ihdf •LSI Alj s s^^^^ <--" '-J-* ^^-tr*^*- m A ' ^t-^^ >'. A NARRATIVE OF THE VISIT OF THEIR MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTIES WILLIAM IV. AND QUEEN ADELAIDE, TO THE ANCIENT BOROUGH OF LEWES, ON THE 22d OF OCTOBER, 1830. GIDEON MA^TELL, F.R.S. Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons ; of the Linnean and Geological Societies of London ; Honorary Member of the Philomatic Society of Paris ; of the Scientific Institutions of Portsea, Canterbury, <&c. Author of "The Illustrations of the Geology of Sussex." " The Fossils of Tilgate Forest ;" &c. ckc. Go fo.th, my little book, to future times Transmit the record of this glorious day. Axon. LONDON : LUPTON RELFE, 17, CORNHILL. 1831. LONDON: J. Unwin, Printer, White Lion Court, Cornliill. TO SIR THOMAS MANTELL, F.S.A. F.L.S. LATE MAYOR OF DOVER, AUTHOR OF VARIOUS WORKS ON THE CINQUE PORTS, &c. &c. $Tf)i0 Volume te inuvibtu, WITH EVERY SENTIMENT OF RESPECT AND ESTEEM, BY HIS FAITHFUL AND AFFECTIONATE FRIEND, THE AUTHOR Castle Place, Lewes, March, 1831. TO GEORGE GRANTHAM, JUNIOR, ESQUIRE, ONE OF THE CHIEF OFFICERS OP THE BOROUGH OF LEWES. My dear Friend, Feeling with you, that the late visit of their most gracious Majesties should be more permanently recorded than in the columns of a newspaper, I have been induced to compile, from the provincial journals, an account of the proceedings of a day, which must ever be considered as one of the most important in the annals of our native town. VI i" have added a brief notice of the only other royal visit, on record, since the Conquest* — that of Henry III., in 1264, as affording an interest- ing contrast with the gratifying spectacle which it was our good fortune to witness : and it is worthy of remark, that the visits of both Monarchs, although nearly six centuries intervened, were followed by a reform in the representation of of the people. Harassed by professional duties, and unaccus- tomed to this kind of composition, I feel that I have but ill executed the grateful task, which I took upon myself, because no other person would undertake it. You well know, that although I have often appeared as an author, my literary labours have been confined to works on scientific, or professional subjects ; and I fear that you * Edward I. is said to have visited John, Earl of Warren, at Lewes, in 1289, hut no particulars of the royal sojourn are recorded. Vll will think my bad prose, and worse poetry, exem- plify the truth of the aphorism, — " He who attempts many things will excel in none." But, however this may be, I yield to no one in loyalty to my Sovereign, and attachment to my friends, amongst whom I have the happiness to rank you, as one of the earliest and best. Believe me ever, Most faithfully yours, GIDEON MANTELL. A NARRATIVE OF THE VISIT or WILLIAM IV. AND QUEEN ADELAIDE, TO THE ANCIENT BOROUGH OF LEWES, OCTOBER 22, 1830. His most gracious Majesty, our beloved sovereign, William the Fourth, ascended the throne on the 26th of June, 1830, and shortly afterwards, upon the occasion of the high constable of Brighton presenting an address of congratulation from the inhabitants of that town, his Majesty was graciously pleased to signify his intention of taking up his residence in the Pavilion, for a certain portion of time in every year. On the 30th of August, his Majesty, accompanied by his consort Queen Adelaide, made his public entree into Brighton, amidst the acclamations of tens of thousands of loyal and delighted subjects. Among- the almost countless throng that welcomed their Majesties on that joyous occasion, were thou- sands of the inhabitants of Lewes and its vicinity, whose loyalty and dutiful attachment to their sovereign, were most unequivocally and enthusias- tically displayed. Early on the morning of that day, the carriages of the wealthy, and the more humble vehicles of the tradespeople and yeomanry, the stage-coaches crowded with well-dressed pas- sengers, and the poor in their holiday-clothes, trudging on foot, were seen pouring out of Lewes and the villages around it, all hastening towards Brighton, anxious to welcome the arrival of a monarch from whose well-known generous, liberal, and manly character they confidently anticipated a vigorous and paternal reign. Yet animating and gratifying as was the scene which Brighton presented on that occasion, it was equalled, if not surpassed, by that which it is our immediate purpose to record. In September, the inhabitants of Lewes held a town meeting, and unanimously resolved upon addresses of condolence and congratulation to their Majesties upon their accession to the throne ; and which were subsequently transmitted to their Majesties, through the proper channel, by the then chief officers, Benjamin Ridge, Esquire, and Mr. George Bailey. As the weather was extremely fine, and their Majesties were daily taking carriage-airings around Brighton, and the- drive to Lewes is one of the most easy and pleasing in the vicinity, it was hoped and expected that this ancient borough would be honoured by the royal presence ; and on many occasions the good people of Lewes had their ex- pectations raised, and as often disappointed, by reports that the King and Queen were about to visit the Castle, County-hall, and Museum. The anxiety which prevailed on this subject among all classes, induced some gentlemen of the town to communicate to Mr. Kemp, one of the representatives of the borough in Parliament, the anxious wishes of his constituents ; and on Wednesday, the 20th of October, the chief officers,* Mr. Adams and Mr. George Grantham, Junior, received a letter from that gen- tleman, informing them that the King had expressed his intention of honouring Lewes with a visit on the following Friday. This joyous intelligence was immediately made known, and the constables promptly convened a town meeting, to which the * Lewes is a borough by prescription, and the constables (who are chosen annually) are the chief magistrates and returning officers. c2 officers and inhabitants of the Cliffe and Southover were invited. At this meeting-, which was most respectably and numerously attended, Mr. Adams, the senior chief magistrate presided, (being supported by his colleague Mr. Grantham,) and having briefly opened the business of the day, the town clerk read the letter received from Mr. Kemp, which announced his Majesty's intention to visit Lewes, with his royal consort, on Friday; this intelligence was received with the loudest acclamations. A com- mittee of management was then appointed, and it was resolved that the various public bodies of the town, the Cliffe, and Southover should be requested to attend on so gratifying an occasion. It was highly pleasing to observe how entirely all party animosities were lost, in this instance, in the feelings of loyalty and attachment to their Majesties, which pervaded every breast. Sir John Shelley, Baronet, and Thomas Read Kemp, Esquire, the members of the borough, who were present at the meeting, left so soon as it broke up, to confer with Sir Herbert Taylor on the necessary arrangements. The committee of management immediately com- menced