London
May 2d 1851
My Dear Constance
I called on Messrs Brooks Hedger, Green & Co <1> as I promised in my letter of yesterday, and they immediately mentioned two houses in the Lake district of which we had not heard previously – they will write by tonight’s post to enquire whether they are still vacant, & perhaps I shall have an answer on Monday Either of these houses appears likely to suit us from the description, and they will be let for the Season.
I attempted yesterday in a great hurry to copy a letter I had written to Hora <2> giving an account of the Grand Opening. But I found it impossible to do so before post time: so I sent you a fragment only. <3> the scene was remarkably interesting and exciting; I got a little overfatigued with walking, pushing & being pushed, and gazing at a thousand Sights, so that I passed almost a sleepless night afterwards, as I daresay was the case with many others –
Behind the Queen’s <4> throne was a lofty Elm tree in fresh verdure, a very pleasing object. At the corresponding end of the Southern transept near behind where I stood, was another verdant elm of equal size – in whose branches little birds were chirping – “They have the best view” said a neighbour of mine. The queen’s throne was a crimson Chair with gold arms & gold drapery in front. It was elevated on a platform of 2 steps, and that on a second platform of 2 steps from the floor. These were all covered with Scarlet cloth. Over head, an immensely lofty & broad silk canopy of sky blue & silver. All the company had been seated or at least placed for some time before noon, and remained in quiet expectation. Except that a few individuals of short stature who could see nothing, behind other people, gave fees to sundry policemen & workmen to fetch empty packing cases, on which they reared themselves in unstable and tottering equilibrium. This was called “taking a private Box”. The grand moment of excitement was the entrance of the Queen and her seating herself upon the throne in the middle of the immense assembly –
At her right hand stood the Prince of Wales <5> in a little semi highland dress, on his right stood his sister the Princess Royal <6> with a chaplet of roses on her head.
Prince Albert <7> then advanced with a paper in his hands and made a speech, of which we could not hear a word but which we comprehended to be an account of what the Royal Commissioners had done, & what a building they had reared – The Queen made a reply, which I have no doubt was a very gracious one. The Archbishop of Canterbury <8> then rose at a considerable distance from the queen on one side with an open book in his hand and addressed her majesty. The solemn tones of his voice reached us, but we could not tell what he said. The queen listened in a graceful attitude of profound attention. He closed the book, & a Hallelujah chorus immediately struck up. To the right & left of the queen stood many noblemen ministers ambassadors &c in splendid uniforms & Courtdresses –
Behind her the Dss of Sutherland <9> & many ladies including Flora. <10> Behind them a row of soldiers in very handsome uniforms – Behind them a noble row of beefeaters. Chorus ended the Queen spoke to the Dss of Sutherland and for a moment seemed to be uncertain what to do; and enquiring what was to come next. A Chinese Mandarin took the opportunity of this pause to advance tod the Queen & make a profound Salaam, which raised the hilarity of the assembled multitudes. Her Majesty most graciously acknowledged the Compliment. At this moment Garter King of Arms put an end to all uncertainty by boldly stepping forth clothed in an enormous golden tabard and walking up the Northern Side of the Western aisle – Heralds, noblemen, ambassadors and all understood the signal and began to follow him, & a grand procession was marshalled – They walked all round the building, nearly a mile I think. The Queen was on prince Albert’s right She led the little prince. He the princess – Of course we in the gallery all scampered down into the aisle to get a near view of the procession – in which we succeeded perfectly – All round the building the cheering was immense that followed their progress.
Your affte
Henry
Notes:
1. Probably Brooks & Green, land agents, surveyors and auctioneers, 28 Old Bond Street, London.
2. Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister. This full letter has not been located - see the partial copy sent to Constance: Doc. No: 06409.
3. See Doc. No: 06409.
4. Victoria (1819–1901), Queen of the United Kingdom (1837–1901), Empress of India (1876–1901).
5. Edward VII (1841–1910), King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British dominions and Emperor of India from 1901.
6. Victoria Adelaide Mary, Princess Royal (1840–1901).
7. Prince Albert (1819–1861).
8. William Howley (1766–1848), Archbishop of Canterbury.
9. Lady Harriet Elizabeth Georgiana Howard, Duchess of Sutherland. (d. 1868).
10. Lord Valletort's niece through his sister, Lady Caroline Sophia Edgcumbe (d. 10 April 1824), who was the first wife of Reginald George Macdonald (d. 1873): The Honorable Flora Isabella Clementina (1822-1899) was Maid of Honor and later Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria.