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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D3580/C/614
Title1 December 1843
Charles Longsdon at Churchdale to father [William Longsdon] describing visit to Chatsworth at invitation of Mrs Smithers to see the Queen and her royal consort. Emma drove from Churchdale with Smithers. Charles given lift by Mr Harris and Co who took them to Baslow - road so crowded that Mr Paxton threatened to send the police to back the people into the river. Drove to Edensor where Charles got down and walked up to house and saw Emma and Churchdale family on a platform where he joined them. Waited 1 hours in bitter cold. D of D came first preceeded by cannonade from 21 cannons which continued until Queen reached gates attended by Derby Yeomanry and followed by 3 carriages. Queen not visible - must have leaned back in the carriage. Returned to Mr Paxton's small room by platform to eat cold beef and mutton. Called out to see Queen who was walking arm in arm with Duke and ladies of court at breakneck speed. Royalty would not stop to be looked at.
Mr Smithers has just come down in his balldress - tights, white waistcoat and black coat. Mrs Smithers says Mr Moseley's men have been engaged since last Monday in making tights for gentlemen invited to ball. Poor fellows haven't been in bed for several nights.
Postscript William's old friend Miss Morewood died on Tuesday.
Date1843
Levelfile
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
Archive CreatorLongsdon family of Little Longstone
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