its duties, and was actively engaged during the remainder of the day in making preparations for the reception of the royal visitors. On Thursday, at two o'clock, a meeting- of the committee took place, and it was then made known that instructions had been received from Sir Herbert Taylor, that their Majesties would enter the town at two o'clock on Friday. A programme of the order to be observed, on the arrival of their Majesties, was prepared, and Mr. Harry Winton was appointed to take the entire direction of the procession. In the afternoon, the town presented a most gratifying scene of animation and hilarity ; every one ex- pressing the liveliest pleasure at the anticipated honor, and at every house in the line through which the royal visitors were expected to pass, preparations were making for decorating the win- dows and doors, according to the taste and ability of the inhabitant. Early on Friday morning, the greatest bustle prevailed ; flags and banners, with appropriate in- scriptions, were hoisted in various places, and the houses were ornamented with laurels and evergreens intertwined with streamers, and festoons of flowers. Some anxiety had been felt lest the weather should be unfavourable ; but the morning dawned most cheeringly, and the day proved to be one of the most delightful ever remembered in October, and, as a countryman remarked, " seemed as if made on 6 purpose." In truth, every thing conspired to give a zest to this auspicious day. It was a general holiday; and during the morning the population from the surrounding villages came pouring into Lewes from all quarters. There were also many strangers, called from different parts of the county, to attend the quarter sessions, which fell on this day. There was a full attendance of magistrates, but the court was adjourned till four o'clock in the afternoon, that these gentlemen might have an opportunity of paying their respects to their so- vereign. As the expected hour for the arrival of their Majesties approached, the streets began to exhibit a most lively and pleasing scene. Soon after twelve, the members of the various societies and charitable institutions began to assemble, and proceeded, with the utmost order and regularity, to their appointed stations, preceded by their flags and banners. The children of the public schools were arranged on the causeway, at the entrance of the town ; the infant schools being placed, for better security, in St. Ann's church-yard, from whence they commanded a view of the scene, without risk of injury from the crowd. The different societies formed an uninterrupted line on each side of the road, from the boundary of the town near Saint Anne's church, to The Friars* the residence of Nehemiah Wimble, Esquire, where an elegant dejeune a la fourchette was provided, at the expense of the representatives of the borough. On the lawn, at the entrance of the mansion, the magis- trates and clergy were assembled. The carriage- road was thus left clear for the royal cortege, and the foot-paths were filled with spectators. The societies were placed in the following order : — North Side. South Side. Lewes Friendly Society. Amicable Society. The Stag Club. Dorset Arms Club. Carpenters' Club. The Fountain Club. Pelham Arms Club. The Curriers. Wheatsheaf Club. King's Arms Club. The Veterans. Old Ship Club. The White Lion Club. Freemasons of the South Saxon Odd Fellows' Club. Lodge. Lewes Mechanics' Institution. Officers of the Cliffe. Commissioners and other inhabitants of the Cliffe. Officers and inhabitants of Southover. The delegates from the several societies, who were members of the committee, carried white wands, and were arranged in their respective societies. * The Friars. This mansion is of considerable antiquity, and is built on the scite of a priory of Grey Friars, which, at the period of a former royal visit, that of Henry the Third, in 1264, rose in all the magnificence of gothic splendour. 8 Their Majesties left the palace at Brighton pre- cisely at half past twelve, in an open carriage, with outriders, the attendants wearing the splendid royal scarlet livery : two other carriages and four followed, and the royal party proceeded at a brisk pace towards Lewes. Soon after one, the approach of their Majesties was announced to the anxious multi- tude, who were impatiently expecting the royal visitors, by a signal flag, on the steeple of Saint Anne's church : this was answered by a national standard on the venerable turrets of the castle, and a royal salute commenced firing from cannon placed on the Brack Mount, and on the slope of Cliffe Hill that commands the town. Royal standards were also, at the same time, hoisted on the County Hall, on the Market Tower, at the Friars, and on the towers of the churches in the Cliffe and Southover. Expectation was now raised to the highest pitch ; every window was crowded with elegantly-dressed females, and every countenance was beaming with delight. The representatives of the borough, and the chief magistrates, then proceeded on horseback along the Brighton road, and met the royal party opposite the scite of the barracks. His Majesty received them in the most kind and condescending manner and, addressing the constables, said, " Gen- tlemen, I place myself under your protection ;" the cavalcade then proceeded towards the town. The attention of their Majesties was first attracted by the children of the Lancastrian school, between four and five hundred in number, who were placed, as above mentioned, near the cross-ways at the 'Spital, and whose spontaneous shouts, and waving of hats and handkerchiefs, appeared to gratify their Majesties, who most affably noticed the delighted children. At the western entrance of Lewes, the royal cortege was met by the committee of management, the town commissioners, and a dense crowd of spectators ; and King William the Fourth and Queen Adelaide, were received within the walls of our an- cient borough, amidst the enthusiastic acclamations of thousands of loyal, and delighted subjects. The cavalcade then proceeded along the High Street, at a foot pace, in the following order : — Sir John Shelley, Baronet, and T. R. Kemp, Esquire, on horseback. The chief officers, on horseback. Headborough. THE ROYAL CARRIAGES. Headborough. First Carriage. THE KING— THE QUEEN. Duke of Cambridge — Princess Augusta. 10 Second Carriage. Countess Howe — Countess Brownlow. Earl Howe — Earl Brownlow. Third Carriage. Miss D'Este — Captain Fitzclarence. MissWynyard — Mr. Davis. On horseback, Sir Augustus D'Este. Mr. Fitzclarence — Mr. Sinclair. Town Crier. Town Clerk and Magistrates' Clerk, with wands. Commissioners' Clerk. Commissioners, with wands. As the royal carriages moved down the town, the several societies uncovered and cheered their Majesties as they passed by, in a manner as imposing as it was novel : at certain distances, signals were given, and the different bodies cheered after the manner of firing by platoons on field-days, while the dense crowd of the people maintained a general huzza. From every window flags, streamers, laurel- boughs, &c. were waving ; their Majesties conde- scendingly returning the salutation of the ladies as they passed. ' ' You would have thought the very windows spake. So many greedy looks of young and old Through casements darted their desiring eyes." Shakspearc. 