THE GRAND BALL, YORK, 1889

The Tenth Royal Hussars Grand Ball in York


January 3rd 1889


There have been many fashionable balls held within the walls of this ancient city, and probably not a few of regal character of which there are only private records now existing, but few, if any, have surpassed that which was given last night by Lieutenant-Colonel Viscount Downe and the Officers of the Tenth Royal Hussars, who, fortunately for this city and indeed this county, are now stationed at the Cavalry Barracks in Fulford-road. This regiment is not only officered by representatives of some of the best English “houses”, but they have amongst their number the Heir Apparent to the British Throne and also his eldest son – the one honorary and the other active. When his Royal Highness Prince Albert Victor temporarily joined the Ninth Lancers in York it was fully anticipated that his residence in the city would be a happy one. On frequent occasions his Royal Highness has shown his willingness to assist in any good work, and unknown to the public, many private engagements of a useful character have been fulfilled by him in the past few months. His own regiment soon established themselves in the favour of the citizens, and Lord Downe, as Colonel of the regiment was soon to be most efficiently assisted in the discharge of social duties by the Viscountess Downe, who has frequently during her residence here, been found at charitable institution taking an active share in the good work to be done. Matters of this kind may appear to have nothing to do with the holding of a grand ball at which only those who are invited can attend, but good results must necessarily follow the enjoyment of the guests, in that it represents additional trade in many branches. Therefore more good is being done by those who have already shown a sympathetic interest in the institutions of the city. A considerable sum must have been spent in the very handsome decorations of the Assembly and Festival Concert Rooms – the former being used as the ball-room, the latter as the Supper Room. The entrance hall was not elaborately but very neatly decorated. Over the inner doorway leading into the principle ball-room were the Royal Arms surmounted with the Prince of Wales Feathers, and backed up with a trophy of flags. The doorways on either side were surmounted with half-circles of swords and scabbards. The large ball-room had a very pretty appearance, the decorations showing something more than good taste on the part of those upon whom devolved the work of superintendence. The numerous pillars were draped with a material of an amber colour, here and there encircled by variegated holly. Overhanging the pillars were forty-eight burnished horse shoes and the same number of silver plumes suspended from chains, and above these were streamers of evergreens. The front of the orchestra was excellently arranged. In the central part was a star of cleaning rods, surmounted by the Prince of Wales Feathers, and underneath was the monogram “E.A.”, whilst on each side the drum banners were displayed. At each end two large crests were shown, and one or two of the honours of the regiment were exhibited in letters of gold. An interesting feature in this room was the placing of the Maxim Gun underneath the orchestra, ready for action and pointing across the ball-room. This terribly deadly weapon, capable of sweeping a few dozen assembly rooms in almost a twinkle, was in the charge of Corporal Mather, who also had charge of it when the Duke of Cambridge inspected its action at Stensall a short while ago. Around it was a trefle of harness and carbines, and this diminutive terror was rendered active to the guests without the sight of the ammunition or the exhibiting of its enormously quick power of discharging the bullets. The floral decorations, which throughout were supplied by Messrs. A. Simpson & Son of the Hemworth Nurseries, were effective, if small in this room. The niches were effectively decorated with foliage and flowering plants, bordered with virgin cork. At each end of the room Mr. Taylor, of Coney-Street, had furnished lounges and chairs and placed them in drawing-room style, and in a room off the large room he, under the direction and suggestion of Lady Downe, had prepared a most elegant and comfortable retiring apartment. In the second ball-room, which was also neatly decorated, were shown trophies which represented the mottoes of the regiment – the Rising Sun and the Red Dragon, surrounded by various flags. The honours of the Regiment, namely Peninsula, Waterloo, Sevastopol, Ali Musjid, Afghanistan 1887-89, and Egypt 1884, were prominently displayed, as also was the plume of the Prince of Wales. A capital part of the decorations in this room was a trophy of shell harness and shabrack over one of the doorways, the latter as worn by the officers when in review order. This room was also supplied with chairs and lounges, and the floral decorations comprised two magnificent specimen palms, and groups of ficu elasticus and ariala veitchii. Mr. Hartley, who had a considerable share in the work of decoration, arranged the supper-room (the Concert Room) in a most attractive style. The front of the gallery was adorned in a very suitable manner, trophies of the arms and crests of the regiment being shown. In front of the stand for the Regimental string band, who occupied the platform, was a large stand showing the gold plate of the regiment, backed by a crest and flags, and flanked by stands of carbines and swords. There was also a well arranged supply of evergreens. The supper tables were liberally supplied with choice plants, their graceful and variegated foliage having a very pleasing effect. In all the rooms the floral decorations were of an excellent order, and added a good deal to the beauty of the interior. The ball-room floors, as on previous occasions, had been effectively polished by Mr. Riley. To Sergeant Instructor of Musketry Reynolds is due a great amount of credit. He, assisted by Sergeant Rumble, Corporal Seals, and a staff of men from the barracks, had worked hard for several days in order to bring about the beautiful and most effective appearance which the room presented last night at ten o’clock, when the guests began to arrive. The service of Mr. Thrush and his band were engaged, and by special desire of Lady Downe some of the celebrated old waltzes were included in the programme.


The list of dances and music were as follows:-
Valse…………..Saionara Quadrille…………..Iolanthe
Valse…………..Journalisten Polka……….Happy Peasant
Quadrille……Old London Valse……….Constancy
Polka………….Feuerfest Schottische….Highland
Valse………….Venetia Lancers…..Rip Van Winkle
Galop……Orphee aun Enfers Polka……….Cinderella
Valse………..Soldaten Leider Galop………….John Peel
Polka………..P & O Valse…….Amorettentanze
Valse………….Hydropaten Valse……….Casino Tanze
Lancers……..Miikado Valse…..Morgenstera
Valse…….Queen of my Heart Valse……La Muraka
Valse……..Beautiful Danube Valse………Morgenblatter


At about midnight, when the guests were assembling in the supper-room, and during supper, the string band of the regiment, consisting of twenty-five men, and under the able conductorship of Bandmaster Williams, played the following programme:- Moorish March, Granade (Jackabowski); overture, La Dame Blanche (Boiledieur); waltz, Lady Linda (Bauer); gavotte, Semplice (Lee); serenade, Des Mandolines (desormes); valse, Aline (Miller); lied The Swallow Song (Latann).
The following is a list of the invited guests:-


