JONA) Univ. of California FLORIZEL'S FOLLY BOOKS BY JOHN ASHTON. Crown 8vo,, cloth, 7s, 6d. each. A HISTORY OF THE CHAP-BOOKS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. With 334 Illus- trations. HUMOUR, WIT, AND SATIRE OF THE SEVEN- TEENTH CENTURY. With 82 Illustrations. ENGLISH CARICATURE AND SATIRE ON NAPOLEON THE FIRST. With 115 Illus- trations. MODERN STREET BALLADS. With 57 Illus- trations. SOCIAL LIFE IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. With 84 Illustrations. Crown 8vo., cloth. 3s. 6d. London : CHATTO & WINDUS, 111 St. Martin's Lane. "Swee^a^. ^A^^i- FLORIZEL'S FOLLY BY JOHN ^SHTON AUTHOR OF 'social life in the reign of queen ANNE,' 'MODERN STREET BALLADS,' ETC., ETC. WITH THIRTEEN ILLUSTRATIONS LONDON CHATTO & WINDUS 1899 hi- 10* « • CONTENTS CHAPTER I. PAGE Early history of Brighthelmstone — Domesday Book — The Flemings — The French harry the South Coast — At Brighthelmstone — Defences of the town — Rumours of the Spanish Armada — Armament of the town - 1 — 13 CHAPTER II. Escape of Charles II. to France— The story of it— The 'Royal Escape' — Brighton in 1730— In 1736— In 17G1 — Forty-jfive different ways of spelling the name of the town -..--- 14 — 27 CHAPTER III. Brighton becomes fashionable— Duke of Cumberland there — His character — The Royal Marriage Act — His in- fluence over the Prince of Wales— The Duke and the King — Bad conduct of the Prince of Wales - 28—39 vi CONTENTS CHAPTER IV. PAGE Mrs. Robinson — Her story of Florizel and Perdita — Her after-career — Coming of age of the Prince of Wales — His new establishment — His first visit to Brighton — Hia and Colonel Hanger's adventure - - 40 — 51 CHAPTER V. Memoir of, and anecdotes about, George Hanger - 52 — 64 CHAPTER VI. The Prince goes to Brighton for his health — Description of Brighton in 1784 — Royal visitors — The Prince takes a house — Weltje — Sam House — Fox and the Prince — Brighton in 1785- .... 65—80 CHAPTER VII. The Prince's acquaintance with Mrs. Fitzherbert — His courtship and marriage — Satirical prints thereon - 81 — 94 CHAPTER VIII. The Prince's debts — Appeal to the King — His retrench- ments — 'The Jovial Crew, or Merry Beggars' — Satirical prints — Help from Parliament — Schedule of his debts 95—108 CHAPTER IX. Fox's denial of the marriage — Once more at Brighton — Again in 1788 — The Prince at a fatal prize-fight — His birthday — Dress at Brighton — The Prince leases his house at Brighton — Unfilial conduct of the Prince — Probability of a Regency - - - 109—122 CONTENTS vii CHAPTER X. PAGE The Prince as a musician — A hon-mol of his— Lady Lade — Her husband, Sir John— The Prince's pecuniary diffi- culties — His dealings with his jeweller — The latter's story — Another financial mess - - - 123 134 CHAPTER XI. Rowlandson and Brighton — Poem on the Prince's birth- day, 1790 — Lord Barrymore — Anecdotes respecting him and his family .... 135 143 CHAPTER Xn. The Duke of Norfolk, and anecdotes respecting him — The Duke of Queensberry, and anecdotes — Charles Morris — The Prince out shooting — A grand review — French em^re's— Smuggling— The Prince's birthday, 1792 — Poem on the emigres - - - 149 — 16I CHAPTER Xin. The eWg^re's— Duchesse de Noailles — The nuns— Camp at Brighton— The Prince as a soldier— His debts— Inter- view with the King — Breaks with Mrs. Fitzherbert — Her account— Satirical prints — Newspaper paragraphs 162—179 CHAPTER XIV. Another camp at Brighton — The Prince's second marriage — His debts — Parliamentary debate thereon — Prince and Princess at Brighton— ' Moral Epistle from the Pavilion at Brighton to Carlton House' — Manners at Brighton, 179G— Description of the town - 180—193 viii CONTENTS CHAPTEK XV. PAGE Reconciliation of the Prince and Mrs. Fitzherbert — Her scruples, etc. — The Prince at Brighton — Satirical prints — The Prince and the Pavilion — Increase of income — The Prince and his regiment — A race — Guests at the Pavilion — The Prince and his daughter - 194 — 208 CHAPTER XVI. The case of Miss Seymour — Satirical prints thereon — The Prince at Brighton, 1806 — His birthday — The Green Man — Visit of the Princess Charlotte - - 209 — 222 CHAPTER XVII. Final rupture between the Prince and Mrs. Fitzherbert — That lady and William IV. — Her kindly relations with the Royal Family — Her death — The King's illness — The Regency — Visitors at the Pavilion — Queen Char- lotte there— The ' Royal Rantipoles ' - - 223 — 243 CHAPTER XVIII. The Regent and Admiral Nagle — A quiet time at the Pavilion — The Regent's extravagance — His yacht — Sham fight, and caricature thereon — A cruise to the French coast — Royal visitors — The Regent's statues— 'High Life Below Stairs,' etc. — Satirical prints — Closing days — Last appearance at the Pavilion - 244 — 260 CHAPTER XIX. The books by Nash and Brayley on the Pavilion — De- scription and history of the building — Its exterior — Entrance hall — Red Drawing-room - - 261 — 272 CONTENTS IX CHAPTER XX. PAGB The Chinese Gallery — The Music Eoom— The Yellow Drawing-room — The Saloon — The Green Drawing- room -.-... 273—284. CHAPTER XXI. The Banqueting Room — The Library — Royal Bedroom — North and South Galleries — Queen Adelaide's apart- ments — Great Kitchen — Chapel — Stables — Riding House ...... 285 — 300 CHAPTER XXII. Visit of William IV. — Alterations contemplated — Visit of the King and Queen — Story of the Duke of Cambridge — Alterations in the Pavilion — The Royal Family snowed up Queen Victoria's first visit — Second visit — Third, with the Royal children — Fourth, and last — The Pavilion dismantled — Sold to the Corporation of Brighton --...- 301—308 ILLUSTRATIONS Mrs. FiTZHERBERT. Conde, after Cosway. 1792. Frontispiece Attack made by the French upon Brighthelmstone, 1545 ----- To face p. 9 George IV. as Prince of Wales. {Artist unknown.) February 1, 1782 - - „ S6 Georgey in the Coalhole. Gillray. July \, 1800 - - - - - „ 53 Returning from Brooks's. Gillray. April 18, 1784 - - - - „ 72 Wife and No Wife ; or, A Trip to the Continent. Gillray. March 27, 1786 „ 92 Love's Last Shift. Gillray. February 26, 1787 - - - - - „ 102 Captain Morris. Gillray. July 23, 1790 - „ 157 A Voluptuary under the Horrors of Digestion. Gillray. July 2, 1792 - „ l67 Xll ILLUSTRATIONS The Rage. Neivton or O'Keefe del., W. Hintin sculpt. November 22, 1794- - - - To face p. I'^l The Guardian Angel. Gillray. April 22, 1805 - - - - - » 211 High Life Below Stairs. J. R. Cruikshank. March 25, 1819 - - - „ 256 West Front of the Pavilion. A. Pugin. 1825 ----- „ 271 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY CHAPTER I. Early history of Brighthelmstone— Domesday Book— The Flem- ings—The French harry the South Coast— At Brighthelm- stone — Defences of the town— Rumours of the Spanish Armada — Armament of the town. E who live in these latter days, when Brighton, the ' London-on- the-Sea,^ has a standing popula- tion of 115,873,^ and contains 19,543 houses, can hardly realize its small beginnings. That it was known to the Romans there can be no doubt, for, about 1750, m^%^:3i ^^5 ^V®^ m M 1^ ^mt an urn was dug up near the town, which contained a thousand denarii, ranging from Antoninus Pius to 1 Census, 1891. 2 FLORIZEUS FOLLY Philip; and othei's have since been found. In the Anglo-Saxon time Brighthelmstone was a manor, and the great Earl Godwin succeeded in the lordship of it to his father, Ulnoth. On his banishment from the kingdom, this manor, with his other possessions, was seized by King Edward, but, afterwards, he recovered it, and held it until his death, on April 14, 1053, when it lapsed into the hands of his son Harold, who held it until his death at the Battle of Senlac, on Octobe- H, 1066. I should rather say that Harold held two of the three manors of Brighthelmstone, for his father, Godwin, had given the other to a man named Brictric, for his life only. This was the manor called ' Brighthelmstone- Lewes ;' the other two were ' Michel-ham ' and ' Atlyng- worth.' It is thus described in Domesday Book, A.D. 1086 : 'Radulfus ten. de WilFo, Bristelmestane. Brictic tenuit de dono Godwini. T. R. E. et m°, se defd p. 5 hid' et dimid\ Tra' e' 3 car. In d'nio e' dimid' car. et 18 viiri et 9 bord' cu' 3 car. et uno servo. De Gablo 4 miir aletium. T. R. E. vaFt 8 Kb. et 12 sol. et post c. sol., modo 12 lib. < In ead' villa, ten* Widardus de WilPo 6 hid' et una v'^ et p'tanto se defd'. 'Tres aloarii tenner' de Rege E., et potuer' ire quolibet. Un° ex eis habuit aula' : et vill'i tenuer' partes alior" duor. T'ra e' 5 car. et est in uno M. In d'nio un' car. et dim', et 13 vill'i, et 21 bord', cu' 3 car. et dimid' : ibi 7 ac' p'ti et silva pore. In Lewes 4 hagae, T. R. E. val't 10 lib., et post 8 lib., modo 12 lib. 'Ibide' ten' Wills, de Watevile Bristelmestune de DOMESDAY BOOK 3 Willo. Ulovard tenuit de Rege E. T'c et modo se defd' p. 5 hid' et dim". TYa e"" 4 car. In d'nio e' 1 car. et 13 viiri, et 2 bord' cu' una car'. Ibi MccVa. 'T. R. E. vart 10 lib\ et post 8 lib\ modo 12 lib\' Traxslation. ' Ralph liolds of William (de Warren^) Bristelmestune. Brictic held it from the gift of Earl Godwin. In the time of King Edward, and now, it defends itself for 5 hides- and a half. The (arable) land is 3 carucates.^ In demesne is half a carucate, and 18 villeins* and 9 bordars.^ Of the Gabel (customary payment) 4 thousands of herrings. In the time of King Edward it was worth 8 pounds and 12 shillings, and, afterwards, 100 shiUings. Now, 12 pounds. ' In the same vill,'^ Widard holds of William 6 hides and 1 virgate ;'' and, for so much, it defends itself. ' Three aloarii (customary tenants) held it of King Edward, and could go where they pleased. One of them had a hall, and the villeins held the portions of the other two. The land is 5 carucates, and is in one manor. In demesne one carucate and a half, and 14 villeins and 21 bordars, with 3 carucates and a half; 1 Earl of Surrey, son-in-law of William the Conqueror. 