The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-03-02 00:00:00

ST. DAVIL•'S D. 11".

Yesterday the hundred and tenth Anniversary Festival of the
Most Honourable and Loyal Society of Ancient Britons was cele-
brated according to custom.
At eleven o'clock, the Earl of Ilrecknock (the President of the
Institution), the Bishop of t,t. Assph, the Bishop of Chester, sere-
ral of the ice-Presidents, the Treasurer, and the Stewards, asscm-
' bled in the Board Room, where, after transacting the business of
the morning, they partook of an excellent repast, which was laid
out in the refectory of the school ; many Ladies and Gentlemen,
friends and patrons of the Institution, being of the company.
At one o'clock, the children under the patronage of the Society,
consisting of I.UI (104 boys and 46 girls), walked in procession from
the Schoolhouse in Gray's Inn-lane-road, towards St. George's
Church. Hanover-square. They were clean and respectably clad;
each boy had a silver leek in his hat, and each girl one in her bosom.
They were attended by their masters and mistresses. The proces-
sion set out in the tollowing order:—
Four Parish IlLsdles with their batons,
A military band of music,
A banner, carried before the boys, bearing the following inscription
in large gilt letters :—" elsli Citarity for educating. clothing.
and maintaining 150 children, the descendants of Welsh parents."
The plume of feathers was painted on the reverse side.
One hundred and four boys, two and two,
Fotty.sit girls, two and two,
City Police and Marshalmen, two and two,
Street-Eeepere and Constables to clear the way,
City 3larshal on horseback, in full uniform,
Military band of music,
Nineteen Noblemen and Gentlemen'scarriliges closed the procession,

Several hundreds, friends and relatives of the children, followed,
and accompanied the procession, being allowed to see them on this
day only in every year ; In consequence of which much incon-
venience arose, from the mothers, &c. walking by the side of their
children, to give them cakes and money. The spectacle they af-
forded was a mental treat to those who are able to appreciate the
blessings resulting from an institution which alleviates the anxieties
of the distressed parent and widow, and cheers the wretched

. .
orphan.
The procession moved along Guilford-street, Russell-square,
Bloomsbury-square, Russell-street, -Oxford-street, to St. George's
Church, Hanover-square, where a numerous and respectable con-
gregation had assembled.
The church service was read in the Ancient British language, by
the Rev. Thomas Alban, Chaplain to the Society. The children,
ranged in the organ gallery, sung the hymns appointed for the day,
with melody and sweetnees.
After divine service had been read, th^ Bishop of Chester ascend-
ed the pulpit, and preached an excellent sermon ; after which the
children sung a hymn, in the most impressive manner.
After divine service, the procession formed in the same order as
before, and proceeded to St. James's-square, where they halted at
the Inseam of the Dubs sr:Norfolk and Sir Watkin Williams
Wynn, giving three cheers at each ; and thence proceeding to
Carlton Palace, paid a similar testimony of respect to his Majesty.
The next stage was to Freemasons' Tavere, where an excellent din-
ner was provided.
About half-peat five o'clock, between 400 gni MO persons sat
down to a sumptuous entertainment ; the Earl of Bret:knock in the
Chair, supported on the right by the Lord Mayor, and on the left
by the Bishop of Chester. Four tables were laid parallel length-
ways, and two across, at the head of the room, at the upper one of
which the President sat, in the society's superb chair, ornamented
lat the top with the Prince's plume and motto. The stewards
I presided at the other tables : they wore cocked bats, with a plume
`of white ostrich feathers, an embroidered leek, with a crown, and
I the mutts " irk Dien." The band of the Coldstream Guards
were MALIOriCiI in the upper gallery, and played several martial airs.
Two Welch harpers were in the centre of the room, who played
during the entertainment. The front gallery displayed a numerous
assemblage of ladies of rank. On the cloth being removed, " Nonl
, Noain" was performed by l) ease. Smith, Parry, Collier, &e. &c. ;
after shich the Noble l hairman stood up, and gave the King's
health, which was drunk with great and reiterated opplattac—
" The Duke of York and the Ann-,--- The Duke of Clarence
and the Navy," and several other loyal and patriotic torus were also
I drunk, and some excellent songs and glees were sung by the pro-
fessional gentlemen.
- -

The bitim and girls were introduced by the stewards, and pa-
raded round the nom ; their appearance was cleanly and healthy,
and afforded general satisfaction.

The collection at the church and the dinner. we are happy to
learn, was considerable. The company did not separate ull a
la:s hour.

IVe hear that a petition from the Methodist Society
in this circuit, praying the admission of lay delegates into
the cottfctenc..! held annually by the preachers in con-
nexion, is preparing to be laid before them at their next
me-tine.—Nu(. reFer.
WORCESTER, F 52. 27.—DvEl. PR NVENTED.—A meet-
ing *as to have taken place on the Pitcheroft, on Monday
morning, 23:1 instant, between Mr. II t., and Mr.
A N, both gentlemen of New Town, near this city—
' but by the interference of their friends it was happily pre-
' vtotetl.—piatcnhans Gazette.