Tamlyns 2008 Auction – Lot 051

Robert Williames Vaughan (1803-1859) later 3rd Baronet, Coming of Age Celebrations 25th June 1824 – A manuscript volume giving “The Names of the Gentlemen who were present at the celebration of the Birthday of Robert Williames Vaughan who attained the age of Twenty one years.” A list of the guests on 20 leaves. The volume also containing a folding pen & wash “Plan of the Form of Tables as it stood in the Straw Thatched Temporary room in the court, 25th June 1824, measuring 84 feet by 24 feet. 4 Tables measured each 32 feet by 3 feet, 2 end Tables 15 by 3, 193 sat down to Dinner.”

The plan also inscribed with a list of what was consumed, including a Baron of Beef from the great White Ox of Nannau, weight 165 lbs, 4 haunches of Venison, 5 Venison Pies, 4 Legs of Mutton, 10 Hot Plum Puddings and much else. Also inserted is a manuscript list of names of “Gentlemen residing in the vicinity of Harlech in the County of Merioneth” who “promise to meet at the Blue Lion Inn at Harlech, 25th June 1824 for dinner” and other similar pieces relating to the celebrations, subscriptions for bell ringing, letters regarding celebrations in other villages where “Fat sheep were roasted and distributed amongst the poor with Bread” etc.

The volume also containing numerous contemporary newspaper cuttings descriptive of the celebrations. 4to, later cloth lettered “Bill O’ Fare.” Together with a printed account of the celebrations, in Welsh & English, 8vo, pp-80, printed in Bala in 1825. This event was one of the subjects set for the Denbigh Eisteddfod that year, so great was the importance attached to the 21st Birthday of the heir to Nannau, Hengwrt and Rhug.

Scan and Information Courtesy of Tamlyns.