Read Ebook: Glimpses of King William IV. and Queen Adelaide In Letters of the Late Miss Clitherow of Boston House Middlesex. With a Brief Account of Boston House and the Clitherow Family by Clitherow Mary White G Cecil George Cecil Editor

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A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF BOSTON HOUSE AND THE CLITHEROW FAMILY

IT seems almost incredible that in the twentieth century a station on the Metropolitan Railway should stand amidst quite rural surroundings. About Brentford, however, there are still several fine properties which have hitherto escaped the grip of the speculative builder--e.g., Osterley Park, the seat of the Earl of Jersey, and Syon Hill, the seat of the Duke of Northumberland--and the immediate neighbourhood of Boston Road is not yet covered with semi-detached villas, or sordid streets of jerry-built cottages. It is nearly a quarter of a mile's walk along the road leading from Hanwell to Brentford before one comes to the first house on the right. Though not a mansion of the first rank, it is of sufficient size and antiquity to arrest attention. This is Boston House. It stands a little back from the high road, and the handsome iron gates allow the passer-by a glimpse of its quaint gables and narrow stone porch. It was built in 1622, and is a brick house of three stories, with three gables in front, and a long range of offices, etc., stretching from it on the north side.

The drawing-room, which is on the first floor, has a very fine moulded ceiling with many beautiful medallions. These contain allegorical representations of Peace and War, the five senses, the four elements, the three Christian graces, etc. The mouldings and borders are picked out in red, and the Latin names of the subjects are in gilt letters. The walls of this room, as well as those of the dining-room and library, are hung with many portraits of the Clitherow family by leading artists of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Among these should be specially noted a pastile by Zoffany of Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Child, taken in the porch at Osterley. Mrs. Child was the sister of Mrs. Clitherow, and afterwards married the third Lord Ducie. Miss Child married the tenth Earl of Westmoreland, and became the mother of the Countess of Jersey. Here are also to be seen examples of Rubens, Van Dyke, C. Lorraine, Sir P. Lely, Sir G. Kneller, Romney, Zuccharo, Van Somers, Zoffany, and many others. Behind the drawing-room is a State bedroom, the ceiling of which is also moulded and coloured.

The grounds are extensive, and well planted with shrubs, roses, etc. There are several fine trees on the lawn. A yew-tree with long branches trailing near the house covers a circle of ground over seventy yards in circumference, and a cedar, which was sown in 1754, is an exceptionally fine specimen. To the east of the broad terrace lies the orchard, where in June, 1834, the neighbours stared at the Royal party and got Queen Adelaide's 'dress by heart,' while the haymakers cheered her Majesty and quaffed their allowance of beer.

To the west of the lawn shady paths lead through a pretty wilderness to the river Brent, beyond whose winding course there lies undulating and well-timbered, park-like land, adjoining the grounds of Osterley--a homely bit of characteristic English scenery.

This beautiful place, which is at present owned by the Rev. W. J. Stracey Clitherow, formerly Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge, has been in possession of the family since it was purchased by James Clitherow in 1670. The family, though never ennobled, is an ancient one, with a very honourable record. In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries they resided at Goldmerstone, in the parish of Ash, near Sandwich. The remains of several of the family lie in the parish church there, and the brasses of two remain, though one is sadly mutilated. This last is to the memory of Richard Clitherow, who was Sheriff of the county of Kent in 1403, and 'Admiral of the seas from the Thames eastward.' He married the daughter of Sir John Oldcastle, who, in right of his wife, assumed the title of Lord Cobham, and died for the faith of Christ on Christmas Day, 1417, among the Lollard martyrs at the gate of St. Giles' Hospital. The family was represented at Agincourt in 1415; one sat for the county of Kent in Parliament in 1407, and another was Lord Mayor of London in 1635.

Although, however, the Clitherows were frequent guests at Windsor and St. James's, they were not courtiers in the common acceptation of that term. They sought neither place nor preferment, and received no signal mark of Royal favour. Miss Clitherow never even attended a Drawing Room, and the Colonel and his wife only appear to have done so on one occasion, when the Queen remarked: 'I knew Miss Clitherow would not come; it is too public. She had almost left off going out till we made her come to St. James's.' Miss Clitherow was naturally of a quiet and retiring disposition, while her own account of her introduction to the Court, and of the independent spirit which pervaded the family, is interesting not only in itself but as illustrating the kindly sincerity of the King and Queen. Writing to an old friend in November, 1830, she says:

Surely few families have taken their motto more faithfully as a guide to their conduct!

