A LARGE GEORGE IV SILVER CENTREPIECE, PRESENTED TO LORD GRANTHAM, COLONEL-COMMANDANT OF THE YORKSHIRE HUSSAR REGIMENT OF YEOMANRY CAVALRY, YORK, MONDAY, 28 MAY 1827, ROBERT GARRARD, LONDON, 1827

the massive shaped square base applied above shell and foliage supports with a coat-of-arms, motto, supporters and coronet on three sides and an inscription on the fourth between the badge of the Yorkshire Hussar Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry and other motifs, the central column flanked by Classical figures, a leopard, goat and lion below a shallow circular dish

The arms are those of Thomas Philip de Grey, 2nd Earl de Grey (1781-1859), who between 1786 and 1833 was known as Lord Grantham. A well-known Tory politician, he served as Colonel-Commandant of the Yorkshire Hussar Regiment of Cavalry for more than forty years. He was aide-de-camp to both William IV and Queen Victoria.

'On Wednesday last [23 May 1827[, the Yorkshire Hussar Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry, under the command of Lord Grantham, arrived in this city [York] to remain on permanent duty for seven days. The Minster bells rang a peel on the occasion...' (The Yorkshire Gazette, York, Saturday, 26 May 1827, p. 2f)

'The Yorkshire Hussars.

'We noticed in our last the arrival of this fine body of men in York, on the 23d. ult., for eight days' training. Their presence gave a great appearance of bustle to our streets; and added not a little to the gaiety of the inhabitants. Their morning and evening parades were attended by great numbers of spectators: and we could not but admire the ease with which they adapted themselves to a military life, and the precision with which they went through their military movements. The horses too, which were very excellent ones, evinced great docility; and the stage of discipline which the corps acquired, was highly creditable to both officers and men. The head-quarters were at the Black Swan; and Coney-street was much enlivened by the excellent band, which performed various pieces of military music every day during the mess...

'The Review.

'Tuesday had been originally fixed upon as the day for reviewing the hussars: but the illness of Lord Grantham's daughter made that nobleman anxious to return to London; and the day was altered to Monday. The morning was unfortunately unfavourable; it threatened rain, and several light showers fell between ten and one o'clock, which were succeeded by sunshine; presenting the various alterations of an April day; notwithstanding the carriages were more numerous than we ever recollect to have seen on a similar occasion; and the number of horsemen and pedestrians were very considerable...

'Presentation of a Piece of Plate to Lord Grantham.

'Our readers will probably recollect, that, on the 31^st of May, 1825, a splendid piece of plate was presented to Lord Grantham from the non-commissioned officers and privates under his command. This year the officers resolved to shew his lordship a similar mark of regard:- thus proving that he is beloved and respected by every man in his regiment. The time chosen for presenting this trophy to the noble lord was at the conclusion of the review on Monday. The men were formed into a square, in the centre of which was placed a drum, with two dismounted hussars stationed on foot as a guard; and in the interior the ladies and gentlemen who were present on the ground were admitted to witness the ceremony. The officers having dismounted, four of them brought the plate into the square, upon a table covered with crimson cloth, and placed it upon the drum-head. The other officers followed two and two, the band playing a slow march till they were all within the square. Lieut. Col. Yorke then stepped forth, and in a very animated style addressed his Lordship...

'Lieut. Col. Yorke having concluded his address, Lord Grantham with much emotion, replied...

'His Lordship having concluded, the band played "God save the King;" when three cheers were given by the corps and the spectators. His Lordship then dismounted, and shook hands most cordially with the officers...

'Description of the Plate.

'This splendid tribute of respect and esteem, was manufactured in London. On Friday and Saturday it was placed in the shop of Messrs. Barber, Cattle and North, where it was inspected by a great many persons; and on the Saturday it was removed to the York Tavern, where all who chose were admitted to see it. The plate weighs 300 ogs. [sic], and is of the value of 400£. It consists of a large pyramidical ornaments, for the centre of a dining table. The base or pedestal stands on four beautifully carved claws, and is an irregular octagon, bearing in front the following inscription:-

"FROM THE

OFFICERS OF THE

YORKSHIRE HUSSARS

TO

LORD GRANTHAM,

1827."

'Three of the compartments bear the arms of his Lordship beautifully raised and most exquisitely finished – whilst in the other compartments are represented the white rose, the badge of the regiment, bunches of grapes, &c. &c. On this pedestal rises a column, to the height of more than two feel from the claws. It supports a vase, elegantly ornamented and intended for fruit or flowers – and round the base of the column are placed a group of emblematical figures. We remarked, however, that none of them bear a military signification; nor does the inscription point out the relation in which Lord Grantham stands to the regiment; this is, we think, an omission.' (The Yorkshire Gazette, York, Saturday, 2 June 1827, p. 2e/f)

A similar report appeared in The York Herald and General Advertiser (York, Saturday, 2 June 1827, p. 4a-c), but which stated that the value of the centrepiece was £450, adding that, 'it is one of the most elegant pieces of plate we have ever seen.'