| Citation |
PEP.775.064
19 Sep 1775:4231, 4232, 4241 (1/103)
An Account of the regatta upon the River Thames, the 24th of
June, 1775.
[4 paragraphs discussing the history of the Regatta]
Before five o'clock Westminster bridge was covered with
spectators, in carriages, and on foot, and men even placed
themselves in the bodies of the lamp irons.-- Plans of the
Regatta were sold, from a shilling to a penny each, and
songs on the occasion sung,
. . . The bells of St. Martin's were rung in the morning,
and those of St. Margaret's during the afternoon.
. . . Soon after six, drums, fifes, horns, &c. formed
separate little concerts under the several arches of the
bridge.
. . . [After the race everyone went to the Temple of
Neptune]
It happened, however that this building was not swept out,
or even finished, when the company assembled, which
prevented the cotillion dancing till after supper.
. . . The Rotunda was finely illuminated, . . . the centre
was solely appropriated for one of the fullest and finest
bands of music, vocal and instrumental, ever collected in
these Kingdoms; the number being two hundred and forty, in
which were included the first masters, led by Giardini; and
the whole directed by Mr. Simpson, in a manner that did him
credit. It was opened with a new grand piece composed for
the occasion, after which several catches and glees were
admirably sung by Messrs. Vernon, Reinhold, &c. But the
illumination of the orchestra had been unfortunately
overlooked, which gave that part of the design a gloomy
appearance.
Supper being over, a part of the company retired to the
temple, where they danced minuets, cotillions, &c. without
any regard to precedence; while others entertained
themselves in the great room.
. . . The company consisted of about two thousand, among
whom were the first personages of distinction, viz.
. . . [List of nobility attending]
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