Letter signed ("Edward Southwell") to George Compton, Earl of Northampton, Constable of the Tower of London ordering that "...particular care be taken that during the Proceeding of her late Majesties Funerall from Kensington to Westminster Abby, and until Her Maj. Body be interred, a gun be Fired at the Tower every Minute...", papered seal, with original paper address wrapper, docketed with remains of red wax seal, one page with integral blank, small tears at folds, remnants of paper on verso where previously affixed to album leaf, folio (310 x 190mm.), Council Chamber, St James's, 5 August 1714

Footnotes

'A GUN BE FIRED AT THE TOWER EVERY MINUTE': Southwell orders a respectful tribute for the funeral of Queen Anne.

Edward Southwell (1671-1730) signs here as joint-commissioner of the Privy Seal. Queen Anne died on 1 August 1714 and was buried in Westminster Abbey on the 24 August. Hers is the earliest royal funeral for which a topical anthem is known, The Souls of the Righteous, composed by William Croft, organist of the Abbey, who also composed works for the coronation of George I. In 1724 he published Musica Sacra, including the burial service which has been sung at every state funeral since its composition. The funeral was also supposedly notable for a riot begun after the music was over, when the heralds accompanying the coffin attempted to make off with the textile hangings, pall and cushions as souvenirs. Francis Atterbury, the Dean of Westminster, it is said, ordered the doors to be locked until the offenders were calmed and relinquished their plunder.

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QUEEN ANNE - FUNERAL Letter signed ("Edward Southwell") to George Compton, Earl of Northampton, Constable of the Tower of London Council Chamber, St James's, 5 August 1714

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