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3. The Revolution House.
ОглавлениеTo complete the little series of Views at Whittington more immediately connected with Dr. Pegge, a third plate is here given, from another Drawing by Mr. Schnebbelie, of the small public-house at Whittington, which has been handed down to posterity for above a century under the honourable appellation of "The Revolution House." It obtained that name from the accidental meeting of two noble personages, Thomas Osborne Earl of Danby, and William Cavendish Earl of Devonshire, with a third person, Mr. John D'Arcy[36], privately one morning, 1688, upon Whittington, Moor, as a middle place between Chatsworth, Kniveton, and Aston, their respective residences, to consult about the Revolution, then in agitation[37]; but a shower of rain happening to fall, they removed to the village for shelter, and finished their conversation at a public-house there, the sign of The Cock and Pynot[38].
The part assigned to the Earl of Danby was, to surprize York; in which he succeeded: after which, the Earl of Devonshire was to take measures at Nottingham, where the Declaration for a free Parliament, which he, at the head of a number of Gentlemen of Derbyshire, had signed Nov. 28, 1688[39], was adopted by the Nobility, Gentry, and Commonalty of the Northern Counties, assembled there for the defence of the Laws, Religion, and Properties[40].
The success of these measures is well known; and to the concurrence of these Patriots with the proceedings in favour of the Prince of Orange in the West, is this Nation indebted for the establishment of her rights and liberties at the glorious Revolution.
The cottage here represented stands at the point where the road from Chesterfield divides into two branches, to Sheffield and Rotherham. The room where the Noblemen sat is 15 feet by 12 feet 10, and is to this day called The Plotting Parlour. The old armed chair, still remaining in it, is shewn by the landlord with particular satisfaction, as that in which it is said the Earl of Devonshire sat; and he tells with equal pleasure, how it was visited by his descendants, and the descendants of his associates, in the year 1788. Some new rooms, for the better accommodation of customers, were added about 20 years ago.
The Duke of Leeds' own account of his meeting the Earl of Devonshire and Mr. John D'Arcy[41] at Whittington, in the County of Derby, AD 1688.
The Earl of Derby, afterwards Duke of Leeds, was impeached, A.D. 1678, of High Treason by the House of Commons, on a charge of being in the French interest, and, in particular, of being Popishly affected: many, both Peers and Commoners, were misled, and had conceived an erroneous opinion concerning him and his political conduct. This he has stated himself, in the Introduction to his Letters, printed A. 1710, where he says, "That the malice of my accusation did so manifestly appear in that article wherein I was charged to be Popishly affected, that I dare swear there was not one of my accusers that did then believe that article against me."
His Grace then proceeds, for the further clearing of himself, in these memorable words, relative to the meeting at Whittington, the subject of this memoir.
"The Duke of Devonshire also, when we were partners in the secret trust about the Revolution, and who did meet me and Mr. John D'Arcy, for that purpose, at a town called Whittington, in Derbyshire, did, in the presence of the said Mr. D'Arcy, make a voluntary acknowledgment of the great mistakes he had been led into about me; and said, that both he, and most others, were entirely convinced of their error. And he came to Sir Henry Goodrick's house in Yorkshire purposely to meet me there again, in order to concert the times and methods by which he should act at Nottingham (which was to be his post), and one at York (which was to be mine); and we agreed, that I should first attempt to surprize York, because there was a small garrison with a Governor there; whereas Nottingham was but an open town, and might give an alarm to York, if he should appear in arms before I had made my attempt upon York; which was done accordingly[42]; but is mistaken in divers relations of it. And I am confident that Duke (had he been now alive) would have thanked nobody for putting his prosecution of me amongst the glorious actions of his life."
Celebration of the Revolution Jubilee, at Whittington and Chesterfield, on the 4th and 5th of November, 1788.
On Tuesday the 4th instant, the Committee appointed to conduct the Jubilee had a previous meeting, and dined together at the Revolution House in Whittington. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, Lord Stamford, Lord George and Lord John Cavendish, with several neighbouring Gentlemen, were present. After dinner a subscription was opened for the erecting of a Monumental Column, in Commemoration of the Glorious Revolution, on that spot where the Earls of Devonshire and Danby, Lord Delamere, and Mr. John D'Arcy, met to concert measures which were eminently instrumental in rescuing the Liberties of their Country from perdition. As this Monument is intended to be not less a mark of public Gratitude, than the memorial of an important event; it was requested, that the present Representatives of the above-mentioned families would excuse their not being permitted to join in the expence.
