A PINT OF BEER PER HEAD, EXETER, 1841

"We have much pleasure in stating that the inmates of the St. Thomas Union Workhouse were yesterday regaled with an extra allowance of meat, vegetables, &c. and with a pint of beer per head to commemorate the birth of the Prince of Wales.  The old boys gave a hearty cheer on drinking his Royal Highness's health.  

"In the evening a general dance took place,  old John Hannabus doing the musical upon his veteran fiddle; matters of this sort must be spontaneous to be worth anything, and a hint from Lord Courtenay and Wm. Kingdon Esq.,  the High Sheriff of Exeter, put the Union officers upon the alert to carry out the suggestions so kindly given.

"The boys and girls partook of tea and cake in the evening, and were very happy, almost to the degree of thinking themselves Princes of Wales.  Among other toasts the following was given, 'May there be a little prince born every week,'  which sentiment we hope the worthy Clerk will forward to the Secretary of State."

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This 'little prince'  was born to be Prince of Wales for some 60 years, before he became King Edward Vll.  During that time he bedded one queen and at least half a hundred 'mistresses' and goodness knows whom else!   He was, despite, or perhaps because of, his sexual adventures, a very popular monarch.

 I doubt if any of the little workhouse boys thinking themselves almost Princes of Wales in Exeter in 1841 had quite so much fun in life but then they did partake of tea and cake on Albert Edward's birthday.

Old John Hannabus had been scraping his fiddle at Exeter celebrations, mostly at Mount Pleasant, for 30 years.  I note, from the internet, that there are still Hannabuses about.  What a splendid family name!  

I suppose, strictly speaking, the baby had not yet been presented as the Prince of Wales, but then, who cared or cares?

"Doing the musical!" is a darling turn of phrase.

It's sweet to eat

some extra meat

and a free beer never fails

but then to partake 

of tea and cake:

God bless the Prince  of Wales!

Source, The Western Times, 13th November 1841.