THE KING’S VISIT TO THE CURRAGH
FINN’S LEINSTER JOURNAL
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1821.
THE KING
(Extract)
THE KING’S VISIT TO THE CURRAGH
At an early hour on Friday morning Dublin was in motion; it was gloomy, but still there were good prospects of a fine day. Every vehicle, and every animal was in motion. Before six o’clock, the roads leading to the Curragh were crowded.
The Gentlemen of the County Dublin began to assemble in considerable numbers, at an early hour, in the Phoenix Park, for the purpose of escorting his Majesty to the boundaries of Kildare. The High Sheriff, Colonel White, Mr. Thos. Wallace, Mr. James and Mr. Henry Grattan, Capt. Chap[man], Mr. W. S. Hart, &c. &c. were amongst the number of gentlemen who attended. Mr. Hart carried a very handsome banner. It was pink on one side and blue on the other; it was embroidered with shamrocks, and trimmed with silver ― the mottoes were "Geo. IV. Rex," on the reverse side "Erin’s hope."
At half past eight o’clock his Majesty made his entrance; he was dressed in the Windsor uniform, and wore a star; there was a party of dragoons about the royal carriage. His Majesty was received by all present by every possible demonstration of loyalty and affection. His Majesty [ ? ] in a very simple style; he had but one carriage, (two others having preceded him, containing the greater part of his suite). The Marquis of Conyngham and Sir Benjamin Bloomfield, had the honour of travelling with the Sovereign.
The cavalcade set out from the Park, with surprising speed, so much so indeed, that a number of horsemen were quickly obliged to give up in despair of keeping pace with his Majesty.
Having arrived at Knockmaroon Hill, the dragoons put to the carriage, and having descended, the King took that beautiful drive, the low road to [ ? ] As he passed along, he was greeted by [ ? ] [ ? ], almost every house, even to the humblest dwelling, displayed some emblem of affection. The people showed the greatest enthusiasm; the King was everywhere received with loud cheers.
His Majesty’s carriage drove up to Colonel Veysey’s gate, at Lucan, precisely at 9 o’clock, attended by a guard of honour; the residing Magistrate, Colonel Vesey, Governor of the County, and Mr. Gandon, were in attendance; the fine Band of the County Dublin, stationed at Lucan, with the Staff, were also in readiness, and on his Majesty’s arrival immediately struck up "God save the King," while the shouts and cheers of the assembled peasants added to the general enthusiasm displayed on this gratifying occasion. A beautiful triumphal arch was thrown between the fine Lombardy poplar, and the principal [ Inn? ], the whole covered with laurel, evergreen, with festoons of blue and pink silk, a beautiful gilt crown surmounting the centre, with banners of various colours. As this arch was constructed in a few hours it shews the enthusiasm of all classes, however humble, to welcome their beloved Monarch. It displayed the following motto ―
"George IV. Ireland’s Glory."
Here His Majesty changed horses. An immense concourse of people assembled to greet him, and almost every window displayed a banner. It was curious to observe their construction ― shawls, handkerchiefs, pelisses, &c. seemed to be put in requisition. After a delay of a few minutes, his Majesty drove forward, taking the road to Celbridge. At Major Marley’s there was a magnificent arch thrown across the rosd, opposite the gate leading into the Major’s demesne. On the gate was superbly emblazoned, in gold letters,
"George IV. Rex: Erin go bragh."
About one mile further, at the bounds of the County, and at the extremity of the beautiful demesne of St. Wolstan’s, was another Triumphal Arch, with the motto, "We hail with delight the auspicious visit of our gracious King." Here the High Sheriff of the County of Dublin, and several Gentlemen who accompanied his Majesty remained with Mr. Cobbe, while the High Sheriff and the Gentlemen of the County of Kildare received the King, who continued his journey accompanied by such of the County Dublin Gentlemen as were able, from the superior mettle of their horses, to keep pace with the rapidity of the Royal movements.
About a mile from the boundary where his Majesty entered the County of Kildare, is the Town of Celbridge, which [ ? ], as you enter it, on the left, a most extensive woollen manufactory ― A bridge here crosses the river Liffey; as his Majesty approached, a very splendid Arch presented itself, with the motto "Cead mile failte;" when he got on the bridge, another Arch of a very elegant structure at the other extremity, with the motto,
"The glorious 12th of Auguft.
