He then passed through the wicket with Bouchier, and proceeding to
the Garter, they mounted their steeds, and galloped off towards
Datchet, and thence to Staines and Hampton Court.
III. Of the Grand Procession to Windsor Castle--Of the Meeting of King
Henry the Eighth and Anne Boleyn at the Lower Gate-Of their Entrance
into the Castle--And how the Butcher was Hanged from the Curfew
Tower.
A joyous day was it for Windsor and great were the preparations made
by its loyal inhabitants for a suitable reception to their sovereign. At
an early hour the town was thronged with strangers from the
neighbouring villages, and later on crowds began to arrive from
London, some having come along the highway on horseback, and
others having rowed in various craft up the river. All were clad in
holiday attire, and the streets presented an appearance of unwonted
bustle and gaiety. The Maypole in Bachelors' Acre was hung with
flowers. Several booths, with flags floating above them, were erected
in the same place, where ale, mead, and hypocras, together with cold
pasties, hams, capons, and large joints of beef and mutton, might be
obtained. Mummers and minstrels were in attendance, and every kind
of diversion was going forward.
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