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of being in the French interest; and, in particular, of being popishly affected. Many peers and commoners were misled on this occasion, and conceived an unfavourable opinion of him and his political conduct, as appears from the Introduction to his Letters, printed in the year 1710. malice of my accusation," says he, "did so manifestly appear in that article wherein I was charged to be popishly affected, that I dare swear there was not one of my accusers that did then believe that article against me." His Grace then proceeds to vindicate himself from the imputations which had been thrown out against him, in these memorable words, relative to the meeting at Whittington:-"The Duke of Devonshire also, when we were partners in the secret trust about the Revolution, and who did meet me and Mr. John D'Arcy for that purpose, at a town called Whittington, in Derbyshire; did, in the presence of the said Mr. D'Arcy, make a voluntary acknowledgment of the great mistakes he had been led into about me; and said, that both he, and most others, were entirely convinced of their error."* Bishop Kennet, in his "Memoirs of the Family of Cavendish," mentions Lord Delamere, Sir Scroop Howe, and some other persons of great quality and interest in Derbyshire and the neighbouring counties, as concerned with the Earls of Devonshire and Dauby+ in this important business; and it does indeed appear that these two illustrious patriots were with the Earl of Devonshire at Nottingham, a few days after the Prince of Orange had landed in England‡, nor is it altogether improbable that they were privy to the conspiracy. But it would seem, from the Earl of Danby's narrative, that the Earl of Devonshire and Mr. John D'Arcy were the only persons who met him at Whittington. The reason for their selecting this as their place of conference is said to have been, because it was a central situation between Chatsworth, Kiveton, and Ashton, the respective seats of these eminent personages.

Tradition says that, on a certain appointed day, the Earl of Devonshire's harriers threw off upon Whittington-Moor; and that, when they were in pursuit, he and his friends, agreeably to a preconcerted plan, adjourned to this cottage, to consult measures about the intended Revolution. But this account is probably incorrect; for it appears that, so early as the month of July, a secret correspondence was carried on between the Prince of Orange and the promoters of the Revolution in England§, so that the meeting in question must have taken place prior to the hunting season. Another ac

* See Deering's History of Nottingham, p. 260.

+ These two Earls, who appear to have been principally instrumental in promoting the Revolution, were in great favour with William the Third, after his accession. The Earl of Danby was created Marquis of Caermarthen April 20, 1689, and Duke of Leeds May 4, 1694. (Debrett's Peerage p. 33. 35.)- The Earl of Devonshire was created Marquis of Hartington and Duke of Devonshire, May 12, 1694. (Debrett, p. 38.)

Deering's Nottingham, p. 260.

Rapin's History of England, (fol. ed.) vol. ii. p.770.

The discontents had been very general throughout the kingdom from the accession of James, in 1684; but what greatly hastened the event of the Revolution was the trial of the Bishops, for refusing to comply with the king's mandate. This trial took place on the 26th of June, and it was in this posture of affairs that William was invited to advocate the cause of the people. It does not appear to have been seriously thought of before; and the meeting at Whittington in all probability took place between this and the middle or end of July.

count states that the conference was intended to be held privately on a particular part of the Moor, but that "a shower of rain happening to fall, they removed to the village for shelter, and finished their conversation at the cottage above mentioned, which was then a public house, the sign of the Cock and Pynot." The variation in these accounts is, however, a circumstance of trifling importance, the main fact being attested by evidence of the most authentic and unexceptionable kind.

The cottage thus distinguished as the birth-place of the Revolution, stands where the road from Chesterfield branches off for Sheffield and Rotherham, and has been called the Revolution-House ever since the memorable event from which it takes its name. The second window from the door, on the right hand, belongs to the room which was occupied by this illustrious triumvirate, and which is, to this day, known by the appellation of the Revolution-Parlour. In this room an old armed-chair is still preserved, in which the Earl of Devonshire is reported to have sat during the conference; and which, from the marks of antiquity that it bears, may claim an origin of far earlier date than the period of the Revolution. The Parlour, as it is called, has no communication with the other parts of the building, the entrance being from a kind of back door, which looks towards the Sheffield road. When last visited by the writer of this sketch, it was in the occupation of one William Mitchell, a facetious and intelligent old cobbler. The floor and walls were going fast into a state of decay, and the principal furniture, with the exception of the venerable inhabitant himself and his armedchair, comprized a cobbler's stool, a few culinary articles in a side-cupboard, a tin Dutch-oven, a broken pipkin, a clasp-bible, a copy of Wesley's hymns, and a few odd numbers of some religious publication.

