Gossip in the First Decade of Victoria's ReignAshton, John
History
Gossip in the First Decade of Victoria's Reign
Ashton, John
Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 19th century
Unfortunately, on the opening day, the weather utterly spoilt the show.
Before one o’clock, the rain commenced, and continued, with very little
intermission, until the evening. This, necessarily, made it very
uncomfortable for all, especially the spectators. Many thousands left
the field, and the enjoyment of those who remained was, in a great
measure, destroyed. The Grand Stand, alone, was covered in, and neither
plaid, umbrella, nor great-coat could prevail against a deluge so heavy
and unintermitting; thousands were thoroughly drenched to the skin; but
the mass only squeezed the closer together, and the excitement of the
moment overcame all external annoyances, although the men became sodden,
and the finery of the ladies sadly bedraggled.
It had been arranged that the procession should start from the Castle at
one o’clock, but the state of the weather was so unfavourable, that it
did not issue forth till about half-past two, and the weather compelled
some modifications; for instance, the Queen of Beauty should have shown
herself “in a rich costume, on a horse richly caparisoned, a silk canopy
borne over her by attendants in costume,” but both she, and her attendant
ladies, who were also to have been on horseback, did not so appear, but
were in closed carriages, whilst their beautifully caparisoned
palfreys—riderless—were led by their pages.
There were 15 Knights, besides the “Lord of the Tournament,” the Earl of
Eglinton, and much as I should like to give their description and
following, I must refrain, merely giving two as a sample—
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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