Sat. 17 Sep 1791

Weymouth September 15

The King, attended by Lords Chesterfield, and Courton, Colonels Garth, Gwyn, &c., set forward on horseback to view the antiquities of Maiden Castle and Portland Island.

His Majesty and his attendants crossed the Ferry at eleven o'clock, and were met at the entrance of the island by three different friendly Societies of one hundred each, in procession ; with colours flying, huzzaing, and demonstrating their loyalty by every possible means ; they followed the Royal Party to the Castle, where they were received by the Governor G. T. Steward, Esq., and F. Steward, Esq., under a Royal salute of 21 guns, with every mark of the profoundest respect. An elegant repast was provided, and a service of plate, emblematical of the occasion, ordered on purpose.

The King, after seeing every thing curious that the castle afforded, went entirely round the island ; and about three o'clock, under a second salute, left it, and returned to dinner at Gloucester Lodge, highly gratified with the romantic scene he had been viewing.

The Queen and Princesses again amused themselves in a machine in the water.

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