2-791-351 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Procession of Her Majesty to open the new Royal Exchange, delivery of the City Sword, at Temple Bar, 1844. Queen Victoria is presented with the Great Pearl Sword by William Magnay, the Lord Mayor of London: 'The sword is 3 feet in length, the handle is of chased gold, and the sheath is richly dight with pearls...No sooner had the royal carriage drawn up, than the Lord Mayor...alighted from his horse amidst the most profound silence...His lordship then took the Civic Sword of State from the Swordbearer, and, proceeding to the side of her Majesty's carriage, where was spread a handsome carpet, loyally tendered it to her Majesty. The Queen, gently touching the hilt, assured his lordship that it could not be in better hands'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.