"A Patriot King and a grateful People."
Struck his view. Celbridge is a handsome Town, delightfully situated on the Banks of the River Liffey, having one main street, terminated by the magnificent gate and demesne of Castletown, the seat of the late Mr. Connolly. The Woollen Manufactory before alluded to, is a particularly striking object on entering the Town, it is, perhaps, one of the largest in the Kingdom, and belongs to Mr. Haughton. There are a vast number of windows in the building, out of which were displayed pieces of Cloths of various texture and colours. This gave the Factory a very gay and fanciful appearance. The persons employed in it, amounting to several hundreds of Men, Women and Children lined the streets, dressed in Costume; they wore cloth sashes of blue and garnet, having emblematic devices expressive of their feelings of attachment to the King. His Majesty as he passed along took particular notice of this industrious and interesting People. Here, as indeed, throughout his progress, the People evinced their sincere and devoted attachment to Person of the Sovereign. The roads were thronged with persons who greeted him in every direction.
His Majesty stopped for a few moments in Celbridge, and, after admiring the arrangements made for his reception, and expressing the high gratification he felt at the enthusiasm of the People, and the delight which his presence seemed to inspire, continued his journey, taking the road to Straffan, where he again crossed the Liffey, over the beautiful Bridge nearly fronting the splendid mansion of Mr. Henry. Here his Majesty directed his course to Sallins; on passing through which town, he had another opportunity of witnessing the ardour of popular feeling. Crowds were assembled in the street, and received their King with cheers, that seemed to make the "welken ring."
His Majesty made no stop here, but rapidly advanced towards Newbridge, where there was a delay to change horses, which necessarily retarded the Royal progress for a short period. This furnished another testimony, if any were wanting, of popular enthusiasm. Here the King was met by an additional number of Gentlemen of the County Kildare, with the Duke of Leinster at their head, principally his Grace’s Tenantry, all mounted, and decorated with scarves and ribbons of a ruby colour. The more humble part of the population were not backward in exhibiting their joy at the sight of their Monarch, whom they loudly cheered.
Everything being in readiness, the King set forward, escorted by a fresh party of Dragoons from the barracks at this place, and accompanied by the Gentlemen on horseback; he reached the borders of the Curragh at half-past eleven o’clock, where the Tenantry of the Noble Duke mentioned above were arrayed in immense numbers to receive their Monarch. Here only eight of the County Dublin Gentlemen could be numbered, who accompanied the King from the Park.
___________
"Curragh, Friday Morning
"The hopes that were indulged from the fineness of the weather towards the evening of yesterday, were completely disappointed by the aspect of this morning, which set in to rain about seven o’clock, at which hour, a party consisting Forty Men and two Officers of the Enniskillen Dragoons arrived at the stand House, and were placed at the various situations pointed out by the Stewards, and the Royal Standard was immediately hoisted. About half-past eight o’clock, the Carriages, Cars, Gigs, Horsemen, &c. began to arrive, and as they came towards the Stand-house, were placed in the order agreed on by the Stewards, and the horses taken from under the Carriages, to enable them to afford accommodation to the greatest number possible; the rain at this time was coming down in such torrents, that the few workmen who were busy in making some necessary alterations, were obliged to desist from work ― indeed this was the only occasion that the severity of the weather has driven the various persons employed from the work. At a little distance, and in front of the Stand-House are placed fifty barrels of J. Pim and Son’s Ale, from Dublin to be distributed by the Course-Keepers to the Peasantry of the six neighbouring Parishes.
"Half-past Ten o’Clock.
"At this moment two of his Majesty’s carriages and four have driven up to the Stand-House, with part of his suite, among whom I notice the Duke of Montrose, Sir W. Keppel, Lord Graves, Sir H. Turner, Sir A. Burnett, General Bayley, Colonel Quentin, and Lord Mount-Charles.
"A quarter to Twelve.
"His Majesty, accompanied by the Marquis of Conyngham and Sir B. Bloomfield, escorted by a party of the 7th Hussars, has just arrived. The King was received on alighting from his carriage, by the following Noblemen and Gentlemen of the Turf Club:― his Grace the Duke of Leinster, Earl Mayo, Lord Viscount Allen, his Excellency Earl Talbot, Mr. Secretary Grant, Mr. Prendergast, Captain Browne, M. Neville, &c. &c. &c.