DEFEAT OF THE MINISTRY--DINNER AT ST. JAMES'S

'We were at St. James's the night of the Duke's defeat in the House. The King had a note, which he opened, and left the room, but soon returned. Colonel Fred Fitz-Clarence came in, and told the Queen of it in German. Miss Wilson was sitting by me, and exclaimed, "Good God!" in a low tone. I looked at her; she put up her finger, and afterwards whispered what was said in German, but nothing transpired--not a comment. It's the great secret at Court to smile and be cheerful and attentive to the circle round you when the heart is sad, and it was exemplified that evening.'

The news appears from this to have fallen like a thunderbolt upon the party, and the inference as to the Clitherows' views is that they were supporters of the Duke. The letter proceeds to touch of matters of less public importance, but illustrative of the King and Queen's interest in local affairs and English industries:

'We had dined there, and it seems almost like vain boasting, but it was a party made for us. When the King told Mrs. Henry to write and invite us, he said: "I shall only ask Colonel Clitherow's friends that I have met at Boston House." And it was the Duke of Dorset, Lord and Lady Mayo, the Archbishop and Mrs. Howley, the rest of the company his own family, the Duke of Sussex, and a few of the Household-in-waiting. There could not be a greater compliment. The Queen shows a decided partiality for Mrs. Clitherow. In the evening she sat down to a French table, and called to her to sit by her. The King came in and sat down on the other side of Mrs. Clitherow. She rose to retire, but he said: "Sit down, ma'am--sit down." Two boxes were placed before him, and he said to Miss Fitz-Clarence: "Amelia, I want pen and ink." Away she went, and brought a beautiful gold inkstand, and he signed his name, I am sure, a hundred times, passed the papers to Mrs. Clitherow, and she to the Queen, who put them on the blotting-paper, then folded them neatly and put them in their little case to enable them to pack into the boxes again, conversation going on all the time. When the business was over, the King took my brother to a sofa, and chatted a long time, inquiring into the state of things in our neighbourhood, policemen, etc. The Queen's new band was playing beautifully all the evening, which she said she had ordered to have my brother's opinion. The late King's private band cost the King ?18,000 a year. It was dismissed, and a small band is formed--I believe I may say all English, and many of the juvenile performers whom she patronizes. Her dress was particularly elegant, white, and all English manufacture. She made us observe her blend was as handsome as Lady Mayo's French blend. "I hope all the ladies will patronize the English blend of silk," she said. She is a very pretty figure, and her dress so moderate, sleeves and head-dress much less than the hideous fashion.'

Charles Sackville Germain, fifth Duke of Dorset, K.G., was a son of the first Viscount Sackville, and born 1767. He became Viscount Sackville 1785, and succeeded his cousin, the fourth Duke of Dorset, in 1815.

John Bourke, fourth Earl of Mayo, born 1766, succeeded his father 1794. Married Arabella, fourth daughter of W. M. Praed, Esq. His brothers were Bishop of Waterford and Dean of Ossory.

The King's youngest daughter, by Mrs. Jordan; born 1807, married, 1830, the ninth Viscount Falkland.

A WEEK-END VISIT TO WINDSOR

THE following long letter bears testimony to the King's conscientious discharge of duty, to his anxiety with regard to public affairs, to the Queen's devout religious spirit, and to her non-interference in politics:

'April 13, 1831.

'On a Sunday they only have a carriage or two for those who cannot walk. She never has her riding party, and often goes to the evening service; but she dedicated the time to us to show us her walks, flower-garden, a cottage that is building for her, her beautiful dairy, with a little neat country body like our Betty at the farm, and her labourers' cottages, whence out came the children running to her. One had a kind word, another a pat on the head.

'Their Majesties are not seen till three o'clock. They breakfast and lunch in their private apartments. Then she comes out and arranges the morning excursions--all sorts of carriages and saddle-horses. She is a beautiful horse-woman, and rides about three hours, a good, merry pace. She sets forth with Maids of Honour and Ladies attendant, and generally returns surrounded by the gentlemen only, for it is understood she dispenses with their attendance the moment they get fatigued, and so they sneak off one by one. There are plenty of grooms to attend.

'Mrs. Clitherow got a quiet ride with my brother and the Duke of Dorset, whom the Queen always asks to meet us, as she always met him here in former times. Jane returned for the gentlemen to attend the Queen, and Jane and I went a long drive about the park with the Princess Augusta, who was most chatty and good-humoured.

'On Sunday between church and luncheon we were summoned to the Queen's own apartment to present to her a picture of Bushey House. We have a young friend who has made a very pretty picture of old Boston House, and the happy thought of getting Bushey struck my brother. The Queen is so fond of Bushey! She looked some time at it, then turned to Jane and said, "I shall value it. You know how I love dear Bushey; but I value more the kind thought of having it painted for me." Jane told her when she became Queen her happiest days were past, and she often reminds her of it. She perpetually asks her questions, and says, "You are so honest; you tell me true." She draws extremely well. She took a likeness one evening of one of her beauties, Miss Bagot, and when she was showing her portfolio everyone exclaimed it was so very like.

