The Statesman.
London, England, 1821-07-20 00:00:00

STATE OF THE HALL _ DURING THE ABSENCE

OF THE PROE:10-

Allmon as the procession quitted the ball, it was
followed by the Ambassadors and dieir suites, the
Peeresses, and all those who kid tickets of admission
to Westminster-abbey. They proceeded through the
passage by the (louse of Lords, and on from thence
through the covered way which led from the Rouge
.of Lords to Poet's-corner, The hail, which but a few
moments before presented one of the grandest specta-
cles, became now, for a short time, almost deserted.
Those only remained who had not tickets for the Ab-
bey, or whose duties detained diem in the Hall. The
preparations for the banquet now enenmenced, and the
cloths were soon laid across the tables, at which the
Peers, Lc., were to dine. There were three table on
each side of the Hall, each table laid for fifty-six per-
sons. The seats were so constructed, that each could
accutontiolate two, a small spec • bring left between each
seat. As soon as the clothe were placed, 936 silver
'plates (the number of these who were expected to sit
down in the ball) nese laid on, each plate baying two
silver spoons placed near it. This was the first part
of preparation. When it was arranged, the officers
who had the care of what was termed the coronation
plate, began to place it on two large side boards
placed en the right and left of the throne. The
plate thus exposed was entirely of pure gold. It con-
sisted of several large dishes and vases richly em-
bossed. The centre dish on each side presented a fine
has-relief of the Lord's Supper. Below that, on the
left, it as a large gold tankard, on the side of which
was represented, in has relief, the story of the Grecian
Daughter. All the other vessels were richly embossed
with vat:nue devices. Some of these pieces are of very
ancient date, and have graced the coronation banquets
of several of our monarchs. A few of them
were marked A. R. (Anna Regina), and some C. R.
(Cardirs Rex). Immediately after the arranging of
the Coronation plate, the royal table, at which were to
dine the King. and die several male branches of the
royal family, was placed opposite the throne, and in
part under the canopy. It u.as nearly of a triangular
shape : the throne supplying the p!ace of what would
have been one of theangles: at two of the sides were six
chairs (three at each) for the reception of their Royal
Highnesses the Dukes of York, Cambridge, said Glom
cesrer, who sat at the ri,glit of the throne, and the
Dukes of Clarence, Sussex, and the Prime Leopold, who
were placed on the left. • The table was covered with
rich damask cloths, on which were urouglit the Royal
arms and the devices of the several British orders,
with their mottos. On these was placed a large oval
mirror, having four square pieces projecting at differ-
ent sides. In the oval centre were the letters " G. R."
In the square compartments were painted the red and
white ruse, the shamrock, and the thistle. Besides these,
there were four small figures and several stands all in
go!fl, placed on the table. At that end which (routed the
ball was suspended a very rich flowered white satin
drapery, with gold fringe and gulf bullion tassels:
I,etween the festoons were the stars of the several
British orders in gold embroidery. At a little before
two o'clock, the waiters commenced laving on the
banquet on the tables at both sides of the hall. The
meats served up were all cold, and consisted of fowls,
tongues, pies, said a profusion of sweet meats, con-
serves, and fruit of every kind. Before the tables
ere finally arranged (about two o'clock), the candles
io :he several branches were lit. There were thirteen
chandeliers on each aisle of the ball, with sixty large
wire lights in each. These consisted of very rich cut
glass, wi h a profusion of drops. Besides these there
were twelve table stands, with eighteen candles in
each. These, together with candles placed in the
choir, amounted to nearly two thousand lights, ex-
elusive of two branches of Argand suspended at the
right aml.left of the throne. Such a vast display of
artificial light, in the broad glare of an unclouded
sun, detracted, in our opinion, from the splendour of
the mote; and certainly from the comfort and con-
venience of every person in the hall. To those gen-
tlemen whoie seats happened to be placed immegiataly
ander the chandeliers, the great increase of temperas ;
tore—and that. was very considerable—was not the
only ineonvestienee ; for occasionally large pieces If
melted wax fall, Withont distinction of persona, tipon
All within reach. TIM pry past heat waariowletia