"The rain continues with unabated violence, ― The arrivals at this moment are few, in consequence of the severity of the weather; and all those in open carriages and on foot are driven into the neighbouring tents and stables for shelter. His Majesty looks extremely well, and appears to be delighted with his reception. He addressed Mr. Prendergast in the Royal Room, and presented him with a whip (for a Jockey) to be run for and challenged every year, and to be hung up in the Club-room the week before the race ― The whip is of the most elegant workmanship, and is ornamented in the most tasteful and costly manner; the Handle is of solid Gold, surmounted by a Gold Crown; all the other ornaments are likewise of pure Gold. His Majesty appeared a little fatigued ― he called for some tea, which was immediately procured, and served to him by Captain Browne, the Ranger of the Curragh. He then appeared at the window, and was most enthusiastically cheered by those in front of the Stand-House. Several times the King was graciously pleased to express his satisfaction at the preparations that had been made for him. Lord Allen conducted Sir B. Bloomfield and the Marquis Conyngham to the platform to view the extent of the plain, but it was almost obscured by the thick mist which spread over the horizon, ― At this time I noticed the arrival of the Marchioness Conyngham, Lady Bloomfield, Sir David and Lady Baird, &c. &c.
"Twenty minutes past Twelve.
"Mr. Prendergast has just appeared in front of the Stand-House (the rain still continuing) to announce that the Horses were going to start for the Gold Cup and a Sweepstakes of 200 Guineas. The balconies of the Stand-House were immediately crowded with Ladies to witness the race ― In a few minutes the Horses were perceived in the distance, going the four-mile course. The tents poured forth their multitudes, and every one was eager to witness the coming-in of the Horses, ― They shortly appeared ― Mr. Denis Bowes Daly’s Horse, Rob Roy, beating Mr. Prendergast’s Ivanhoe and the Marquis of Sligo’s Langar. Rob Roy was rode by Haslam. After the race his Majesty appeared three different times at the window, and was most loudly cheered.
"One O’Clock.
"The weather has begun to take up fair, and the rain has ceased ― orders have been given to clear the Course for the second Race, which was speedily done by Sir Wm. Hart, Mr. Prendergast, Sir W. Burrowes, assisted by the Course Keepers ― from the Stand-House the Horses appeared to have started at half-past one o’clock, but Mr. Prendergast rode up and announced to the Stewards that two false starts had taken place ― the Race was finally won by Mr. Blake’s Maid of Castile.
"Two o’Clock, a fine day.
"About this time his Majesty came out on the Balcony, dressed in a blue frock coat with a single Star, that of St. Patrick, and surrounded by his numerous and brilliant Suite ― he was immediately recognised by the multitude who crowded under the Stand-House, and was received with a most deafening shout; his Majesty was pleased to recognise this welcome by several times taking off his hat and bowing to the people, at other times he kissed his hand and appeared to be highly delighted with the prospect before him; the shouts and huzzaing of the multitude lasted for several minutes; the Ladies Balcony was at this crowded to excess, as the now fineness of the day has induced all that were in the Stand-House to appear ― it adds not a little to the beauty of the scene, that they are all in full dress. Whilst his Majesty remained on the Balcony he conversed a good while with Denis Bowes Daly, Esq. whose horse, Rob Roy, had won the Gold Cup. The King several times pointed with his finger to objects that seemed to attract his attention, and appeared to make many and anxious inquiries of Mr. Daly; he seemed to be particularly struck with the beauty of one of the horses that had just come in from the last race, and was leading under the Balcony where the King was standing. After his Majesty had remained upon the Balcony for about ten minutes, we heard his Grace the Duke of Leinster announce to him that the Banquet was ready, when his Majesty again bowed to the multitude, and retired to take refreshment ― the cheering was again renewed. At the moment the King was about retiring, a Countryman loudly …?? "God bless you," which seemed to attract the notice of his Majesty.
