THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, For JULY, 1821. CORONATION OF HIS MAJESTY KING GEORGE THE FOURTH. HIS grand and important Cere THUS and aestored te liberty and thousands of suffering wretches nized, with all the regal inagnificence of pomp and splendour which became an illustrious Monarch and a powerful Nation. Thursday the 19th inst. will be ever famous in the annals of Great Britain. This solemn national compact between King George IV. and his Nobles and People, was on that day consummated. Our Sove reign then ascended the throne of his Ancestors, not as a sanguinary Conqueror, like "the Macedonian mad man or the Swedish fool," but as a Prince renowned for social virtues, and blessed with the possession of universal peace, and the enjoyment of extended power and unrivalled commerce throughout the world. The event will be recorded as one of the most brilliant periods in the annals of history. King George IV. ascended the Throne not as an inexperienced or unsuccessful Prince, but as a tried and approved Ruler. The conduct of the most glorious Regency ever known to this or any other country, had already stamped his name with immortality. By the magnanimity and perseverance of the Prince and people, during that ever-memorable Regency, was the overthrow of a nighty and dangerous Foe accomplished by its unshaken integrity and energetic exertions were the most frightful confederacies, for the subversion of the liberties of Europe, reduced; and by its measures have the shackles of Slavery been burst, We shall proceed to detail the circumstances of the Coronation with as much minuteness as our limits will possibly permit; thus rendering our Miscellany a standard record of the splendid Ceremonies of that important day*. The On Wednesday evening, the 18th inst. a Guard of Honour marched into the Speaker's yard, preparatory to the arrival of his Majesty, and about the same time a troop of Cuirassiers took up their station along the platform in New Palace-yard, in Bridge-street, in Parliament-street, and in Little Bridge-street. crowd, even at this time, was beyond calculation. At about half-past eight o'clock, his Majesty arrived in his carriage at the Speaker's house, and was received by that Right Hon. Gentleman, by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Stowell (late Sir William Scott), the Marquis of Londonderry, Lord Sidmouth, and some other Officers of State. His Majesty was conducted to the suite of rooms prepared for his reception, and subsequently supped with the Speaker. On retiring to rest, the Deputy Lord Great Chamberlain (Lord Gwydyr), and Mr. Fellowes, his secretary, took their station on one side of his Majesty's chamber, and the Usher of the Black Rod on the other. Here they remained till morning. As early as one o'clock on Thursday morning, Westminster, the scene of this magnificent pageant, presented * In order that a correct idea of the exterior preparations may be formed, we have introduced an accurate lithographic Plan (published by authority) of Westminster Hall and Abbey. This shews the exact line of Procession and the situations of the different galleries erected for the splendid occasion. A farther account of the extensive preparations for the august ceremony is given in page 75, in addition to what has already been detailed in Part I. p. 558. The various circumstances relative to the Queen are fully related under a distinct head (p. 71), for the purpose of presenting an uninterrupted detail of the Coronation. a spec 4 Coronation of His Majesty King George the Fourth. [July, a spectacle which confounded the senses. Even at that hour, those whose happy lot destined them to seats in the Abbey and the Hall, had commenced their approach to the scene of celebration. From Charingcross, as the converging centre to the metropolis, there were then two streams of carriages directing their course through the passages respectively marked out, the one appropriated to the visitors of the Abbey, and the others to those of the Hall. Through the grey mist of morning, the gay apparel of the inmates was visible, and excited a sensation not to be described. The streets were then crowded with foot passengers hastening to the common centre of attraction, some eager to secure their seats on the different platforms, and others anxious to gain some standing-place convenient for view. His Majesty's foot-guards, in full-dress uniform, had been under arms the whole night, and at the dawn of day were stationed in the posts allotted to them. As the morning advanced, the scene gathered fresh interest. The sun rose in full splendour about four o'clock, and imparted his golden brilliancy to all around, shewing to full advantage the dazzling glitter presented to the admiring spectator. At an early hour the bells of St. Margaret's commenced a merry peal,and continued playing alternately every half hour. The morning was ushered in by discharges of artillery in the Parks, and from the boats on the river, which were continued at intervals during the morning. In consequence of the orders issued for the accommodation of those who came in carriages, and the limitation of the bour at which the visitors were to obtain admission to the Abbey and Hall, the throng of carriages by six o'clock was extremely great, and at that hour there was a complete stoppage for a considerable time. Long before this hour many of the company, impatient of the ordinary delay of setting down at the doors, got out of their carriages and hastened to their places of destination through the crowd. The intermixture of waving plumes, glitter ing diamonds, and splendid costumes, with the assembled multitude, gave a singularly striking appearance to the scene. Many of the nobility, attired in their Coronation robes, were obliged from the same cause to alight before their