ed towards
himself and the Princess of Wales, he then proposed the toast of the
evening: "Prosperity to the Welsh Charity School, and Perpetuity to the
Honourable and Loyal Society of Ancient Britons."

"I feel sure, Gentlemen, I shall not have to call upon you twice
to respond most heartily to this toast. You all of you must
know, perhaps far better than I can tell you, the history of
this society; but at the same time it may be well that I should
go back and give you a brief sketch of the society from its
commencement. In 1715 it was founded on St. David's Day, which
was the birthday of Caroline, Princess of Wales. My ancestor,
George II., then Prince of Wales, became the first patron of the
society. The Princess took great interest in the well-being of
the society, independent of the fact of its having been founded
in commemoration of her natal day. The school in those times was
nothing more than a day school. It was found to be too small,
and was removed to Clerkenwell, and there it flourished for some
time. In 1771 it was removed to Gray's-inn Lane, and in 1818, at
the death of the much lamented Princess Charlotte of Wales,
whose loss the whole country most deeply felt, 50 additional
children were, by means of a public subscription, sent to the
school in remembrance of her name. The school continued to
flourish, but it was thought advisable, if it could be effected,
that the institution should be removed into the country, in
order, among other advantages, that the children might derive
the benefit of the fresh air. Accordingly in 1854 the school was
removed to Ashford, and on the 13th of July, 1857, my lamented
father inaugurated and opened the school on its present site. I
am happy to say that I accompanied him on that occasion, and
from that time to this you will believe me when I assure you
that I have felt the deepest interest in the prosperity of the
school. It has frequently occurred on my journey from Windsor to
London by the South-Western line for me to notice the school as
I have passed by it, but that circumstance alone would not be
required to remind me of its claims. When the school was removed
from London to the country considerable expense was incurred; so
much so that it was rendered necessary to reduce the number of
children from 200 to 150, but I am happy to be ab