conducted by the persons in attendance to the places assigned them in the galleries. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester was the first of the royal family who arrived in the Hall, taking her seat in the royal box at a quarter before six. Her Royal Highness was splendidly attired in a rich dress of silver lama, over French lilac; head-dress, a white satin hat, with an elegant plume of white feathers, turned up with a diamond button and loop in front, and appeared to be in excellent health and spirits. About half-past five o'clock, her Majesty, in her state carriage, drawn by six horses, and accompanied by Lord and Lady Hood and Lady Ann Hamilton, followed by another carriage, entered St James's Park, by Constitution Hill Gate. Her Majesty was not observed by the public till she entered the park; but it immediately displayed a busy scene, by persons running to greet her Majesty, and by the time she arrived at Storey's Gate, a great concourse of persons had collected, who loudly cheered her, and the general exclamation was, "God bless your Majesty! stick up for your rights, we will protect you." The soldiers at their different posts, as her Majesty passed, presented arms to her. Her Majesty having driven round by the west front of the Abbey, proceeded in her carriage by the side of the platform towards the Hall. When the carriage drew up, Lord Hood alighted, and proceeded to search for some means of ingress to the Hall, from which the carriage was separated by the platform. Having found a gate in the rear of the Champion's stable, he returned to the carriage; and her Majesty, having alighted, was conducted by his Lordship towards that gate, attended by Lady Hood and Lady Ann Hamilton. On reaching the gate, the royal party was informed that it was no thoroughfare. They then proceeded by the side of the platform, till they arrived at the passage across it from the end of Parliament Street, which was open for persons with Peers' tickets. Here an officer of the Guards presented himself, and, half-drawing his sword, asked for their authority to pass; when Lord Hood presented a ticket, and they were allowed to pass over the platform. They then proceeded towards the House of Lords, to try to enter the Hall by some of the passages, but were debarred from all ingress to the Hall. They then proceeded to the passage leading into the Abbey from Poets' Corner. The guard was at first drawn up to oppose her entrance, but, by the command of their officer, they withdrew respectfully, and let her Majesty pass. One of the attendants of the Abbey now came forward, and, with marked respect, conducted her Majesty to the Abbey door. Here Lord Hood desired admission for her Majesty. The door-keepers drew across the entrance, and requested to see the tickets. Lord Hood. I present you your Queen. Surely it is not necessary for her to have a ticket? Door-keeper. Our orders are to admit no person without a Peer's ticket. She Lord Hood. This is your Queen. is entitled to admission without such a form. The Queen smiling, but still in some agitation. Yes, I am your Queen. Will you admit me ? Door-keeper. My orders are specific, and I feel myself bound to obey them. The Queen laughed. Lord Hood. I have a ticket. Door-keeper. Then, my Lord, we will let you pass upon producing it. Lord Hood now drew from his pocket a Peer's ticket for one person. The original name in whose favour it was drawn was erased, and the name of Wellington substituted. Door-keeper. This will let one person pass, but no more. Lord Hood.-Will your Majesty go in alone? Her Majesty at first assented, but did not persevere. Lord Hood. Am I to understand that Her Majesty again laughed. A door-keeper of a superior order then came forward, and was asked by Lord Hood whether any preparations had been made for her Majesty? He answered respectfully in the negative. Lord Hood.-Will your Majesty enter the Abbey without your ladies? Her Majesty declined. Lord Hood then said, that her Majesty had better retire to her carriage. It was clear no provision had been made for her accommodation. Her Majesty assented. Some persons within the porch of the Abbey laughed, and uttered some expressions of disrespect. Lord Hood. We expected to have met at least with the conduct of gentlemen. Such conduct is neither manly nor mannerly. Her Majesty then retired, leaning on Lord Hood's arm, and followed by Lady Hood and Lady Hamilton. She was preceded by constables back to the platform, over which she returned-entered her carriage, and was driven off, amidst reiterated shouts of applause and disapproba tion. Her Majesty was dressed in white, and had on her head a cap or bandeau, with a large plume of white ostrich feathers; she appeared in full health, and returned the congratulations of the public by bowing to them in the most gracious manner. THE following account of the Procession, the Ceremonial of the Coronation, and the Banquet, was published in a Supplement to the London Gazette: Heralds' College, Thursday, July 19, 1821.