Lord and Lady Aukland and Miss Eden, Colonel and Mrs. Armytage, Scarborough; Colonel, Mrs. and Miss Annesley, 57, Belgrave Road, S. W.; Major, Mrs. And Miss Allenby, Brinkworth Hall; Mrs. And the Misses Alexander, 30, Belgrave Square; Mr. R. Allenby, R.N.; Brigadier Surgoen and Mrs. Ashton, York; Mr. Robert Aikenhead, Otterington Hall; The Reverend Canon and Mrs. Argles, York; Mrs. and Miss Anderson, Wenlock Terrace, York; Captain Alcock.
Lady Bolsover, and Lady Ottoline Bentinck, Welbeck Abbey; Hon. H. Mrs, and Miss Butler, Eagle Hall. Pateley Bridge; Mr. And the Hon. Mrs. Bethell, Rise, Betherely; Mr. And Mrs. H. D. Brocklehurst and party, Acomb Hall; Mr. And the Hon. Mrs. Beckett, Nun Appleton Hall; Sir Henry and Lady Boynton, Burton Agness, Hull; Colonel, Mrs, and the Misses Haworth Booth, Hull Bank House, Hull; Colonel and Mrs. Brooksbank, Middleton Hall, Hull; Mr., Mrs and the Misses Gilpin Brown, Sedbury, Richmond; Captain Bethell R.N. Rise, Beverley; Mr. S. Bateman, York; Mr. And Mrs. C. G. Broadwood, Holgate, York; Mr. And Mrs. T.N.F. Bardwell, Bolton Hall; Mr. And Mrs. E.G. Broadbent, Fulford, York; Captain and Mrs. Balfour R.A. Fulford; Mr. Mrs and the Misses Bower, Welham, Malton; Mr. And Mrs. E. Beckett, Nun Appleton; Major Symes-Bullen, Blake –Street, York; Captain and Mrs. Beresford, Bootham, York; Captain and Mrs. Boynton, Fulford; Major and Mrs. Brougham, Skelton; Mr. Mrs. And the Misses Beaumont, Huddersfield; Mr. Henry Beaumont, Huddersfield; Miss Barclay, Woodford, Essex; Mr. Ford Barclay; Mr. And Mrs. Wm. Baird, Oakham; Captain and Mrs. Brightsmith, Fulford; Mr. And Miss Bland, Kippax Park, Castleford; Captain and Mrs. Bayley, Infantry Barracks, York; Captain and Mrs. Broughton, Fulford; Mr. Mrs and Miss Butler, Shewsbury; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Brown, Loftus Hill, Knaresborough; Mr. and Mrs. Bethell, Hill House, Doncaster; Miss Biddulph, ; Mr Humphry Bland, Minster Yard, York; Mr. Gervase Beckett, Num Appleton; Mrs, and Miss Barry, Duncombe-place, York; Mr. And Mrs. Pierce Brown; Mrs. And Mrs. B. Haworth-Booth, Rowlston Hall, Skirlaugh, Hull.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Carmathon, Hornby Castle, Bedale; Lord and Lady Chesham, Straton Audley, Bicester, The Earl and Countess Cathcart, Thornton-le-Street, Thirske; Sir George, Lady and Miss Cayley, Brompton; Colonel the Hon. A.M. and Mrs. Cathcart, Mobray House, Ripon; Sir Bache Cunard, Market Harboro’; Colonel Charlesworth, Chapelthorpe Hall, Wakefield; The Dean of York and Lady Emma and Miss Parey-Cust and party, York; Mr. And Mrs. Cayley, Brompton; Mr, Mrs. And the Misses Digby Cayley, Norton Grange, Malton; Mr. And Mrs. A. Croft and party, Aldborough Hall, Boroughbridge; Mr. And Mrs. P. Cunliffe, Aldby Park; Major and Mrs. Cook-Collis, York; Mr. And Mrs. A. Cholmley, Newton, Rillington. The Rev. A.S. and Mrs. Commelind, York; The Rev. E.S. and Mrs Charter, York; Mr. And Mrs H. Cholmley and party, Kinlet Hall, Salop; Mr. And Mrs. H. Callander, Mansetta, Atherstone; Capt. And Mrs. Cameron, York; Mr. And Mrs. Strickland Constable and Party; Surgeon-Major and Mrs. Cattell, Cork; Mr. And Mrs. R. Creyke, Rawcliffe Hall, Selby; Captain and Mrs. Craddock, Hartforth, Richmond, Yorkshire; Mr. Earnest Cunnard, Barton Hill, York; Mr. Arthor Cayley, Norton Grove, Malton; Mr. Pole, Howsham Hall, York; Mrs. And Miss Creyke, Marton, Hull; Mr. Walter Cunliffe, Hedley Court, Epsom; Mr. Cholmley, Minster Yard, York; Mr. W. Collins, Knaresborough House, Knaresborough; Mrs. Clerk, Noblethrope, Barnsley; Mrs. And Misses S. Cadman, Capt. And Mrs. Close, York.
The Earl of Durham, Lady Derwent, the Hon. Miss Johnstone, the Hon. Cecil Johnstone, and the Hon. G. Johnstone; Sir D. C. And Lady Drury Lowe, Aldershot; the Hon. G. And Mrs. Dawnay, Cross Lanes, Skipton; the Hon. C., Mrs. And the Misses Duncombe, Norton Grange, Helmsley; Colonel Charles Duncombe, Yorkshire Club; the Hon. Mrs. Dundas and party, Middleton Lodge; the Hon. J.C. and Mrs. Dundas, Thornborough, Leyburn; the Hon. Thomas Dundas, Rugby; the Hon. F.Dawnay, Beningborough Hall; Col. The Hon. L.P.Dawnay M.P.,and Mrs. Dawnay, Baldersby Park, Thirsk; Major-General and Mrs. Daniell, Government House, York; Mr. And Mrs. Duncombe, North Deighton Manor, Wetherby; Mr. G. Duncombe, Yorkshire Club; Mr. Mrs and the Misses Dent, Ribston Hall, Wetherby; Rev. G.R., Mrs. And the Misses Dupuis, Sessay Rectory; Mr. And Mrs. Wm. Draper, York; Mr. E.Dalrymple, York; Col. and Mrs Denison,Babworth Hall, Retford; Mr. And Mrs. Darley, Scarborough; Major and Mrs. Dent, Aiderby, Northallerton; Mr. And Mrs. Frank Dent, Knighton, Buckhurst Hill; the Rev. And Mrs. Joseph Dent, Hunsingore Rectory, Wetherby; Mr. And Miss Dury, The Moss, Ripley; Capt. And Mrs. Derby, Chapelthorpe Hall, Wakefield.
The Earl and Countess of Egmont, Sir William and Lady Eden, Windlestone, Fery Hill; Lieut.-Col. And the Hon. Mrs Egerton, Whitwell Hall, York; Mr. Mrs. And Miss Elliott, Scruton Hall, Bedale; Miss Egerton, Whitewell Hall; the Misses Elsley, York; Major, Mrs. And Miss Egerton, Alverley, Doncaster; Major and Mrs. Edwardes, Wetherby.


The Earl and Countess of Feversham, and the Ladies Duncombe; Sir Andrew and Lady Fairbairn; the Hon. F.A. Fitzroy, Banbury; Mr. And the Hon. Mrs. Foster,and the Hon. Misses Hanbury, Bramhope Hall, Otley; Col. Fairwell, York; Mrs. And Miss Fairfax, Bilborough Hall, York; Mrs. Robert Fenwick, Gate Fulford Hall, York; Mr G. Lane Fox and party, Bramham; Captain R. Mrs. And Miss Lane Fox, Tadcaster; Capt. Farrer, York; Mr. Mrs and the Misses Farrer, Green Hammerton. Capt. Fell R.A.; Major and Mrs. Flint, Scarborough; Mr. J. Fox, Escrick; Mr. G. Fairfax, Bilborough.


Sir Edward and Lady Green, Sir Reginald and Lady Graham, Norton Conyers, Ripon; the Hon. A. And Mrs. Grenville, Warwick Castle; Mr and the Hon. Mrs Charles Grenfell, Cumberland-place, London; Mr and Mrs. E. Lycett-Green, Dringhouses; Colonel, Mrs and Misses Gregson, Burden, Southerland; Colonel, Mrs and the Misses Gunter, Wetherby; Major-General J. Gunter, Boston Spa; Mr. And Mrs. Garforth, Swinton; Mr. And Mrs Edwin Grey, York; Mr. Francis Green, Yorkshire Club; Mr. And Mrs. Gough, Bridlington; Captain de Gex, York Barracks; Mrs. And Miss Gape, York; Dr. And Mrs. Gramshaw, Stillington; Mr. E. Goldshmidt, Scruton Hall.


Lord Hawke, Wighill Park; Lady Hawke and party, Womersley Park; Lady and the Hon. Miss Hawke, Wighill Park; the Earl and Countess of Harewood, Harewood House, Leeds; Lord and Lady Herries, Everingham Park; Colonel and the Hon Mrs. And the Misses Holden, Askham Bryan; Lieut.-Col Sir St Vincent Hammick, Bart, York; Col. Mrs and Miss Hatton, Gate Burton Hall, Gainsboro’; Major and Mrs. Williams Hepworth, Manor House, Skelton; Major and Mrs. Harley, York; the Misses Harris, Oxton Hall, Tadcaster; Captain A. Hill, V.C., Romanby, Northallerton; Dr. And Mrs. Hewetson, York; Mr. George Herbert, Escrick; Capt. And Mrs Hamilton, Newstead Hall, Wakefield; Captain Hill and Party; Mr. And Mrs. W. W. Hargrove, York; Mr. And Mrs. Hilyard and party, Cherry Burton Hall; Capt. And Mrs. Howard, Fulford; Captain Harvest; Mr. Mrs and Miss Hebden, Throxenby Hall, Scarborough; Mr. And Mrs. Hotham, Fulford Park; Miss Hodgson; Mr. And Mrs. Heyward-Jones, Badsworth Hall, Pontefract; Miss Hotham, York; Miss Mable Hebden, York. Sir Henry and Lady Ingleby, Ripley Castle; Capt. The Hon. F. Mrs. And Miss Johnstone, Hackness, Scarborough; Mr. And Mrs. Ingleby, Farnham, Knaresborough; Mr. and Mrs. Dunningford-Jefferson, Thichet Priory, York. The Rev. H.G. Mrs. And the Misses Jebb, Firbeck Hall, Rotherham; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Jalland, York; Mrs. And Miss Jennings; Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Badsworth.


Lord Ralph and Lady Anne Kerr, Woodburn, Dalkeith, N.B.; the Hon. B. Kebbel, Trafford, Manchester; Col. Kelly-Kenny, York; Mr. and Mrs. T. F. Kennedy, Wetherby; Capt. And Mrs. Key, Fulford; Mr. A. H. Kerr, Sand Hutton; Major and Mrs. Kirkpatrick, Teignmouth Barracks.
The Duke and Duchess of Leeds, and Lady Osbourne, Hornby Castle; the Dowager Lady Londonderry and Mr. A. Vane-Tempest, Lord and Lay Londesborough, and the Misses Dennison, Scarborough; Lord and Lady Lascelles, Zion Hill, Thirsk; the Hon. And Mrs. Egremeont Lascelles, Goldsborough Rectory; the Hon. Lancet Lowther, York; Colonel R. S. And Mrs. S. Laddell, Colonel Le Messurier, A. C. D. York Infantry Barracks; Lieut.-Colonel, Mrs and Miss Lees, Acomb, York; Major and Mrs. Legard, Gillin Castle; Mr. and Mrs. Cunliffe-Lister, Swinton Park; Mr. and Mrs. Legard, Huntingdon; Mr. C. W. Landon, Ledsham Hall; Mr. Andrew Lawson, Mr. John Lawson, and Mr. Richard Lawson, Aldborough Manor, Boroughbridge; Mr. Laycock, Low Gosforth; Mr. and Miss Lloyd, Lingcroft, York; Major Ellisdee, York and Lancaster Regiment, and Mrs. Ellisdee; Mr. and Mrs. Lee, Grove Park, Pontefact; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Leatham, Wentbridge, Pontefract; Mr. G. A. B. Leatham, Thorparch; Mr. and Mrs. Lamb, Bilton; Mr. and Mrs. Claude Leatham, Wentbridge; Miss Leatham, Carlton, Pontefract; Mr. and Mrs. Gurney Leatham and party, Hemsworth Hall, Pontefract; Mr. D. H. Lascelles, and Mr. George Llascelles, Leeds; Mr. Mrs. And Miss Langdale, Houghton Hall; Mr. and Mrs. Horace Walpole, Major and Mrs. Lee, Mill Mount, York; Captain C.F. Lindsell, Royal Scots Fusiliers; Mr. Frank Langdale, Houghton Hall, Brough; Capt. Lambton, Lambton Castle.