2 A hide is an indeterminate quantity of land, varying from 20 to 4,000 acres. Eyton says it was a fiscal value, and not a superficial quantity. 3 As much land as eight oxen could plough in a season — 80 to 144 acres. ■* Peasants, not serfs. ^ Lord Coke says they were ' Boors holding a little house, with some land of husbandry, bigger than a cottage.' '^ Manor. '^ A perch of 16^ feet, or 5^ square yards. 1—2 4 FLORIZEUS FOLLY there are 8 acres of meadow, and a wood for hogs. In Lewes 4 hagae.^ In the time of King Edward it was worth 10 pounds, and, afterwards, 8 pounds; now 12 pounds. ' In the same place William de Wateville holds Bristelmestune of William. Ulward held it of King Edward. Then, and now, it defends itself for 5 hides and a half. The land is 4 carucates. In demesne is 1 carucate, and 13 villeins, and 2 bordars with one plough.- There is a church. ' In the time of King Edward it was worth 10 pounds, and, afterwards, 8 pounds ; now, 12 pounds.'' We thus see how small was the population of the three manors in the time of William the Conqueror, and it is useful to note that there is no mention what- ever of fisheries or fishermen except the Gabel of her- rings. Concerning this matter Lee^ propounds a very interesting theory. He says : ' From the surnames of some of the most ancient families in the town of Br'iglithehnston, the phrase and pronunciation of the old natives, and some peculiar customs there, it has, with great probability, been con- jectured, that the town had, at some distant period, received a colony of Flemings. This might have happened soon after the Conquest, for we read of a great inundation of the sea, about that time, in Flanders ; and such of the inhabitants of the deluged 1 Haga was a house in a city or borough — some think a shop. '^ Eight oxen. 3 ' Ancient and Modern History of Lewes and Brighthelm- stone,' etc., printed for W. Lee, the editor and proprietor, Lewes, 1795, p. 458. THE FLEMINGS 5 country as wanted new habitations could not have any- where apphed with a greater likelihood of success than in England. Matilda, Queen of William the Conqueror, was their countrywoman, being daughter to Baldzoin, Earl of Flanders. At her request, William de Warren, her son-in-law, would have readily given a band of those distrest emigrants a settlement on one of his numerous manors ; and, as they had been inhabitants of the maritime part of Flanders, and lived chiefly by fishins:, Brifl-hthehnston was the most desirable situation for them within the ten-itory of that nobleman. ' The Flemings, thus settled at Brighthelmston, were led, by habit and situation, to direct their chief atten- tion to the fishery of the Channel. Besides obtaining a plentiful supply of fresh fish of the best kind and quality for themselves and their inland neighbours, they, every season, cured a great number of herrings, and exported them to several parts of the Continent, where the abstinence of Lent, vigils, and other meagre days, insured them a constant market. The inhabi- tants of the town, now classed into landsmen and seamen, or ma^-iiiers, profited respectively by the advan- tages of their situation. The former, whose dwellings covered the Cliff, and part of the gentle acclivity behind it, drew health and competence from a fertile soil. The latter, residing in two streets under the Cliff, found as bountiful a source of subsistence and profit in the bosom of the sea. In process of time the mariners and their families had increased so far as to compose more than two-thirds of the population of the town, and had a proportionate share of the offices and internal regulation of the parish.' 6 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY The people of Brighthelm stone were subject, in common with all the coast, to invasion and reprisals to the English raids on France, and their ships and boats were occasionally taken, and their fishery interrupted. In 1377 the French harried the South Coast, spoiled the Isle of Wight, and burnt Rye, Portsmouth, Dart- mouth, Plymouth, and Hastings, There is no record of Brighthelmstone being attacked, but the French came parlously near, as Holinshed tells us : ' Win- chelsie they could not win, being valiantlie defended by the abbat of Battell and others. After this, they landed, one day, not far from the abbeie of Lewes, at a place called Rottington (Rottingdean), where the prior of Lewes and two knights, the one named sir Thomas Cheinie, and the other, sir John Falleslie, having assembled a number of the countrie people, incountred the Frenchmen, but were overthrowen ; so that there were slaine about an hundred Englishmen ; and the prior, with the two knights, and an esquier called John Brokas, were taken prisoners, but yet the Frenchmen lost a great number of their owne men at this conflict, and so, with their prisoners, retired to their ships and gallies, and, after, returned into France.' As far as I have read, Brighthelmstone had peace until 1514, when Holinshed tells us : ' About the same time, the warres yet continuing betweene England and France, Prior Jehan (of whom ye have heard before in the fourth yeere of this King's reigne), a great capteine of the French navie, with his gallies and foists^ charged 1 A foist was a light galley, a vessel propelled both by oars and sails. THE FRENCH ON THE SOUTH COAST 7 with great basilisks^ and other artillerie, came on the borders of Sussex, in the night season, at a poore village there, called Brighthelmston, and burnt it, taking such goods as he found. But, when the people began to gather, by firing the becons. Prior Jehan sounded his trumpet, to call his men aboord, and by that time it was daie. Then certeine archers that kept the watch, folowed Prior Jehan to the sea, and shot so fast, that they beat the gallie men from the shore ; and wounded manie in the foist ; to the which Prior Jehan was con- streined to wade, and was shot in the face with an arrow, so that he lost one of his eies, and was like to have died of the hurt ; and, therefore, he offered his image of wax before our ladie at Bullongne, with the English arrow in the face for a miracle,' These archers, who so stoutly resisted the French, were, according to Lee, the land-owners and others of the adjacent country, as well as the inhabitants of the sea-coast, who were obliged to keep watch and ward whenever there was the least appearance of danger. The Watch, called Vigiliac minutce, in the King's man- date to the Sheriff, was nocturnal, and seldom exacted, unless an immediate descent was apprehended. The Ward consisted of men-at-arms, and hob'ders, or hohlers. The latter were persons who seem to have been bound to perform that service by the nature of their tenure. They were a sort of light cavalry, dressed in jackets called hobds, and mounted on fleet horses. The bold stand made against the French who landed at Rotting- dean in 1377 was principally by the Watch and Ward 1 Heavy ordnance, which, in the fifteenth century, could carry stone balls of 200 lb. weight. 8 FLORIZEUS FOLLY of this coast, which had been divided into districts, entrusted to the care of some baron or reHgious house by certain Commissioners called Rectores Comitatus. Thus it was that the Prior of Lewes and the Abbot of Battle were placed at several times at the head of an armed power, to oppose actual or threatened invasion. Certain hundreds and boroughs were also obliged, under pain of forfeiture, or other penalty, to keep the beacons in proper condition, and to fire them at the approach of an enemy, in order to alarm and assemble the inhabitants of the Weald, Brighthelmstone had vet another hostile visit from the French, and to this we are indebted for the earliest recorded view of the town. It occurred in 1545, and Holinshed gives us the following short and pithy account of the affair. ' After this, the eighteenth of Julie, the admerall of France, monsieur Danebalte, hoised up sailes, and with his whole navie came forth into the seas, and turned on the coast of Sussex before Bright Hampsteed ; and set certein of his soldiers on land, to burne and spoile the countrie : but the beacons were fired, and the inhabi- tants thereabouts came clowne so thicke, that the Frenchmen were driven to Hie with losse of diverse of their numbers ; so that they did little hurt there."* The French then tried the Isle of Wight, and got the worst of it, so returned to Sussex. 'The French Capteins having knowledge by certeine fishermen, whom they tooke, that the King was present, and so huge a power readie to resist them, they disanchored, and drew along the coast of Sussex ; and a small number of them landed againe in Sussex, of whome, few returned to L^ EARLY BRIGHTON 9 their ships : for diverse gentlemen of the countrie, as sir Nicholas Pelham and others, with such power as was raised upon the sudden, tooke them up by the waie, and quickelie distressed them. When they had searched everie where by the coast, and saw men still readie to receive them with battell, they turned sterne, and so got them home againe without anie act acheived worthie to be mentioned. The number of the French- men was great, so that diverse of them that were taken prisoners in the He of Wight, and in Sussex, did report that they were three score thousand.' This descent on Brighthelmstone is admirably shown in a water-colour drawing on parchment in the MS. Department of the British Museum (Cotton MSS., Aug. 1, vol. i. 18), which measures 3 feet by 2 feet; it is here reproduced. A tracing of it was engraved in ' Archaeologia," vol. xxiv., p. 298, as an illustration of a paper read by Sir Henry Ellis before the Society of Antiquaries, April 14, 1831. Here we find the town, apparently^ just where it is now, with a ' felde in the midle of the towne,' but with some houses on the beach opposite what is now Pool Valley, on the east side of which houses the French are landing. The following are the explanations inserted in the drawing : 'The Bekon of the Town.'' The Wynde Mylles.' ' The towne of Brithampton.'' ' Hoove Church." ' Hove Village.'' ' A felde in the midle of the Town.' ' The town Fyre Cage.' (< 4 a 10 FLORIZEUS FOLLY ' The Valley coming from Ponyng betwixt Brithamp- ton and the village Hove."' ' Upon this west parte may lond ^^ persons unletted by any provisions there.' ' The east parte of Brithampston rising only on Cleves (cliffs) high; ' Here landed the Galeys." ' Shippes may ride all somer within di. a myle the towne in V fathome water." ' These grete Shippes ryding hard abord shore by shoting into the hille and valies over the towne, so sore oppresse the towne that the Countrey dare not adventm'e to reskue it."