James intended to enter York the following day and the city government and citizens of York continued a frantic rush of activity as they prepared for his visit. At a public meeting on 30 March the Recorder had “declared unto the said commoners and others assembled” that every inhabitant should “remove all clogs… dung hill and filth out of the streets, and shall also paint the outside of their houses with some colours.” Vagrants were to be sent to Hull en route for the army in the Low Countries and the newly cleaned streets were to be strewn with “rushes, flowers and herbs.” Lord Burghley added orders for the citizens to hang tapestries and painted cloth in the streets James was to pass through.
Source:
Lisle, Leanda De. "Lots Were Cast Upon Our Land" After Elizabeth: The Rise of James of Scotland and the Struggle for the Throne of England. New York: Ballantine, 2005. 149. Print.
York Corporation House Books, p. 154.
Further Reading:
There is an expression of putting stuff to appear great before dignitaries arrive. "To paint the grass green."