Lord and Lady Middleton and party, Birdsall House, Malton; the Dowager, Lady Middleton, and Miss Willoughby, Settrington House, Malton; the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of York; Sir Fredrick Milner Bart. And Lady Milner, Nun Appleton; Miss Edith Milner, Heworth, York; Col. The Hon. C. C. and Mrs. Molyneux, Red House, Banbury; the Hon. W. Maxwell, Everingham Park; Mr. and Mrs. Russel Munro, Dringhouses, York; Mr. and Miss Mills, Middlethorpe Lodge; Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Melrose, Clifton Croft, York; Major and Mrs. Mills, Stoneleigh, Aldershot; Mr. Meryrick, Escrick, York; Capt. And Mrs. Middleton, Haslebeach, Northampton; Mr. F. B. Mildmay, Braunston House, Rugby; Major Forbes-Mosse, Yorkshire Club; Mr. and Mrs. Menzies, Sandbeck Park, Rotherham; the Sherriff of York and Mrs Matthews; Miss Emily Mildmay; Leuit-Col. Mair; Mr. Mrs and Miss Mathews, Eagle House, Ackworth; Capt. Wallerstein, Sheffield; Major, Mrs. And Miss McGachen, York; Mr. Mrs. And the Misses Meeking, Belgrave Square; Mr. H. Monson, Scarborough; Mr. Gervase Markham, Yorkshire Club.
The Rev. H.S. and Mrs Norfolk, York; Mr. Mrs and the Misses Nugent, Sloane-street, London; Mr. A.J.F. Nugent; Capt. And Mrs. Nugee, Fulford; Miss Nichols, Folkestone; Mr. A. Neilson, Hundhill, Pontefract; Mr. Oldfield, York.


The Hon. R. And mrs. Parker, Clifton Lodge, York; The Hon. W. And Lady Orde-Powlett, Wensley Hall, Bedale; the Hon. E. And Mrs Douglas Pennant, Stoney Stratford, Bucks; Sir Lionel, Lady and the Misses Pilkington, Scarborough; Sir Joseph, Lady and the Misses Pease, Hutton Hall, Guisbrough; Sir H. And Lady Beresford Pierse, The Hall, Bedale; Sir John and Lady Power; Colonel and Mrs. Philips, York; Colonel Peck, Yorkshire Club; Mr. and Mrs. Guy Palmes, Lingcroft, York; Mr. and Mrs. F.J. Palmes, Mill Mount, York; Mr. and Mrs. A.C. T. Orde-Powlett, Ainderby, Northallerton; Mr. Mrs. And Miss Preston, Bishopsthorpe; Major and Mrs. Charles E. Preston, Acomb, York; Major and Mrs. Pigott, Fulford; Mr. Claud Pilkington, Scarborough; Mr. Earnest Pilkington, Scarborough; the Rev. E.A.B. and Mrs. Pitman, Old Malton; Captain and Mrs Plumer, Healington Lane, York; Mr. and Mrs. Pickering, Ogleforth, York; Mr. and Miss Philips Ripon; Mrs. And Miss Puxley, Calton Rectory, York; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Peace, Hutton Hall, Guisbrough; the Rev. James, Mrs. And Miss Palmes, Escrick Rectory; Major and Mrs. Preston, Huddersfield.


Lord and Lady Raincliffe, Scarborough; Captain and Lady Sesilia Rose; Mr. and Mrs. Reynard, Driffield; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reynard, Plainville, York; Captain and Mrs. Ringrose, York; Mr. C.Ringrose, Northallerton; Mr. Mrs. And Miss Sykes Rymer, York; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Russell, York; Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Ripley, HOB Green, Ripley; Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Richardson, Elm Bank, York.


Lord and Lady Stourton and Mowbray, Stourton Castle, Knaresborough; Lord and Lady St. Oswald and the Misses Winn, Noatel Priory; the Dowager Countess of Strafford and the Ladies Byng, Sherbourne; Lady Southampton and Mrs Fitzroy, Aynhoe Park, Banbury; Lady Sheffield and Misses Sheffield, Ashfield, York; Sir George and Lady Ida Sitwell, Scraborough; Sir Tatton and Lady Sykes, Sledmere, Malton; Sir Charles and Miss Strickland, Hildenly, Malton; Col. and Mrs Spilling and Miss Wellesley, St. Mary’s Mount, Newton Park, Leeds; Colonel Sparks, York; Colonel and Mrs. G.W. and Mr. A.V. Stockley, York; Colonel, Mrs. And the Misses Scott, York; Colonel and Mrs. Smith, York; Colonel and Mrs. Sawle; Lieut.-Col. and Mrs. Spotteswood, Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Wilmot-Smith, Boroughbridge Hall; Captain and Mrs. Slingsby, Scriven, Knaresborough; Captain and Mrs. Sargeaunt and the Misses Daniell, Clifton, York; Miss Shiffner, Copgrove, Boroughbridge; Mr. and Miss Streatfield, Rosington, Doncaster; Captain and Mrs. Starkey, Huttons Ambo, Malton; Mr. and Mrs. Saltmarshe, Saltmarshe; Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. St. Quintin, Scampston; Mrs. and Miss St. Quentin, Kirkham Abbey; Mr. Scarlett, Scotgrove, Boroughbridge; Mr, Mrs. and Mr. D. Strangewayes, Alne Hall; Mr. and Mrs. E.M.Lawson-Smith, Catton Lodge, Tadcaster; Captain and Mrs. E. Starkey, Tang Hall, York; Captain Saville R.N., Yorkshire Club; Major Stephenson, Yorkshire Club; Major and Mrs. Soote, York; Mr. and Mrs. Stainforth, Kirk Hammerton, York; the Rev. F. And Mrs. Simpson, Foston Rectory; Mr. Mrs. and Miss Surtees, Dover-street, London; Mr. and Mrs. Stanfeld, and Miss Wemyss, Flocton Manor, Wakefield; Mr. A. St.Leger, Park Hill, Rotherham; Captain and Mrs. St.George, York; Mr. and Mrs. Horace St Paul, Ripon; Miss Sharpus, Ouston Lodge, Folkestone; Mr. Shaw, Yorkshire Club; Major Stapylton, Myton Lodge, Helperby; Dr. And Mrs. Swanson, York; Miss Starkey, York; Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Stanhope, Cannon Hall, Barnsley; Mr. Mrs. and Miss Stephenson, Clifton Holme, York; Miss Bridgman Simpson, Whitwell Hall, York; Mr. A. Scawell, York; Mr. Soote, Scots Greys.


The Archbishop of York, Mrs, Mr. Wilfred and the Misses Thomson; Lord Henry and Lord Herbert Vane Tempest, Captain and Lady Elizabeth Clough-Taylor, Firby Hall, Kirkham abbey; Sir H. And Lady Meysey-Thompson, Kirby Hall, York; Sir Joseph and Lady Terry, York; Colonel Telford, Yorkshire Club; Captain, Lady Julia and the Misses Turton, Thirsk; Mrs. and Miss Turton, Upsall Castle; Mr. and Mrs. G. Thompson, Nunthorpe Court, York; Mr. H.T. Thompson, York, Mr. and Mrs. Thellusson, Crayke Hall, Easingwold; Mrs. and Misses Thompson, York; Mr. and Mrs. Tripp, Fulford, York; Captain and Mrs. Tebbitt, York; Mr. Arthur Thompson, Kirkby Hall, York; the Rev. G. Trundle, York.


Captain and Mrs. Unett, Huntington Hall;


Viscount and Viscountess Valentia, Oxford; Sir Wm. And Lady Vavasour, Hazelwood Castle, Tadcaster.


Lord and Lady Wenlock and party, Escrick Park; the Dowager Lady Wenlock, Captain the Hon. E. and Mrs Willoughby, Settrington House, Malton; Sir Geo. Lady Julia, and Miss Wombwell, Newburgh Priory; Sir James and Lady Walker and party, Sand Hutton; Sir Thomas and Miss White, Walling Wells, Worksop; Mr. J.L. Wharton M.P., and Miss Wharton, Bramham; Colonel and Mrs. E.A. Wood, Aldershot; Captain and Mrs. Wardle, Ousecliff, York; Captain and Mrs Gerald Walker, Richmond, Yorks; Captain and Mrs. Wilson-Todd, Bedale; Captain Weigall R.A. York; Major Wynter; Captain Wallerstein, R.A., Ackworth; Major and Mrs. Wade, Scarborough; Captain and Mrs. F. Walker, Burley Grange, Burley-in-Wharfedale; Mr. and Mrs. Wickham, Boston Spa; Mr. Mrs. and the Misses Whytehead, Deighton Grove, York; Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker, Malton; Mr. and Mrs. Amcotts-Wilson, Ashton House, Gargrave; Mr. Arthur, Mrs. and Miss Wilson, Tranby Croft, Beverley; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wilson, Warter Priory, Pocklington; Mr and Mrs. Walker, Escrick;
Mrs. Harcourt Wood and the Misses Wood, Carlton Lodge, Pontefract; Mr. Wharton Watson, Fairfield, York; Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Todd, Halnaby Hall, Darlington; Mrs. and the Misses Withington, Wooley Park, Wakefield; Mr. Whistler, York; the Rev. F.W. Wilberforce, Fulford, York; Mr. and Mrs. Whitwell, Barton Hill, Northallerton; Mr. T. Wickham, Boston Spa; Mr. H. Wheeler, Tranby Croft, Hull; Mr. J. Wilson, Tranby Croft, Hull; Mr. C. Wright, Club Chambers, York; Mr. and Mrs. Woodman;
Mr. and Miss Bateson de Yarburgh and Party, Heslington Hall, York; Mr. and Mrs. Yorke and party, Aske Hall.