* In consequence of this attack, Lee says that ' The town of Brig-Jithelmston, thus harassed by frequent alarm, and the desultory attacks of an active enemy, resolved to erect fortifications, which might afford them some protection in future. Accordingly, at a Court Baron held for the manor of Brighthelmstone-Lewes, on the 27th of September, 1558, the Lords of the manor granted to the inhabitants of the town, a parcel of land on the cliff between Blacklyon street and Ship street, and about two hundred and sixteen yards westward from the lower end of East street, thirteen feet in length and sixteen feet in breadth, to build thereon a storehouse for armour and ammunition, afterwards called the Blockhouse. This parcel, however, was only part of the site of that building ; for, at a Court Baron held for the Manor o^ Atlyngworth, on the 3rd day of January 1613, the homage presented that the north side of the said building stood on the demesne lands of that manor. The Blockhouse, the walls of which were about eight EARLY BRIGHTON 11 feet in thickness, and eighteen feet in height, was circular, and measured 50 feet in diameter. Several arched apartments in its thick walls were repositories for the powder and other ammunition for the defence of the town. In front of it, towards the sea, was a little battery called the Gun Garden, on which were mounted four pieces of large iron ordnance. Adjoining the BlocK'hoiise, on the east, stood the Tozanhouse, with a dungeon under it for the confinement of malefactors. From the summit of this building rose a turret, on which the town clock was fixed. ' At the same time, with the Blocklwuse, were erected four Gates of freestone (three of which were arched) leading from the Cliff to that part of the town which lay under it ; vir^. the East-gate at the lower end of East-street ; the Portal, vulgarly miscalled the Porters- gate, which was less than any of the others, and stood next the East-gate ; the Middle-gate, opposite the end of Middle-street, commonly called the Gate of' all nations ; and the West-gate, which stood at the end of West-street. From the East-gate, westward, there was, at the same time, a wall built about fifteen feet high, and four hundred feet long, where the Cliff was most easy of ascent : and, from the termination of that wall, a parapet, three feet high, was continued on the verge of the Cliff to the West-gate, with embrasures for cannon. The Blockhouse was built at the expense of the mariners of the town ; but the gates and walls seem to have been erected partly, if not wholly, at the expense of Government. ' The upland part of the town, thus effectually secured on the south, might also, in case of any emergency, be 12 FLORIZEUS FOLLY rendered pretty secure on its three other sides, by cutting trenches at the ends of the streets which led into the town ; or barring the enemy's entrance with lumber carriages and household fm-niture, while the inhabitants annoyed them from every quarter,** From 1545 to 1586 Brighthelm stone lived in peace; but when rumours of the Spanish Armada, which was in preparation, began to be bruited about, the town's folk had a scare, for a fleet of fifty vessels were descried off the town, apparently waiting for a favourable oppor- tunity of landing. The terrified inhabitants lit the beacons, and sent off, post haste, to Lord Buckhurst, the Lord Lieutenant of the county, for assistance and protection. His lordship immediately attended with as many armed men as he could hurriedly muster, and posted them on the brow of the cliff between Bright- he! mstone and Rottingdean, so that he might oppose the enemy should they try to land at either place. During the ensuing night, his force increased to the number of 1,600 men, and a considerable number of Kentish men were on their march to join him. How- ever, when morning dawned, the ships were still there, but no one on board seemed to show any disposition to land ; so a few boats belonging to the town plucked up heart of grace, and ventured out a little way to recon- noitre this fleet, when they discovered, to their very great joy, that it only consisted of Dutch merchantmen, laden with Spanish wines, detained in the Channel by contrarv winds ! But at the end of July, 1558, when the Armada was an accomplished fact, Brighthelmstone went to work in earnest to defend itself; and they then had in the town ARMED BRIGHTON 13 belonging to the Government, six pieces of great iron ordnance and ten ' qualivers/^ Luckily, they were not needed, and after the memorable storms of 1703 and 1705 the sea so encroached, that the Bloclchouse and Gun Garden, together with the walls and gates, were sapped, and finally disappeared through stress of weather. 1 Or caliver, a kind of harquebuse or musket — the lightest firearm, except the pistol, and it was used without a rest. CHAPTER II. Escape of Charles II. to France — I'he story of it — The ' Royal Escape '—Brighton in 1730— In 1736— In 1761— Forty-five different ways of spelling the name of the town. HERE is nothing particularly noteworthy with regard to Brighthelmstone until we come to the embarkation of Charles II. in July, 1651, from that place for France, the culmination of his wanderings after the disastrous Battle of Worcester. There are several accounts of this event, including one dictated by the King himself to Samuel Pepys ; but the one that is considered most reliable is Colonel Gounter s narrative, a manuscript which was found in a secret drawer of an old bureau, formerly in possession of the Gounter family, and pur- chased by a Mr. Bartlett of Havant, when their old seat at Racton was dismantled about the year 1830. It is now in the British Museum (Add. MSS., 9,008), and is entitled, ' The last Act in the Miraculous Storie of His M*'*^^ Escape, being a true and perfect relation of his Conveyance, through many obstacles and after many CHARLES II. AT BRIGHTON 15 dangers, to a safe harbour out of the reach of his tyrannical enemies. By Colonell Gounter, of Rackton, in Sussex, who had the happines to be instrumental! in the busines (as it was taken from his mouth by a person of worth, a little before his death).' The following is the portion relating to Brighthelm- stone : ' When we were come to Beeding, a little village where I had provided a treatment for the King (one Mr. BagshalPs house), I was earnest that his majesty should stay there a while till I had viewed the coast ; but my Lord Wilmot would by no means, for fear of those soldiers, but carried the King out of the road, I knew not whither ; so we parted. They where they thought safest, I to Brightemston, being agreed they should send to me when fixed anywhere and ready. 'Being come to the said Brightemston, I found all clear there, and the inn (the George) free from all strangers at that time. Having taken the best room in the house, and bespoke my supper, as I was enter- taining myself with a glass of wine, the King, not finding accommodation to his mind,^ was come to the inn : and up comes mine host (one Smith by name). " More guests," saith he to me. He brought them up into another room, I taking no notice. It was not long, but, drawing towards the King's room, I heard the 1 This hardly agrees with Lee's account (p. 475), who says he ' was conducted at last to the house of a Mrs. Maunsell of Ovingdean, by Lord Wilmot and Colonel Gunter. ... At Ovingdean the King lay concealed for a few days, as local tradition still relates, within a false wall or partition, while his friends were contriving the best means for his escape to France.' 