'Poor Mrs. Kennedy Erskine was there. She lived in her own apartments. Mrs. Fox, her sister, and Miss Wilson took it by turns to dine with her. She was only married four years, was doatingly fond of her husband, and is left with three children. The King went every evening when he came from the dinner-room and sat half an hour with her. On his return to the drawing-room the Queen had taken her work and Jane Clitherow into the music-room, while I remained at her table with the Princess Augusta. The King came up. "Ah, my two Princesses Augusta, this is very comfortable; now to business.' She had the official boxes, pen and ink all ready. He unlocked a box and set to work signing, the Princess rubbing them on the blotting-book and returning them into their cases. He signed seventy. Three times he was obliged to stop and put his hand in hot water, he had the cramp so severe in his fingers. When he signed the last he exclaimed, "Thank God, 'tis done!" He looked at me and said: "My dear madame, when I began signing I had 48,000 signatures my poor brother should have signed. I did them all, but I made a determination never to lay my head on my pillow till I had signed everything I ought on the day, cost me what it might. It is cruel suffering, but, thank God! 'tis only cramp; my health never was better." The Queen was all attention, came and stood by him, but neither she nor the Princess said anything. When he is in pain he likes perfect quiet and to be left alone.

The King's fourth daughter, Augusta, born 1803, married, first, 1827, Hon. John Kennedy Erskine--he died 1831; secondly, 1836, Lord Frederick Gordon.

The King's second daughter, Mary; born 1798, married, 1824, Colonel C. R. Fox, A.D.C. to the Queen.

As her four children are subsequently mentioned, it may be noted that a posthumous child was born two or three months after this letter was written.

'On Monday morning all left the Castle, and the great square full of carriages being packed was most amusing. The Queen stood at the Window with us. There were three fours of the King's, and nineteen pair of post-horses, besides the out-riders, guard of honour, etc., etc.

'My paper makes me end, or I could go on till to-morrow. Adieu, my good friend! If I have amused you for a few minutes I am well repaid.

'My best remembrances to your trio.

'Yours truly, 'M. C.'

CHOLERA AT BRENTFORD--FALSE RUMOURS ABOUT THE QUEEN--DISMISSAL OF EARL HOWE--DEATH OF THE PRINCESS LOUISE--AT WINDSOR AGAIN--AN AFTERNOON ON VIRGINIA WATER

IN 1832 the cholera made its appearance in many parts of the country, and claimed many victims. At Brentford the people disputed hotly about it, some alleging it was not Asiatic cholera, fearing that the prevalence of that epidemic would be detrimental to the little trade of the town. At the parish meetings feeling ran so high that the disputants almost came to blows, and Colonel Clitherow 'never had so much difficulty in keeping them in decent order.'

In the autumn of the previous year Earl Howe had been dismissed, at the request of Lord Grey, from the post of Chamberlain to the Queen. As this office had always been regarded as independent of the Ministry of the day, the incident attracted a good deal of attention at the time, and formed the subject of a question by Mr. Trevor in the House of Commons, to which the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Althorp, returned a diplomatic reply. Yet, however unusual the action taken by the Government may have been, there can be little doubt that, considering the feeling of the country respecting reform, their decision was a wise one. Earl Howe had twice voted against the Reform Bill, and it might have been inferred that he had been influenced in this action by the Queen against the King's wish. His dismissal did not, apparently, prevent rumours to this effect becoming current, and the Queen and her friends were much annoyed at the imputations thus implied and expressed. That these somewhat natural inferences had no substantial foundation is made clear by a letter written from Boston House, April 11, 1832:

Richard William Penn Curzon-Howe, second Viscount Curzon; born 1796, created Earl Howe 1821, his maternal grandfather, the celebrated Admiral, having previously borne that title.

Eldest daughter of the first Marquis of Headfort, born 1782.

Within a week or two after this, Colonel and Mrs. Clitherow again visited Windsor by the Royal commands, and Miss Clitherow, in her minute chronicle, shows that, while they cherished no pride of pomp or station, they fully appreciated the honour of the King's friendship:

'BOSTON HOUSE, 'May 13, 1832.

'Thank God the cholera does seem subsiding! And in what mercy has that scourge visited England compared to other countries! Yet, such is the fatal blindness of the multitude, they see none of God's mercies, and only provoke Him more and more by increasing wickedness. The downfall of our Church seems the first object. But you know as much as I know, and a truce with the subject.