The following officers were amongst the invited guests:-


Colonel the Hon. H. Legg and the officers of the 9th Lancers (Manchester); Lieut.-Col. Spilling and the officers of the 13th Hussars (Leeds); Lieut.-col. White and the officers of the 15th Hussars, (Edinbro’); Col. Philips and the officers of the 14th Regimental District (York); Lieut.-Col. Mair and the officers of the York and Lancaster Regiment (York); Col. Allardyce and the officers of the 15th Regimental District (Beverley); Col. Davidson and the officers of the 19th Regimental District (Richmond); Col. Byam, C.B. and the officers of the 51st and 65th Regimental District (Pontefract); Col. Tucker C.B. and the officers of the 7th and 57th Regimental District (Hounslow); Col. Utterson and the officers of the 17th Regimental District (Leicester); Col. Clerkson and the officers of the 48th Regimental District (Northampton); Deputy-Surgeon General J. Ferguson and the officers of the Medical Staff Hospital (York).


The above report came from the Herald dated January 3rd 1889.


A further report written in the Yorkshire Gazette of January 5th 1889 describes the event :

The ball given by Lieutenant-Colonel Viscount Downe and officers of the 10th Royal Hussars, to which regiment Prince Albert Victor is attached, in the Assembly Rooms, York, on Wednesday night, was a brilliant affair. Never, under similar auspices, was a brighter and more attractive spectacle presented, and the proceedings were thoroughly successful. The decorations were elaborate, the appearance of the large ballroom being splendid. The burnished horseshoes, the silver plumes, the cleaning rods, the Prince of Wales Plumes, the drum banners, the crests, the Maxim Gun with harness and carbines, the swords and scabbards were displayed in harmony with the choicest draperies, and arranged with artistic skill. The floral decorations were executed with great nicety, the contributors being Messrs. A. Simpson and Son, Heworth Nurseries. Mr. John Taylor, Coney-street, supplied elegant furnishings for drawing and retiring rooms. In the second ballroom the trophies and glories of the regiment acquired in the Peninsula and many subsequent wars were magnificently displayed. Here, too, beautiful furniture and lovely flowers lent their charm.


Mr Hartley, Blake-street, was entrusted with a large share of the decorative work, and treated the supper room (The Festival Concert Room) very chastely. Trophies of arms and crests were prettily arranged a leading attraction being the fine display of the gold plate of the regiment, backed by a crest and flags and flanked by stands of carbines and swords. The floral decorations, especially on the supper tables, enhanced the beauty of the scene. Credit is due to Mr. J. Sotheran, of Coney-street, for his able discharge of the secretarial duties; to Sergeant-Instructor of Musketry Reynolds, assisted by Sergeant Rumble, Corporal Seals, and a staff of men from the Barracks, who worked hard to effect the transformation of the ball rooms………..


The Evening Press of Thursday, January 3rd phrased their report in similar terms:-


Grand Ball of the 10th Royal Hussars in York


There have been many fashionable balls held within the walls of this ancient city, and probably not a few of regal character of which there are only private records existing, but few, if any, have surpassed that which was given last night by Lieutenant-Colonel Downe and the officers of the Tenth Royal Hussars, who, fortunately for this city and indeed this county, are now stationed at the Cavalry Barracks in Fulford Road. This regiment is not only officered by representatives of some of the best English “houses”, but they have amongst their number the Heir-Apparent to the British Throne and also his eldest son – the one honorary the other active. When his Royal Highness Prince Albert Victor temporarily joined the Ninth Lancers in York it was fully anticipated that his residence in York would be a happy one. On frequent occasions His Royal Highness has shown his willingness to assist in any good work, and unknown to the public, many private engagements of a useful character have been fulfilled by him during the past few months. His own regiment soon established themselves in the favour of the citizens, and Lord Downe, as Colonel of the regiment was soon found to be efficiently assisted in the discharge of social duties by the Viscountess Downe, who has frequently during her residence here, been found at charitable institutions taking an active share in the good work to be done. Matters of this kind may appear to have nothing to do with the holding of a grand ball at which only those who are invited can attend, but good results must necessarily follow the enjoyment of the guests, in that it represents additional trade in many branches. Therefore more good is being done by those who have already shown a sympathetic interest in the institutions of the city. A considerable sum must have been spent in the very handsome decorations of the Assembly and Festival Concert Rooms – the former being used as the ballroom and the latter as the supper rooms – The entrance hall was not elaborately but very neatly decorated. Over the inner doorway leading to the principle ballroom was the Royal Arms surmounted with the Prince of Wales Feathers, and backed up with a trophy of flags. The doorways on either side where surmounted with half-circles of swords and scabbard. The large ballroom had a very pretty appearance, the decorations showing something more than good taste upon the part of those upon whom devolved the work of superintendence. The numerous pillars were draped with a material of an amber colour, here and there encircled with variegated holly. Overhanging the pillar were forty eight burnished horseshoes and the same number of silver plumes suspended from chains and above these were streamers of evergreen. The front of the orchestra was excellently arranged. In the central part was a star of cleaning rods surmounted by the Prince of Wales Feathers, and underneath was the monogram “A.E.” whilst on each side the drum banners were displayed. At each end two large crests were shown and one or two of the Honours of the regiment were exhibited in letters of gold. An interesting feature in this room was the placing of the Maxim Gun underneath the orchestra, ready for action and pointing across the ballroom. This terribly deadly weapon, capable of sweeping a few dozen ballrooms in almost a twinkle, was in the charge of Corporal Mather, who also had charge of it when the Duke of Cambridge inspected its action at Stensall a short while ago. Around it was a trefle of harness and carbines, and this diminutive terror was rendered attractive to the guests without the sight of the ammunition of the exhibiting of its enormously quick power of discharging the bullets. The floral decorations, which throughout were supplied by Messrs. A. Simpson and Son of the Hemworth Nurseries, were effective though small in this room. The niches were tastefully decorated with foliage and flowering plants bordered with virgin cork. At each end of the room Mr. Taylor, of Coney-street, had furnished lounges and chairs and placed them in drawing-room style and in a room off the large room he, under the directions of Lady Downe, had prepared a most elegant and comfortable retiring apartment. In the second ballroom, which was also neatly decorated, were shown trophies representing the mottos of the regiment – The Rising Sun and the Red Dragon, surrounded by various flags. The Honours of the regiment, namely Peninsula, Waterloo, Sevastopol, Ali Musjid, Afghanistan 1878-79, and Egypt 1884, were prominently displayed as also was the Plume of the Prince of Wales. A capital part of the decorations in this room was a trophy of shell harness and shabrack over one of the doorways, the latter as worn by the officers when in review order. This room was supplied with chairs and lounges and the floral decorations comprised two magnificent specimen palms and groups of ficu elasticus and aralia veitchii. Mr Hartley, who had a considerable share in the work of decoration, arranged the Supper-room (the Concert Room) in a most attractive style. The front of the gallery was adorned in a very suitable manner, trophies of the arms and crests of the regiment being shown. In front of the stand for the regimental string band, who occupied the platform, was a large stand showing the gold plate of the regiment, backed by a crest and flags, and flanked by stands of carbines and swords. There was also a well arranged supply of evergreens. The supper tables were liberally supplied with choice plants, their graceful and variegated foliage having a very pleasing effect. In all the rooms the floral decorations were of an excellent order and added a good deal to the beauty of the interior. To Mr. Sotheran is due the thanks of the guest s for the manner in which he carried out the arrangements allotted to him, for they were really those of active secretary. The ballroom floors, as on previous occasions, had been effectively polished by Mr. Riley. To Sergeant Instructor of Musketry Reynolds is due a great amount of credit. He, assisted by Sergeant Rumble, Corporal Seals and a staff of men from the Barracks, had worked hard for several days in order to bring about the beauty and most effective appearance which the rooms presented last night at ten o’clock, when the guests began to arrive. The services of Mr. Thrush and his Band were engaged, and by the special desire of Lady Downe, some of the celebrated old waltzes were included in the programme. The list of dances……….


At about midnight, when the guests were assembling in the supper-room and during supper, the string band of the regiment, consisting of about twenty-five men, and under the able conductorship of Bandmaster Williams, played the following………


When the guests had fully assembled the scene was one of great brilliance. The uniforms and dresses contrasted beautifully. And if there was any fault at all it was in the fact that the hall was a trifle too small for so great an assemblance. The officers of the regiment showed a determination to treat their guests in a manner worthy of the occasion, and in this they most emphatically succeeded. All appeared to enjoy the treat afforded by the following gentlemen who now hold office in this regiment:-


Colonel: Field-Marshall H.R.H. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales;
Lieut.-Colonel: Viscount H.R.Downe C.I.E., Com. Regm.;
Majors: H.S.Gough C.M.G.; M.C.Wood; Hon. J.P. Napier;
Captains: Brabazon; R.B.W. Fisher; Earl of Airlie; R.H.F.W. Wilson; C.S. Greenwood; H.R.H. Prince Albert Victor of Wales K.G.; Hon. H.T. Allsopp; Hon. G.L. Bryon;
Lieutenants: H. Alexander; C.B. Harvey; Hon. A. Lawley; A. Hughes-Onslow; Hon. J.H.G. Byng (Adjutant); C.T. McM. Kavanagh; Hon. E. Baring; E.W.D. Baird;
2nd Lieutenants: C. Barclay, Lord Southampton; Lord Cavendish-Bentinck; B.C.C.S. Meeking; A.A.W. Bright-Smith;
Riding-Master: P. Kelly;
Quartermaster: A.E. Poole.

