WILLIAM AND MARY

Summary

1688.

The 14th of February was observed as a thanksgiving day for the deliverance of the nation from Popery and arbitrary power. A sermon was preached at St. Mary's, by Mr. Laughton of Trinity College. On the same day the proclamation of King William and Queen Mary was posted in Cambridge.

Some delay took place in the proclamation of the King and Queen owing to the absence of the Undersheriff. On the 18th of February, about two in the afternoon, that functionary proclaimed their Majesties in the Castle Yard and at the Market Cross. The same afternoon about three, they were proclaimed by the Mayor and Aldermen in scarlet on horseback, the Common Council on horseback in their gowns, with many who had passed offices and freemen, accompanied by all the military officers with about fifty soldiers, the trumpets and kettle drums of the military and the town waits. After the ceremony Sir Richard Bassett the commandant of the military drank wine with the Mayor at the Town Hall, and wine was sent to the troopers on the Market Hill. The bells rang all the afternoon and at night there were bonfires.

About ten the following morning, proclamation was made by the University who were preceded by the town waits and attended by the officers and troops. The officers afterwards dined with the Vice-chancellor, and the soldiers had ten guineas given them for drink.