Sold – The Dawn of the Victorian Age: Victoria Summons a Member of the House of Lords to Her Coronation

The Victorian era was a time of monumental importance for the world, and it was so named for the great British monarch who sat on the throne of the world’s dominant power for six decades.  It was a time of the rise of science, industrial explosion, literature eminence, broad imperial expansion, exploration, and great political reform.  She so bestrode her age that to this day, we speak of people as Victorians in a way we do not of any other person other than Queen Elizabeth I. And with Lincoln, Lee, Darwin, Freud and Einstein as examples, what an age it was.

The Victorian era began on 20 June 1837, when King William IV died and his niece, Princess Victoria, became Queen at the age of 18. Her official coronation was held at Westminster Abbey on June 28 1838. The coronation was a huge occasion and four hundred thousand visitors went to London to see the new Queen crowned and attendant ceremonies.

As the London Globe reported, “The appearance of the resident and foreign ambassadors, in their splendid carriages and gorgeous uniforms, many of which were picturesque and elegant, excited much admiration, and a running comment on the policies of their respective governments was freely indulged in by many who had scarcely indulged in anything else…. Except the general admiration bestowed indiscriminately on all that formed the procession, many composing it passed without particular notice or comment, until Her Majesty’s state carriage approached. This was the signal for the kindliest and most affectionate demonstrations, and a shout echoed and re-echoed along St. James’s-street and Pall-Mall – deep, fervent, and enthusiastic, was sent up from the immense assemblage. Many an eye gazed upon her with mute and affectionate regard – many a tongue bid God bless as she gracefully bent forward in her splendid state carriage and acknowledged these and many touching demonstrations of loyalty and considerate affection. The windows and balconies were alive with a splendid assemblage of beauty and loveliness, even the roofs had their occupants, and scarfs, handkerchiefs, and hats were waved as Her Majesty passed, without intermission, – every balcony was a parterre – every window was a bouquet of loveliness and beauty.  Her Majesty was visibly affected with these marks of devotion and attachment on the part of the people so warmly and affectionately expressed, and more than once turned to the Duchess of Sutherland to conceal or express her emotions.”

Washington Sewallis Shirley was the 9th Earl Ferrers.  He also was a member of the House of Lords, and was personally summoned by the Queen to be present at the coronation.  His family still retains a seat today in the Upper Chamber.

Document Signed, St. James Court, London, May 9, 1838, to Earl Ferrers, being his invitation to the Coronation. “Right Trust and Right Well Beloved Cousin, We greet you well.  Whereas the Twenty eighth day of June next is appointed for the solemnity of Our Royal Coronation, These are to will and command you (all excuses set apart) to make your personal attendance on us at the time abovementioned furnished and appointed as to your rank and quality appertaineth, there to do and perform all such services as shall be required and belong unto you whereof you are not to fail.  And so We bid you most heartily farewell.  Given at Our Court at St. James’s the ninth day of May, 1838 in the first year of Our Reign.  By her Majesty’s Command.” The document is countersigned by the Earl Marshal, Duke of Norfolk.

Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 until 1901, a span of 64 years, longer than any other British monarch.