The Sun.
London, England, 1849-12-26 00:00:00

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.

As customary at this season of the year, the baronial
residences of the nobility take the lead in displaying
that liberal hospitality for which we as a people are
proverbial, more especially at Christmas. There is
also one pleasing reflection, that the aristocracy of this
country, while dispensing their princely festivities at
home, are not forgetful of the wants of the more
humble classes ; for we could give innumerable in-
stances where "seasonable benevolence," in the shape
of excellent provisions, blankets, and warm clothing,
and donations in money, have enlivened the hearth of
the aged and indigent entirely through the munifi-
cent consideration of the wealthy nobles of this free
and constitutional land.

The Duke and Duchess of Richmond are sur-
rounded by a numerous family circle at Goodwood-
park, Sussex. The Earl and Countess of Besborough,
the Earl and Countess of March, Lady Templemore,
the Hon. Miss Chichester, the Right Hon. W. and
Lady Louisa Tighe, &c., have assembled there.
The Duke and Duchess of Bedford are dispensing
their hospitality to a very numerous circle at Wo-
burn Abbey, Bedfordshire. Lord and Lady John
Russell join the circle to-morrow, and the festivities
at the ducal seat will be prolonged until after Twelfth
Night ; and private theatricals are, it is said, to
form a portion of the varied amusements provided for
the guests of the Noble Duke and Duchess.
The Duke and Duchess of Sutherland, notwith
standing the brilliant festivities last week attendant
on the coming of age of the Marquis of Stafford, had
a large circle staying at Trentham for the Christmas,
comprising the Marquis and Marchioness of Kildare,
Lady Dover and Hon. Miss Ellis, the Earl of Carlisle,
Viscount Clifden, the Right Hon. W. Lascelles,
M.P., and Lady Caroline Lascelles, Miss Lascelles,
lion. W. H. Howard, &c.

The Duke of Rutland has a select family circle met
at Beivoir Castle, Leicestershire. On the 4th of next
month the Noble Duke completes his 81st year, on
which occasion the customary rejoicing will take
place.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne are
entertaining a distinguished and numerous circle at
Bowood Park, Wilts, where the Noble Marquis and
Marchioness intend to welcome a succession of visitors
until the third week in the ensuing month, when the
Noble Marquis will be obliged to repair to town for
the Ministerial conferences previous to the meeting of
Parliament.

The Marquis and Marchioness of Salisbury have a
large party partaking of their hospitality at Hatfield
House, Herts. A ball, on a magnificent scale, will
be shortly given at that splendid seat, which will bring
to a close the gaieties there ; all the nobility and
gentry of the country are to be invited.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Anglesey are at
Beaudesert, the family seat, near Lichfield, sur-
rounded by a family party, including the Earl and
Countess of Sandwich, the Earl of Uxbridge,
Viscount and Viscountess Sydney, Lord and Lady
Templemore, Lady Alfred Paget, &c.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry are
entertaining a family circle at Wynyard Park, near
Stockton-on-Tees. On the 17th of the ensuing
month the Marchioness gives a grand ball, to which
the whole of the nobility and gentry of Durham and
the surrounding counties are invited.
The Earl and Countess Cawdor are , receiving a
large family party at Stackpole Court, Pembrokeshire.
The Earl of Derby is entertaining Lord and Lady
Stanley, the Hon. Colonel and Mrs. Stanley, and a
select party, this Christmas, at Knowsley, Lancashire.
The Earl and Countess of Sefton are displaying
their hospitality to a large party at Croxteth Park,
near Liverpool.

The Earl Fitzwilliam is passing the festive season
at Milton Park, near Peterborough, where Viscount
and Vi:icountess Milton, Sir .Tames and Lady Anne
Mackenzie, and a numerous circle have assembled.
The Earl and Countess of Hare wood have a select
party congregated at Harewood House, York,hire, to
enjoy the festive season.
The Earl and Countess of Ellesmere are receiving
a succession of distinguished guests at Ratchford
Park, near Cobham.
The Earl and Countess of Jersey are entertaining
company at Middleton Park, near Bicester, Oxon.
The Earl and Countess Cowper are seeing company
at Pashanger, Herts.
Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston are enter-
taining a distinguished circle at Broadlands, near
Romsey.
The Right Hon. Sidney and Mrs. Herbert are at
Wilton House, near Salisbury, where the Countess