11 The thundering of the cannon, and the ringing of the bells of the different churches, heightened the effect of a scene, of which it is impossible to convey an adequate idea. On the arrival of their Majesties at the Friars, the band struck up the national air, the immense assemblage of spectators standing un- covered, and the royal visitors alighted amidst as enthusiastic shouts of loyalty and affection, as ever greeted the monarch of a free people. The committee of management and the town com- missioners formed an avenue from the carriages to the gate of the Friars, where their Majesties were received by Lord Howe and Lord Brownlow, the Lords in waiting ; Sir John, Lady, and Miss Shelley, and Mr. and Miss Kemp. Her Majesty, on alighting, immediately shook hands most cordially with Lady Shelley, and the royal party were conducted towards the house. On one side of the pathway stood, uncovered, the magis- trates of the Lewes division, in number about thirty ; on the other side were the clergy of the borough, in their canonicals, and the ministers of the various dissenting congregations in the town. Their Majes- ties received and returned the respects of the assembled gentry with great kindness and con- descension, and slowly passing on, were met at the d 2 12 portal of the mansion by the chief magistrates, (who had alighted and taken their station on each side the entrance,) and Mr. Wimble. The King then graciously gave his arm to Lady Shelley, and pro- ceeded towards the drawing room ; the Queen, conducted by the Earl of Chichester, following his Majesty; next came her Royal Highness the Princess Augusta, led by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, who were followed by their Majesties' suite. The two chief officers of the borough, Mr. G. Adams and Mr. G. Grantham, junior, were then presented to his Majesty, when Mr. Adams addressed the King as follows : — " May it please your Majesty, " We, the chief officers of this ancient borough, are deputed by our fellow townsmen to offer their heartfelt thanks to your Majesty, for condescending, with your Royal Consort, to honour this borough with your royal presence. Your Majesty has per- ceived, from the appearance of our town and its inhabitants, that we are for the greater part a plain, trading people ; and when your Majesty is informed that there has not been a British monarch within the precincts of our borough for nearly 600 years, we humbly trust your Majesty will pardon our 13 plainness of manner, and believe us when we say that the congratulations upon this joyful event, from the various orders of society amongst us, are the spon- taneous effusion of a loyal and grateful people ; and our prayer is, that the Almighty will bless your Majesty and Royal Consort with long, very long life, to reign over this free and enlightened nation." To which his Majesty most graciously conde- scended to reply, in substance, as follows : — " Gentlemen, — I thank you, as the chief officers of this ancient town, for the affectionate manner in which you have been pleased to address me on the occasion of my visit amongst you. You state that a great part of your townsmen are plain trading people ; the more I am acquainted with my subjects, the more I am convinced, that it is their plainness of manner and industrious habits that render this nation superior to any other. You also state, that for the space of nearly 600 years, no British King has visited your town ; I am happy to be the first after such a lapse of time ; and the reception I have met with to-day will be strongly impressed on my recollection, and it will ever add to my happiness to render myself useful to all classes of my subjects." After the presentation of the constables, Sir John Shelley requested permission to present the magis- 14 trates assembled at the quarter sessions. The chair- man, Mr. Partington, was first introduced, and then the magistrates in succession, to each of whom his Majesty addressed a few words. Sir John next pre- sented the clergy, and the dissenting ministers of the different parishes and congregations in Lewes. After the presentation of the clergymen, Mr. Mantell, of Castle Place, was introduced to his Majesty by Sir John Shelley, and, bending on one knee, addressed his Majesty as follows : — " Sire, — From your Majesty's gracious conde- scension, in having deigned, on a former occasion, to accept of my works on the Geology of Sussex,* I am induced to hope that your Majesty, on this most gratifying occasion, will permit me to lay at your feet, the history of this my native town." Mr. Mantell then had the honour to present the work (The History of Lewes, 2 vols. 4to.), which his Majesty received in the most gracious and con- descending manner. Mr. Nehemiah Wimble, the owner of the mansion honoured by the presence of their Majesties, was next presented. * Mr. Mantell, some time previously, had the honour to present to his Majesty the "Illustrations of the Geology of Sussex," and " The Fossils of Tilgate Forest," two volumes, royal 4to. 15 At the conclusion of this ceremony, his Majesty conversed freely with those around him, making honourable mention of the late possessor of the Friars, Sir Ferdinando Poole, whose excellent spirits and hospitable manners he remembered with great pleasure. Sir John Shelley and Mr. Kemp then invited his Majesty to a luncheon, which had been prepared in the dining-room ; when the King directed Sir John to conduct the Queen, while he himself handed in Lady Shelley, placing her on his right hand, and the Princess on his left, directing the Earl of Chichester to sit by her, and the Duke of Cambridge on the right of Lady Shelley. His Majesty directed Mr. Kemp to take the left of the Queen. The party at the royal table included also Lord and Lady Chichester, Lord and Lady Gage, Lord and Lady Sheffield, Sir George and Lady Shiffner, the Misses Shiffner, Miss Kemp, the Misses Shelley ; and the royal suite, Miss Wynyard, Lord Howe, Lord Brownlow, Count D'Este, Capt. F. Fitzclarence, &c. &c. After the royal visitors had partaken of refresh- ment, Sir John Shelley rose, and in giving the health of their Majesties, spoke as follows : — " As the oldest representative of this borough, it 16 becomes my duty, certainly the most delightful one I ever had to perform, to propose the health of their Majesties ; and most sincerely do I thank them in my own name, and in that of my worthy colleague, Mr. Kemp, for the high honour they have this day conferred upon the town of Lewes by their presence. This visit of their Majesties, has afforded an oppor- tunity to the inhabitants of personally beholding their King and Queen, and will tend to strengthen those feelings of loyalty and attachment to the throne, which they have already expressed in their addresses, through the secretary of state. I must also beg to add, though with much diffidence, that having witnessed, and indeed