On the 5th, at eleven in the morning, the commemoration commenced with divine service at Whittington Church. The Rev. Mr. Pegge, the Rector of the Parish, delivered an excellent Sermon from the words "This is the day, &c." Though of a great age, having that very morning entered his 85th year, he spoke with a spirit which seemed to be derived from the occasion, his sentiments were pertinent, well arranged, and his expression animated.
The descendants of the illustrious houses of Cavendish, Osborne, Boothe, and Darcy (for the venerable Duke of Leeds, whose age would not allow him to attend, had sent his two grandsons, in whom the blood of Osborne and D'Arcy is united); a numerous and powerful gentry; a wealthy and respectable yeomanry; a hardy, yet decent and attentive peasantry; whose intelligent countenances shewed that they understood, and would be firm to preserve that blessing, for which they were assembled to return thanks to Almighty God, presented a truly solemn spectacle, and to the eye of a philosopher the most interesting that can be imagined.
After service the company went in succession to view the old house, and the room called by the Anti-revolutionists "The Plotting-Parlour," with the old armed-chair in which the Earl of Devonshire is said to have sitten, and every one was then pleased to partake of a very elegant cold collation, which was prepared in the new rooms annexed to the cottage. Some time being spent in this, the procession began:
Constables with long staves, two and two.
The Eight Clubs, four and four; viz.
1. Mr. Deakin's: Flag, blue, with orange fringe, on it the figure of Liberty, the motto, "The Protestant Religion, and the Liberties of England, we will maintain."
2. Mr. Bluett's: Flag, blue, fringed with orange, motto, "Libertas; quæ sera, tamen respexit inertem." Underneath the figure of Liberty crowning Britannia with a wreath of laurels, who is represented sitting on a Lion, at her feet the Cornucopiæ of Plenty; at the top next the pole, a Castle, emblematical of the house where the club is kept; on the lower side of the flag Liberty holding a Cap and resting on the Cavendish arms.
3. Mr. Ostliff's: Flag, broad blue and orange stripe, with orange fringe; in the middle the Cavendish arms; motto as No. 1.
4. Mrs. Barber's: Flag, garter blue and orange quarter'd, with white fringe, mottoes, "Liberty secured." "The Glorious Revolution 1688."
5. Mr. Valentine Wilkinson's: Flag, blue with orange fringe, in the middle the figure of Liberty; motto as No. 1.
6. Mr. Stubbs: Flag, blue with orange fringe, motto, "Liberty, Property, Trade, Manufactures;" at the top a head of King William crowned with laurel, in the middle in a large oval, "Revolution 1688." On one side the Cap of Liberty, on the other the figure of Britannia; on the opposite side the flag of the Devonshire arms.
Mrs. Ollerenshaw's: Flag, blue with orange fringe; motto as No. 1. on both sides.
Mr. Marsingale's: Flag, blue with orange fringe; at the top the motto, "In Memory of the Glorious Assertors of British Freedom 1688," beneath, the figure of Liberty leaning on a shield, on which is inscribed, "Revolted from Tyranny at Whittington 1688;" and having in her hand a scroll with the words "Bill of Rights" underneath a head of King William the Third; on the other side the flag, the motto, "The Glorious Revolter from Tyranny 1688" underneath the Devonshire arms; at the bottom the following inscription, "Willielmus Dux Devon. Bonorum Principum Fidelis Subditus; Inimicus et Invisus Tyrannis."
The Members of the Clubs were estimated 2000
persons, each having a white wand in his hand
with blue and orange tops and favours, with
the Revolution stamped upon them.
The Derbyshire militia's band of music.
The Corporation of Chesterfield in their formalities,
who joined the procession on entering the town.
The Duke of Devonshire in his coach and six.
Attendants on horseback with four led horses.
The Earl of Stamford in his post chaise and four.