-His Majesty having, on Wednesday evening, repaired to the residence of the Speaker of the House of Commons, where he remained during the night, was this day crowned in the Abbey Church of Saint Peter, Westminster, with the rites and ceremonies accustomed to be observed upon occasions of such great and glorious solemnity. The Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and his Royal Highness the Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg, were assembled at eight o'clock in the morning in the House of Lords: Deputy Garter, the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, the Trainbearers of the Princes of the Blood Royal, the Attendants on the Lord High Steward, and on the Lord Chancellor, Lord High Constable, Earl Marshal, and Lord Chamberlain of the Household, and the Gentlemen Ushers of the White and Green Rods, in the space below the Bar; the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber, the Attorney and Solicitor-General, Serjeants at Law, Masters in Chancery, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Recorder, and Sheriffs of London, the King's Chaplains having dignities, and the six Clerks in Chancery, in the Painted Chamber; the Vice-Chamberlain, Treasurer and Comptroller of the Household, the Marquis of Londonderry, K. G., the Register of the Order of the Garter, the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, the Master of the Rolls, the Vice-Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, the Lord Chief Baron, the rest of the Judges, and the Privy Councillors, not being Peers, and the Clerks of the Council in Ordinary, in the Chamber formerly called the Prince's Chamber, or Robing Room, near the former House of Lords; the Knights Grand Crosses and the Knights Commanders of the Order of the Bath, and the Officers of the said Order, in the Chamber formerly the House of Lords; the Trainbearers of his Majesty, the Master and Groom of the Robes, in his Majesty's Robing Chamber, near the south entrance into Westminster Hall; the Lords and Grooms of the Bed Chamber, the Keeper of the Privy Purse, the Equerries and Pages of Honour, and the Gentlemen Ushers and Aides-de-Camp, in the Room of the Chairmen of Committees adjoining the House of Lords; the Physicians, Surgeons, and Apothecaries, in the Witness-Room adjoining the House of Lords; the Officers and Band of Gentlemen Pensioners, the Serjeants at Arms, the Officers and Yeomen of the Guard, in the House of Commons and the Lobbies thereof; the King's Heralds, and Pursuivants of Arms, in the Lobby between the House of Lords and the Painted Chamber; the sixteen Barons of the Cinque Ports, with the Canopy, the Knight Marshal and his Officers, his Majesty's Band, in Westminster Hall, at the lower end; and all who were to precede the Knight Marshal in the procession, without the north door of the Hall. Soon after eight o'clock the Peers were called over in the House of Lords by Deputy Garter, and proceeded to the Hall, where the other persons appointed to walk in the procession had been previously marshalled on the right and left by the Officers of Arms. At about ten o'clock his Majesty, preceded by the Great Officers of State, entered the Hall and took his seat in the Chair of State; which was announced by the firing of a gun. The Deputy Lord Great Chamberlain, the Lord High Constable, and the Deputy Earl Marshal, ascending the steps, placed themselves at the outer side of the table: the Lord High Steward, the rest of the great Officers, Deputy Garter, and Black Rod, arranged themselves near the Chair of State; the Royal Trainbearers on each side of the Throne. The Vice-Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household, in the absence of the Lord Chamberlain, assisted by Officers of the Jewel-Office, then brought the Sword of State to the Lord High Constable, who delivered it to the Deputy Lord Great Chamberlain, by whom it was laid upon the table; then Curtana, or the Sword of Mercy, with the two Swords of Justice, being