16 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY King's voice, saying aloud to ray lord Wilmot, " Here, Mr. Barlow, I drink to you." "I know that name,"" said I to mine host, now by me. " I pray inquire whether he was not a major in the King's army.' Which done, he was found to be the man whom I expected, and presently invited (as was likely) to the fellowship of a glass of wine. ' From that I proceeded, and made a motion to join company ; and, because my chamber was largest, that they would make use of it, which was accepted, and, so, we became one company again. ' At supper, the King was cheerful, not shewing the least sign of fear or apprehension of any danger, neither then, nor at any time during the whole course of this business, which is no small wonder, considering that the very thought of his enemies, so great and so many, so diligent and so much interested in his ruin, was enough, as long as he was within their reach ; and, as it were, in the very midst of them, to have daunted the stoutest courage in the world, as if God had opened his eyes, as he did Elisha's servant at his master's request, and he had seen an heavenly host round about him to guard him, which, to us, was invisible ; who, therefore, though much encouraged by his undauntedness and the assurance of so good and glorious a cause, yet were not without secret terrors within ourselves, and thought every minute, a day, a month, till we should see his sacred person out of their reach. ' Supper ended, the King stood with his back against the fire, leaning over a chair. Up came mine host (upon some jealousy, I guess, not my certain know- ledge); but up comes he, who called himself Gains, CHARLES II. AT BRIGHTON 17 runs to the King, catcheth his hand, and kissing it, said, " It shall not be said but I have kissed the best man's hand in England." ' He had waited at table at supper time, where the boatman also sat with us, and were there present. Whether he had seen, or heard anything that could give him any occasion of suspicion, I know not ; in very deed, the King had a hard task so to carry himself in all things, that he might be in nothing like himself, majesty being so natural unto him, that, even when he said nothing, did nothing, his very looks (if a man observed) were enough to betray him. ' It was admirable to see how the King (as though he had not been concerned in these words, which might have sounded in the ears of another man as the sentence of death) turned about in silence, without any alteration of countenance, or taking notice of what had been said. ' About a quarter of an hour after, the King went to his chamber, where I followed him, craved his pardon with earnest protestation, that I was as innocent, so altogether ignorant of the cause how this had happened. "^ Peace, peace, colonel," said the King, "the fellow knows me, and I him ; he was one (whether so, or not, I know not, but so the King thought at the time) that belonged to the back stairs to my father. I hope he is an honest fellow." 'After this, I began to treat with the boatman (Tetters- field,^ by name), asking him in what readiness he was. He answered he could not be off that night, because, for more security, he had brought his vessel into creek, and the tide had forsaken it, so that it was on ground. 1 Tattersal. 3 18 FLORIZEUS FOLLY ' It is observable, that all the while the business had been in agitation to this very time, the wind had been contrary. The King, then opening the window, took notice that the wind had turned, and told the master of the ship ; whereupon, because of the wind and a clear night, I offered =£^10 more to the man to get off that night ; but that could not be : however, we agreed he should take in his company that night. 'But it was a great business that we had in hand, and God would have us to know so, both by the diffi- culties that offered themselves, and, by his help, he afforded to remove them. ' When we thought we had agreed, the boatman starts back, and saith, no, except I would insure the bark. Argue it we did with him, how unreasonable it was, being so well paid, etc., but to no purpose, so that I yielded at last, and i^200 was his valuation, which was agreed upon. ' But then, as though he had been resolved to frustrate all by unreasonable demands, he required my bond ; at which, moved with much indignation, I began to be as resolute as he ; saying, among other things, there were more boats to be had besides his ; and, if he would not act, another should, and made as though I would go to another. ' In this contest, the King happily interposed, " He saith right," (saith his majesty), " A gentleman's word, especially before witnesses, is as good as his bond.'' At last, the man's stomach came down, and carry them he would, whatsoever came of it : and, before he would be taken, he would run his boat under the water : so it was agreed that about two in the night they should CHARLES II. AT BRIGHTON 19 be aboard. The boatman, in the meantime, went to provide necessaries, and I persuaded the King to take some rest ; he did, in his clothes, and my Lord Wihnot with him, till towards two of the night. Then I called them up, shewing them how the time went by my watch. ' Horses being led by the back way towards the beach, we came to the boat and found all ready, so I took my leave, craving his majesty's pardon if anything had happened through error, not want of will or loyalty ; how willingly I would have waited further, but for my family (being many) which would want me, and I hoped his majesty would not, not doubting but in a very little time he should be where he would. ' My only request to his majesty was, that he would conceal his instruments ; wherein their preservation was much concerned. 'His majesty promised nobody should know. I abided there, keeping the horses in readiness in case anything unexpected had happened. ' At eight of the clock, I saw them on sail, and it was the afternoon before they went out of sight. ' The wind (oh Providence) held very good till next morning, to ten of the clock brought them to a place in Normandy, called Fackham,^ some three miles off Havre de Grace, Wednesday, Oct. 15. ' They were no sooner landed, but the wind turned, and a violent storm did arise, insomuch that the boat- man was forced to cut his cable, and lost his anchor to save his boat, for which he required of me £8, and had it.'2 1 Fecamp. ' The spelling of the MS. has been modernized. 2—2 20 FLORIZEUS FOLLY On the King's restoration, Tattersal shared the fate of most of those who had helped the King in his need ; but he must have either had g-ood interest or was verv pertinacious in his claim, for his coal-brig, ornamented and enlarged, was taken into the Royal Navy as a fifth- rate, under the name of the Royal Escape^ and on September 4, 1671, the Duke of York, as Lord High Admiral, appointed Tattersal to be her captain (a sinecure post), with pay as such, and an extra pension of oPlOO per annum. On August 29, 1672, the King granted the reversion of this appointment to his son Nicholas, to take effect after the death of Tattersal senior, which took place on May 20, 1674. He was buried near the south side of Brighton Church, under a marble slab, commemorative of his virtues. The Royal Escape was for some years moored off Whitehall ; after- wards she was relegated to Deptford, where she gradually decayed, and was broken up for firewood in 1791. We get an account of Brighton in 1730 in ' Magna Britannia' (pp. 510 and 511), which states that it is 'an indifferent large and populous town, chiefly inhabited by fishermen, and having a good Market weekly on Thursday, and a Fair yearly. The Situation is very pleasant, and generally accounted healthful ; for, tho' it is bounded on the North side by the British Chanyiel, yet it is encompassed on the other Parts with large Cornfields and fruitful Hills, which feed great Flocks of Sheep, bearing Plenty of Wooll, which is thought by some concerned in the Woollen Manufacture, to be of the finest Sort in England. . . . About 90 Years ago, this Town was a very considerable Place for Fishing, and in a flourishing Condition, being, then, one of the BRIGHTON, 1730 21 principal Towns of the County, containing nearly six hundred Families ; but since the Beginning of the Civil Wars, it hath decayed much for want of a Free Fishery, and by very great Losses by Sea, their Shipping being very often taken from them by the Enemy : Nay, it is the Opinion of the most judicious Inhabitants that, had not Divine Providence in a great Measure protected them by their Town being built low, and standing on a flat Ground, the French would several Times have quite demolished it, as they had attempted to do ; but the low Situation of it prevented their doing it any con- siderable Damage, the Cannon Balls usually flying over the Town ; But the greatest Damage to the Buildings has been done by the breaking in of the Sea, which, within these 40 Years, hath laid Waste above 130 Tenements ; which Loss, by a modest Computation, amounts to near i^40,000 ; and, if some speedy Care be not taken to stop the Encroachments of the Ocean, it is probable that the Town will, in a few Years, be utterly depopulated ; the Inhabitants being already diminished one third less than they were, and those that remain are many of them Widows, Orphans, decrepid Persons, and all very poor; insomuch that the Rates for their Relief are at the Rack Rent of 8^* in the Pound, for there are but few Charities given for their Support." Groynes, however, were introduced early in the eighteenth century, with such good effect as to do away with the above dismal apprehensions. Indeed, it was beginning to be a place for visitors to come to for the benefit of the bathing and sea-air, as we may see by the following letter from the Rev. William Clarke (grand- 22 FLORIZEUS FOLLY father of the celebrated traveller, Edward Daniel Clarke (1769-1822), to his friend Mr. Bowyer.i ' Brighthelmstone, ' Jiily 22, 1736. ' We are now sunning ourselves upon the beach at Brighthelmstone, and observing what a tempting figure this Island made formerly in the eyes of those gentlemen who were pleased to civilize and subdue us. The place is really pleasant ; I have seen nothing in its way that outdoes it. Such a tract of sea ; such regions of corn ; and such an extent of fine carpet, that gives your eye the command of it all. But then, the mischief is that we have little conversation besides the claynor nauticus, which is, here, a sort of treble to the plashing of the waves against the cliffs. My morning business is bathing in the sea, and then buying fish ; the evening is riding out for air, viewing the remains of old Saxon camps, and counting the ships in the road, and the boats that are trawling. ' Sometimes we give the imagination leave to expatiate a little ; fancy that you are coming down, and that we intend to dine one day next week at Dieppe in Normandy ; the price is already fixed, and the wine and lodging there tolerably good. But, though we build these castles in the air, I assure you we live here almost under ground. I fancy the architects here usually take the altitude of the inhabitants, and lose not an inch between the head and the ceiling, and then dropping a step or two below the surface : the second 1 'The Brighton Ambulator,' by C. Wright, London, 1818, p. 25. BRIGHTON, 1736-1761 23 story is finished something under 12 feet. I suppose this was a necessary precaution against storms, that a man should not be blown out of his bed into New England, Barbary, or God knows where. ' But, as the lodgings are /ow, they are cheap ; we have tico parlours, tzoo bed chambers, pantry, etc., for 5s. per week ; and if you will really come down you need not fear a bed of proper dimensions. ' And, then, the coast is safe ; the cannons all covered with rust and grass ; the ships moored, and no enemy apprehended. Come and see.