| Citation |
BNL.717.019
23-30 Sep 1717:12 (702)
London, July 20. On Wednesday evening (the 17th) about
eight, the King, took water at Whitehall in an open barge,
where were several persons of quality, and went up the river
towards Chelsea, attended by a great many barges full of
persons of quality, and such a number of boats that the
whole river in a manner was cover'd; a city company's barge
was employ'd for the musick, wherein were 50 instruments of
all sorts, who play'd all the way from Lambeth, (while the
barges drove with the tide without rowing, as far as
Chelsea) the finest symphonies, compos'd express for this
occasion, by Mr. Hendel; which his Majesty liked so well,
that he caused it to be plaid over three times in going &
returning. At eleven his Majesty went ashoar at Chelsea,
where a supper was prepar'd, and then there was another very
fine concert of music, which lasted till two; after which,
his Majesty came again into his barge, and returned the same
way, the musick continuing to play till he landed.
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