in like manner presented, were drawn from their scabbards by the Deputy Lord Great Chamberlain, and laid on the table before his Majesty; after which the Gold Spurs were delivered, and also placed on the table. Immediately after, a procession advanced up the Hall from the lower end thereof, with the usual reverences, in the following order: Serjeant of the Vestry, in a scarlet mantle. Children of the King's Chapel, in scarlet mantles, four abreast. Rouge Dragon Pursuivant. York Herald. Blue Mantle Pursuivant. Somerset Herald. The two Provincial Kings of Arms. The Dean of Westminister, carrying St Edward's Crown on a cushion of cloth of gold. The Dean and Prebendaries, having arrived at the foot of the steps, and Deputy Garter preceding them, ascended the steps, and approaching near the table before the King, the Dean presented the Crown to the Lord High Constable, who delivered it to the Deputy Lord Great Chamberlain, and by him it was placed on the table before the King. The rest of the Regalia were severally delivered by each Prebendary, on his knee, to the Dean, by him to the Lord High Constable, by him to the Deputy Lord Great Chamberlain, by whom they were laid on the table. The Regalia being thus delivered, the Prebendaries and Dean returned to the middle of the Hall. His Majesty then commanded Deputy Garter to summon the Noblemen and Bishops who were to bear the Regalia; and the Deputy Lord Great Chamberlain delivered the same to the Lords by whom they were to be severally carried. The Bishops of Oxford and Lincoln, who were to support his Majesty, for the Bishops of Durham and Bath and Wells, were then summoned by Deputy Garter, and, ascending the steps, placed themselves on each side of the King. The second gun was then fired; and the procession, flanked by the Earl Marshal's Gold Staff Officers, moved forward upon blue cloth spread from the Throne in West minster Hall, to the great steps in the Abbey Church; the Anthem, "O Lord, grant the King a long life," &c. being sung in parts, in succession with his Majesty's Band play. ing, the sounding of trumpets, and the beating of drums, until the arrival in the Abbey. ORDER OF THE PROCESSION. The King's Herb-Woman, with her six Maids, two and two, strewing the way with herbs. Messenger of the College of Arms, in a scarlet cloak, with the arms of the College embroidered on the left shoulder. The Dean's Beadle of Westminster, with his staff. The High Constable of Westminster in a scarlet cloak, with his staff. Two Household Fifes, with banners of velvet fringed with gold, and five Household Drum- Kettle Drums, drum-covers of crimson damask embroidered and fringed with gold. The Knight Marshal, attended by his four Officers. King's Chaplains having dignities. The Sheriffs of London. Aldermen of London who have not passed the Chair. Aldermen of London who have passed the Chair. The King's Serjeants at Law. The King's Ancient Serjeant. The King's Solicitor General. The King's Attorney General. Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber. Serjeant of the Vestry of the Chapel Royal. Serjeant-Porter. Children of the Choir of Westminster, in surplices. Children of the Chapel Royal, in surplices, with scarlet mantles over them. Gentlemen of the Chapel Royal, in scarlet mantles. Prebendaries of Westminster, in surplices and rich copes, three abreast. Pursuivants of Scotland and Ireland, in their tabards, viz. Bute. Athlone. Unicorn. His Majesty's Band, in full state habits. Officers attendant on the Knights Commanders of the Order of the Bath, in their mantles, chains, and badges, viz. Knights Commanders of the Order of the Bath, four abreast, in the habit of their Order, their hats and feathers in their hands. Officers of the Order of the Bath, in their mantles, chains, and badges, viz. The Gentleman Usher of the Scarlet Rod. The Genealogist. The Secretary. The Register. Deputy Bath King of Arms. Knights Grand Crosses of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, four abreast in the full habit of their Order, their hats and feathers in their hands, those being Members of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, wearing a blue scarf, fringed with gold, around the right arm. Rouge Dragon Pursuivant of Arms, in his tabard. Barons of the Exchequer. Justices of the Court of Common Pleas. Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. The Master of the Rolls. The Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench. Privy Councillors, not Peers, four abreast. |