HONOURING PRINCE ALBERT AT CAMBRIDGE
Ode on the Installation of His Royal Highness Prince Albert as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.
London.
Printed, by permission, by Vizetelly Brothers and Co., [1847].
First edition.
Quarto.
[6]pp. Text printed within illuminated borders, printed in crimson, blue, and gold. With an engraved plate depicting 'H.R.H. Prince Albert, in his Robes as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge'. Sewn, as issued, in original publisher's printed white glazed wrappers. Extremities a trifle marked and dust-soiled. Bookplate of Robin de Beaumont to verso of upper wrapper, scattered spotting.
The first commercial edition of an ode composed by Poet Laureate William Wordsworth in honour of Prince Albert's installation as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, and first performed at a ceremony to celebrate the occasion at Senate House on 6th July, 1847.
Following the death of the former chancellor, Hugh Percy, the 3rd Duke of Northumberland, it was hoped that the Prince could enter into the position unopposed. However, a group from St John’s College solicited the Earl of Powis to run against the Prince in what would be a greatly politicised election, held at a time when the University was under severe pressure to reform. Powis was backed by both non-resident Members of the Senate from St John’s and Conservative supporters, but the Prince, who had been reluctant to enter contest, ultimately won a close-run election. The Prince was formally made Chancellor of the University of Cambridge in a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace on the 25th March, 1847. In July both he and the Queen would visit Cambridge to celebrate his Installation publicly.
A handful of copies of the ode were printed by the University for the occasion and a week later this, the first trade printing, was issued in London with the portrait added. It has been suggested that in writing this ode Wordsworth may have been assisted by his nephew Christopher Wordsworth and Edward Quillinan.
£ 950.00
Antiquates Ref: 31110
Following the death of the former chancellor, Hugh Percy, the 3rd Duke of Northumberland, it was hoped that the Prince could enter into the position unopposed. However, a group from St John’s College solicited the Earl of Powis to run against the Prince in what would be a greatly politicised election, held at a time when the University was under severe pressure to reform. Powis was backed by both non-resident Members of the Senate from St John’s and Conservative supporters, but the Prince, who had been reluctant to enter contest, ultimately won a close-run election. The Prince was formally made Chancellor of the University of Cambridge in a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace on the 25th March, 1847. In July both he and the Queen would visit Cambridge to celebrate his Installation publicly.
A handful of copies of the ode were printed by the University for the occasion and a week later this, the first trade printing, was issued in London with the portrait added. It has been suggested that in writing this ode Wordsworth may have been assisted by his nephew Christopher Wordsworth and Edward Quillinan.
