Exceptional manuscript DS, signed at the top “George R,” one page, 8 x 12.5, June 16, 1821. Given from Carlton House, a royal order document from King George IV commanding “John, Lord Bishop of Bristol,” to attend his coronation and perform his duties. In part: “Whereas the nineteenth day of July next is appointed for the Royal Solemnity of Our Coronation. These are to will and command you (all excuses set apart) to make your personal attendance on Us at the time above mentioned furnished… There to do and perform all such Services as shall be required and belong to you. Whereof you are not to fail.” Signed prominently in the upper margin by the king, and countersigned below by Lord Henry Thomas Howard-Molyneux-Howard as Deputy Earl Marshal (D.E.M.), who was tasked with planning out the Ecclesiastical portion of the coronation. In very good to fine condition, with a tear to the upper left edge, and light show-through from old mounting remnants on the back edges.
Held on July 19, 1821, King George IV’s coronation was the most extravagant ever held and cost 20 times more than his father’s (George III) coronation in 1761. John Kaye, the recipient of this command, was the then Lord Bishop of Bristol. A former Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, he later became Bishop of Lincoln. Ironically, Lord Henry, who spearheaded the preparations, became ill and did not attend the coronation—notwithstanding the King’s admonition that “all excuses” be set apart.
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