London in Modern Times: or, Sketches of the English Metropolis during the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries.Unknown
History
London in Modern Times: or, Sketches of the English Metropolis during the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries.
Unknown
London (England) -- History -- 17th century; London (England) -- History -- 18th century
Kettle-drums and trumpets, twelve ministers at the head of the
life-guards, the city marshal, sheriffs, aldermen, all in rich
trappings, the lord mayor, and last of all, the king, riding between
the Dukes of York and Gloucester. The rear of the procession was
composed of military. An entertainment at Guildhall followed, on the
5th of July. Nothing could exceed the rapture of the old royalist
party in London. Cavaliers and their followers, restrained by the
regulations and example of the governing powers during the
commonwealth, and now freed from all restriction on their indulgence,
were loud and extravagant in their demonstrations of joy. London was
transformed into a scene of carnival-like festivity. There were
bonfires and the roasting of oxen, while the rumps of beef divided
among hungry citizens suggested many a joke on the rump parliament.
Revelry and intemperance were the order of the day. The taverns rang
with the roundelay of the licentious and intemperate--"The king shall
enjoy his own again." At night, the riotous amusement continued,
amidst illumination of the most brilliant kind which at that time could
be supplied. The whole was a fitting prelude to the reign that
followed, and an affecting commentary on the moving exhortations of
Baxter, to which we have before referred.
A band of wild and crazy enthusiasts, denominated Fifth Monarchy men,
troubled the peace of the city in the beginning of the following year.
Led on by a fanatic named Venner, they insisted on the overthrow of
King Charles, and the establishment of the reign of King Jesus. Though
only between sixty and seventy in number, they were so feebly opposed
by the authorities who had the safety of the city intrusted to them,
that they marched from street to street, bearing down their opponents,
and engaging in successful skirmishes, both with train-bands and
horse-guards. For two days this handful of misguided men kept up their
insurrection, and at last intrenched themselves in an ale-house in
Cripplegate, where, after severe fighting, the remnant of them were
captured. About twenty persons were killed on each side during the
whole fray, and eleven of the rebels were afterwards executed. Soon
after this, on the 23d of April, the coronation took place, which
occasioned another gala day for the citizens, who now, in addition to
other demonstrations of joy, erected four triumphal arches--the first
in Leadenhall-street, representing his majesty's arrival; the second in
Cornhill, forming a naval representation; the third in Cheapside, in
honor of Concord; and the fourth in Fleet-street, symbolical of Plenty.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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