On the 5th of November, 1788, a day on which there were partial rejoicings all over the kingdom, the centenary commemoration of the Revolution was celebrated with great magnificence at Whittington and Chesterfield. "A Narrative of what passed at the Revolution-House, at Whittington, in the year 1688," was printed, about a fortnight before this, at the expence of Hayman Rooke, Esq. of Mansfield Woodhouse, and copies were presented to many gentlemen residing in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, who had signified their intention of joining the festivities of the approaching jubilee; this "Narrative," to which the writer of the present account has been thus far indebted for his principal materials, was drawn up by the Rev. Samuel Pegge, A.M. S.A.S., and was accompanied by a perspective view and ground-plan of the cottage. The tract itself is now become scarce; but the reader may find an exact reprint of it, with the exception of a short preface by Hayman Rooke, and an introductory letter of Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Pegge, in the Gentleman's Magazine for 1789, p. 125. The commemoration of the day commenced with divine service in the church. The Rev. S. Pegge, who was then rector of the parish, and had that morning entered into the 85th year of his aget, delivered a sermon upon the occasion, from Psalm cxviii. 24. This is the day which the Lord hath

• Pynot is the provincial name for a Magpie. + Gent, Mag. Oct. 1798.

made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. This discourse was afterwards printed, at the request of the committee, and dedicated "to His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, and the other noblemen and gentlemen" who were present at the time of its delivery.* After service the company went in procession to view the room called the Revolution- Parlour, and the old armed chair; and then partook of an elegant cold collation, which was prepared in the new rooms annexed to the cottage. The procession then began to form, and moved in regular order to Chesterfield, where the remainder of the day was spent with the utmost cordiality and rejoicing.

A number of constables, with long staves, headed the procession, for the purpose of forcing a way through the crowd. Then followed the clubs, with their wands and favours, many of them with uniforms, and all with gay flags and music. The fag of Mr. Deakin's club was blue, with orange fringe; and the emblem, a figure of Liberty, bearing this motto, “The Protestant Religion and the Liberties of England we will defend."The flag of Mr. Bluet's club was blue, fringed with orange; the motto, "Libertas, quæ sera, tamen resperit inertem." Underneath was a figure of Liberty, resting on the Cavendish arms, holding in one hand a cap, and with the other dropping a laurel-wreath upon the head of Britannia, who was represented sitting on a lion, with the horn of plenty at her side, and in her hand a scroll, bearing the inscription," The Protestant Religion and the Liberties of England we will defend." Both sides were painted alike. The flag of Mr. Ostliffe's club was broad blue and orange stripe, with orange fringe. In the middle were the Cavendish arms, with this motto, "The Protestant Religion and the Liberties of England we will maintain." On the other side was painted a figure of Liberty.The flag of Mrs. Barber's club was garter blue and orange quartered, with white fringe. Mottoes, "Liberty secured," and "The Glorious Revolution 1688."- -The flag of Mr. Valentine Wilkinson's club was blue, with orange fringe. In the middle was painted a figure of Liberty, with this inscription,-"The Protestant Religion and Liberties of England we will maintain.”—The flag of Mr. Stubbs's club was blue with orange fringe: the motto, "Liberty, Property, Trade, Manufactures. At the top was a head of King William crowned with laurel; in the middle, in a large oval, "Revolution 1688;" on one side, the cap of Liberty; on the other, the figure of Britannia; and at the bottom a Griffin's head, emblematical of the house where the club was kept. On the reverse were the Cavendish arms.-The flag of Mrs. Ollerenshaw's club was blue, with orange fringe. The motto on each side was, "The Liberties of England and the Protestant Religion we will defend." The flag of Mr. Marsingale's club was also blue, with orange fringe. At the top were these words,In memory of the Glorious Assertors of British Freedom, 1688." Beneath was a figure of Liberty, leaning on a shield, on which was inscribed, "Revolted from Tyranny at Whittington, 1688;" and having in her hand a scroll with the words " Bill of Rights." Under this

• Bishop Watson was requested to preach the sermon; and would in all probability have complied, had it not been for the death of a near relation.

was the head of King William the Third. On the reverse side of the flag was this motto," The Glorious Revolter from Tyranny, 1688;" and underneath the Cavendish arms, at the bottom, the following inscription :"WILLIELMUS DUX DEVON Bonorum Principum Fidelis Subditus; Inimicus et Invisus Tyrannis."