* Lee tells us that about 1736 the delightful situation of Brighthelmstone began to attract some visitors of distinction as early in the summer as the deep miry Sussex roads were in some way passable. Hunting, horse-racing, and water-parties were then the chief, or sole, attractions ; and a few indifferent inns their only places of accommodation. But Dr. Richard Russell, having removed from Mailing, near Lewes, to this town about the year 1750, called attention to the benefit of sea-bathing, havino- written a treatise, which was translated into English, and went through several editions — ' De Tabe Glandulari, sive de usu aquae marinae in morbis glandularum dissertatio,' Oxford, 1750, 8vo. This brought visitors to Brio-hthelmstone ; the erection of lodging-houses became a profitable speculation, and the town began to increase in population and celebrity. Dr. Russell's successor. Dr. A, Relhan, wrote, in 1761, ' A Short History of Brighthelmston, with Remarks on its Air, and an Analysis of its Waters, particularly of 24 FLORIZEUS FOLLY an uncommon Mineral one, long discovered, though but lately used.' In this tract he thus describes the Brighthelmstone of his time : ' The town, at present, consists of six principal streets, many lanes, and some spaces surrounded with houses, called by the inhabitants Squares. The great plenty of flint stones on the shore, and in the cornfields near the town, enabled them to build the walls of their houses with that material when in their most im- poverished state ; and their present method of ornament- ing the windows and doors with the admirable brick which they burn for their own use, has a very pleasing effect. The town improves daily, as the inhabitants, encouraged by the late great resort of Company, seem disposed to expend the whole of what they acquire in the erection of new buildings, or making the old ones convenient. And, should the increase of these, in the next seven years, be equal to what it has been in the last, it is probable there will be but few towns in England that will exceed this in commodious build- ings. ' Here are two public rooms, the one convenient, the other not only so, but elegant ; not excelled, perhaps, by any public room in England, that of York excepted : and the attention of the proprietor in preparing every- thing that may answer for the conveniency and amuse- ment of the company is extremely meritorious. ' The men of this town are busied almost the whole year in a succeeding variety of fishing ; and the women industriously dedicate part of their time, disengaged from domestic cares, to the providing of nets adapted to the various employments of their husbands. BRIGHTON IN 1761 25 ' The spring season is spent in dredging for Oysters, which are mostly bedded in the Thames and Medway, and, afterwards, carried to the London market : the Mackerel fishery employs them during the months of May, June, and July ; and the fruits of their labour are always sent to London ; as Brighthelmston has the advantage of being its nearest fishing sea coast, and the consumption of the place, and its environs, is very in- considerable. In the early part of this fishery, they frequently take the red Mullet ; and, near the close of it, abundance of Lobsters and Prawns. August is engaged in the Trawl fishery, when all sorts of flat fish are taken in a net called by that name. In September they fish for WTiiting with lines : and in November the Herring fishery takes place, which is the most considerable and growing fishery of the whole. Those employed in this pursuit show an activity and boldness almost incredible, often venturing out to Sea in their little boats in such weather as the largest ships can scarce live in. Part of their acquisition in this way is sent to London, but the greatest share of it is either pickled, or dried and made red. These are mostly sent to foreign markets, making this fishery a national concern. . . . ' From this account of the fishery of this town, the reader will be satisfied that it must supply a constant and good article in provision to the inhabitants. And although there are complaints made of the inconveniences experienced in the want of a regular and daily market ; yet, as few who come here to take the waters can long want an appetite, and as fish of different sorts, excellent mutton, beef, and veal tolerably good, with all kinds 26 FLORIZEUS FOLLY of fowl, may be had in plenty twice or thrice a week, the rarities of a London market may be resigned un- regretted for a few months.' It is probable that very few towns have so many variations on their names as Brighton, which modernized form began somewhere about 1775 ; at least, that is the earliest date I have met with. F. E. Sawyer, Esq., F.M.S., in an article on the ' Ecclesiastical History of Brighton ' in the ' Sussex Archaeological Collections,'' vol. xxix., pp. 182, 183, gives forty -five different readings of the name, together with the authorities whence they are derived, and he repeated them in Notes and Queries^ vi. S. ii. 376, with the dates of the authorities. They are as follow : ston 1252 and 18th cent. stone 1340. eston 1415. Brighthelm estone iston 1460. 1616. yston 1535 and 1411. .sted Camden. Brighthelnisted 1616. Brightehelmston 1621. Im eston 1440. Imiston 1616. Brighte Imyston elneston ih. ? ^elniston 1616. Brytthalmston Brittelmston 1340 ? SPELLINGS OF BRIGHTHELMSTONE 27 f etune 1086. elm < estune eston ih. ? Brist estona Dugdale. alnerston 1292. halmestone .? helmstone ? / ' pston 1509-14. hem son sted 1628. 1629. Bright •<; henstone stone 1609. 1609-14. Hampstead Stow. heahnertun Saxon. ,on Modern. Brighelm ston eston 1292. 1397. Brihtelmston 1438. Brithelm ston eston ? 1404. Brythelmston 1397. Bryst J ehnstone .hehneston 1438. ? Brishelmeston ? Brichelmston 1292. Brett ^ Bredhemston Hempston hempstone • 1637. ih. 1724. Brogholmestune ? CHAPTER III. Brighton becomes fashionable — Duke of Cumberland there — His character — The Royal Marriage Act — His influence over the Prince of Wales— The Duke and the King — Bad conduct of the Prince of Wales. RIGHTON rapidly became fashionable, and we find the announcement on June 1, 1761, of Lord Abergavenny, Lord Bruce, Mr. and Lady Jane Evelyn, Lady Sophia Egerton, etc. ; and on June 25, 1775, arrived here the Duke and Duchess of Richmond, Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Ladies Caroline and Eliza Spencer, etc. In 1782 it was patronized by Royalty, for the somewhat eccentric Princess Amelia Sophia Eleonora, the second daughter of George II., paid the town a visit, and Henry Frederick, brother to George III. and Duke of Cumberland, took up his residence there at Grove House. An extract from a letter from Brighthelmstone published in the Morning Herald, September 28, 1782, describes the state of society there at that time : ' Sep. 26. — This place is, at last, as full as an egg, but the company is a motley groupe, I assure you. The BRIGHTON IN 1782 29 Duke of C is at the head of the whole, and con- descendingly associates with all, from the Baron down to the Blackleg'! — Plat/ runs high, particularly at Whist ; his Royal Highness has touched a few hundreds by betting adverse to Major B gs, who, apparently, is not like to make a very profitable campaign of it. We have every kind of amusement that fancy can desire for the train of folly and dissipation ; and all are crowded beyond measure ! Barthelemon has had two or three borelsh concerts entirely of his ozan music, by which he has made much more than he merited. Lady Worsley, who is among us, is the life and soul of equestrian parties^ riding sixteen miles zcithin the hour every morning with all imaginable ease ! Her Ladyship made a match the other day to ride over our revived course for fifty guineas, p. or p. against her aide du camp, Miss V rs, and mounted her buckskins and half boots accordingly ; but, to the mortification of a great number of spectators, who assembled to see this exhibition of female jockeyship^ she declared off at the moment they were expected to start ! Few people think of stirring from hence at present, so that it is probable we shall have a jolly season till the stag- hounds come down, about the middle of next month.' This Duke of Cumberland (born 1744, died 1790) was the reverse of estimable in character. He was a confirmed gambler, and never missed a great horse-race when he was in England. In 1770 Lord Grosvenor brought an action against him, and obtained ^^10,000 damages from him on account of Lady G. ; and in 1771 he married Lady Anne Luttrell, the widow of Mr. Christopher Horton, of Derbyshire, a lady much 30 FLORIZEi;S FOLLY older than himself. This so enraged George III. that he forbade them the Court, and he sent a message to Parliament, recommending a legislative provision for preventing any of the Royal Family marrying without the consent of the King. Hence arose The Royal Marriage Act (12 George III., c. xi.), which was passed in 1772. By this Act none of the descen- dants of George II., unless of foreign birth, can marry under the age of twenty-five without the consent of the King. At and after that age, after twelve months' notice given to the Privy Council, they may contract such marriage, which shall be good unless both Houses of Parliament disapprove. Walpole gives us a ballad on the Marriage Act, a few verses of which I reproduce : *The Marriage Act not made by the Late King. 