The Sun.
London, England, 1844-12-26 00:00:00

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.

The Queen Dowager is surrounded by a select
party at Witley Court, Worcestershire Their Serene
Highnesses Prince Ernest of Hesse Phillipsthal and
Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar have arrived there
to pass the Christmas with their illustrious relative.
As was the case last year, the poor of that neighbour-
hood have partaken of her Majesty's extended boun-
ties, having been supplied with many comforts to ren-
der this festive period of the year one of enjoyment.
Her Majesty's health continues satisfactory.
The Duke of Rutland has a numerous circle as-
sembled at Belvior Castle, Leicestershire, participating
in the pleasures of Christmas. In addition to the
Marquis of Granby, Lords John and George Man-
ners, Lady Adeliza Manners, Lord Charles Manners,
&c., Earl and Lady Katherine Jermyn, Lord Fores-
ter, and Mr. A. and Lady Elizabeth Drummond
have joined the party.
The Archbishop of York is at Bishopsthorpe, near
York, surrounded by a select family circle. Sir
J. V. B. and Lady Johnstone and Miss Johnstone
are there. His Grace, in the beginning of the
week, caused his usual bounties to be distributed
amongst the necessitous families of Bishopsthorpe
and York, and by his instructions the poor families
on the family estate in Oxfordshire have not been
forgotten.
The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, at
Alnwick Castle, have observed the customary bene-
volence to the numerous aged and infirm poor, by a
considerate distribution of excellent cheer, in beef,
bread, &c. It is generally caiculated that above 100
poor families are relieved every Christmas, besides
other extensive charities in the shape of warm
clothing, which is liberally distributed to the deserving
poor.
The Marquis of Anglesey has a numerous family
party met at Beaudesert : the Earl and Countess of
Sandwich, Viscount and Viscountess Sydney, Earl
and Countess Cadogan, and Ladies Augusta and
Honoria Cadogan ; the Earl of Uxbridge and Ladies
Paget; Lord Alfred Paget, Lord George Paget,
&c. &c., have arrived there for the Christmas holidays.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Westminster
have the Earl and Countess of Grosvenor and family,
&c., passing the Christmas at Eaton Hall, Cheshire,
that holiday keing kept up at that splendid seat
in the true old English style. On Monday last
the Marquis and Marchioness made their annual visit
to the Grosvenor schools at Cheshire, established
thirty years ago, by the munificence of the Noble
Marquis, for the education of children of both sexes.
After the customary examination, at which the Bishop
of Chester, and many of the local clergy and gentry
were present, and an award of prizes by the Marquis
and Marchioness, the whole of the scholars were
bountifully regaled with roast beef and plum pudding.
Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston's party, at
Broadlands, assembled on Monday and Tuesday last.
Lord and Lady Ashley have arrived there from the
Earl of Shaftesbury's seat in Dorsetshire, and the
Marquis and Marchioness of Normanby, Lady Hol-
land, &c., have arrived from town.
Sir Robert and Lady Peel have a select party at
Drayton Manor. The circle is confined to the diffe-
rent connexions of their family.