by his guards and other attendants, together with the various companies aforementioned. They proceed from thence to Church-gate toll-bars, where the mayor and all his retinue are entertained with a speech made by a chief scholar belonging to the Free Grammar school, who is selected for the occasion. A barrel of good ale is generally given to the multitude, and the mayor, together with those who immediately attend him, drink a health to the king and queen, the prosperity of the borough, and the health of the ladies and gentlemen, together with the various companies assembled upon this grand occasion. This is generally given with great eclat from the surrounding multitude assembled upon the occasion, together with a volley of fire, from the soldiery who attend upon this occasion. The pro

cession then turns round and march in due order towards the Fishergate-bars, there they are entertained with a similar speech given in the Latin language, when another hogshead of ale is brought forth, with the aforesaid ceremonies. Then they proceed forthwith to the Friargate toll-bars, where they are entertained in the same manner. They walk from thence to the high cross, situate in the Market-place, where the head master of the Free Grammar school maketh a learned speech,

appertaining to the prosperity of the town, its immunities, franchises, and liberties that are enjoyed within this truly ancient and loyal borough, and more pertinently with respect to the ancient guild merchant, held every twentieth year. Upon this occasion a hogshead of most excellent wine is opened, and given respectively by serving-men, to the mayor, his retinue, and the various companies assembled upon this great and grand jubilee. The trumpets sounding, bands of music playing, and the joyful acclamations of the people mixed wherewithal, render this a time of joy and festivity. When this is finished, they march in due order towards the Guild-hall; and when the mayor and his retinue have entered the same, the flags, consisting of the royal arms of Great Britain, and the armour of the town, emblazoned thereon, are hung out of the windows of the Moot-hall, accompanied by the acclamations of the companies, and others assembled upon this occasion. The various companies repair to their respective rendezvous, and there enjoy themselves by social order and good-will towards one another. The foreign burgesses who are come upon this occasion, are duly entertained at the expence of the mayor, at some respectable burgess' house, during this great jubilee.

The mayor's staff is mounted at the top with a silver

envelope, bearing the following words engraven thereon:— "Ex Dono Edwardi Rigby, Armr." The two silver maces are two feet ten inches in length, and bear the following words engraven on each of them :-" Edward Assheton, mayor, 1722." The large silver gilt mace measures in length four feet and a half, and is surmounted by a regal crown, elegantly ornamented with curious workmanship, and bears the following inscription engraved round the handle :-" The gift of the High and Mighty Prince James, Duke of Hamilton, Marquess of Clydesdale, Earl of Arran, Lanark, and Cambridge, Lord Avon, Polmont, Macanshire, and Innerdale, and Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble order of the Thistle, &c. to the town of Preston, in Lancashire, in the year 1703; in token of his friendship to that corporation, and of their civilities to him, and Elizabeth Gerrard Duchess of Hamilton, his consort, testified at several occasions, during their abode in that place, and particularly upon the birth of their son, James, Marquess of Clydesdale, who was born at Preston, the 3rd day of January, 1701."

The two small maces, together with the large silver gilt one, are of exquisite beauty, and curious workmanship, and consist of the crown of Great Britain surmounting the top of the handles, inside each of them the royal