Attendants on horseback.
The Earl of Danby and Lord Francis Osborne in their
post-chaise and four.
Attendants on horseback.
Lord George Cavendish in his post-chaise and four.
Attendants on horseback.
Lord John Cavendish in his post-chaise and four.
Attendants on horseback.
Sir Francis Molyneux and Sir Henry Hunloke, Barts.
in Sir Henry's coach and six.
Attendants on horseback.
And upwards of forty other carriages of the neighbouring
gentry, with their attendants.
Gentlemen on horseback, three and three.
Servants on horseback, ditto.
The procession in the town of Chesterfield went along Holywell-Street, Saltergate, Glumangate, then to the left along the upper side of the Market-place to Mr. Wilkinson's house, down the street past the Mayor's house, along the lower side of the Market-place to the end of the West Barrs, from thence past Dr. Milnes's house to the Castle, where the Derbyshire band of music formed in the centre and played "Rule Britannia," "God save the King, &c." the Clubs and Corporation still proceeding in the same order to the Mayor's and then dispersed.
Revolution House at Whittington.
Gent. Mag. Suppl. to Vol. LXXX. Part II, p. 609.
Schnebbelie del.
The whole was conducted with order and regularity, for notwithstanding there were fifty carriages, 400 gentlemen on horseback, and an astonishing throng of spectators, not an accident happened. All was joy and gladness, without a single burst of unruly tumult and uproar. The approving eye of Heaven shed its auspicious beams, and blessed this happy day with more than common splendour.
The company was so numerous as scarcely to be accommodated at the three principal inns. It would be a piece of injustice not to mention the dinner at the Castle, which was served in a style of unusual elegance.
The following toasts were afterwards given:
1. The King.
2. The glorious and immortal Memory of King William the IIId.
3. The Memory of the Glorious Revolution.
4. The Memory of those Friends to their Country, who, at the risk of their lives and fortunes, were instrumental in effecting the Glorious Revolution in 1688.
5. The Law of the Land.
6. The Prince of Wales.
7. The Queen, and the rest of the Royal Family.
8. Prosperity to the British Empire.
9. The Duke of Leeds, and prosperity to the House of Osborne.
10. The Duke of Devonshire, and prosperity to the House of Cavendish.
11. The Earl of Stamford, and prosperity to the united House of Boothe and Grey.
12. The Earl of Danby, and prosperity to the united House of Osborne and Darcy.
13. All the Friends of the Revolution met this year to commemorate that glorious Event.
14. The Dke of Portland.
15. Prosperity to the County of Derby.
16. The Members for the County.
17. The Members for the Borough of Derby.
18. The Duchess of Devonshire, &c.
In the evening a brilliant exhibition of fireworks was played off, under the direction of Signor Pietro; during which the populace were regaled with a proper distribution of liquor. The day concluded with a ball, at which were present near 300 gentlemen and ladies; amongst whom were many persons of distinction. The Duchess of Devonshire, surrounded by the bloom of the Derbyshire hills, is a picture not to be pourtrayed. Near 250 ball-tickets were received at the door.
The warm expression of gratitude and affection sparkling in every eye, must have excited in the breasts of those noble personages, whose ancestors were the source of this felicity, a sensation which Monarchs in all their glory might envy. The utmost harmony and felicity prevailed throughout the whole meeting. An hogshead of ale was given to the populace at Whittington, and three hogsheads at Chesterfield; where the Duke of Devonshire gave also three guineas to each of the eight clubs.
It was not the least pleasing circumstance attending this meeting, that all party distinctions were forgotten. Persons of all ranks and denominations wore orange and blue, in memory of our glorious Deliverer; And the most respectable Roman Catholic families, satisfied with the mild toleration of government in the exercise of their Religion, vied in their endeavours to shew how just a sense they had of the value of Civil Liberty.
Letter from the Rev. P. Cunningham to Mr. Pegge.
Eyam, near Tideswal, Nov. 2, 1788.
Rev. and dear Sir,
You will please to accept of the inclosed Stanzas, and the Ode for the Jubilee, as a little testimony of the Author's respectful remembrance of regard; and of his congratulations, that it has pleased Divine Providence to prolong your days, to take a distinguished part in the happy commemoration of the approaching Fifth of November.