stood, six contested elections for this borough, most of them very severe contests, I may presume to be a judge of the strong political feelings which have hitherto existed here ; and it is with unspeakable delight that I have wit- nessed this day, what I never witnessed on any former occasion, the most perfect unanimity, and the greatest eagerness to express feelings of loyalty and attachment to their Majesties ; feelings, which I am sure exist in the breast of every true Englishman, from one end of the kingdom to the other. I feel that it would be worse than imperti- nence in me to attempt to eulogize the conduct of 17 their Majesties in their presence, I will, therefore, only add, that their deeds speak for themselves. I beg leave to propose the health of their Majesties, and may they who so largely contribute to the hap- piness of their subjects, live long to enjoy it them- selves." Mr. Kemp then rose, and addressed his Majesty in the following terms : — " Your Majesty will pardon me, if I venture to trespass on your time and patience ; but the dis- tinguished honour you have this day been pleased to confer on the inhabitants of the ancient borough, which I have the happiness to represent, and on Sir John Shelley and myself, by your gracious visit, will not permit me to lose this opportunity of expressing my perfect accordance with those senti- ments of loyal attachment and affection to your royal person, which have been declared by my honourable colleague, and which pervade all classes of our con- stituents ; as well as the great satisfaction I feel, in common with all, in beholding your Majesty now reigning in the presence, as you have before done in the hearts, of the people of this town. " It is, Sire, between 500 and 600 years since a King of England has been recorded to have entered within the walls of this town. The last king who is E 18 known to have visited it, was Henry III. He entered it under circumstances, strongly contrasted with those which, for the honour and happiness of the empire, mark the steps of your Majesty. Henry III., after the battle of Lewes, was forced, by the virtuous barons, fighting for the liberties of their country, to seek refuge within the walls of the castle at this place ; and, driven from thence, he was soon compelled to grant some of those privi- leges to the commons of the land, which led to the establishment of the Commons' House of Parliament, to which we owe our free constitution and liberty ; and to secure those privileges, we have the happiness of beholding your Majesty's royal house firmly esta- blished upon the throne of these realms, and which has led to the prosperity and happiness of the land. " Sire, in these eventful periods, the inhabitants of Lewes know how to value the reign and presence of a constitutional and patriotic monarch ; and whilst beholding the truly British character and virtues of their King and Queen, I have the fullest confidence, as well as the greatest pleasure, in venturing, in the name of my constituents, to drink, with the purest sincerity and devotion, the toast which my honour- able colleague has proposed, wishing your Majesties all health, prosperity, and happiness." 19 After Mr. Kemp had concluded, his Majesty, sit- ting at the table, spoke nearly as follows : — " In returning an answer to that which you, Sir, have just spoken, I cannot help noticing, in the first place, the expression which you have made use of, that you now thank me for the bestowment of my time upon the present occasion. In reflecting upon the blessings which this country possesses, and in feeling grateful for them, it is always to be remem- bered, that our time is to be devoted to those duties which belong to us in our several stations of life, in order that we may enjoy all those blessings entire whilst we live, and hand them down, unimpaired, to those by whom we shall be succeeded. I can assure you that I feel always, and it is a principle firmly fixed upon my mind, that the time of the Sovereign is due to the nation over which he is called to reign, and that my time is always well bestowed in further- ing the happiness and interests of my people. " It certainly is a circumstance well worthy of remark, that so long a period as 600 years should have elapsed, since last a King of this country has been present in this ancient and loyal borough. My lamented brother, his late Majesty, who, where he was most known, was always best beloved, having, from the state of his health been unable to see so e 2 20 much of his subjects in this neighbourhood, as he otherwise undoubtedly would have done, it is gratify- ing- to me, in the station in which Providence has now placed me, to have an opportunity of so doing. " By a late arrangement, it has been provided, that whatever property any monarch of this country may purchase, shall, at his decease, if not otherwise disposed of by will, become the property of his successor. In this way the palace at Brighton, the property of his late Majesty, has come into the possession of the crown ; and it is particularly gra- tifying to me, connected and conversant as I have been from my early youth, with naval affairs, that this, which may be called a naval palace, should at my accession, have first become the property of the crown. " I have been so frequently in this neighbour- hood, and, in the former part of my life, spent so much time in this county, that I can never, at any period, consider myself a stranger in it, but as re- siding in a county to which I have been long and happily accustomed. Intending annually to live some considerable portion of time in it, I have com- manded that the Militia of the County shall bear in future the name of the Royal Sussex Militia; a name which I have great pleasure in bestowing, and 21 which is usual where a royal residence is for any length of time established. " I have always been attached to agricultural pursuits; and I need scarcely say to you, Gentle- men of Sussex, that this county is highly interesting to every lover of agriculture, not only from its productive soil, but from that excellent breed of sheep, which may perhaps be considered as the best which England produces. I consider the county of Sussex as one also of the best conducted, most loyal, and exemplary counties in the kingdom. " I feel great gratification, Gentlemen, in the visit which I am paying to this town. I accept with pleasure, the manifestations of loyalty and regard which have been made to me — and I conclude by wishes for the welfare of the Inhabi- tants, and by thanking you, and by drinking to your continuance in good health." The King, after a short pause, again spoke. " There is, Gentlemen, one point which I have passed over, but of which it was my intention to have taken notice. You have drank the health of her Majesty, the Queen, and in returning you my thanks, I meant to have done the same on her part also . "Among the many favourable circumstances under which providence has called me to ascend the 22 throne of this country, there is no one for which I feel more grateful, or on which I set a higher value, than that it was previously