carriages arrived at the barrier leading to the Hall, and the contrast of their splendid robes and coronets with the surrounding groups was pleasingly striking. Every moment some object of attraction was presented to the view of the gazing multitude. The splendid, and in some instances grotesque dresses of those who were to form part of the grand Procession, excited wonder and admiration. Of the latter description were the dresses of the Pursuivants, Gentlemen Pensioners, the attendants of the Lords Spiritual, and many others, which were formed after the model of antient times. Most of the persons of this description being pedestrians, afforded the spectators a full opportunity of observing their ap pearance. About six o'clock, two or three of the Royal carriages arrived, conveying some of his Majesty's Household. By this time many other persons connected with the Ceremonials of the Hall had also arrived. Amongst others, the Royal Band of Gentlemen Pensioners, the Royal Band of Musi cians, &c. &c. At this time nothing was more impressive than the good order and quietness which every where prevailed. Never was a more gratifying sight beheld than the display of assembled beauty, elegance, and wealth, on the different pavilions around the platform and vicinage. At half past eight o'clock all the avenues to the Hall were closed against the admission of any more company. The galleries at this time presented a most brilliant spectacle, being nearly filled with company, chiefly ladies, in every variety of the most splendid attire; the number of gentlemen was small in proportion, but presented every variety of naval and military uniform, court dresses, and legal and clerical professional habits. So dazzling an assemblage, and so bright a galaxy of beauty, has rarely been witnessed. The canopy of cloth of gold was now raised, and the sixteen Barons of the Cinque Ports proceeded to exercise themselves in carrying it; being marched up and down the Hall to the word of command, à la militaire, the irregularity of their movements and oddity of their appearance, excited much pleasantry among the company. At 20 minutes past nine, the names of the Peers were called over, and those 1821.] Coronation of His Majesty King George the Fourth. those of the different personages who assisted in the ceremony. At half past 9 the whole of the persons forming the procession were assembled in the Hall. At a little after ten o'clock the Officers of State, the Judges, Bishops, Barons, Viscounts, Earls, Marquises, Dukes, &c. with the personages who had to perform certain duties during the ceremony, ranged themselves from the top to the bottom of the Hall, the great Officers of State nearest the Throne. On the left of the Throne the Dukesof York and Sussex and thePrince Leopoldtook theirseats, and on theright the Dukes of Clarence and Cambridge. At this moment the Deputy Lord Great Chamberlain and other Officers who had assisted in attiring his Majesty, entered. The most breathless anxiety was evinced by the assemblage, and they rose from their seats on the King entering the Hall through the door bebind the Throne. He was ushered to his seat on the Throne by Lord Gwydyr. The first signal gun was then fired. On his Majesty entering he looked pale; and it was remarked that he was slightly agitated. He took his seat with his wonted dignity, and waved his hand gracefully right and left as soon as he was seated. His Majesty wore a black velvet bat, with a large plume of white feathers flowing over the top, out of the centre of which appeared a heron's feather. His under dress was white and silver, with white silk stockings, and white shoes and tassels. He wore a large mantle of crimson velvet, which was covered with gold stars; the train was supported by six pages. While the Regalia was being presented, his Majesty bowed to the persons who assisted in the ceremonies. The Marquis of Salisbury not being in his proper place as one of the Great Officers, the error was detected by his Majesty, who called to the Deputy Garter and pointed it out, with some remarks on the inadvertence. The Deputy Lord Great Chamber lain, the Lord High Constable (Duke of Wellington), and the Deputy Earl Marshal (Lord Howard of Effingham), ascended the steps, and placed themselves at the outer side of the table. TheLord High Steward (the Marquess of Anglesey), the Great Officers, Deputy Garter (Sir George Nayler), and Black Rod, arranged themselves near the Chair of State; the Royal Train bearers on each side of the Throne. 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 on 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, consisting of the Dean and Prebendaries of Westminster, in their surplices and rich copes, proceeded up the Hall. The Dean carried St. Edward's Crown; and the Orb, the Sceptre with the Dove, the Sceptre with the Cross, St. Edward's Staff, the Chalice and Patina, and the Bible, were each severally borne by Six Prebendaries. During the procession they made their reverences, first at the lower end of the Hall; secondly, about the middle, where both the Choirs opening to the right and left, formed a passage, through which the Officers of Arms passing, opened likewise on each side, the Seniors placing themselves nearest towards the steps; then the Dean and Prebendaries having come to the front of the steps, made their third reverence. This being done, the Dean and Prebendaries being come to the foot of the steps, Deputy Garter preceding them (he having waited their coming there), ascended the steps, and ap. proaching near the table before the King, made their last reverence. The Dean then 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, and by him laid on the table. The Prebendaries and Dean returned to the middle of the Hall. His Majesty having commanded Deputy Garter to summon the Noblemen and Bishops who were to bear the Regalia, the Deputy Lord Great Chamberlain, placed them in the hands of those by whom they were to be carried. First, St. Edward's Staff, by the Marquess of Salisbury. Second, the spars, by the Lord Calthorpe, as 6 Coronation of King George IV.