These descriptions of the Grand Ball have been taken from:
1. The Yorkshire Evening Press Page 3
January 3rd 1898
2. The Yorkshire Gazette Page 7
January 5th 1898
3. The York Herald Page 10
January 5th
By kind permission of the British Library Board

The Tenth Royal Hussars Grand Ball in York January 3rd 1889

There have been many fashionable balls held within the walls of this ancient city, and probably not a few of regal character of which there are only private records now existing, but few, if any, have surpassed that which was given last night by Lieutenant-Colonel Viscount Downe and the Officers of the Tenth Royal Hussars, who, fortunately for this city and indeed this county, are now stationed at the Cavalry Barracks in Fulford-road. This regiment is not only officered by representatives of some of the best English “houses”, but they have amongst their number the Heir Apparent to the British Throne and also his eldest son – the one honorary and the other active. When his Royal Highness Prince Albert Victor temporarily joined the Ninth Lancers in York it was fully anticipated that his residence in the city would be a happy one. On frequent occasions his Royal Highness has shown his willingness to assist in any good work, and unknown to the public, many private engagements of a useful character have been fulfilled by him in the past few months. His own regiment soon established themselves in the favour of the citizens, and Lord Downe, as Colonel of the regiment was soon to be most efficiently assisted in the discharge of social duties by the Viscountess Downe, who has frequently during her residence here, been found at charitable institution taking an active share in the good work to be done. Matters of this kind may appear to have nothing to do with the holding of a grand ball at which only those who are invited can attend, but good results must necessarily follow the enjoyment of the guests, in that it represents additional trade in many branches. Therefore more good is being done by those who have already shown a sympathetic interest in the institutions of the city. A considerable sum must have been spent in the very handsome decorations of the Assembly and Festival Concert Rooms – the former being used as the ball-room, the latter as the Supper Room. The entrance hall was not elaborately but very neatly decorated. Over the inner doorway leading into the principle ball-room were the Royal Arms surmounted with the Prince of Wales Feathers, and backed up with a trophy of flags. The doorways on either side were surmounted with half-circles of swords and scabbards. The large ball-room had a very pretty appearance, the decorations showing something more than good taste on the part of those upon whom devolved the work of superintendence. The numerous pillars were draped with a material of an amber colour, here and there encircled by variegated holly. Overhanging the pillars were forty-eight burnished horse shoes and the same number of silver plumes suspended from chains, and above these were streamers of evergreens. The front of the orchestra was excellently arranged. In the central part was a star of cleaning rods, surmounted by the Prince of Wales Feathers, and underneath was the monogram “E.A.”, whilst on each side the drum banners were displayed. At each end two large crests were shown, and one or two of the honours of the regiment were exhibited in letters of gold. An interesting feature in this room was the placing of the Maxim Gun underneath the orchestra, ready for action and pointing across the ball-room. This terribly deadly weapon, capable of sweeping a few dozen assembly rooms in almost a twinkle, was in the charge of Corporal Mather, who also had charge of it when the Duke of Cambridge inspected its action at Stensall a short while ago. Around it was a trefle of harness and carbines, and this diminutive terror was rendered active to the guests without the sight of the ammunition or the exhibiting of its enormously quick power of discharging the bullets. The floral decorations, which throughout were supplied by Messrs. A. Simpson & Son of the Hemworth Nurseries, were effective, if small in this room. The niches were effectively decorated with foliage and flowering plants, bordered with virgin cork. At each end of the room Mr. Taylor, of Coney-Street, had furnished lounges and chairs and placed them in drawing-room style, and in a room off the large room he, under the direction and suggestion of Lady Downe, had prepared a most elegant and comfortable retiring apartment. In the second ball-room, which was also neatly decorated, were shown trophies which represented the mottoes of the regiment – the Rising Sun and the Red Dragon, surrounded by various flags. The honours of the Regiment, namely Peninsula, Waterloo, Sevastopol, Ali Musjid, Afghanistan 1887-89, and Egypt 1884, were prominently displayed, as also was the plume of the Prince of Wales. A capital part of the decorations in this room was a trophy of shell harness and shabrack over one of the doorways, the latter as worn by the officers when in review order. This room was also supplied with chairs and lounges, and the floral decorations comprised two magnificent specimen palms, and groups of ficu elasticus and ariala veitchii. Mr. Hartley, who had a considerable share in the work of decoration, arranged the supper-room (the Concert Room) in a most attractive style. The front of the gallery was adorned in a very suitable manner, trophies of the arms and crests of the regiment being shown. In front of the stand for the Regimental string band, who occupied the platform, was a large stand showing the gold plate of the regiment, backed by a crest and flags, and flanked by stands of carbines and swords. There was also a well arranged supply of evergreens. The supper tables were liberally supplied with choice plants, their graceful and variegated foliage having a very pleasing effect. In all the rooms the floral decorations were of an excellent order, and added a good deal to the beauty of the interior. The ball-room floors, as on previous occasions, had been effectively polished by Mr. Riley. To Sergeant Instructor of Musketry Reynolds is due a great amount of credit. He, assisted by Sergeant Rumble, Corporal Seals, and a staff of men from the barracks, had worked hard for several days in order to bring about the beautiful and most effective appearance which the room presented last night at ten o’clock, when the guests began to arrive. The service of Mr. Thrush and his band were engaged, and by special desire of Lady Downe some of the celebrated old waltzes were included in the programme. The list of dances and music were as follows:- Valse…………..Saionara Quadrille…………..Iolanthe Valse…………..Journalisten Polka……….Happy Peasant Quadrille……Old London Valse……….Constancy Polka………….Feuerfest Schottische….Highland Valse………….Venetia Lancers…..Rip Van Winkle Galop……Orphee aun Enfers Polka……….Cinderella Valse………..Soldaten Leider Galop………….John Peel Polka………..P & O Valse…….Amorettentanze Valse………….Hydropaten Valse……….Casino Tanze Lancers……..Miikado Valse…..Morgenstera Valse…….Queen of my Heart Valse……La Muraka Valse……..Beautiful Danube Valse………Morgenblatter At about midnight, when the guests were assembling in the supper-room, and during supper, the string band of the regiment, consisting of twenty-five men, and under the able conductorship of Bandmaster Williams, played the following programme:- Moorish March, Granade (Jackabowski); overture, La Dame Blanche (Boiledieur); waltz, Lady Linda (Bauer); gavotte, Semplice (Lee); serenade, Des Mandolines (desormes); valse, Aline (Miller); lied The Swallow Song (Latann). The following is a list of the invited guests:- Lord and Lady Aukland and Miss Eden, Colonel and Mrs. Armytage, Scarborough; Colonel, Mrs. and Miss Annesley, 57, Belgrave Road, S. W.; Major, Mrs. And Miss Allenby, Brinkworth Hall; Mrs. And the Misses Alexander, 30, Belgrave Square; Mr. R. Allenby, R.N.; Brigadier Surgoen and Mrs. Ashton, York; Mr. Robert Aikenhead, Otterington Hall; The Reverend Canon and Mrs. Argles, York; Mrs. and Miss Anderson, Wenlock Terrace, York; Captain Alcock. Lady Bolsover, and Lady Ottoline Bentinck, Welbeck Abbey; Hon. H. Mrs, and Miss Butler, Eagle Hall. Pateley Bridge; Mr. And the Hon. Mrs. Bethell, Rise, Betherely; Mr. And Mrs. H. D. Brocklehurst and party, Acomb Hall; Mr. And the Hon. Mrs. Beckett, Nun Appleton Hall; Sir Henry and Lady Boynton, Burton Agness, Hull; Colonel, Mrs, and the Misses Haworth Booth, Hull Bank House, Hull; Colonel and Mrs. Brooksbank, Middleton Hall, Hull; Mr., Mrs