my happy fortune to marry an individual so excellent in every amiable and good feeling. In this country character finds its way forth into the world, and is always known ; I have no doubt, therefore, that you are already well aware of what I would say; but I must take the opportunity of speaking what I most sincerely am convinced of — that her Majesty, who sits before you, possesses every quality calculated to give worth and lustre to her exalted station. Of this I am satisfied also, that a great share of that good and kind feeling which has been so largely mani- fested towards me, since I have occupied the throne, has not only been due to her estimable qualities, but has strictly and truly been exhibited and paid on account of that sense which is entertained of them." This gracious speech was received with profound attention ; it was delivered in the most kind and impressive manner, his Majesty evidently feeling- most deeply every sentiment he uttered. The Queen appeared much interested at the commencement of his Majesty's address, and was visibly affected by the warmth of his Majesty's language in her praise. While at table, the King made the following 23 condescending - and gracious declaration to Sir John Shelley and Mr. Kemp, namely, " That had he known circumstances would so soon have permitted him to visit Lewes, he would not have received the late address of congratulation from the borough, through the secretary of state, but now in person, from the hands of the chief officers." His Majesty also was heard to remark, that his reception at Lewes formed an agreeable rehearsal of the Lord Mayor's festival, at which his Majesty was expected to attend on the following 9th of November.* The party soon after broke up, when Sir Henry Blackman (one of the oldest surviving knights of George the third,) fwas introduced to his Majesty, who entered into conversation with the venerable knight. Mrs. Wimble, the lady of the mansion, had the *■ His Majesty, as is well known, was prevented by untoward circumstances from fulfilling his gracious intention. Upon hearing of the disappoinment of the citizens, a gentleman of Lewes repeated the following Impromptu. When our good King to Lewes came, Then nothing turn'd out sinister ; And why ? — because he left behind His unreforming minister ! t Sir Henry Blackman was knighted, when serving the office of constable, in 1782, on the occasion of presenting an address from the borough, to his Majesty, George the third. 24 honor of being presented to the Queen : and Mr. Wimble was again introduced to the King, when his Majesty was pleased to accept of a painting of " The Friars." The magistrates, clergy, and gentlemen, who had been presented to his Majesty, took refreshment in the anti-room, where a dejeune had been provided for them through the liberality of the representatives of the borough. After remaining about an hour at the Friars, the royal party ascended their carriages, and proceeded slowly up School Hill and High Street, to the Castle gate-way. There is scarcely a spot in any town in the kingdom, from whence a procession can be seen to so much advantage as from the brow of School Hill, and from thence the spectacle was grand and imposing in the highest degree. A moving multitude covered the pavement; thousands of gaily dressed females were seen at the windows and balconies ; banners and flags were waving in every direction ; while the strains of music, and the cheers of the people, gave life and spirit to the scene. The royal carriages moved unimpeded along the centre of the street, so admirably were order and regularity maintained, even amidst the joyous enthu- siasm that prevailed. 25 Having reached the gate-way of the Castle, her Majesty, the Duke of Cambridge, and others of the royal party alighted; while his Majesty was driven to the County-hall, and descending from his carriage was conducted over the courts by Sir John Shelley, led by W. B. Landgridge, Esq. clerk of the peace, and attended by several of the magistrates. Her Majesty, taking Mr. Kemp's arm, was con- ducted to the summit of the western tower of the Castle, followed by the rest of the royal party. The venerable turrets of the eastern and western towers, were surmounted by national flags ; and on the leads of the eastern turret (in which their lodge is held,) the members of the South Saxon Lodge of Freemasons, clothed in the costume of their order, were placed, and whose cheers announced to the gazing crowds below, the arrival of her Majesty on the summit of the opposite tower. The Queen expressed herself highly gratified by the picturesque views of the British Channel, the South Downs, and of the Weald of Sussex, which that elevated station commanded, but still more by the appearance of the town with its spires and towers, decorated with splendid banners, and its streets, thronged with dense crowds of delighted spectators. On descending from the Castle, the Queen, accom- F 26 panied by the Duke of Cambridge, was introduced by Mr. Kemp to the Infant School, which is situated at the base of the mound on which the Castle stands. Her Majesty made many inquiries respecting the mode of teaching, and condescended to examine the needle-work performed by the girls, and the baskets manufactured by the boys ; equal interest was mani- fested in this admirable institution by the Duke of Cambridge, who expressed his warm approbation of the system upon which it was conducted. Upon leaving the school, her Majesty, accompanied by the Duke of Cambridge and Lady Shelley, was handed to her carriage by Mr. Kemp ; and the rest of the royal party having ascended their carriages, proceeded to the County-hall, and joined his Ma- jesty in the grand ball-room. After a short stay, the illustrious visitors again resumed their carriages, and, preceded by the Lewes band, the South Saxon Lodge of Freemasons, and several of the benefit societies with colours flying, headed by the members of the borough, and the chief officers en horseback, moved slowly up the High Street to the western boundary of the town : here the societies opened their files, the band struck up the national air, and their Majesties departed, amidst the deafening cheers of an almost count- 27 less throng of loyal and affectionate subjects. The royal cortege proceeded to the palace at Brighton, where it arrived soon after five o'clock. Upon the departure of the royal visitors, the societies again formed, and, conducted by the chief officers, paraded the High Street, and passing round Cliffe church, proceeded up East Street to the Theatre, Where the senior constable addressed them, thanking them for their exemplary conduct, requesting them to return to their respective club-houses, and inform- ing them that the officers of the borough would wait on them in the evening, to express the thanks of their Majesties, for the loyalty and affection which they had displayed. This was indeed, as one of the journals remarked,* " a proud day for Lewes, one that conferred unmixed pleasure on thousands, and will never be forgotten by the people ; and the recollection of which, accord- ing to his Majesty's