By W. L. Barker, Esq. 157 



the question was put. The majority was for rejecting the propo- 

 sition which the Royal Commissioners had been instructed to make. 

 The resolution of the assembly was reported to the Prince at 

 Littlecote. He, however, over-ruled the opinion of his too eager 

 followers, and declared his determination to treat on the basis 

 proposed by the King. Many of the Lords and Gentlemen assem- 

 bled at Hungerford remonstrated ; a whole day was spent in 

 bickering ; but William's purpose was immoveable. On his side 

 he made some demands which were put in writing and delivered to 

 Halifax. 



On Sunday, December 9th, the Commissioners dined at Little- 

 cote. A splendid assemblage had been invited to meet them. The 

 old hall, hung with coats of mail which had seen the "Wars of the 

 Roses, and with portraits of gallants who had adorned the Court 

 of Philip and Mary, was now crowded with Peers and Generals." 



In the course of a few days, the Prince of Orange left Littlecote 

 for Windsor; and as far as Hungerford is connected with his 

 illustrious name, no further mention need be made of his visit. 



But allow me to remind you before quitting the subject, that the 

 errand on which the Royal Commisssoners were sent to Hunger- 

 ford was a fool's errand. TheKing whose wicked and contemptible 

 duplicity knew no bounds, while apparently trying to make terms 

 with the Prince of Orange at Hungerford, was secretly preparing 

 to fly from his kingdom. He fled, at the second attempt success- 

 fully, and the Prince of Orange assumed the reins of government. 



The year 1693 witnessed the birth in this town of Dr Chandler, 

 an eminent writer amongst the Dissenters. 



Since 1790, Hungerford has boasted a Corps of Yeomanry, who 

 make an annual display of their efficiency and discipline on Hunger- 

 ford Downs. The muster-roll contains upwards of 100 names ; 

 and Hungerford is considered fortunate in being the only town in 

 Berkshire, in which the " quality, pride, pomp, and circumstance 

 of glorious war " is regularly paraded before the eyes of an admiring 

 multitude. 



The next glimpse we have of Hungerford, is afibrded by a return 

 of the population in 1801. It is reckoned at 1987 souls. 



The parish church claims a short notice. The accounts which have 