The number of individuals composing these clubs was estimated at two thousand. Then followed the band of music belonging to the Derbyshire Militia; and the Mayor and Corporation of Chesterfield in their usual order, with all their attendants. The latter, however, only joined the procession on its entering the town of Chesterfield.-Next came the carriages, all in proper order, to the number of sixty or seventy, with servants attending them. The Duke of Devonshire's coach, with six horses handsomely dressed in orange, headed this part of the procession. Then followed the attendants on horseback, with four led horses; the Right Hon. the Earl of Stamford's carriage and attendants; the carriages of Lord George and Lord John Cavendish, with their attendants; the Right Hon. the Earl of Danby, and Lord Francis Osborne's carriage and attendants; the coach and six of Sir Henry Hunloke, Bart. and his attendants; the other coaches and six, in proper order, with their respective attendants; the coaches and four, with their attendants; the chaises and four in like manner; hack post chaises, gentlemen on horseback, three and three, to the number of about five-hundred, among whom were many persons of distinction; and, lastly, servants, &c. on horseback, three and three. The procession extended above a mile in length, reaching from Whittington-bridge to the Stone Gravels, near Chesterfield; and the company assembled is said to have exceeded forty thousand. The three principal inns were all crowded at dinner, the Duke of Devonshire attending and presiding at one house, Lord George Cavendish at another, and Lord John at the third. Every thing was conducted with great harmony, joy, and good humour, owing to the judicions management of the committee, which consisted of gentlemen residing in Chesterfield and its neighbourhood. The principal toasts were "The Revolution;" ""the King;" and "the Memory of those Patriots to whom the Revolution was owing, particularly the families of Cavendish, Osborne, and Grey, whose ancestors met at Whittington to concert measures for bringing about that glorious event." In the evening, splendid fire-works were exhibited, and among them appeared a transparent painting of King William the Third surrounded with a glory. The festivity closed with a ball, at which were present above three-hundred ladies and gentlemen; among whom were the Duke and Dutchess of Devonshire, Lady Elizabeth Foster, the Earl of Stamford, Lords George and John Cavendish, the Earl of Danby, and his brother Lord Francis Osborne, Sir Henry Hunloke and his lady, Sir Francis Molineux, and many other persons of rank and distinction. On the following day a public concert was given, at which many appropriate pieces were introduced from the works of the best composers, together with a variety of songs and glees; and, among others, the following ode, composed for the occasion by the Rev. R. Cunningham, of Eyam, and set to music by Mr. Bower, a celebrated organist and music-master of Chesterfield:

WHEN lawless power his iron hand,--
When blinded zeal her flaming brand
O'er Albion's island waved;
Indignant Freedom 'wailed the sight,
Eclipsed her sun of glory's light,
Her fav'rite realm enslaved.

Distress'd she wandered, when, afąr
She saw her Nassau's friendly star

Stream through the stormy air;
She called around a patriot band;
She bade them save a sinking land,
And deathless glory share.

Her cause their dauntless hearts inspired i
With ancient Roman virtue fired,

They plough'd the surging main;

With fav'ring gales, from Belgia's shore
Her Heaven-directed hero bore;

And Freedom crown'd his reign.

With equal warmth her spirit glows,
Though hoary time's centennial snows
Now silver o'er her fame:

For, hark! what songs of triumph tell,
Still grateful Britons love to dwell

Qa William's glorious name!

On the day preceding the jubilee, the committee appointed to conduct the business dined at the Revolution-House; and a considerable sum was afterwards subscribed, to defray the expense of a monumental column, pro posed to have been erected on the spot, as a lasting memorial of the measures by which the liberties of the kingdom were so happily preserved. The sub scription remained open for several months; an architect residing at York was applied to for the purpose of surveying the ground, and making an estimate; and a part of the old buiding, as the proprietor himself informed the writer of this sketch, was actually taken down to make room for this intended national monument. But the breaking out of the French Revolu tion, and its consequent horrors, occasioned the erection of the column to be deferred: the committee ceased to act; the greater part of the money lay dormant, upwards of twenty years, in the hands of the treasurer, Isaac Wilkinson, Esq. of Tapton-House, near Chesterfield; and the remainder, (about £30. 9s.) which was paid into the bank of Messrs. Cromptons, of Derby, is still unappropriated. It is rather singular that an application should have been made to the surviving trustees within the course of the last month, by the governors of the Derby Infirmary, to appropriate the above sum to the use of that institution upon the same terms that they had given the £105. 17s. 9d. in Mr. Wilkinson's hands. The total amount of the subscription cannot now be ascertained, because many put down their names who did not pay,

and several incidental expenses were defrayed out of the money received by

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