and the Misses Gilpin Brown, Sedbury, Richmond; Captain Bethell R.N. Rise, Beverley; Mr. S. Bateman, York; Mr. And Mrs. C. G. Broadwood, Holgate, York; Mr. And Mrs. T.N.F. Bardwell, Bolton Hall; Mr. And Mrs. E.G. Broadbent, Fulford, York; Captain and Mrs. Balfour R.A. Fulford; Mr. Mrs and the Misses Bower, Welham, Malton; Mr. And Mrs. E. Beckett, Nun Appleton; Major Symes-Bullen, Blake –Street, York; Captain and Mrs. Beresford, Bootham, York; Captain and Mrs. Boynton, Fulford; Major and Mrs. Brougham, Skelton; Mr. Mrs. And the Misses Beaumont, Huddersfield; Mr. Henry Beaumont, Huddersfield; Miss Barclay, Woodford, Essex; Mr. Ford Barclay; Mr. And Mrs. Wm. Baird, Oakham; Captain and Mrs. Brightsmith, Fulford; Mr. And Miss Bland, Kippax Park, Castleford; Captain and Mrs. Bayley, Infantry Barracks, York; Captain and Mrs. Broughton, Fulford; Mr. Mrs and Miss Butler, Shewsbury; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Brown, Loftus Hill, Knaresborough; Mr. and Mrs. Bethell, Hill House, Doncaster; Miss Biddulph, ; Mr Humphry Bland, Minster Yard, York; Mr. Gervase Beckett, Num Appleton; Mrs, and Miss Barry, Duncombe-place, York; Mr. And Mrs. Pierce Brown; Mrs. And Mrs. B. Haworth-Booth, Rowlston Hall, Skirlaugh, Hull. The Marquis and Marchioness of Carmathon, Hornby Castle, Bedale; Lord and Lady Chesham, Straton Audley, Bicester, The Earl and Countess Cathcart, Thornton-le-Street, Thirske; Sir George, Lady and Miss Cayley, Brompton; Colonel the Hon. A.M. and Mrs. Cathcart, Mobray House, Ripon; Sir Bache Cunard, Market Harboro’; Colonel Charlesworth, Chapelthorpe Hall, Wakefield; The Dean of York and Lady Emma and Miss Parey-Cust and party, York; Mr. And Mrs. Cayley, Brompton; Mr, Mrs. And the Misses Digby Cayley, Norton Grange, Malton; Mr. And Mrs. A. Croft and party, Aldborough Hall, Boroughbridge; Mr. And Mrs. P. Cunliffe, Aldby Park; Major and Mrs. Cook-Collis, York; Mr. And Mrs. A. Cholmley, Newton, Rillington. The Rev. A.S. and Mrs. Commelind, York; The Rev. E.S. and Mrs Charter, York; Mr. And Mrs H. Cholmley and party, Kinlet Hall, Salop; Mr. And Mrs. H. Callander, Mansetta, Atherstone; Capt. And Mrs. Cameron, York; Mr. And Mrs. Strickland Constable and Party; Surgeon-Major and Mrs. Cattell, Cork; Mr. And Mrs. R. Creyke, Rawcliffe Hall, Selby; Captain and Mrs. Craddock, Hartforth, Richmond, Yorkshire; Mr. Earnest Cunnard, Barton Hill, York; Mr. Arthor Cayley, Norton Grove, Malton; Mr. Pole, Howsham Hall, York; Mrs. And Miss Creyke, Marton, Hull; Mr. Walter Cunliffe, Hedley Court, Epsom; Mr. Cholmley, Minster Yard, York; Mr. W. Collins, Knaresborough House, Knaresborough; Mrs. Clerk, Noblethrope, Barnsley; Mrs. And Misses S. Cadman, Capt. And Mrs. Close, York. The Earl of Durham, Lady Derwent, the Hon. Miss Johnstone, the Hon. Cecil Johnstone, and the Hon. G. Johnstone; Sir D. C. And Lady Drury Lowe, Aldershot; the Hon. G. And Mrs. Dawnay, Cross Lanes, Skipton; the Hon. C., Mrs. And the Misses Duncombe, Norton Grange, Helmsley; Colonel Charles Duncombe, Yorkshire Club; the Hon. Mrs. Dundas and party, Middleton Lodge; the Hon. J.C. and Mrs. Dundas, Thornborough, Leyburn; the Hon. Thomas Dundas, Rugby; the Hon. F.Dawnay, Beningborough Hall; Col. The Hon. L.P.Dawnay M.P.,and Mrs. Dawnay, Baldersby Park, Thirsk; Major-General and Mrs. Daniell, Government House, York; Mr. And Mrs. Duncombe, North Deighton Manor, Wetherby; Mr. G. Duncombe, Yorkshire Club; Mr. Mrs and the Misses Dent, Ribston Hall, Wetherby; Rev. G.R., Mrs. And the Misses Dupuis, Sessay Rectory; Mr. And Mrs. Wm. Draper, York; Mr. E.Dalrymple, York; Col. and Mrs Denison,Babworth Hall, Retford; Mr. And Mrs. Darley, Scarborough; Major and Mrs. Dent, Aiderby, Northallerton; Mr. And Mrs. Frank Dent, Knighton, Buckhurst Hill; the Rev. And Mrs. Joseph Dent, Hunsingore Rectory, Wetherby; Mr. And Miss Dury, The Moss, Ripley; Capt. And Mrs. Derby, Chapelthorpe Hall, Wakefield. The Earl and Countess of Egmont, Sir William and Lady Eden, Windlestone, Fery Hill; Lieut.-Col. And the Hon. Mrs Egerton, Whitwell Hall, York; Mr. Mrs. And Miss Elliott, Scruton Hall, Bedale; Miss Egerton, Whitewell Hall; the Misses Elsley, York; Major, Mrs. And Miss Egerton, Alverley, Doncaster; Major and Mrs. Edwardes, Wetherby. The Earl and Countess of Feversham, and the Ladies Duncombe; Sir Andrew and Lady Fairbairn; the Hon. F.A. Fitzroy, Banbury; Mr. And the Hon. Mrs. Foster,and the Hon. Misses Hanbury, Bramhope Hall, Otley; Col. Fairwell, York; Mrs. And Miss Fairfax, Bilborough Hall, York; Mrs. Robert Fenwick, Gate Fulford Hall, York; Mr G. Lane Fox and party, Bramham; Captain R. Mrs. And Miss Lane Fox, Tadcaster; Capt. Farrer, York; Mr. Mrs and the Misses Farrer, Green Hammerton. Capt. Fell R.A.; Major and Mrs. Flint, Scarborough; Mr. J. Fox, Escrick; Mr. G. Fairfax, Bilborough. Sir Edward and Lady Green, Sir Reginald and Lady Graham, Norton Conyers, Ripon; the Hon. A. And Mrs. Grenville, Warwick Castle; Mr and the Hon. Mrs Charles Grenfell, Cumberland-place, London; Mr and Mrs. E. Lycett-Green, Dringhouses; Colonel, Mrs and Misses Gregson, Burden, Southerland; Colonel, Mrs and the Misses Gunter, Wetherby; Major-General J. Gunter, Boston Spa; Mr. And Mrs. Garforth, Swinton; Mr. And Mrs Edwin Grey, York; Mr. Francis Green, Yorkshire Club; Mr. And Mrs. Gough, Bridlington; Captain de Gex, York Barracks; Mrs. And Miss Gape, York; Dr. And Mrs. Gramshaw, Stillington; Mr. E. Goldshmidt, Scruton Hall. Lord Hawke, Wighill Park; Lady Hawke and party, Womersley Park; Lady and the Hon. Miss Hawke, Wighill Park; the Earl and Countess of Harewood, Harewood House, Leeds; Lord and Lady Herries, Everingham Park; Colonel and the Hon Mrs. And the Misses Holden, Askham Bryan; Lieut.-Col Sir St Vincent Hammick, Bart, York; Col. Mrs and Miss Hatton, Gate Burton Hall, Gainsboro’; Major and Mrs. Williams Hepworth, Manor House, Skelton; Major and Mrs. Harley, York; the Misses Harris, Oxton Hall, Tadcaster; Captain A. Hill, V.C., Romanby, Northallerton; Dr. And Mrs. Hewetson, York; Mr. George Herbert, Escrick; Capt. And Mrs Hamilton, Newstead Hall, Wakefield; Captain Hill and Party; Mr. And Mrs. W. W. Hargrove, York; Mr. And Mrs. Hilyard and party, Cherry Burton Hall; Capt. And Mrs. Howard, Fulford; Captain Harvest; Mr. Mrs and Miss Hebden, Throxenby Hall, Scarborough; Mr. And Mrs. Hotham, Fulford Park; Miss Hodgson; Mr. And Mrs. Heyward-Jones, Badsworth Hall, Pontefract; Miss Hotham, York; Miss Mable Hebden, York. Sir Henry and Lady Ingleby, Ripley Castle; Capt. The Hon. F. Mrs. And Miss Johnstone, Hackness, Scarborough; Mr. And Mrs. Ingleby, Farnham, Knaresborough; Mr. and Mrs. Dunningford-Jefferson, Thichet Priory, York. The Rev. H.G. Mrs. And the Misses Jebb, Firbeck Hall, Rotherham; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Jalland, York; Mrs. And Miss Jennings; Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Badsworth. Lord Ralph and Lady Anne Kerr, Woodburn, Dalkeith, N.B.; the Hon. B. Kebbel, Trafford, Manchester; Col. Kelly-Kenny, York; Mr. and Mrs. T. F. Kennedy, Wetherby; Capt. And Mrs. Key, Fulford; Mr. A. H. Kerr, Sand Hutton; Major and Mrs. Kirkpatrick, Teignmouth Barracks. The Duke and Duchess of Leeds, and Lady Osbourne, Hornby Castle; the Dowager Lady Londonderry and Mr. A. Vane-Tempest, Lord and Lay Londesborough, and the Misses Dennison, Scarborough; Lord and Lady Lascelles, Zion Hill, Thirsk; the Hon. And Mrs. Egremeont Lascelles, Goldsborough Rectory; the Hon. Lancet Lowther, York; Colonel R. S. And Mrs. S. Laddell, Colonel Le Messurier, A. C. D. York Infantry Barracks; Lieut.