Guild-halls, by about 300 ladies, all splendidly and elegantly dressed. From thence they walked, in public procession (two and two) to the church. Divine service being concluded, (no sermon was preached this day) they returned, in the same order as before, round the market-place to the state rooms, preceded by the mayor's officers, town's regalia, &c. During the procession, the different companies of trade were drawn up in lines on each side, (many gentlemen also attending) to prevent the ladies from being interrupted or incommoded by the numerous crowd of spectators, who were assembled to view this uncommon and memorable sight. There was, on this occasion, an amazing concourse of people from many parts of the kingdom, and from all parts of the county. This sight was allowed to surpass any thing of the kind ever seen in the country, and exceeded the expectation of every one present, as well in point of the brilliancy and grandeur that attended it, as in respect of the regularity and decorum with which it was conducted.

Wednesday, September 1.

The several fraternities of trade, marshalled as before, paraded the capital streets of the town, with their respective colours flying, kettle drums, French horns, trumpets, &c. This sight could not fail of giving great

pleasure to the spectators. The whole was conducted, as on the preceding day, with great order and regularity.

Two grand balls (to which every person who went properly dressed was admitted) were given every week during the jubilee, by the mayor, viz. Monday and Friday, when an elegant cold collation (with a rich desert of sweetmeats, and the choicest wines of all sorts) were provided in an adjoining room, and in another chocolate, tea, &c. &c.

The ladies assembly was opened twice a week, viz. on Tuesday and Thursday, and the trade assembly was opened in the same rooms every Wednesday.

A commodious temporary theatre was built (for the purpose) in the Church-street, in which were performed plays, &c. by his Majesty's comedians from the theatres royal in London, viz. Mr. Yates (Manager), Messrs. Holland, King, Lee, &c. Mrs. Yates, Mrs. Ward, &c. Dancers, Signior Maranesi, Miss Baker, Master Rogie, Miss Capitani, &c. Performers at the public breakfasts and concertos, Miss Brent, Signior Tenducci, Dr. Arne, Mr. Arne, jun. Mr. Desaubrys, Signiors Dasti, Blanck, Richter, Mr. Richardson, Master Bromley (on the harp), Mr. Lambourne (on the musical glasses), &c. Mr. Johnson, by his dexterity in horsemanship, gave great satisfaction.

And that no rank of persons might be deprived of amusements agreeable to them, at this solemnity, there were exhibited in the old theatre, in the Fishergate, under the direction of the said Mr. Yates, from Drury-lane, various performances on the slack wire, by a celebrated equilibrist; ballancing, dancing, musical glasses, singing, pantomime entertainments, humorous farces, &c. as at Sadler's Wells. There was likewise a company in St. John's Weend, of eminent performers from London, viz. Francisco, Rayner, &c. in lofty tumbling, vaulting, dancing on the stiff rope; and in several parts of the town were to be seen puppet shows, wild beasts, horses of knowledge, &c. &c. In short, these and many other entertainments, adapted to the peculiar taste of people of every rank, diffused that cheerfulness and good humour among all, which constitutes the true happiness of society. It may not be improper to subjoin, that the Guild-hall, (an elegant structure, designed by Mr. Carr, an eminent architect in York) was lately erected for the aforesaid occasion, by the mayor and the corporation, at their own expence. The state room whereof, and the adjoining Town-hall (a spacious chamber) were, every assembly and ball night, illuminated with some hundreds of wax tapers, in several grand chandeliers, girandoles, and sconces. It is said

that the expence of the candles alone amounted to 2007. These two rooms, being united, were capable of containing near one thousand people; which number, it was conjectured by many, appeared therein each ball night.

Large quantities of ale and beer, and cold provisions of all sorts, were ordered to be distributed among the populace each day. For the rest, we have only to observe, that every stranger seemed much pleased at the reception they met with from the gentlemen of the corporation and town, and the rest of the inhabitants; and the inhabitants appeared highly satisfied with the civil and cheerful behaviour of their respective guests; and with the liberal, and in every respect satisfactory conduct of the mayor, who was singularly studious to please, and to inspire mirth and festivity into every individual.

An Account of Preston Guild, as held in 1782, from the Liverpool General Advertiser, September 19, 1782.

"The guild at Preston, was, we are assured, honoured with the appearance of a more numerous and splendid assemblage of personages, of the first rank and fortune, than ever graced that place on any similar occasion. Messrs. Austen and Whitlock's company of comedians

performed each night, to audiences not less crowded than they were judicious and respectable; the boxes in particular, (which were filled every evening,) exhibited scenes of beauty and elegance, such as are rarely to be met with even in the theatres of the metropolis; nor were the performances in any respect unworthy of such distinguished patronage, none but the newest and most celebrated peices being represented during the fortnight, all of which, we have authority to say, were got up and performed with that chasteness and regularity which has long given this company the pre-eminence over every other out of London. In a word, the plays, oratorios, masquerades, assemblies, and races, formed a diversity of amusements for every description of taste, and greatly contributed to make up a degree of refulgence such as no former period has equalled, nor is it probable that any future one will surpass. There were upwards of three hundred people at the masquerade, on Tuesday seʼnnight, a number of which assumed characters, which were extraordinarily well supported.".

Preston Guild, as held Monday, August 30, 1802.

The guild commenced under the most pleasing auspices imaginable, assisted by as favourable weather as could