Having accidentally heard yesterday the Text you proposed for your Discourse on Wednesday, I thought the adoption of it, as an additional truth to the one I had chosen, would be regarded as an additional token of implied respect. In that light I flatter myself you will consider it.
I shall be happy if these poetic effusions should be considered by you as a proof of the sincere respect and esteem with which I subscribe myself,
Dear Sir, your faithful humble servant,
P. Cunningham.
Stanzas, by the Rev. P. Cunningham, occasioned by the Revolution Jubilee, at Whittington and Chesterfield, Nov. 5, 1788. Inscribed to the Rev. Samuel Pegge, Rector of Whittington.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms.
"Esto perpetua!" F. P. Sarpi da Venez.
Round the starr'd Zodiack, now the golden Sun
Eventful Time a Century hath led;
Since Freedom, with her choicest wreath, begun
Smiling, to grace her long-loved Nation's head.
Welcome again, the fair auspicious Morn!
To Freedom, first and fairest of the year;
When from her ashes, like a Phœnix born,
Reviving Britain rose in Glory's sphere.
When, starting from their mournful death-like trance,
Her venerable Laws their fasces rais'd.
Her stern-eyed Champions grasp'd th' avenging lance,
And pure Religion's trembling altars blaz'd.
For then, from Belgia, through the billowy storm,
And, heaven-directed in an happy hour,
Britain's good Genius, bearing William's form,
Broke the dire Sceptre of Despotic Power.
Ev'n now, to Fancy's retrospective eyes,
Fix'd on the triumphs of his Patriot-Reign;
Majestic seems the Hero's shade to rise,
With Commerce, Wealth, and Empire, in his train.
Undimm'd his[43] Eagle-eye, serene his air, Of Soul heroic, as in Fields of Death; See! Britain's Weal employs his latest care, Her Liberty and Laws his latest breath.
"Visions of Glory! crouding on his sight,"
With your still-growing lustre gild the day,
When Britons, worthy of their Sires, unite
Their Orisons at Freedom's Shrine to pay.
To eternize the delegated hand,
That seal'd their great forefathers' fields their own;
Rais'd ev'ry art that decks a smiling land,
And Laws that guard the Cottage as the Throne.
That to the free, unconquerable mind
Secur'd the sacred Rights of Conscience, given
To Man, when tender Mercy first design'd
To raise the Citizen of Earth to Heaven.
And hark! the solemn Pæans grateful rise
From rural Whittington's o'erflowing fane;
And, with the heart's pure incense to the skies,
Its venerable Shepherd's[44] hallow'd strain.
See! pointing to the memorable scene,
He bids that Heath[45] to latest times be known, Whence her three Champions[46], Freedom, heaven-born Queen, Led with fresh glories to the British Throne.
Oh, Friend! upon whose natal morn[47] 'tis given, When seventeen Lustres mark thy letter'd days, To lead the Hymn of Gratitude to Heav'n, And blend the Christian's with the Briton's praise.
Like hoary Sarpis[48], patriot Sage, thy pray'r With Life shall close in his emphatic Strain; "As on this day, may Freedom, ever fair, In Britain flourish, and for ever reign!"
Eyam, Derbyshire.
P. C.
Ode for the Revolution Jubilee, 1788.
When lawless Power his iron hand,
When blinded Zeal her flaming brand
O'er Albion's Island wav'd;
Indignant freedom veil'd the sight;
Eclips'd her Son of Glory's light;
Her fav'rite Realm enslav'd.
Distrest she wander'd:—when afar
She saw her Nassau's friendly star
Stream through the stormy air:
She call'd around a Patriot Band;
She bade them save a sinking land;
And deathless glory share.
Her cause their dauntless hearts inspir'd,
With ancient Roman virtue fir'd;
They plough'd the surging main;
With fav'ring gales from Belgia's shore
Her heaven-directed Hero bore,
And Freedom crown'd his Reign.
With equal warmth her spirit glows,
Though hoary Time's centennial snows
New silver o'er her fame.
For hark, what songs of triumph tell,
Still grateful Britons love to dwell,
On William's glorious name.