'a new ballad. ***** ' The Duke was restored to his brother's high favour, And continued, as usual, his wanton behaviour ; For adultery at Court was not thought an unfitness. As a twice married maiden of honour can witness. ' But Hymen, indignant to see his laws broke, Determined to bend the loose youth to his yoke ; So a votary true, a bright widow, he chose, And the pert little Prince was soon caught in the noose. ' But, oh ! all ye Gods, who inspire ballad-singers, Ye Muses, with nine-times-ten ivory fingers, I invoke ye to guide both my voice and my pen, While I sing of the fury that seized King and Queen. ' King and Queen, when they heard how th' undutiful whelp Had disgraced the great houses of Mecky and Guelp, Swore and cried, curs'd and fainted, and calling for Bute, Of your Luttrell connexion, cried George, see the fruit. THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND 31 ' This Irish alliance my projects all bilks, I'd as lief he had married the daughter of Wilkes ; While to humour my mother and you I conspire, I am out of the frying-pan into the fire. ***** ' From the Duke's breach of duty, my act shall receive The highest-flown doctrines of prerogative ; Plantagenets, Tudors, nay, Stuarts I'll quote. And what law cannot prove, shall be proved by a vote. ' To marry, unmarry, son, brother, or heir, Has been always his right, our good King shall declare ; Though as far from the truth as the north from the south, It is not the first lie we have put in his mouth. ' They may burn and be damn'd, but they never shall marry : George the Third as despotic, shall be, as Eighth Harry : He shall cut off the heads of his sons and his spouses. For we'll have no moi-e war between red and white roses.' * * * + * The Duke was ultimately reconciled to the King, but, during the time of his displeasure, the former was a very bad Mentor to the young Prince of Wales, with whom he was most intimate to the day of his death. We learn a great deal about them from Walpole. The following occurred in 1780, when the Prince was eighteen years old :^ ' Two days afterwards the Duke told me the Prince of Wales had said to him : " I cannot come to see you now without the King's leave, but in three years I shall be of age, and then I may act for myself. I will declare I will visit you."" Again^ (1781): 'But an event soon happened that 1 ' Journal of the Reign of King George the Third, from the Year 1771 to 1783,' by Horace Walpole, London, 1859, vol. ii., p. 416. ^ Ihicl., p. 449. 32 FLORIZEi;S FOLLY changed that aspect, and made Cumberland House naturally the headquarters of at least part of the Opposition. The Duchess of Cumberland and the Luttrells openly countenanced the amour of the Prince of Wales, and Mrs. Armstead . . . joined that faction, and set themselves in open defiance of the King. ' The first project was to make a ball for the Prince at Cumberland House; but the King forbad his servants going thither. The Duke then made a great dinner for the Prince's servants, to which, as I have said, the King would not permit them to go. The Duke was so enraged, that he wrote a most insolent letter to the King, in which he told him he would go abroad, for this country was not fit for a gentleman to live in. The Duke, however, went to the Drawing-room again, and continued to go, the Duchess having certainly told him that if he absented himself he would lose his influ- ence over the Prince of Wales. ' To the Queen's ball, as I have said, the Duke was not invited, yet went to Court the next day. At that ball the Prince got drunk, which threw him into a dangerous fever, but such a general irruption over his whole face and body of the humours in his blood came out, that it probably saved his Hfe. ' At this moment the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester came to town from Weymouth. The King, as usual, vented his complaints to the Duke of Gloucester. The King told the Duke that though, on the reconciliation, he had told the Duke of Cumberland that all his doors would be opened to him, "yet," said the King, "he comes to the Queen's house fourteen times a week to my son, the Prince, and passes by my door, but never FLORIZEL WHEN YOUNG 33 comes in to me ; and, if he meets me there, or when we are hunting, he only pulls oif his hat, and walks, or rides away. I am ashamed,'" continued he, " to see my brother paying court to my son," The King resented it, and, though he invited the principal persons who hunted, to dinner, he never invited the Duke of Cumber- land. The Prince of Wales seemed to be very weak and feeble. He drank hard, swore, and passed every night in : such were the fruits of his being locked up in the palace of piety ! ' The King further informed the Duke of Gloucester of his brother Cumberland's outrageous letter, and said, " He has forced himself every day into my son's com- pany, even when he was at the worst." The Duke said he wondered his Majesty had suffered it. " I don't know," replied the King, " / do not care to part rela- tions:'' ' 'May 4, 1 781. i— The conduct of the Prince of Wales began already to make the greatest noise, and proved how very bad his education had been, or, rather, that he had had little or none; but had only been locked up, and suffered to keep company with the lowest domestics; while the Duke of Montague, and Hurd, Bishop of Lichfield, had thought of nothing but paying court to the King and Queen, and her German women. The Prince drank more publicly in the Drawing room, and talked there irreligiously and in- decently, in the openest manner (both which were the style of the Duchess of Cumberland). He passed the nights in the lowest debaucheries, at the same time bragging of intrigues with women of quality, whom he 1 "Walpole, vol. ii., p. 457. 3 34 FLORIZEUS FOLLY named publicly. Both the Prince and the Duke talked of the King in the grossest terms, even in his hearing, as he told the Duke of Gloucester, who asked him why he did not forbid his son seeing his brother. The King replied that he feared the Prince would not obey him. 'The Duke of Cumberland dropped that he meant by this outrageous behaviour to force the King to yield to terms in favour of his Duchess, having gotten entire command over the Prince. The latter, however, had something of the duplicity of his grandfather. Prince Frederick, and, after drawing in persons to abuse the King, would betray them to the King. Nor in other respects did his heart turn to good. In his letters to Mrs. Robinson, his mistress, he called his sister, the Princess Royal, a poor child, " that handy-legged h — h, my sister ," and, while he was talking of Lord Chester- field in the most opprobrious terms, he was sending courier after courier to fetch him to town. That Lord's return produced a scene that divulged all that till now had been only whispered. ' One night, as soon as the King was gone to bed, the Prince, with St. Leger and Charles Windham, his chief favourites, and some of his younger servants, the Duke of Cumberland, and George Pitt, son of Lord Rivers, went to Blackheath to sup with Lord Chester- field, who, being married, would not consent to send for the company the Prince required. They all got immedi- ately drunk, and the Prince was forced to lie down on a bed for some time. On his return, one of the company proposed as a toast, " A short reign to the KingT The Prince, probably a little come to himself, was offended, rose and drank a bumper to " Long live tJie King.'''' The FLORIZEL WHEN YOUNG 35 next exploit was to let loose a large fierce house-dog, and George Pitt, of remarkable strength, attempted to tear out its tongue. The dog broke from him, wounded Windham's arm, and tore a servant's leg. At six in the morning, when the Prince was to return. Lord Chesterfield took up a candle to light him, but was so drunk that he fell down the steps into the area, and, it was thought, had fractured his skull. That accident spread the whole history of the debauch, and the King was so shocked that he fell ill on it, and told the Duke of Gloucester that he had not slept for ten nights, and that whenever he fretted, the bile fell on his breast. As he was not ill on any of the disgraces of the war, he showed how little he had taken them to heart. Soon after this adventure, the King being to review a regiment on Blackheath, Lord Chesterfield offered him a breakfast, but the late affair had made such a noise that he did not think it decent to accept it. ' For the " Public Advertiser,"" 1782. MODERN WIT — (bLACKHEATH). ' Drink like a Lord, and with him, if you will. Deep be the bumper : let no liquor spill ; No daylight in the glass, though through the night You soak your senses till the morning light ; Then stupid rise, and with the rising sun Drive the high car, a second Phaeton. Let these exploits your fertile wit evince : Drunk as a Lord, and happy as a Prince /' ' iVot;. 