A hundred years ago
From the 'Spectator,' 14 May 1870—The Queen opened the new and handsome building of the University of London in Burlington Gardens, on Wednesday—in the designs and execution of which Mr Pennethorne is thought to have surpassed himself—with a ceremonial of some pomp. The Senate of the University and all the graduates present wore their academical costumes, except the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer, who wore his official gown—a robe of extraordinary magnificence, worth, it is said, £130. Many of the great politicians and states- men who attended came in the Windsor uni- form, and altogether it was a very pretty show, and seemed to prove that learning does not wean the heart much from the 'lust of the eye.' . .. Mr Disraeli, who came in the Wind- sor uniform, and entered the theatre with the soft step, cast down eyes, and folded hands of a veritable ingenn, was rapturously cheered. Mr Gladstone, who came in a great-coat over a plain morning dress, was not so enthusiastic- ally received till he took off his great-coat, which seemed to the graduates an act of virtue worthy of another cheer.
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