Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

140 ANCIENT AND
reckoning the price of the ground, &c., the total expense
was about £9400. The room is vested in trustees and
directors, for the York county hospital, and the infirmaries
of Leeds, Hull, and Sheffield.
gorfsshtre (Srantl fHuStcal ffieStibaU.
The first of these festivals was held in the Cathedral,
on the 23rd, 24th, 25th, and 26th days of September,
1823 ; when the Minster was fitted up with the utmost
magnificence, for the reception of the visitors. The total
number of performers was 465 ;—vocal performers 285,
instrumental 180. The second festival took place on the
13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th days of September, 1825 ;
when the total number of performers was 614;—vocal per
formers 365, instrumental 249. The third festival was
held on the 23rd, 24th, 25th, and 26th days of Septem
ber, 1828; the total number of performers was then 618;
—vocal 363, instrumental 255. The fire which occurred
on the following 2nd February, suspended these festivals
till 1835, when the nave of the Minster was again fitted
up in the most gorgeous manner. The number of per
formers, vocal and instrumental, was, upon that occasion,
upwards of 600 ; and an apparatus was fixed up by which,
at a distance of 125 feet, the organ was played from the
orchestra. This festival was patronized by her Royal
Highness the Duchess of Kent, and the Princess Victoria,
now our most gracious queen ; and was attended by a
vast number of the nobility and gentry from all parts of
the kingdom. Half of the profits was divided between
the York county hospital, and the infirmaries of Leeds,
Hull, and Sheffield; and the other half was applied to the
fund for the restoration of the Cathedral.
Chtatrt l£Lo»al.
The Theatre is situated over part of the cloisters of the
united hospitals of St. Leonard and St. Peter, and has
entrances in Blake-street and St.Leonard's-place. Formerly