■^ Institution and Early Growth 



presented themselves at the window of the Royal Stand, 

 when an old man in a sailor's dress was seen to hurl some 

 stones at His Majesty, one of the missiles striking him 

 on the hat. A cry of alarm was raised, and the assailant 

 was immediately secured, and great relief was felt when the 

 King reappeared at the window and it was found that he 

 was none the worse for the occurrence. 



Quoting again from Mr. Greville's Memoirs, he writes 

 under date June 25th, 1832. "At Fern Hill all last week 

 a great party ; nothing but racing and gambling. The 

 event of the races was the King having his head knocked 

 with a stone. It made very little sensation on the spot, 

 for he was not hurt, and the fellow was a miserable looking 

 ragamuffin. It, however, produced a great burst of loyalty 

 in both Houses, and their Majesties were loudly cheered 

 at Ascot. The Duke of Wellington, who had been the 

 day before mobbed in London, also reaped a little harvest 

 of returning popularity from the assault, and, so far, the 

 outrages have done rather good than harm." 



A pleasing story is told of His Majesty at this meeting. 

 While the Royal party were waiting for the next race, the 

 King espied a poor gipsy woman and threw her a sovereign. 

 The crowd, mistaking His Majesty's good intention and 

 thinking the coin was intended for themselves, scrambled 

 for it on the ground, and severely handled an officer who 

 tried to stop them. The poor woman had, of course, lost 

 her money beyond hope of recovery ; but the King, seeing 

 her distress, sent her by one of his servants a ^5 note. 

 Her thanks were profuse, and she was not content until 

 she had gained access to the Royal presence, causing great 

 amusement by showering blessing upon the august head. 



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