The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-04-16 00:00:00

MAUNDY THURSDAY.

Yesterday, according to annual custom, being Maundy
Thursday, a Confirmation of the juvenile branches of the
Nobility took place at the Chapel Royal. The Service
commenced at twelve o'clock. ['he Church Servicg was
read by the Rev. Dr. Fly ; the Confirmation was per-
formed by the bishop of London, as Dean of the Chapel,
who delivered a very impressive and religious charge to
the young Nobility. Dr. Arnold's service, in 13 flat, was
performed on the occasion by Messrs. Clark, Evans, and
Fletcher; Mr. Cooper presided at the organ.
The usual annual Royal donations were distributed a,
Whitehall Chapel, to as many poor men and women ar
the King is years old, viz. 6V of each.

AIORNING DISTRIBUTION.
A temporary building, the whole length of Whitt ball
Chapel, was constructed, under the direction of the
Board of Works, for the occasion. The building was di-
vided into two apartments ; one division was appropriated
to the stone larder, with shelves flxtd all round, and loaded
with loaves of bread, salt flab, and platters strewed with
herbs; the other for the accommodation of the Maundy
men and women.

At eleven o'clock the attendants were stationed at the
doors, to receive the Maundy people, and to arrange them
at two tables, preparatory to the distribution. One table
was appropriated to the men and the other to the women.
Seats w. re provided at each end of the principal apartment,
for the accommodation of visitors, who were admitted by
tickets. The Maundy people being arranged and seated,
Mr. Hanby, Secretary to Jhe Lord High Almoner, and
Mr. Jones, Groom of the Almonrv, atte :ded by the Yeo-
men of the Guard, entered, and gave directions that the
tables should he covered with a white damask cloth, pro-
vider! for the purpose ; and they supplied every man and
woman with 4 loaf weighing lilb. each. The attendants
proceeded to place upon each table six large wooden dishes,
each containing a piece of fine beef wvigbing3llln.. strewed
with panley.
At twelve o'clock, the Sub-Almoner, the nee. Dr.
Goodenough, in his robes, attended by the Secretary, en-
tered the temporary building ; and after baying inspected
the tickets by which the Maundy people were admitted,
read the following Grace before meat :
"Blzss, 0 Lord, the Royal Maundy to the use of those thy
servants, and dispose their hearts to the praise of thy holy name,
with gratitude to their Royal Benefactor, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen."

After which the people were supplied each with a piece
of meat; and Dr. Goodenough, haying inspected the
quality of the meat, and seen that all were supplied, pro-
nounced the Grace after meat
" Graft. 0 Lord, in the hearts of these people grateful obedience
to the Royal Dispettan of these thy blessings, and cause them to
look up to Thee as the supreme Author of every good, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Directions were then issued for the removal of the cloths •
and the second course being ordered, the attendants placed
before each person a wooden platter, containing two sett
cod, two salt salmon, 18 red end a similar number of salt
herrings, surmounted with four loaves. The Sub.
Almoner having again inspected the supply, the Purveyor,
Mr. Wyatt, approached to know if the quality of the pro-
, visions met his approbation. The distributors now brought
forward large leather flagons, tilled with ale, and several
wooden ale cups. The Sub-Altnoner and attendants
drank the health of King George the Fourth, which was
also drank by the Maundy people in succession. The
Sub-Almoner then retired, and the recipients departed
with their load of provisions.
AFTERNOON SERVICE.

At two o'clocicihe7ecipieria re-assembled in the inter'or
of the church, and were arranged upon forms provided for
the occasion, for the purpose of hearing divine service and
receiving the remainder of the Royal Maundy. At three
o'clock the procession moved from the Ahnortry-office, and
entered the chapel, preceded by the Yeoman Usher and ten
Yeomen, in their state dresses, and one bearing the gold
dish with the purses. The Sub-Almoner, followed by two
girls and two boys from the M'estminster National Schou!,
who were selected for ;heir good conduct ; the Secretary and
the Groom of the Ahnonry, with a number of others, all
wearing white searvesand carrying nosegays, in the proces-
sion advanced up the aisle, and the several Farties took
their stations—two Yeomen within the altar and others
along the aisle, under the royal closet, and at eacli door ;
the Sub-Almoner within the altar, and the officers and
children in front; the organist, S r G. Smart, playing a
voluntary as soon as the procession entered the chapel, and
continued playing until the whole was arranged, When the
ceremony commenced with the • church servile. appropriate
for the day, which was very audibly and impressively r:ad
by the Rev. Dr. Vivian. The Rev. Messrs. Beckwith,
Barham, Knapp, and Fly assisted. The anthems were
sung by Mr. Clark, the solos and verses by Messrs. Nield,
Evans, &c.
One 4f the female receivers of his Majesty's bounry was
in her 10Ist year, and was received with every attention due
to her advanced years ; two men led her to her sear,
although she had no appearance of decrepitude; she walked
very upright, but certainly with infirmities ; she attracted
the attention of a number of the spectators.
The first anthem was, " Bide not thou thy face," &e.
The Sub-Almoner, &e. distributed shoes and stockings
to the Maundy men. After they returned to their seats the
second anthem was sung, " Call to remembrance " &c.
The Sub-Almoner, &c. distributed the woollen and
linen cloth, &c.
After they returned to their seats, and the third anthem
being sung, "0 Lord, grant the King a long lite," &e. the
Sub-Almoner distributed purses of money to the Mauerly
men and women.

After they returned to ereir seats, the church service was
resumed until the fourth anthem was sung, " Who is this
that cometh from Edon'," /kc. composed by Dr. Arnold.
Then followed two beautiful prayers for the King, and
the usual prayers at the conclusion of the service.
When Dr. Goodenough, Sub-Almoner, Mr. Hanby, the
Secretary, and Mr. Jones, the Groom, deccndrd the eteps
of the altar, the Officer of the Wine-oiler approached
with the wine and cups, and the Sqb-Almoner drank the
King's health, which was likewise drank by the Officers
of the Almong, and the Gentlemen of tie Chapel
'Racal
the Sub-Almoner and the Gentlemen of the Chapel
Royal retired to the VetUry ; and the Officers of the Wine-
cake, assisted by the Groom of the Almonry, proceeded
to supply the Maunde people with a cup of wine each, to
drink the King's health, upon which Sir Georg:. Smart
struck up " God save the King" on the organ ; they were
permitted to retain the cup.
When all were sup:died, the recipients departed.