-Colonel, Mrs and Miss Lees, Acomb, York; Major and Mrs. Legard, Gillin Castle; Mr. and Mrs. Cunliffe-Lister, Swinton Park; Mr. and Mrs. Legard, Huntingdon; Mr. C. W. Landon, Ledsham Hall; Mr. Andrew Lawson, Mr. John Lawson, and Mr. Richard Lawson, Aldborough Manor, Boroughbridge; Mr. Laycock, Low Gosforth; Mr. and Miss Lloyd, Lingcroft, York; Major Ellisdee, York and Lancaster Regiment, and Mrs. Ellisdee; Mr. and Mrs. Lee, Grove Park, Pontefact; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Leatham, Wentbridge, Pontefract; Mr. G. A. B. Leatham, Thorparch; Mr. and Mrs. Lamb, Bilton; Mr. and Mrs. Claude Leatham, Wentbridge; Miss Leatham, Carlton, Pontefract; Mr. and Mrs. Gurney Leatham and party, Hemsworth Hall, Pontefract; Mr. D. H. Lascelles, and Mr. George Llascelles, Leeds; Mr. Mrs. And Miss Langdale, Houghton Hall; Mr. and Mrs. Horace Walpole, Major and Mrs. Lee, Mill Mount, York; Captain C.F. Lindsell, Royal Scots Fusiliers; Mr. Frank Langdale, Houghton Hall, Brough; Capt. Lambton, Lambton Castle. Lord and Lady Middleton and party, Birdsall House, Malton; the Dowager, Lady Middleton, and Miss Willoughby, Settrington House, Malton; the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of York; Sir Fredrick Milner Bart. And Lady Milner, Nun Appleton; Miss Edith Milner, Heworth, York; Col. The Hon. C. C. and Mrs. Molyneux, Red House, Banbury; the Hon. W. Maxwell, Everingham Park; Mr. and Mrs. Russel Munro, Dringhouses, York; Mr. and Miss Mills, Middlethorpe Lodge; Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Melrose, Clifton Croft, York; Major and Mrs. Mills, Stoneleigh, Aldershot; Mr. Meryrick, Escrick, York; Capt. And Mrs. Middleton, Haslebeach, Northampton; Mr. F. B. Mildmay, Braunston House, Rugby; Major Forbes-Mosse, Yorkshire Club; Mr. and Mrs. Menzies, Sandbeck Park, Rotherham; the Sherriff of York and Mrs Matthews; Miss Emily Mildmay; Leuit-Col. Mair; Mr. Mrs and Miss Mathews, Eagle House, Ackworth; Capt. Wallerstein, Sheffield; Major, Mrs. And Miss McGachen, York; Mr. Mrs. And the Misses Meeking, Belgrave Square; Mr. H. Monson, Scarborough; Mr. Gervase Markham, Yorkshire Club. The Rev. H.S. and Mrs Norfolk, York; Mr. Mrs and the Misses Nugent, Sloane-street, London; Mr. A.J.F. Nugent; Capt. And Mrs. Nugee, Fulford; Miss Nichols, Folkestone; Mr. A. Neilson, Hundhill, Pontefract; Mr. Oldfield, York. The Hon. R. And mrs. Parker, Clifton Lodge, York; The Hon. W. And Lady Orde-Powlett, Wensley Hall, Bedale; the Hon. E. And Mrs Douglas Pennant, Stoney Stratford, Bucks; Sir Lionel, Lady and the Misses Pilkington, Scarborough; Sir Joseph, Lady and the Misses Pease, Hutton Hall, Guisbrough; Sir H. And Lady Beresford Pierse, The Hall, Bedale; Sir John and Lady Power; Colonel and Mrs. Philips, York; Colonel Peck, Yorkshire Club; Mr. and Mrs. Guy Palmes, Lingcroft, York; Mr. and Mrs. F.J. Palmes, Mill Mount, York; Mr. and Mrs. A.C. T. Orde-Powlett, Ainderby, Northallerton; Mr. Mrs. And Miss Preston, Bishopsthorpe; Major and Mrs. Charles E. Preston, Acomb, York; Major and Mrs. Pigott, Fulford; Mr. Claud Pilkington, Scarborough; Mr. Earnest Pilkington, Scarborough; the Rev. E.A.B. and Mrs. Pitman, Old Malton; Captain and Mrs Plumer, Healington Lane, York; Mr. and Mrs. Pickering, Ogleforth, York; Mr. and Miss Philips Ripon; Mrs. And Miss Puxley, Calton Rectory, York; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Peace, Hutton Hall, Guisbrough; the Rev. James, Mrs. And Miss Palmes, Escrick Rectory; Major and Mrs. Preston, Huddersfield. Lord and Lady Raincliffe, Scarborough; Captain and Lady Sesilia Rose; Mr. and Mrs. Reynard, Driffield; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reynard, Plainville, York; Captain and Mrs. Ringrose, York; Mr. C.Ringrose, Northallerton; Mr. Mrs. And Miss Sykes Rymer, York; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Russell, York; Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Ripley, HOB Green, Ripley; Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Richardson, Elm Bank, York. Lord and Lady Stourton and Mowbray, Stourton Castle, Knaresborough; Lord and Lady St. Oswald and the Misses Winn, Noatel Priory; the Dowager Countess of Strafford and the Ladies Byng, Sherbourne; Lady Southampton and Mrs Fitzroy, Aynhoe Park, Banbury; Lady Sheffield and Misses Sheffield, Ashfield, York; Sir George and Lady Ida Sitwell, Scraborough; Sir Tatton and Lady Sykes, Sledmere, Malton; Sir Charles and Miss Strickland, Hildenly, Malton; Col. and Mrs Spilling and Miss Wellesley, St. Mary’s Mount, Newton Park, Leeds; Colonel Sparks, York; Colonel and Mrs. G.W. and Mr. A.V. Stockley, York; Colonel, Mrs. And the Misses Scott, York; Colonel and Mrs. Smith, York; Colonel and Mrs. Sawle; Lieut.-Col. and Mrs. Spotteswood, Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Wilmot-Smith, Boroughbridge Hall; Captain and Mrs. Slingsby, Scriven, Knaresborough; Captain and Mrs. Sargeaunt and the Misses Daniell, Clifton, York; Miss Shiffner, Copgrove, Boroughbridge; Mr. and Miss Streatfield, Rosington, Doncaster; Captain and Mrs. Starkey, Huttons Ambo, Malton; Mr. and Mrs. Saltmarshe, Saltmarshe; Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. St. Quintin, Scampston; Mrs. and Miss St. Quentin, Kirkham Abbey; Mr. Scarlett, Scotgrove, Boroughbridge; Mr, Mrs. and Mr. D. Strangewayes, Alne Hall; Mr. and Mrs. E.M.Lawson-Smith, Catton Lodge, Tadcaster; Captain and Mrs. E. Starkey, Tang Hall, York; Captain Saville R.N., Yorkshire Club; Major Stephenson, Yorkshire Club; Major and Mrs. Soote, York; Mr. and Mrs. Stainforth, Kirk Hammerton, York; the Rev. F. And Mrs. Simpson, Foston Rectory; Mr. Mrs. and Miss Surtees, Dover-street, London; Mr. and Mrs. Stanfeld, and Miss Wemyss, Flocton Manor, Wakefield; Mr. A. St.Leger, Park Hill, Rotherham; Captain and Mrs. St.George, York; Mr. and Mrs. Horace St Paul, Ripon; Miss Sharpus, Ouston Lodge, Folkestone; Mr. Shaw, Yorkshire Club; Major Stapylton, Myton Lodge, Helperby; Dr. And Mrs. Swanson, York; Miss Starkey, York; Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Stanhope, Cannon Hall, Barnsley; Mr. Mrs. and Miss Stephenson, Clifton Holme, York; Miss Bridgman Simpson, Whitwell Hall, York; Mr. A. Scawell, York; Mr. Soote, Scots Greys. The Archbishop of York, Mrs, Mr. Wilfred and the Misses Thomson; Lord Henry and Lord Herbert Vane Tempest, Captain and Lady Elizabeth Clough-Taylor, Firby Hall, Kirkham abbey; Sir H. And Lady Meysey-Thompson, Kirby Hall, York; Sir Joseph and Lady Terry, York; Colonel Telford, Yorkshire Club; Captain, Lady Julia and the Misses Turton, Thirsk; Mrs. and Miss Turton, Upsall Castle; Mr. and Mrs. G. Thompson, Nunthorpe Court, York; Mr. H.T. Thompson, York, Mr. and Mrs. Thellusson, Crayke Hall, Easingwold; Mrs. and Misses Thompson, York; Mr. and Mrs. Tripp, Fulford, York; Captain and Mrs. Tebbitt, York; Mr. Arthur Thompson, Kirkby Hall, York; the Rev. G. Trundle, York. Captain and Mrs. Unett, Huntington Hall; Viscount and Viscountess Valentia, Oxford; Sir Wm. And Lady Vavasour, Hazelwood Castle, Tadcaster. Lord and Lady Wenlock and party, Escrick Park; the Dowager Lady Wenlock, Captain the Hon. E. and Mrs Willoughby, Settrington House, Malton; Sir Geo. Lady Julia, and Miss Wombwell, Newburgh Priory; Sir James and Lady Walker and party, Sand Hutton; Sir Thomas and Miss White, Walling Wells, Worksop; Mr. J.L. Wharton M.P., and Miss Wharton, Bramham; Colonel and Mrs. E.A. Wood, Aldershot; Captain and Mrs. Wardle, Ousecliff, York; Captain and Mrs Gerald Walker, Richmond, Yorks; Captain and Mrs. Wilson-Todd, Bedale; Captain Weigall R.A. York; Major Wynter; Captain Wallerstein, R.A., Ackworth; Major and Mrs. Wade, Scarborough; Captain and Mrs. F. Walker, Burley Grange, Burley-in-Wharfedale; Mr. and Mrs. Wickham, Boston Spa; Mr. Mrs. and the Misses Whytehead, Deighton Grove, York; Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker, Malton; Mr. and Mrs. Amcotts-Wilson, Ashton House, Gargrave; Mr. Arthur, Mrs. and Miss Wilson, Tranby Croft, Beverley; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wilson, Warter Priory, Pocklington; Mr and Mrs. Walker, Escrick; Mrs. Harcourt Wood and the Misses Wood, Carlton Lodge, Pontefract; Mr. Wharton Watson, Fairfield, York; Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Todd, Halnaby Hall, Darlington; Mrs. and the Misses Withington, Wooley Park, Wakefield; Mr. Whistler, York; the Rev. F.W. Wilberforce, Fulford, York; Mr. and Mrs. Whitwell, Barton Hill, Northallerton; Mr. T. Wickham, Boston Spa; Mr. H. Wheeler, Tranby Croft, Hull; Mr. J. Wilson, Tranby Croft, Hull; Mr. C. Wright, Club Chambers, York; Mr. and Mrs. Woodman; Mr. and Miss Bateson de Yarburgh and Party, Heslington Hall, York; Mr. and Mrs. Yorke and party, Aske Hall. The following officers were amongst the invited guests:- Colonel the Hon. H. Legg and the officers of the 9th Lancers (Manchester); Lieut.-Col. Spilling and the officers of the 13th Hussars (Leeds); Lieut.-col. White and the officers of the 15th Hussars, (Edinbro’); Col. Philips and the officers of the 14th Regimental District (York); Lieut.-Col. Mair and the officers of the York and Lancaster Regiment (York); Col. Allardyce and the officers of the 15th Regimental District (Beverley); Col. Davidson and the officers of the 19th Regimental District (Richmond); Col. Byam, C.B. and the officers of the 51st and 65th Regimental District (Pontefract); Col. Tucker C.B. and the officers of the 7th and 57th Regimental District (Hounslow); Col. Utterson and the officers of the 17th Regimental District (Leicester); Col. Clerkson and the officers of the 48th Regimental District (Northampton); Deputy-Surgeon General J. Ferguson and the officers of the Medical Staff Hospital (York).

