The Sun.
London, England, 1834-05-23 00:00:00

RURAL FETE AT PETWORTH.

This grand spectacle took place yesterday. The
munificent Earl of Egremont had been long accus-
tomed to give a dinner to some thousands of the poor
women and children of Petworth and surrounding pa-
rishes on New Year's Day ; but as his Lordship's ill
state of health at the beginning of the present year
had prevented the usual treat, he gave directions,
about a fortnight since, that it should be holden on..
Whit Tuesday, and every heart beat high with expec-
tation from the moment of the announcement. Orders
were given that 1,000 stones of prime beef, and mate-
rials for 1,000 plum puddings, should be provided.
Tables and seats formed of deal planks were laid out,
under the able directions of Mr. Upton, surveyor,
on the charming lawn in front of the splendid
mansion, stretching in three tiers from each extremity,
of the house, in a horseshoe form, 54 in number, each
table being on an average 50 feet long ; thus the ex-
tent of tabling, if in one line, would have exceeded
half a mile. The weather, which had for some days
previous
been wet and stormy, was propitious ; the
eight bells in the tower of the church, recently
erected by his lordship, began soon after the break of
day to pour out their cheerful sounds, and to usher in
one of the most delightful mornings ever known in
this country. Persons of all ages and all grades soon
crowded the entrances of the town in all directions ;
the tables were very early covered with white cloths and
plates, with half-pint mugs, set for each guest. The
dinner, a great part of which was served hot, from
the earl's extensive kitchens, in a manner which
called forth the astonishment of all present, and re-
flects the greatest credit on his lordship's establishment,
was collected in a large marquee in the centre, and as
soon as the clock struck one, the anxious guests, in
number rather exceeding 4,200, were quickly supplied
from the " Central Board" with huge masses of roast
and boiled beef, &c., and with as much as they wished
of good beer or delicious cider. The repast being
over, the health of his Lordship was given with three
times three, but, from the extent of the line, and the
want of practice in the juveniles, this was not well
performed ; otherwise, nothing could exceed the un-
restrained order with which the dinner passed off.
Joyous delight was expressed in every countenance,
whether of the humble guest or more elevated spec-
tator. The carving was performed by 200 gentlemen
and respectable persons, who had volunteered their
services for the occasion.

That it might be a day of amusement to all classes,
his lordship engaged Mr. Jones, of Brighton, to give
a grand display of fire-works immediately in front of
the house, and which kept an immense concourse of
people together till a late hour. It is well-known to
every person who has visited Petworth, that free ad-
mission is given to the inhabitants and the public, at
all seasonable hours, into the beautiful and extensive
park, but on the present occasion the pleasure grounds,
usually reserved for the family, were also thrown open,
and large groups were to be seen rambling through
the enchanting walks during the interval between the
dinner and the rising of a fire-balloon, which began
Mr. Jones's exhibition. The Petworth band had been
in attendance, and adding to the enlivening scene
during the day, and at the conclusion of the fire-works
played our national anthem. This was the signal for
departure, but not before a spontaneous burst of three
times three cheers had been given for the noble earl
in true British style. The Rev. Mr. Klanert, Curate
of Petworth, deserves great praise for the whole of
the arrangements.
As by unanimous consent the shops were closed
from about eleven in the forenoon, and business of
every sort (innkeepers excepted) was suspended, the
appearance of the town, but for the merry tone of the
bells, must have presented to the imagination of a
stranger, ignorant of the cause, the picture of some
dire calamity. Petworth, May 21.