own gracious declaration, will not easily be erased from the royal mind." But there was one important feature in the proceedings of this day, to which no allusion has been made, and which is yet, perhaps, without a parallel in this or any other country; it was one too, which, as we gazed * The Brighton Guardian. F 2 28 on the glorious pageant assembled before the Friars, struck us as the most gratifying imaginable to a patriotic mind, and made us feel proud of being the natives of such a town, and the subjects of such a King — it was the entire absence of the military ; with the exception of Colonel Downman, C.B. of Laughton, near Lewes, aid-de-camp to his Majesty, (but who attended on this occasion as a country gentleman,) not an officer nor soldier was seen in Lewes, during their Majesties' visit. We cannot refrain from mentioning that the regulations of the day were such as did honour to the committee and the town, and that great praise was due to Mr. Harry Winton, who marshalled the procession; not a single accident, nor the slightest disturbance or confusion occurred. In the evening, Sir John and Lady Shelley, and Mr. Kemp, had the honour of dining with their Majesties, at the palace at Brighton, when the King was graciously pleased to express the high gratifi- cation he had experienced, from his visit to the ancient and loyal borough of Lewes. A sketch of the royal entree into Lewes was taken by Mr. Archer, by whom an oil painting (ten feet by 29 seven) is in preparation, and in which portraits of the royal visitors, and of the principal persons who were present, are introduced. The time chosen is when his Majesty, accompanied by Lady Shelley, ascended the steps at the Friars, and was received by the members, and chief officers. It is expected that this picture, which promises to possess great merit, will be purchased by the magistrates, and placed in the assembly-room of the County-hall. And further to commemorate the royal visit, the inhabitants have resolved to purchase a silver goblet, which is to be filled at the annual civic feast, for the purpose of drinking their Majesties' health. On one side, the royal arms are to be placed, and on the other those of Lewes, with an appropriate inscription. The proprietor of the Friars, Nehemiah Wimble, Esq. in commemoration of the visit of their Majesties to his mansion, has obtained the grant of an addition to his arms of a Lion of England, borne in chief. — See Sussex Genealogies, p. 379. THE VISIT OF HENRY THE THIRD, TO LEWES, ON THE 11th OF MAY, 1264. The reign of Henry III. exhibited a constant struggle between the King and his barons ; the former endea- vouring to extend, and the latter to controul, the royal prerogative. Arms were repeatedly appealed to, and although the result of a battle often led to treaties, which were ratified in the most solemn manner, yet these were violated upon the most frivolous pretences. The country was a prey to anarchy, and civil war, with its attendant horrors, raged from one end of the kingdom to the other. Of the sanguinary conflicts which occurred at this event- ful period, there is no one more celebrated than that 31 which took place, in the immediate vicinity of Lewes, on Wednesday, the 14th of May, 1264 ; and it was on the Sunday immediately preceding this important battle, that the royal visit was made, which it is our present purpose to describe. As our narrrative refers to an event which hap- pened nearly six centuries ago, we must endeavour to bring to our imagination, the scene which Lewes and its suburbs presented at that remote era. Instead of the elegant modern town, with its venerable ruins, an extensive and impregnable castle, surmounted the heights, frowning in feudal grandeur on the vale below. The town consisted of irregular streets with thatched houses and cottages of massive, but rude architecture, and better calculated for strength and durability, than for comfort or convenience. A strong wall, with castellated gateways, surrounded the town, and was defended on the east, north, an,cl south, by a deep and wide ditch. The environs presented such a character as the imperfect agricul- ture of the period could impart to a district, which consisted of an extensive marshy plain, and of chalk hills, destitute of wood. The glens and valleys were covered with coppices and brushwood, except where tracts of land had been cleared by the hand of the husbandman, and converted into orchards and corn- 32 fields. The plain, through which the river wound its way to the sea, was inundated during the greater part of the year; and the town of the Cliffe being but little elevated above the surface of the water, was exposed to occasional floods. Without the walls of the town, several religious edifices were seen ; of these the most important were the monastery of Friars Minors, or Grey Friars, near the east gate, and the magnificent priory of Saint Pancras, in Southover. The scite of the former is now occupied by the mansion ealled " The Friars," and all the land between the river and the east gate of the borough, was within its precincts; that of the latter is sufficiently indicated by the ivy-covered ruins which still remain : it was situated in the parish of Southover, and its walls encompassed an area of many acres. The Priory of St. Pancras was founded soon after the Conquest, by William de Warren, Earl of Surrey, who had married Gundred, the fourth daughter of the Conqueror ; and it was richly endowed by him and his successors. It was the chief house of the Cluniac order, in England, and possessed all the privileges which the credulous piety of its patrons could bestow. The austerity and severe discipline maintained therein rendered it so celebrated, that the most distinguished families 33 in the kingdom chose it for their cemetery ; and Gundred,* and William de Warren, were interred within its consecrated walls. " Within that sacred fane, when life was o'er, And its vain pageantry had pass'd away, And solemn requiems dust to dust restore, The body, shrouding in its parent clay, The holy monk, and sleeping warrior, lay There, side by side, in sad tranquillity." Of this magnificent pile, the ruins, which are still standing, convey no adequate idea ; it belonged to the same period as Battle Abbey, and the remains of the gate-way, and the fragments of columns, capitals, arches, &c. that have been occasionally dug up, denote a similar style of architecture. From the almost perennial inundation of the neighbouring- plain, the Priory domains were oftentimes insulated, and hence the upland on which the Priory was built, was called " The Island." In the valley which separates the gentle ridge on which the village of Southover and the Priory are situated, from the southern wall of the town, the beautiful stream that * The monumental inscription of Gundred still remains, and may be seen in the vestry-room of Southover church. — Vide Horsfield's History of Lewes, vol. i. page 116. G 34 arises at Ashcombe, and passes by Winterbourn, pursues its course towards the river, flowing near the Cistercian Priory, (now " The Friars") before it empties