The procession was
headed by the king's council at law, the masters of chancery and
judges, who were followed by the lords according to their rank,
so numerous in all, that those who rode first reached Fleet
Street, whilst the king was yet in the Tower.
No expense was spared by those who formed part of that wonderful
cavalcade, towards rendering their appearance magnificent. Heath
tells us it was incredible to think "what costly cloathes were
worn that day. The cloaks could hardly be seen what silk or
satin they were made of, for the gold and silver laces and
embroidery that was laid upon them; the like also was seen on
their foot-cloathes. Besides the inestimable value and treasures
of diamonds, pearls, and other jewels worn upon their backs and
in their hats, not to mention the sumptuous and rich liveries of
their pages and footmen, some suits of liveries amounting to
fifteen hundred pounds." Nor had the city hesitated in lavishing
vast sums towards decorating the streets through which the king
was to pass. Four triumphal arches were erected, that were left
standing for a year in memory of this joyful day. These were
"composed" by John Ogilby, Esquire; and were respectively
erected in Leadenhall Street, the Exchange on Cornhill, Wood
Street, and Fleet Street.
The thoroughfares were newly gravelled, railed all the way on
both sides, and lined with the city companies and trained bands.
The "relation of his majesty's entertainment passing through the
City of London," as narrated by John Ogilby, and by the papers of
the day, is extremely quaint and interesting, but too long for
detailed description.
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