The above report came from the Herald dated January 3rd 1889.

A further report written in the Yorkshire Gazette of January 5th 1889 describes the event :

The ball given by Lieutenant-Colonel Viscount Downe and officers of the 10th Royal Hussars, to which regiment Prince Albert Victor is attached, in the Assembly Rooms, York, on Wednesday night, was a brilliant affair. Never, under similar auspices, was a brighter and more attractive spectacle presented, and the proceedings were thoroughly successful. The decorations were elaborate, the appearance of the large ballroom being splendid. The burnished horseshoes, the silver plumes, the cleaning rods, the Prince of Wales Plumes, the drum banners, the crests, the Maxim Gun with harness and carbines, the swords and scabbards were displayed in harmony with the choicest draperies, and arranged with artistic skill. The floral decorations were executed with great nicety, the contributors being Messrs. A. Simpson and Son, Heworth Nurseries. Mr. John Taylor, Coney-street, supplied elegant furnishings for drawing and retiring rooms. In the second ballroom the trophies and glories of the regiment acquired in the Peninsula and many subsequent wars were magnificently displayed. Here, too, beautiful furniture and lovely flowers lent their charm. Mr Hartley, Blake-street, was entrusted with a large share of the decorative work, and treated the supper room (The Festival Concert Room) very chastely. Trophies of arms and crests were prettily arranged a leading attraction being the fine display of the gold plate of the regiment, backed by a crest and flags and flanked by stands of carbines and swords. The floral decorations, especially on the supper tables, enhanced the beauty of the scene. Credit is due to Mr. J. Sotheran, of Coney-street, for his able discharge of the secretarial duties; to Sergeant-Instructor of Musketry Reynolds, assisted by Sergeant Rumble, Corporal Seals, and a staff of men from the Barracks, who worked hard to effect the transformation of the ball rooms………..

The Evening Press of Thursday, January 3rd phrased their report in similar terms:- Grand Ball of the 10th Royal Hussars in York

There have been many fashionable balls held within the walls of this ancient city, and probably not a few of regal character of which there are only private records existing, but few, if any, have surpassed that which was given last night by Lieutenant-Colonel Downe and the officers of the Tenth Royal Hussars, who, fortunately for this city and indeed this county, are now stationed at the Cavalry Barracks in Fulford Road. This regiment is not only officered by representatives of some of the best English “houses”, but they have amongst their number the Heir-Apparent to the British Throne and also his eldest son – the one honorary the other active. When his Royal Highness Prince Albert Victor temporarily joined the Ninth Lancers in York it was fully anticipated that his residence in York would be a happy one. On frequent occasions His Royal Highness has shown his willingness to assist in any good work, and unknown to the public, many private engagements of a useful character have been fulfilled by him during the past few months. His own regiment soon established themselves in the favour of the citizens, and Lord Downe, as Colonel of the regiment was soon found to be efficiently assisted in the discharge of social duties by the Viscountess Downe, who has frequently during her residence here, been found at charitable institutions taking an active share in the good work to be done. Matters of this kind may appear to have nothing to do with the holding of a grand ball at which only those who are invited can attend, but good results must necessarily follow the enjoyment of the guests, in that it represents additional trade in many branches. Therefore more good is being done by those who have already shown a sympathetic interest in the institutions of the city. A considerable sum must have been spent in the very handsome decorations of the Assembly and Festival Concert Rooms – the former being used as the ballroom and the latter as the supper rooms – The entrance hall was not elaborately but very neatly decorated. Over the inner doorway leading to the principle ballroom was the Royal Arms surmounted with the Prince of Wales Feathers, and backed up with a trophy of flags. The doorways on either side where surmounted with half-circles of swords and scabbard. The large ballroom had a very pretty appearance, the decorations showing something more than good taste upon the part of those upon whom devolved the work of superintendence. The numerous pillars were draped with a material of an amber colour, here and there encircled with variegated holly. Overhanging the pillar were forty eight burnished horseshoes and the same number of silver plumes suspended from chains and above these were streamers of evergreen. The front of the orchestra was excellently arranged. In the central part was a star of cleaning rods surmounted by the Prince of Wales Feathers, and underneath was the monogram “A.E.” whilst on each side the drum banners were displayed. At each end two large crests were shown and one or two of the Honours of the regiment were exhibited in letters of gold. An interesting feature in this room was the placing of the Maxim Gun underneath the orchestra, ready for action and pointing across the ballroom. This terribly deadly weapon, capable of sweeping a few dozen ballrooms in almost a twinkle, was in the charge of Corporal Mather, who also had charge of it when the Duke of Cambridge inspected its action at Stensall a short while ago. Around it was a trefle of harness and carbines, and this diminutive terror was rendered attractive to the guests without the sight of the ammunition of the exhibiting of its enormously quick power of discharging the bullets. The floral decorations, which throughout were supplied by Messrs. A. Simpson and Son of the Hemworth Nurseries, were effective though small in this room. The niches were tastefully decorated with foliage and flowering plants bordered with virgin cork. At each end of the room Mr. Taylor, of Coney-street, had furnished lounges and chairs and placed them in drawing-room style and in a room off the large room he, under the directions of Lady Downe, had prepared a most elegant and comfortable retiring apartment. In the second ballroom, which was also neatly decorated, were shown trophies representing the mottos of the regiment – The Rising Sun and the Red Dragon, surrounded by various flags. The Honours of the regiment, namely Peninsula, Waterloo, Sevastopol, Ali Musjid, Afghanistan 1878-79, and Egypt 1884, were prominently displayed as also was the Plume of the Prince of Wales. A capital part of the decorations in this room was a trophy of shell harness and shabrack over one of the doorways, the latter as worn by the officers when in review order. This room was supplied with chairs and lounges and the floral decorations comprised two magnificent specimen palms and groups of ficu elasticus and aralia veitchii. Mr Hartley, who had a considerable share in the work of decoration, arranged the Supper-room (the Concert Room) in a most attractive style. The front of the gallery was adorned in a very suitable manner, trophies of the arms and crests of the regiment being shown. In front of the stand for the regimental string band, who occupied the platform, was a large stand showing the gold plate of the regiment, backed by a crest and flags, and flanked by stands of carbines and swords. There was also a well arranged supply of evergreens. The supper tables were liberally supplied with choice plants, their graceful and variegated foliage having a very pleasing effect. In all the rooms the floral decorations were of an excellent order and added a good deal to the beauty of the interior. To Mr. Sotheran is due the thanks of the guest s for the manner in which he carried out the arrangements allotted to him, for they were really those of active secretary. The ballroom floors, as on previous occasions, had been effectively polished by Mr. Riley. To Sergeant Instructor of Musketry Reynolds is due a great amount of credit. He, assisted by Sergeant Rumble, Corporal Seals and a staff of men from the Barracks, had worked hard for several days in order to bring about the beauty and most effective appearance which the rooms presented last night at ten o’clock, when the guests began to arrive. The services of Mr. Thrush and his Band were engaged, and by the special desire of Lady Downe, some of the celebrated old waltzes were included in the programme. The list of dances………. At about midnight, when the guests were assembling in the supper-room and during supper, the string band of the regiment, consisting of about twenty-five men, and under the able conductorship of Bandmaster Williams, played the following……… When the guests had fully assembled the scene was one of great brilliance. The uniforms and dresses contrasted beautifully. And if there was any fault at all it was in the fact that the hall was a trifle too small for so great an assemblance. The officers of the regiment showed a determination to treat their guests in a manner worthy of the occasion, and in this they most emphatically succeeded. All appeared to enjoy the treat afforded by the following gentlemen who now hold office in this regiment:- Colonel: Field-Marshall H.R.H. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales; Lieut.-Colonel: Viscount H.R.Downe C.I.E., Com. Regm.; Majors: H.S.Gough C.M.G.; M.C.Wood; Hon. J.P. Napier; Captains: Brabazon; R.B.W. Fisher; Earl of Airlie; R.H.F.W. Wilson; C.S. Greenwood; H.R.H. Prince Albert Victor of Wales K.G.; Hon. H.T. Allsopp; Hon. G.L. Bryon; Lieutenants: H. Alexander; C.B. Harvey; Hon. A. Lawley; A. Hughes-Onslow; Hon. J.H.G. Byng (Adjutant); C.T. McM. Kavanagh; Hon. E. Baring; E.W.D. Baird; 2nd Lieutenants: C. Barclay, Lord Southampton; Lord Cavendish-Bentinck; B.C.C.S. Meeking; A.A.W. Bright-Smith; Riding-Master: P. Kelly; Quartermaster: A.E. Poole.

These descriptions of the Grand Ball have been taken from: 1. The Yorkshire Evening Press Page 3 January 3rd 1898 2. The Yorkshire Gazette Page 7 January 5th 1898 3. The York Herald Page 10 January 5th By kind permission of the British Library Board