in 1766, at which a resolution was adopted for the formation of an Infirmary at Leicester, and in 1771, when that institution was opened, the gentlemen dined at the Three Cranes and the ladies at the Three Crowns. The Cranes also witnessed in the year 1791 the birth of the Literary Society, which first brought forward the idea of establishing a Permanent Library in the town of Leicester.
One or two of the more illustrious visitors of the Cranes may be mentioned. It is doubtful if that epithet can be applied to "two princes of Mount Lybanus in Syria," whose charges were defrayed by the Corporation, and who received from the Town a present of ten guineas and an armed escort to Coventry. In 1768 the Cranes had a royal guest of more consequence. On the morning of Sunday, September 3rd, a carriage drove up to the door, and "a traveller stepped out of it into the principal parlour of that establishment. Walking to the window, the stranger threw up the sash, showed himself, and bowed with affability and condescension to the people assembled. He was about the middle size; he had light hair and a fair complexion. He was dressed in a light drab coat and blue waistcoat edged with silver, wearing on his breast a star and the ensigns of the Order of the Elephant. This was the King of Denmark, the unworthy husband of George the Third's youngest sister. Part
of the Regiment of Horse Guards Blue were drawn up opposite to the Three Cranes to receive His Majesty, who called to the officer on guard, and conversed familiarly with him for several minutes." The Blues, it appears, were on several occasions quartered at Leicester, and their officers lodged at the Cranes. A few years after this episode a more romantic visit took place. "On Tuesday, May the 18th. Lord Townshend, accompanied by a gentleman and several servants, came to the Cranes Inn and remained there all that day and the day following. Lord Townshend sent expresses in different directions, and numerous were the conjectures as to the motives of his lordship's visit to Leicester. On Wednesday four postchaises arrived at the inn, bringing several ladies and two gentlemen, one of the former being young and exceedingly beautiful. After dining at the
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