A pencil and wash drawing of a carriage, accompanied by figures on horseback, passing through a town or village, with figures on the pavement to the left. Annotated with colour notes and, at bottom right: ‘Entrance to Walmer from <…>’

This sketch was made by Landells to be reproduced in the Illustrated London News, commonly described as the world’s first illustrated newspaper. Landells, a well-known wood-engraver and illustrator, worked for the publication from its inception, providing drawings of a number of royal tours and events that were then reproduced as printed illustrations accompanying news articles. The Illustrated London News reported extensively on the lives and activities of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and the royal family.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed at Walmer Castle in Kent between 10 November and 3 December 1842 with their two children, Victoria, Princess Royal, and Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. Walmer Castle was a residence of the Duke of Wellington. Victoria’s journal entries written during their stay reveal that she and Albert particularly enjoyed the privacy they experienced in Kent, and went out most days for walks along the beach or on the Kentish Downs. On their route from Windsor to Walmer Castle they passed through towns and villages including Canterbury, Rochester and Ash, where temporary decorations had been erected. The Illustrated London News's account of the royal progress to Walmer, which appeared in edition no. 28 for the week ending 19 November 1842 (reprint), was illustrated with depictions of these decorations. This sketch is preparatory for the illustration titled ‘Entrance to the village of Walmer’ on page 444. See also RCIN 935260.