| Citation |
NHG-P.769.002
13 Jan 1769:32 (640)
London, October 15. On Thursday the 13th, his Danish
Majesty, having been just nine weeks in England, after
taking an affectionate leave of all the Royal Family, set
out for Dover on his way to France. At Chatham he viewed
the dock yard and shipping, and at Dover the castle. On
Friday the 14th, he embarked on board the Mary yacht, and
landed at Calais the same afternoon. His affable and
Princely beheavour in England, gained him the universal
esteem and good will of the people of all ranks. A little
before his departure, October the 10th, he gave at the Hay
Market, a masquerade, which for the number and dignity of
the company, the richness, variety, and taste of the
dresses, the grandeur and beauty of the scenes, and the
elegance and good order with which the whole was prepared
and conducted, was the most splended and magnificent, that
ever was seen in England, or perhaps any where else.
The number of tickets delivered out was not less than
3000, and from 25 to 30 guineas a ticket was offered and
refused; some of the dresses cost L200, besides jewels, and
the quantity and value of the jewels was incredible. One
jeweller let out for the night to the amount of L200, 000
and it was thought , that there was to the value of two
millions sterling in the company.
The quantity of gold and silver tissue, made into Indian,
Persian, & Chinese habits, with the quantity of diamonds
with which they were decorated is past description, nothing
but the actual view could convey an idea of them. As to the
ladies a more beautiful group never appeared: In the choice
of their dresses, the whole capacity of female taste and
elegance was exerted. At 12 the company unmasked to go to
supper, the description of the Mahometan paradise
immediately rushed upon the memory. The sight in short was
almost too dazzling to bear. The stage was lined with a
crimson velvet, beautifully illuminated round. A profusion
of plate appeared in the six rooms set apart for supper, and
the tables were covered with all imaginable elegance;
upwards of 4000 waiters were imployed, and hardly
sufficient. Most of the company stayed the whole night. No
gaming was allowed.
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