itself into the Ouse. Such was the landscape which Lewes and its suburbs presented at the time of our narrative. The castle was then in the possession of John de Warren, the seventh earl, and his banner of cheeky, or, and azure, was seen waving over its battlements ; it was well garrisoned, and the town itself was in a state of complete defence. It was on Sunday, the 11th of May, 1264, that King Henry, who had arrived the day previously at Seaford, after an ineffectual attempt to obtain the co-operation of the Cinque Ports, marched with his army to Lewes, to join the forces of the Earl de Warren. John de Avignon, the Prior of St. Pancras, upon hearing of the King's intention, immediately caused preparations to be made for receiving his Majesty, with all the pomp and grandeur which a prelate of the thirteenth century could display. At the entrance of the village of Southover, the King was met by the Earl de Warren and his retainers, and a procession of monks, headed by the Prior, welcomed the monarch to the Priory of St. Pancras. The King was accompanied by his son, Prince 35 Edward, his brother Richard the King of the Romans, the Earls of Pembroke and Warwick, and a splendid escort of knights, and others of inferior note. The gallant Prince Edward proceeded to the Castle with the Earl de Warren, where he was re- ceived amidst the shouts of the soldiery and of the inhabitants of the town. But these rejoicings were not unmixed with melancholy forebodings, for it was well known that the forces of the barons, under the command of the celebrated Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, had closely followed the royal army, and the inhabitants of Lewes could not but appre- hend that their town might become a scene of carnage and desolation. Scarcely had Henry arrived within the walls of the Priory, when a letter was brought from the barons, in which they professed attachment to his royal person, and earnestly implored him to dismiss his evil counsellors, and restore peace to the country, by confirming the charter granted by his prede- cessor. On the following day, Monday, Henry returned an intemperate answer to the barons, refusing compliance with their demands, and re- quiring their unconditional submission. On Tuesday, a deputation from the Barons, con- sisting of the Bishops of London and Worcester, g2 36 arrived at the Priory, and proffered the King a sum of money equal to a million of the present currency, as an indemnification for the injuries which the royal demesnes had suffered, if he would but faith- fully observe the provisions of Oxford, which he had already sworn to maintain. These proposals were, however, indignantly rejected by the monarch, and the bishops returned to the confederated barons, who had advanced with their army as far as Fletching Common, about eight miles from Lewes. After considerable deliberation, the barons re- solved, notwithstanding the inferiority of their numbers, to give battle to the royal army ; and early on the following morning , Wednesday, the 14th of May, marched towards Lewes, and, ascend- ing the Downs by the steep and narrow pathways, or hostels, near Westmeston and Plumpton, mar- shalled their army on the elevated plain, about three miles to the north west of Lewes. The patriot army arrived at so early an hour, that the royalists were sleeping in their tents ; but, according to the honourable custom of that chivalrous age, no ad- vantage was taken of the rashness of the enemy, but messengers were despatched by the barons to give notice of their approach in terms of defiance. Upon receiving this intelligence, the royal army 37 prepared for the contest with all the alacrity which the most deadly animosity could inspire. The forces of the King, commanded by Henry in person, sup- ported by Prince Edward and the King of the Romans, marched up, in high spirits, from Lewes and Southover ; the royal standard bearing a dragon, the device of the West Saxon princes. It would occupy too much space to describe the battle which ensued ; it is sufficient for our present purpose to mention that it took place on the Downs near the race-course, and terminated in the total defeat of the royal army* The King, with a few of his followers, took refuge in the Priory ; the King of the Romans fled to a mill, which stood on the banks of the stream, near Water-gate Lane, where he was discovered and taken prisoner ; while Prince Edward, with the remains of the division of the army under his command, and which had alone maintained any discipline, after an ineffectual attempt to relieve the garrison in the castle, joined his royal father in the Priory. The Earl de Warren, and others of the nobles, sought for safety in flight. * A most interesting and detailed account of the battle is given by Mr. Horsfield, in the History of Lewes, vol. i. page 142, et scq. The summit of the hill, near which the battle was fought, still retains the name of Mount Harry. 38 The victorious barons pursued the fugitives to the town, which they entered at the west gate, and attempted to storm the castle, but its strength bid defiance to their attacks. A dreadful slaughter now took place in the streets; and as the private build- ings were, for the most part, thatched with straw, some of them were set on fire by the greek-balls, in use at that period to hurl on the besiegers, and Lewes presented a scene of horror, which even at this distant period, it is melancholy to contemplate. The approach of night alone put an end to the work of slaughter. The victorious barons encamped their army near the town : of the royal forces, with the exception of the division under the Prince, and the troops in the castle, all were either slain, or had escaped beyond the reach of their pursuers. On this fatal day, the number that fell exceeded five thousand, of which by far the greater part belonged to the royalists. The Earl of Leicester, still anxious to put an end to the miseries of his distracted country, despatched, during the night, a deputation of the Friars Minors, with pacific overtures to the King. The following- day, Thursday, was occupied in deliberations ; and on Friday, the celebrated treaty called the Mise of Lewes was executed, which gave a temporary repose 39 to the kingdom, and placed the King, and his son, in the power of the confederated barons. The remainder of this day was passed in friendly intercourse between the soldiery of both parties, and the inhabitants ; and the prisoners were liberated without ransom. On Saturday, Henry dismissed all his followers, and probably left the Priory on that day, with the patriot army. Having thus briefly noticed the principal circum- stances attendant on the memorable visit of Henry III. to Lewes, it may be interesting, before we close this narrative, to review the events that occurred on each day of the monarch's sojourn at the Priory. Sunday, May 11th, 1264. The King, with Prince Edward, and the King of the Romans, many of the nobility, and a numerous staff, clad in armour, with banners flying, march into Sout hover. The Earl de Warren, with a splendid suite, meets his Sovereign, and attends