28, 1781.1— The Duke of Gloucester had come to town, as usual, on the opening of Parliament, and ^ Walpole, vol. ii., p. 480. 3—2 36 FLORIZEUS FOLLY stayed five days, in which he was three times with the King, who, as if he had not used the Duke ill, opened his mind to him on his son, the Prince of Wales, and his own brother, the Duke of Cumberland, the latter of whom, he said, was governed by Charles Fox and Fitzpatrick, and governed the Prince of Wales, whom they wanted to drive into opposition. " When we hunt together," said the King, " neither my son nor my brother speak to me ; and, lately, when the chace ended at a little village where there was but a single post chaise to be hired, my son and brother got into it, and drove to London, leaving me to go home in a cart, if I could find one," He added, that when at Windsor, where he always dined at three, and in town at four, if he asked the Prince to dine with him, he always came at four at Windsor, and in town at five, and all the servants saw the father waiting an hour for the son. That since the Court was come to town, the Duke of Cumberland carried the Prince to the lowest places of debauchery, where they got dead drunk, and were often carried home in that condition.'' 'Feh. 20, 1782.1— The hostilities of the Prince of Wales were supposed to be suggested by his uncle, the Duke of Cumberland, who had now got entire influence over him. The Prince, though, at first, he did not go openly to her, frequently supped with the Duchess of Cumberland ; and, in a little time, they openly kept a faro bank for him — not to their credit ; and the Duke of Cumberland even carried bankers and very bad company to the Prince's apartments in the Queen''s house. This behaviour was very grating to the 1 Walpole, vol. ii., p. 502. GEORGE IV. AS PRINCE OF WALES, I FEB I7S2. FLORIZEL WHEN YOUNG 37 King, and the offences increased. The Duke of Cumber- land twice a day passed by the King"'s apartment to his nephew's, without making his bow to his Majesty ; and the brothers, at last, ceased to speak. On hunting- days the Duke was not asked to dine with the King. He returned this by instilling neglect into his nephew. The King complained of this treatment to the Duke of Gloucester, who asked why he bore it. " What can I do .'*'''' said the King ; ' if I resent it, they will make my son leave me, and break out, which is what they wish." ' But it was not long before the folly and vulgarity of the Duke of Cumberland disgusted the Prince. His style was so low that, alluding to the Principality of Wales, the Duke called his nephew Taffy. The Prince was offended at such indecent familiarity, and begged it might not be repeated — but in vain. Soon after, Mr. Legge, one of the Prince's gentlemen, and second son of the Earl of Dartmouth, growing a favourite, inflamed the Prince's disgusts ; and the cool- ness increasing, the Duke of Cumberland endeavoured to counteract the prejudice by calling Legge to the Prince " Your Governor " — but as the Governor had sense, and the uncle none, Legge's arrows took place, the others did not. Yet, though the Prince had too much pride to be treated vulgarly, he had not enough to disuse the same style. Nothing was coarser than his conversation and phrases; and it made men smile to find that in the palace of piety and pride his Royal High- ness had learned nothing but the dialect of footmen and grooms. Still, if he tormented his father, the latter had the comfort of finding that, with so depraved and licentious a life, his son was not likely to acquire 38 FLORIZEUS FOLLY popularity. Nor did he give symptoms of parts, or spirit, or steadiness. A tender parent would have been afflicted — a jealous and hypocritic father might be vexed, but was consoled too.' One more quotation from Walpole,^ which shows us the Prince of Wales after he had attained his eighteenth year, when he had his own suite of apartments in the Queen's House (now Buckingham Palace) : ' /V6., 178L — A new scene now began to open, which drew most of the attention of the public, at least of the town. Since the family of the Prince of Wales had been established, and that he was now past eighteen, it was impossible to confine him entirely. As soon as the King went to bed, the Prince and his brother Prince Frederick went to their mistresses, or to . Prince Frederick, who promised to have the most parts, and had an ascendant over his brother, was sent abroad on that account, and thereby had an opportunity of seeing the world, which would only make him more fit to govern his brother (contrary to the views of both King and Queen) or the nation, if his brother should fail, and which was not improbable. 'The Prince of Wales was deeply affected with the scrofulous humour which the Princess of Wales had brought into the blood, and which the King kept down in himself by the most rigorous and systematical abstinence. The Prince, on the contrary, locked up in the palace, and restrained from the society of women, had contracted a habit of private drinking, and this winter the humour showed itself in blotches all over his face. His governor, the Duke of Montague, was utterly 1 Vol. ii., p. 446. FLORIZEL WHEN YOUNG 39 incapable of giving him any kind of instruction, and his preceptor, Bishop Hurd, was only a servile pedant, ignorant of mankind. The Prince was good-natured, but so uninformed that he often said, " I wish anybody would tell me what to do ; nobody gives me any in- structions for my conduct/'' He was prejudiced against all his new servants, as spies set on him by the King, and showed it by never speaking to them in public. His first favourite had been Lord Maiden, son of the Earl of Essex, who had brought about his acquaintance with Mrs. Robinson.*' CHAPTER IV. Mrs. Robinson — Her story of Florizel and Perdita— Her after- career — Coming of age of the Prince of Wales— His new establishment— His first visit to Brighton— His and Colonel Hanger's adventure. HO was this Mrs. Robinson ? She was of Irish extraction, and was born in Bristol in 1758. In 1774 she married an attorney's clerk, named Robinson ; and, owing to pecuniary difficulties, she went on the stage, appearing at Drury Lane as Juliet on December 10, 1770, a part for which her fascinating beauty well fitted her. On December 3, 1779, Garrick's adaptation of Shakespeare's Wi7iter''s Tale was produced by royal command, and Mrs. Robinson appeared in the part of Perdita. It was then that she was seen and admired by the Prince of Wales. Let her tell her own story as to that night, and what came of it. 'The play of the Winter's Tale was, this season, commanded by their Majesties. I never had performed before the royal family; and the first character in which I was destined to appear was that of Perdita. I had PERDITA S STORY 41 frequently played the part, both with the Hermione of Mrs. Hartley and of Miss Farren : but I felt a strange degree of alarm when I found my name announced to perform it before the royal family. ' In the green-room I was rallied on the occasion ; and Mr. Smith, whose gentlemanly manners and en- lifi-htened conversation rendered him an ornament to the profession, who performed the part of Leontes, laughingly exclaimed, "By Jove, Mrs. Robinson, you will make a conquest of the Prince ; for to-night you look handsomer than ever." I smiled at the unmerited compliment, and little foresaw the vast variety of events that would arise from that night's exhibition ! ' As I stood in the wing opposite the Prince's box, waiting to go on the stage, Mr. Ford, the manager's son, and now a respectable defender of the laws, pre- sented a friend who accompanied him ; this friend was Lord Viscount Maiden, now Earl of Essex. ' We entered into conversation during a few minutes, the Prince of Wales all the time observing us, and frequently speaking to Colonel (now General) Lake, and to the Honourable Mr. Legge, brother to Lord Lewisham, who was in waiting on his Royal Highness. I hurried through the first scene, not without much embarrassment, owing to the fixed attention with which the Prince of Wales honoured me. Indeed, some flatter- ing remarks which were made by his Royal Highness met my ear as I stood near his box, and I was over- whelmed with confusion. 'The Prince's particular attention was observed by everyone, and I was again rallied at the end of the play. On the last curtsey, the royal family con- 42 FLORIZEUS FOLLY descendingly returned a bow to the performers ; but, just as the curtain was faUing, my eyes met those of the Prince of Wales ; and with a look that I Jiever shall forget^ he gently inclined his head a second time ; I felt the compliment, and blushed my gratitude. 