English Pageantry: Volume I English Pageantry: An Historical Outline, Volume I

I T were, perhaps, too much to ask of any human work that it be without short- comings, and I take full responsibility for such sins -both of commission and of omission -as may be found herein. That the number of such is not much greater than it is, is due to the kind help of many friends, which I gladly acknowledge. My debt to Professor George P. Baker, under whose guidance I began my researches at Harvard, and to Professor George L. Kittredge, with whose help I carried them on during Mr. Baker's absence from Cambridge, can never be repaid. Only men who have worked with them can realize how grateful I am for their encouragement and criticism. To the members of the Harvard Library staff -especially to the late Mr. Thomas J. Kiernan, and to Mr. T. Franklin Currier -I owe much. My obligation is all the greater because my demands on their courtesy came at a time of turmoil and confusion. The moving of so great a library with so little inconvenience to those who were constantly using it, was a marvel to all of us. To my friend Louis N. Parker, Esq., I feel deeply grateful for much valuable information, and many suggestions. To the kindness of J. Dixon Taylor, Esq., of the Guildhall, London, I owe the programs of nineteenth century Lord Mayor's Shows, now in the Harvard Library, and the opportunity of seeing the rehearsal of the 1913 Show. I am indebted to Dr. F. W. C. Lieder of Harvard for the collection of Hudson-Fulton Pageant postcards now in the Treasure Room of the Harvard Library. President William Allan Neilson has given me many fruitful hints, and Mr. Frederic Schenck, Dr. Howard R. Patch, and Dr. Archer Taylor have brought material to my notice which otherwise might have escaped me. My researches in England have been aided by many library and town officials. Bernard Kettle, Esq., and D. J. Hile, Esq., of the Guildhall Library; Dr. Reginald R. Sharpe, late Records Clerk in the office of the Town Clerk of the City of London, and the officials of the British Museum Reading, Manuscript, and Newspaper rooms; the Librarians of the Society of Antiquaries, and of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, have been very kind; the Town Clerks of Norwich, York, and Chester have given me ready access to their records. I heartily appreciate the helpfulness of many others, whom I do not mention by name; I have indicated, at particular points in the text, those to whom I am indebted for specific services. My colleague, Professor Paul R. Lieder of Smith College, has helped me greatly in reading proof; and I am also indebted to Mr. C. C. Lane of the Harvard University Press for much friendly aid. V vi PREFACE I have, at various places, suggested opportunities for further research along lines which it has been impossible for me here to take up. If any one is moved to follow me in exploring this absorbing field, I hope he may find my work of service. The subject is interesting because it is close to the people. One root is in folk custom; and from the beginning, the populace has claimed pageantry for itself. As a form of artistic expression it is not, perhaps, so high as the masque; but of late years, from the soil cultivated by pageantry for centuries, a new form has arisen, calling itself by the same name. And this bids fair to play a considerable part in the community life of our country, as well as of England, for some time to come. R. W. This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. PREFACE CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS INTRODUCTION CHAPTER I. ELEMENTS OF THE PAGEANT CHAPTER II. REMARKS ON THE TOURNAMENT AND EARLY MASQUE: TOGETHER WITH A DISCUSSION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE MORALITY, AND OTHER MATTERS CHAPTER III. THE “ROYAL-ENTRY,” 1298–1558 CHAPTER IV. ELIZABETHAN PAGEANTRY, 1558–1602 CHAPTER V. THE “ ROYAL-ENTRY” IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY – WITH NOTES ON A FEW SUBSEQUENT ONES