'I will tell you of our Courtly doings, and how thankful we are that we just take the cream, free and independent, without rank or place--no troubles, turmoils, or jealousies. We receive the most flattering notice--and it can be from no other motive than liking us--a rare occurrence at Court, and of which we have a right to be proud.

'The Queen took my brother and Jane a long drive in her barouche.

'Now, in this kind of social visit you get at much of a person's mind and opinions. The Queen seemed to enjoy a freedom of speech with friends. Poor thing! how seldom can she feel that! She terms Jane her "friend who tells her true." I can safely say, in contradiction to the abominable reports circulated to her disadvantage, that she and the King are on the best terms possible. In all her conversation, her anxiety was on his account, lest he should get blamed. She has strong sense and good judgment. She said: "I must have my own opinion, but I do not talk to the King about it. It would only make him unhappy, and could do no good."

'After the drive she took them into her room, and clasped a bracelet round Jane's arm, begging her to wear it for her sake, and, as the stone was an amethyst, the A would remind her of Adelaide, and then she kissed her cheek. To my brother she presented a silver medallion of the King, telling him her name was on the back, and he must keep it for her sake. She always has something obliging and kind to say. She sent a ticket for her box at Drury Lane. It was "Admit Colonel and Mrs. Clitherow." Jane asked her if that meant two places. "No, no; the whole box, to be sure. It holds eight. But, when I name one of you, I cannot help naming both."

At this time there was a grave political crisis through the action of the House of Lords respecting the Reform Bill. The Cabinet advised the King to create a batch of peers to form a Whig majority, as had been done by Harley in 1711. This, however, the King refused to do, and Lord Grey consequently resigned. The letters which passed between Lord Grey and the King at this time are of considerable interest, and show that the King exercised a greater influence and tact as a ruler than has generally been ascribed to him. The Duke of Wellington was summoned, but could not meet with sufficient support to accept office. Earl Grey, therefore, returned to power, and the deadlock was removed by the King persuading the Duke of Wellington and some of the peers who supported him to absent themselves from the division on the Reform Bill, and thus allow it to pass. Miss Clitherow touches but lightly on this subject, but it seemed desirable to put the facts before the reader. Her letter proceeds:

'The Thursday after we went to see Lady Falkland, who is on a visit to papa King. We found her, her widowed sister Lady Augusta Kennedy, and Miss Wilson very comfortably at work. They were the two Fitz-Clarences; we saw a good deal of them when they lived at Bushey.

'A page soon came to conduct my brother to the King, another to desire we would take luncheon in the Queen's room. On entering the King called Jane by him, the Queen me; she rose up and shook hands with both. My brother went down to the general luncheon. Nothing could be more good-humoured and pleasant than they were. The King was cheerful but silent; 'twas the day after Lord Grey's resignation. The Queen certainly in particular good spirits; the King's firmness respecting the making no peers had delighted her. They went to his apartments, and we to Lady Falkland's, and were preparing to depart, when a message came. The Queen had not taken leave of us, and hoped we were in no hurry, but would stay and Walk with her. Of course we did. The party consisted of the Queen, Miss Eden , Miss Wilson, Lord Howe, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Hudson, Sir Andrew Barnard, and our three selves. She took us through the slopes to her Adelaide Cottage and her flower-garden to see Prince George of Cambridge at gymnastics, with half a dozen young nobility from Eton, who came once a week to play with him. We were walking nearly two hours. The Queen is very animated, and Mr. Ashley and Mr. Hudson full of fun and tricks, and amused us all much. In short, I have but one fear when with her--forgetting in Whose presence I am; her manner is so very kind, but there is dignity with it that keeps us in order.'

Before Miss Clitherow wrote again to her old friend, the Queen's little niece, Whose illness has been already alluded to, had passed away. Her Majesty was tenderly attached to the young Princess, and had shown her every possible attention during her illness. She was greatly grieved at her death, and the sorrow and anxiety seem to have affected her health for some little time.

'WINDSOR CASTLE, 'September 3, 1832.

'Here I am writing with Royal pens, ink, and paper, which last I dislike of all things, it being glazed.

'We have not seen our dear, amiable Queen since the Ascot week, and, poor thing! she has gone through a great deal, but her conduct through the whole was beautiful. Princess Augusta gave us the account of the closing scene, and with tears in her eyes described the feeling and resignation of the Queen, and the extreme kindness and attention of the King to all her little wishes at the time of the funeral, which, by all accounts, was the best managed and most affecting thing possible. She has very much recovered her spirits, which are naturally very cheerful, but she is still most miserably thin.

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