The Sun.
London, England, 1822-09-06 00:00:00

PRESTON GUILD FESTIVAL.

PRESTON, SEPT. 3.—This being the day ap-
pointed for the Ladies' Procession, and of course the most
attractive, there was a great influx of company, and the seve-
ral Trades and Societies assembled in much larger numbers,
and with more splendid decorations. The rain poured heavily
at an early hour, but subsequently cleared up, and a most beau-
tiful day cheered the hearts of desponding ladies, who other-
wise would have been prevented snaking a display, which, for
attrattion and elegance, was never surpassed. At half-past
nine o'clock, the Mayoress, accompanied by the Mayor and
some Officers of the Corporation, arrived at the Town Hall, to
receive the Ladies who intended honouring her with their corn-
pany.—The carriages now drove up in quick succession, and
continued to do so till eleven o'clock. The equipages of the
Earl of Derby and Charles Tempest, Esq. were particularly
splendid.
The processions of the Societies being duly arranged, as on
Monday, and headed by the Marshal, Mr. James Fothergill, the
signal was given for their moving, and the difl'erent companies
opened right and left, leliving a free passage to the Ladies, who,
at five minutes past eleven, left the Town Hall, preceded by
the Mayor and Corporation. and led by the Mayoress, who was
attired in a splendid dress of white satin and crape, with a head-
dress of diamonds and feathers. The other ladies, in number

162, were dressed in a similar manner, and . proceeded down
Church-street, to the parish church, escorted by several
Noblemen and Gentlemen, and the Freemasons in full black
suits, with the sashes and orders of their several Lodges.—
During their progress hats were taken off, and the procession
was rendered indescribably interesting, from the number of La-
dies at the windows, and on the roof and tower of the Church ;
every elevated situation which enabled the spectators to have a
good view of the ceremonial was thronged.
After hearing Divine Service, the procession returned in
the same order, the companies forming open lines with their
banners, cars, &c. &c. &c. ranged on either side, through
which the Ladies passed from the church gates, round the
market place, up Cheapside, to the Town Hall. The ap-
pearance of the vast assemblage of persons in the market-
place, with the tops of the houses and windows lined with
females, had a most magnificent effect. In one part stood
the steam engine and machinery employed in the Cotton
Trade, and in another the crown, standard, and car of flowers
and fruit belonging to the Gardeners. On the other side were
three men in armour, one on a horse covered from the head to
the hoof in brass. In another car the Printers were busily en-
gsged in printing and vending various mottoes, with the in,
scriptions, " Prosperity to the Spindle," " Success to the
Loom," and " Nicholas Grimshaw, Esq. twice Mayor." The
next object excited universal laughter; in a covered wag-
gon drawn by two horses, and surrounded with apples, stood
Eve, proffering an apple to Adam, who every time refused the
gift, though his partner was aided by the" subtle serpent." His
refusal, however, might be justified on looking at the lady who
personified Eve, she being at least sixty years of age, and fur-
rowed with many a deep wrinkle. The Odd Fellows were
superbly, though oddly dressed. The Freemasons claimed
particular notice on account of their respectability, and the
chasteness of their attire, and to them was assigned the post of
honour, that of escorting the Ladies and Corporation.
Soon after two o'clock the processions and populace dis-
persed.
The greatest order was observed throughout the day ; not a
single soldier attended, and what is rather singular we did not
hear one cheer or shout of applause.
Some accidents of a trifling nature occurred opposite the
Town Hall, arising out of the eagerness of the byestanders to
see the Ladies alight from their carriages.
The Ball at the New Exchange Rooms, and the Theatre,
were well attended on Monday night, but the company appear
to be reserving themselves for the superior entertainments which
are forthcoming.

The Magistrates of Leith presented to his
Majesty a Map of the Town and Harbour, engraved by Mr.
Charles Thomson,' High-street. .The place where his Ma-
jesty landed was marked by an Imperial Crown. The map,
which was laid upon satin, was inclosed in a box, covered with
crimson velvet. beautifully ornamented with • silver thistles.
The following is the inscription upon the box :
Presented

by the Magistrates of Leith
to
His Majesty, George the Fourth,
in commemoration of
His Majesty's Landing at the Port of Leith,
August 15, 1822.