the royal party to the Priory. At the entrance of the sacred edifice, the venerable Prior, in pontificals, at the head of his monks, clad in the cos- tume of their order, receives the King, who, reve- rently saluting the holy brethren, passes into the Priory, amidst the acclamations of the crowd ; every spot commanding a view of the imposing spectacle, being thronged with persons of all classes from the 40 town. Prince Edward accompanies the Earl de Warren to the castle ; the massive gates are thrown open ; the portcullis is drawn up ; and the gallant Prince is received with cheers by the garrison, and the inhabitants of Lewes. The forces of the King- encamp without the walls of the town. On this day the King- receives a letter from the barons, and learns that the patriot army is proceeding; towards Lewes. Monday, May 12th. The King returns an unfa- vourable reply to the insurgents ; and in Lewes, and the royal camp, the greatest anxiety prevails, from the expectation of a renewal of hostilities. Tuesday, May 13th. The bishops of London and Worcester, with their attendants, repair to the Priory, and are admitted to an audience of the King ; they bear pacific overtures from the barons, but these are indignantly rejected, and the patriotic prelates return to the confederated nobles, who have advanced as far as Fletching Common. The bishops commu- nicate the result of their embassy to the Earl of Leicester, in the presence of his brethren in arms ; the barons hold a council, and resolve on an attack upon the royal army at Lewes. Wednesday, May 14th. At break of day the patriot army, commanded by Leicester, is seen drawn 41 up in battle array on Plumpton Plain ; while the royalists, unconscious of the near approach of the enemy, are slumbering in their tents. A message of defiance from the barons announces the unexpected intelligence, and the utmost activity succeeds the scene of stillness and repose. In a short space of time the king, mounted on a charger, issues from the gates of the Priory, and is received by a splendid escort of warriors, in armour; the Prince, King of the Romans, and many nobles, join the monarch, who, at the head of his army, with the royal banner waving near him, marches up from Southover to the field of battle. So soon as the royal forces arrive on the hill, and the necessary arrangements are made, the work of slaughter begins, and the turf is covered with the dying and the dead. Ere long some of the royal army are perceived flying from the scene of carnage towards the town, pursued by the patriots, who are distinguishable by a white cross on their breast-plates. ' ' Forth from trie field in tumult driven, Like chaff before the wind of heaven, The archery appear. For life ! for life ! their flight they ply, And shriek, and shout, and battle cry, Are maddening in the rear : Onward they drive, in dreadful race. Pursuers and pursued." h Lady of the Lake. 42 The rout of the royalists soon becomes general ; the conflict extends to the town ; the streets are deluged with blood ; and the young, and the aged, and the infirm, are alike, indiscriminately, slaughtered. — Flames, at length, burst forth in various parts of the town ; and the scene of horror continues till night comes on, and wraps in obscurity the horrid spec- tacle. The King, with much difficulty, escapes to the Priory, where he is afterwards joined by the Prince. The King of the Romans, and other leaders of the royal army, fall into the hands of the barons. The Priory is set on fire by the victorious party, but is extinguished by the exertions of its inmates. On the evening of this eventful day, the army of the barons is encamped near the town : a garrison of royalists holds possession of the castle ; and the remainder of Prince Edward's division is quartered in the Priory. The town itself exhibits a dreadful spectacle ; a great part is destroyed by the flames : heaps of dead are lying in every street ; and in all parts are heard the groans of the dying, mingled with the lamentations of the survivors ; for scarcely a family in the town but has to mourn the loss of its dearest relatives. During the night, two of the friars from the Cistercian Priory are deputed by Montfort, to proceed to the King, and offer terms of accommodation. 43 Thursday, May 15th. An armistice is concluded between the King; and the barons, and the day is spent in negociations. The population of the town and neighbouring- villages is actively employed in burying the dead, and affording assistance to the wounded. At the priory, the solemn ceremony, prescribed by the Catholic ritual for the repose of the dead, is performed, for the souls of those who were slain in the battle. Friday, May 16th. The ratification of the treaty of peace between Henry and the barons, called the Mise of Lewes, is made known, to the great joy of the people at large. The soldiers of both parties mix together, indiscriminately, in the town, and all feelings of animosity appear to be extinguished. Saturday, May 17th. The King leaves the Priory; and, with the exception of Prince Edward, the King of the Romans, and a few of his immediate atten- dants, not one of the gallant army that accompanied him on his entrance into Lewes, attends him at his departure. He arrived a victor ; he departs, if not in name, yet in reality, a prisoner to his revolted subjects. But the result of the visit of King Henry was of incalculable advantage to the country, and its beneficial effects are still felt : for, to the success of h 2 44 the confederated barons, at the battle of Lewes, " we owe the first summons of knights, citizens, and bur- gesses to parliament, as representatives of the general body of the people." •.LoFCi ON THE ROYAL VISITS TO LEWES, IN 1264 and 1830. 'Midst steel-clad warriors, and the din of arms, King HENRY sought Saint Pancras' holy pile ; But not that sacred fane from war's alarms Was free ; nor chaunt, nor anthem could beguile The fears that lurk'd beneath the monarch's smile, For Montfort's band of patriots, brave and free, Was near, — and Henry knew his bondsmen vile, But ill could brook the blaze of liberty, Which England, glorious Isle ! was bursting forth in thee ! Goddess of Freedom ! then thy spirit rose Triumphant o'er the prostrate tyrant's might : And Montfort's gallant ranks pursued thy foes, Till prince and slave in ignominious flight, Or sought for safety in the castle's height, Or to the sanct'ry of the abbey fled ; While Lewes, blazing through the shades of night. Deluged with blood by hostile brethren shed, Saw in a despot's cause, her noblest 'midst the dead ! 46 But that is past — and happier days arise, And see our WILLIAM 'midst his subjects stand ! Nor sword, nor spear, nor slaughter's modern guise Is there — but round Him throngs a countless band Of Lewes freemen, joined in heart and hand, Their patriot King to hail with loud acclaim ; There too the pride and glory of the land, Fair ADELAIDE is seen, whose gentle name, With every virtue crown'd, in vain would shrink from fame. Castle Place, March, 1831. THE END. Printed by J. Unwin, White Lion Com I, Cornliill, HHfl HH 181 ■ am A,.- I