Page 115 - Reading Mercury
P. 115
Wednesday last was the day of celebration, when an elegant entertainment was
provided in the Town-hall of Wokingham, attended by some of the first characters of
the neighbourhood; and several public dinners for the accommodation of different
denominations. Ringing of bells fireworks, illuminations, transparencies by an
eminent artist from London, and firing of cannon by the Master Gunner of Cowes, in
the Isle of Wight, continued till day light and closed a beautiful scene of loyalty and
universal happiness.
th
Mon 13 April
READING
Saturday last the happy event of the recovery of his Majesty was celebrated at
Luckley-house near Wokingham, on the verge of Windsor Forest, the seat of Charles
Fysh Palmer, Esq. with every possible demonstration of loyalty and festivity. The
gentlemen of the Corporation and others of the town and neighbourhood, were
entertained in the most hospitable manner by the worthy owner of the mansion: Mrs.
P. with her wonted affability, and several other ladies, honouring the company with
their presence. And the next day (Sunday) the same gentleman very liberally and
generously entertained the children of the Sunday schools in Wokingham, near 150,
with plenty of beef, plum pudding, and each a glass of ale to drink his Majesty’s
health.
Among the many instances of loyalty shewn by the gentlemen in this
neighbourhood, we are sorry to have omitted that of J. H. Addington, Esq. at
Blount’s-Court, who gave an elegant and plentiful entertainment to the gentlemen
farmers and their families for several miles round, which was concluded with a
handsome firework in the gardens, and a ball for the ladies; nor were the poor forgot
on this occasion, as they were regaled with several hogheads of beer, and all ranks of
people shewed themselves highly pleased with this noble instance of loyalty and
hospitality.
st
Mon 1 June
NEW WESTERN ROAD
To BATH, BRISTOL, &c. thro’ WINDSOR
To the Nobility, Gentry and Others, Travelling the Great Western Road, to Bath,
Bristol, &c.
The King’s Most Excellent Majesty, has been graciously pleased to make a road
from Windsor over Cranbourn Chase, thro’ Windsor Forest, leading to the rural
villages of Winkfield, Warfield, and Binfield, to Reading; which is allowed to be the
most delightful ride of any in this kingdom, from the many beautiful and picturesque
views of noblemen and gentlemen’s seats, and parks, the whole way.
The great annoyance generally complained of by persons travelling the other road,
on account of the frequent passing of large droves of oxen, sheep, and other cattle,
stage coaches, road wagons, and other carriage, is such, as to render it disagreeable,
particularly at this season of the year.
The good accommodation that Windsor affords to travellers, is too well known to
need any comment.
The saving of a very heavy turnpike, and bridge toll and the distance from Hyde
Park Corner to Reading, being equally the same, it is hoped, that it will not be deemed
presumptuous to recommending to the nobility, gentry, and others to give a preference
to the road leading thro’ Windsor.
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