19th August 1837

Celebration of the Queen's Arrival at Windsor

The Mayor of Windsor, according to a request made to him at the public meeting held in the Town Hall, at which his Worship presided, having written to Col. Cavendish to ascertain when Her Majesty intended to take up her residence at the Castle, received an answer stating that Her Majesty had fixed Tuesday next, the 22nd instant, for her arrival here. The Gallant Colonel also stated that the Queen had graciously expressed her intention of seeing the poor persons at dinner in the Long Walk - this being one of the means by which the inhabitants of Windsor intend commemorating Her Majesty's arrival.

On the day of Her Majesty's arrival , it is computed that about 4,000 poor persons will assemble and dine in the Long Walk. The Queen having signified her intention to arrive between four and five o'clock, the hour fixed by the committee for the dinner will be necessarily be about that time, and Her Majesty , on reaching the Long Walk, will descend from her carriage and witness the interesting scene. The two military bands will also be stationed there. I the evening there will be a grand display of fireworks, and an illumination, for which preparations are making upon a more extensive scale than has ever before been known in Windsor.

We have great pleasure in stating that her Royal Highness the Princess Augusta no sooner heard of the intention to commemorate the arrival of Her Majesty by giving a substantial meal to all the poor persons in the borough of Windsor, than, unsolicited, she sent the committee a donation of £5. The provision for the dinner for the poor is to the following extent, viz, 4000Ibs of meat, 2000lbs of pudding, 2000 two penny loaves, 2000 penny loaves, and 20 barrels of prime ale as an accompaniment, with which the health of Her Majesty will be amply toasted. The tables will be nearly half a mile in length.

A triumphal arch is now preparing at the top of the Long Walk, under which her Majesty will pass after viewing the dinner party, to the Castle.

On the second day (Wednesday), a public dinner will take place in the Town Hall, at which his worship the Mayor will preside, and which will be attended, we understand, by our two respected Members, Messrs. Ramsbottom and Gordon. Her Majesty has kindly ordered two bucks to be sent towards the dinner, and has also ordered a very handsome dessert to be provided from the Royal Gardens. On Thursday, the celebration of this auspicious event will terminate by a public ball at the Town Hall, upon which occasion the whole of the Market place will be inclosed, and appropriated as a supper apartment. The arrangements that have been already made, and are making, are of the most excellent kind, and reflect great credit on the gentlemen under those control they are placed, and we anticipate that the celebration will, altogether, be such as never Sovereign was welcomed with in Windsor before.

In addition to the dinner to the poor, the illuminations, and fireworks on Tuesday, Mrs.Graham, the aeronaut, has signified her intention of ascending in her balloon, which will greatly add to the attractions of that day.

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