"Upon entering the Banqueting room, the King, in a most affable manner, took her Grace the Duchess of Leinster by the hand and led her to the chair placed on his Majesty’s right hand, and requested she would be seated. His Grace of Leinster and Lord Allen took their stations at the back of his Majesty’s chair ― the repast was perhaps, one of the most splendid that can be conceived, and when it is recollected that Morrison had a Carte Blanche, it may be fairly presumed he could hardly be outdone in the splendour of his preparations, or in the profusion of delicacies of all kinds he provided for the occasion. At the head of the room sat his Majesty, in a superbly carved oak chair, on which was placed a scarlet cushion ― on each side of his Majesty’s table, two other tables extended the entire length of the room, at which were placed the Nobility and Stewards. The King was graciously pleased to recognise Robert La Touche, Esq. of Harristown, who had the honour to kiss his Majesty’s hand. During the repast, the Ladies present intimated to his Grace of Leinster, that they wished to give his Majesty’s health. His Grace, in the name of the Ladies, instantly proposed the King’s health, with four times four ― the cheering that followed this toast lasted for several minutes. His Majesty immediately rose, and said "He hoped they would not think him so ungallant as not to acknowledge the honour done him by their fair Countrywomen," and immediately proposed the health of "The Ladies," which was drank in a bumper. After this Toast his Majesty again rose, and proposed the health of the Noblemen and Gentlemen Stewards ― and that of the Gentlemen of the Company present, who had that day contributed so much to his amusement.
"Three o’Clock.
His Majesty’s carriage was ordered about this time, and in a few moments drove up at the front of the steps leading to the Royal Room; his Majesty descended the stairs, accompanied by the several persons of his suite, with the Duke of Leinster on his right; as soon as he appeared on the steps, the cheering was renewed and continued until the King had finally quitted the Stand-House. Before the King entered his carriage, he turned round to the Duke of Leinster, and taking him most cordially by the hand, shook it several times, and expressed at the same time the pleasure he derived from his excursion, and was pleased again to say how much he approved of the arrangements that had been made. Upon his Majesty entering his carriage, it was surrounded by a vast number of Gentlemen mounted, to the no small amazement of the 7th Hussars, and who escorted his Majesty off the course, and many of them accompanied him a considerable way on his road to Dublin; those persons who were immediately about the coach say, the King appeared highly delighted with this mark of attention and respect from his people. I cannot help noticing an anecdote, which shows the condescension of his Majesty; One of the attendants happened to go into the room where the King was, to look for his Excellency Earl Talbot’s hat, when the man incautiously took up that of the King, and was going away with it, when his Majesty perceiving him, in great good humour called out "stop, stop, my good friend, that is my hat, you must not take it."
"As I mentioned in my last Letter, the Duke of Leinster’s Tenantry appeared on the ground, mounted and decorated with ruby coloured [ ? ] with the motto of "Crom a boo," when his Majesty arrived; they [moved] across the Curragh to show his Majesty how numerously they attended, and finally, took up their stations, extending in a line from where the tents were pitched to a considerable distance across the plain. The King’s departure was a kind of signal to almost all the Nobility and Gentry, who immediately commenced the bustle of the preparations, notwithstanding the races were not finished."
His Majesty returned through Naas; and changed horses at Lord Mayo’s, where refreshments were prepared, but his Majesty did not come out of his Carriage. He proceeded through Rathcoole, to Island Bridge, and thence to the Lodge in the Park, where he arrived at half-past five o’clock. Only one of the County of Dublin Gentlemen, Mr. Moran, of Castleknock, rode in with his Majesty, and was carried by the same Mare which he rode from the Park in the morning.
When his Majesty alighted out of his carriage, Sir Benj. Bloomfield came forward, and told Mr. Moran and another Gentleman, who rode from the Curragh, that it was his Majesty’s wish that they would come in and take refreshment after their fatigue, and that he thanked them for their attention.
The Duke of Leinster quitted the Course about 4 o’clock. His Grace was accompanied, in his carriage, by the Marchioness Conyngham. As soon as it was perceived that his Grace was about to depart, an immense concourse of persons proceeded to the road leading from the Curragh, where they awaited his arrival, and cheered him most enthusiastically ― His Grace, who was seated in the dickey, took off his hat and saluted them as he passed. The King returned to Dublin through Naas, Rathcoole, &c. &c. and thus graced the People on that line of road by his presence.
Retyped by Chris Holzgräwe.
A report from Finn’s Leinster Journal of 5 September 1821 on the visit of King George IV to the Curragh