-The Procession. as deputy to Baroness Grey de Ruthyn, Third, the Sceptre with the Cross, by the Marquess Wellesley. Fourth, the Pointed Sword of Temporal Justice, by the Earl of Galloway. Fifth, the Pointed Sword of Spiritual Justice, by the Duke of Northumberland. Sixth, Curtana, or sword of mercy, by the Duke of Newcastle. Seventh, the Sword of State, by the Duke of Dorset. Eighth, the Sceptre with the Dove, by the Duke of Rutland. [July, Ninth, the Orb, by the Duke of Devonshire. Tenth, St. Edward's Crown, by the Marquis of Anglesea, as Lord High Steward. Eleventh, the Patina, by the Bishop of Gloucester. Twelfth, the Chalice, by the Bishop of Chester. Thirteenth, the Bible, by Bishop of Ely. The two Bishops who supported his Majesty were then summoned by Deputy Garter, and ascending the steps, placed themselves on each side of the King. PROCESSION TO THE ABBEY. The second gun was then fired, and the Procession moved upon the blue cloth, spread on the platform, from the Throne in Westminster Hall to the great steps in the Abbey Church; the following anthem, "O Lord, grant the King a long life," &c. being sung in parts, in succession, with his Majesty's band playing, the sounding of trumpets, and the beating of drums, until the arrival in the Abbey. ORDER OF THE PROCESSION. The King's Herb Woman, Miss Fellowes, with her six maids, Miss Garth, Miss Collier, Miss Ramsbottom, Miss Hill, Miss Daniel, and Miss Walker, 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, with his staff, in a scarlet cloak. Two Household fifes with banners of velvet fringed with gold, and five Household drummer in royal livery, drum covers of crimson velvet, laced and fringed with gold. The Drum Major in a rich livery, and a crimson scarf fringed with gold. Eight Trumpets in rich liveries; banners of crimson damask embroidered and fringed with gold, to the silver trumpets. Kettle-drums, drum-covers of crimson damask embroidered and fringed with gold. The Knight Marshal, attended by his Officers. The King's Chaplains having dignities. The Aldermen and Recorder of London. The King's Serjeants at Law. 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. Choir of Westminster, in surplices. Gentlemen of the Chapel Royal, in scarlet mantles. Sub-Dean of the Chapel Royal, in a scarlet gown. Prebendaries of Westminster, in surplices and rich copes. Officers attendant on the Knights Commanders of the Bath, in their mantles, Knights Commanders of the Bath, not Peers. Officers of the Order of the Bath, in their mantles, chains, and badges. caps in their hands. A Pursuivant of Arms, in his tabard. Barons of the Exchequer, and Justices of both Benches. The Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. The Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. The Vice Chancellor. The Master of the Rolls. The Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench. 821.] Coronation of King George IV.-The Procession. 7 Privy Councillors, not Peers. Knights of the Garter (not Peers), in the full habit and collar of the Order, caps in their hands. His Majesty's Vice Chamberlain. Comptroller of his Majesty's Treasurer of his Majesty's Household, bearing the crimson bag with the medals. A Pursuivant of Arms, in his tabard. Heralds of Scotland and Ireland, in their tabards and collars of SS. Barons, in their robes of estate of crimson velvet, their coronets in their hands. THE STANDARD OF IRELAND, borne by Lord Beresford. THE STANDARD of Scotland, borne by the Earl of Lauderdale. The Bishops of England and Ireland, in their rochets, with their caps in their hands. Two Heralds, in their tabards and collars of SS. Viscounts, in their robes of estate, their coronets in their hands. Marquesses, in their robes of estate, their coronets in their hands. The Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household, in his robes of estate, his coronet in The Lord Steward of His Majesty's Household, in his robes of estate, THE ROYAL STANDARD, borne by the Earl of Harrington. King of Arms of the Ionian Dukes, in their in his tabard, crown in his hand. The Lord Privy Seal, in his robes of estate, coronet in his hand. Norroy King of Arms, in his tabard, crown in his hand. The Lord President of the Council, in his robes o estate, coronet in his hand. Archbishops of Ireland. The Archbishop of York, in his rochet, cap in his hand. The Lord High Chancellor, in his robes of estate, with his coronet in his hand, bearing his purse, and attended by his Purse-bearer. The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, in his rochet, cap in his hand. St. Edward's Staff, borne by the Marquess of Salisbury. The third Sword, borne by the Earl of Galloway. The Lord Mayor of London, in his gown, collar, and jewel, bearing Two Serjeants at Arms. THE REGALIA. The Gold Spurs, borne by the Lord Calthorpe. Curtana, borne by the Duke of Newcastle. Two Serjeants at Arms. Usher of the Green Rod. the City Mace. The Sceptre with the Cross borne by the Marquess Wellesley. The second Sword, borne by the Duke of Northumberland. Usher of the White Rod. The Deputy Lord Great Chamberlain of England, in his robes of estate, his coronet and his white staff in his hand. His Royal Highness the Prince Leopold, in the full habit of the Order of the Garter, carrying in his right hand his baton as Field Marshal, and in his left his cap and feathers; his train borne. His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, in his robes of estate, carrying in his right hand his baton as Field Marshal, and in his left his coronet; his train borne. |