The year 1714 gave rise to the practice of a contrariety of customs. The Queen died, and the Nation outwardly mourned in black habits. Custom was thus complied with in relation to Death. But the joyful entry of George the First required the gayest apparel and the appearance of happiness. Surely the publick must have been puzzled how to express these opposite feelings; to-day all grief and sables, to-morrow all splendour, laces, scarlet, gold, and jewels; and the third, a recurrence to mourning.
As the public entry of this King undoubtedly secured the succession in the Protestant line, I shall be diffuse upon the ceremonies attending it; and those will be best explained by the ensuing original orders, published by the Earl of Suffolk.
"A Ceremonial for the Reception of his most sacred Majesty George, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, &c. upon his arrival from Holland to his Kingdom of Great Britain.
"The King being arrived at Greenwich, and the day fixed for his Majesty's Royal Entry; public notice thereof is to be given by the Lord Marshal of the times and places where the Nobility, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of London, &c. are to meet, in order to attend his Majesty. And some of the Officers of Arms, being appointed by the Lord Marshal, to go to Greenwich early that morning, to rank the coaches of the Great Officers, the Nobility, and others, in order, the juniors first, which are to assemble by ten of the clock in the morning in the Park there, in order to precede the King's coach: And notice being given to the Officers of Arms when his Majesty is ready to set out: His Majesty, preceded as aforesaid, and attended by his guard du corps, is to proceed from thence in his coach towards London, in the following order; viz.
Four of the Knight Marshal's Men on
Horseback.
Coaches[244:A] of Esquires with six horses each.
Baronets of Ireland, Nova Scotia, and
Great Britain.
The King's Solicitor. The King's Attorney.
Younger Sons of Barons of Ireland and
Great Britain.