'During the entertainment Lord Maiden never ceased conversing with me : he was young, pleasing, and perfectly accomplished. He remarked the particular applause which the Prince had bestowed on my per- formance ; said a thousand civil things ; and detained me in conversation till the evening's perfoiTnance was concluded. ' I was now going to my chair, which waited, when I met the royal family crossing the stage. I was again honoured with a very marked and low bow from the Prince of Wales. On my return home, I had a party to supper ; and the whole conversation centred in encomiums on the person, graces, and amiable manners of the illustrious Heir apparent. ' Within two or three days of this time, Lord Maiden made me a morning visit. Mr. Robinson was not at home, and I received him rather awkwardly. But his Lordship's embaiTassment far exceeded mine. He attempted to speak, — paused, hesitated, apologized ; I knew not why. He hoped I would pardon him ; that I would not mention something he had to communicate; that I would consider the peculiar delicacy of his situa- tion, and then act as I thought proper. I could not comprehend his meaning, and therefore requested he would be explicit. ' After some moments of evident rununation, he tremblingly drew a small letter from his pocket. I PERDITA^S STORY 43 took it, and knew not what to say. It was addressed to Perdita. I smiled, I believe, rather sarcastically, and opened the billet. It contained only a few words, but those expressive of more than common civility : they were signed Florizel. ' " Well, my lord, and what does this mean ?" said I, half angrily. ' " Can you not guess the writer ?" said Lord Maiden. ' " Perhaps yourself, my lord," cried I, gravely. ' " Upon my honour, no,"" said the Viscount. " I should not have dared so to address you on so short an acquaintance." ' I pressed him to tell me from whom the letter came. He again hesitated ; he seemed confused, and sorry that he had undertaken to deliver it. ' " I hope I shall not forfeit your good opinion," said he ; " but " ' " But what, my lord .?" '"I could not refuse — for the letter is from the Prince of Wales." ' I was astonished ; I confess that I was agitated ; but I was, also, somewhat sceptical as to the truth of Lord Maiden's assertion. I returned a formal and a doubtful answer, and his lordship shortly after took his leave.' It is not worth while pursuing the details of this woman's fall ; she says her husband was neglectful of her, and unfaithful ; and, besides, the Prince gave her a bond for =£^20,000, payable when he came of age. He soon tired of her, and terminated the connection in 1781. The lady seems to have been far from in- consolable, for in 1782 she was under the protection of Colonel Tarleton, and a caricature, said to be by 44 FLORIZEUS FOLLY Gillray, called 'The Thunderer' (August 20, 1782), thus shows the then situation. The engraving shows a dragoon officer (Colonel Tarleton) standing before the door of the ' Whirhgig ' Chop-house, with a drawn sword, boasting his wondrous feats of arms. Beside him stands a figure having a plume of three feathers instead of a head (the Prince of Wales). The sign, the ' Whirligig,' is Mrs. Robinson. The Morning Post, September 21, 1782, says: 'Yester- day, a messenger arrived in town, with the very interesting and pleasing intelligence of the Tarleton, armed ship, having, after a chace of some months, captured the Perdita frigate, and brought her safe into Egham port. The Perdita is a prodigious fine clean bottomed vessel, and had taken many prizes during her cruize, par- ticularly the Florizel, a most valuable ship belonging to the Crown, but which was immediately released, after taking out the cargo. The Perdita was captured some time ago by the Fox, but was, afterwards, retaken by the Maiden, and had a sumptuous suit of new rigging, when she fell in with the Tarleton. Her manoeuvring to escape was admirable ; but the Tarleton, fully deter- mined to take her, or perish, would not give up the chace ; and at length, coming alongside the Perdita, fully determined to board her, sword in hand, she instantly surrendered at discretion." The scandal about her being connected with Fox has, I think, no foundation in fact. He was infatuated with Mrs. Armstead, who afterwards became his wife ; and the foundation for the rumour was, probably, that Fox was the agent from the Prince to negotiate the return of the dC20,000 bond from Perdita, which he EXIT PERDITA 45 succeeded in effecting, on condition that she was paid an annuity of £500 for hfe. Still, the caricaturist T. Colley gives us (December 17, 1782), ' Perdito and Perdita, or the Man and Woman of the People,' which shows Mrs. Robinson driving Fox in her chariot. This must have been a very smart affair, if we may trust a newspaper cutting of 1782. ^ Dec. 4. — Mrs. Robinson now sports a carriage, which is the admiration of all the charioteering circles in the vicinity of St. James's ; the body Carmelite and silver, ornamented with a French mantle, and the cypher in a wreath of flowers : the carriage scarlet and silver, the seat-cloth richly ornamented with silver fringe. Mrs. Robinson's livery is green, faced with yellow, and richly trimmed with broad silver lace ; the harness ornamented with stars of silver, richly chased and elegantly finished. The inside of the carriage is lined with white silk, embellished with scarlet trimmings.' The Morning Herald^ June 16, 1783, says : ' The Perdita's new vis-a-vis is said to be the aggregate of a few stakes laid at Brooke's, which the competitors were not able to decide. Mr. Fox therefore proposed that as it could not be better applied than to the above purpose, that the Perdita should be presented with an eleo-ant carriase. The ill-natured call it Love''s Last Sial-e, or The Fools of Fashion.' It is not worth while following her career until her death on December 26, 1800 ; and, indeed, unconnected as she was with the Prince and Brighton, the episode would not have been introduced were it not to tell the story of how the Prince got the name of Florizel, which stuck to him all his life. 46 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY The Prince came of age on August 12, 1783, but there were no great festivities over the event. The Court was quiet, because the Queen had just been con- fined, and the account we have of the doings at Windsor are very meagre. The Morning Chronicle of August 14 tells us that — ' Windsor, 13 Aug. — Yesterday, being the day on which his Royal Highness George, Prince of Wales, came of age, the same was observed, at this place, with every demonstration of joy, as far as could be consistent with the situation of Her Majesty. The Prince came down about eight in the morning, waited upon the King, with whom he breakfasted, and received the compliments from his brothers and sisters, the Duke of Cumberland, Duke of Montague, Lord Aylesbury, etc. After breakfast, his Highness retired to his own apart- ments, and, at noon, had a Levee ; Colonel Dalrymple, with all the officers belonging to the regiment, were introduced to the Prince, and gave him joy of the day. Several of the nobility and gentry around the country waited upon his Royal Highness, and were very politely received. ' The Prince had ordered a dinner for his own suite, from Clode's, at the White Hart, and had a turtle dressed in London, which was brought down by Weltje, of St. James's Street. His Royal Highness dined with his Majesty, three of his brothers, five of his sisters, the Duke of Montague, Lord Aylesbury, and Lady Charlotte Finch. After the cloth was removed, and a few glasses had gone round, the Prince went to his own apartments, and sat for some time with Lord Southampton, Lord Lewisham, Lord Boston, Lord Chewton and the rest of HIS COMING OF AGE 47 his suite. His Majesty went upon the Terrace at half past six ; the Prince of Wales and his attendants soon followed. It is said, more genteel company scarce ever met on that spot. ' The Duchess of Ancaster, Lady Ferrers, the beautiful Miss Hudson, and a variety of women of rank, did honour to the day. It was quite dark before the company retired from the Terrace. The Duke of Queensbury joined his Royal Highness and his suite. The carriages were so numerous that they filled both Castle Yards." There were illuminations at Windsor and in London, where His Royal Highnesses tradesmen and the Hon. Artillery Company (of which he was Captain-General) held good cheer ; but it was felt that the coming of age had not been celebrated in a sufficiently national style, and a fete later on was talked of, which never came to pass. Perhaps the Prince's character had something to do with it, for the Mornhig Herald of August 15 says : ' The broad faced dissipation of a certain young gentle- man, gives the most general disgust. Extravagance in the extreme, but ill suits the present state of the British empire."* They were outspoken in those days ! The Prince is now launched in life. He is Colonel of the 10th Light Dragoons, has i?50,000 per annum allowed him by Parliament, and the revenues of the Duchy of Cornwall, about o£T3,000 more. He has Carlton House fitting up for him ; he is his own master, being no longer under paternal control, and his soul yearns towards his dme darnnee, the Duke of Cumber- land. This Prince was at Brighthelmstone, and thither Florizel went. Every authority but one says that the Prince of Wales paid a visit to the Duke in 1782 ; but 48 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY I think that the one which has not slavishly copied from other sources is right, for two reasons : first, that in 1782 he was under strict paternal control, and could stir nowhere without his governor, and a visit to that uncle whom the King so disliked was the last thing to be thought of; and, secondly, we see (on p. 28) in the description of Brighton in 1782, ' The Duke of C. is at the head of the whole/ If the heir to the throne had been there, the Duke would have taken ' a back seat,' and the papers would have given due prominence to the visit ; and therefore I incline to the opinion that, since the days of his childhood, his first visit to the watering-place he afterwards made so famous was in September, 1783, on which occasion the town was illuminated and there was a display of fireworks. During his stay of eleven days, he hunted, went to a ball, and to the theatre, besides the ordinary amusements of the place. In fact, his visit seems so to have impressed him, that from that date he made Brighthelmstone his abiding-place for, at least, a portion of the year. Huish,^ however, gives another version for his liking for the place : ' The Prince had now begun to manifest that predilec- tion for Brighton, which induced him at a future period to make that town his residence. The report, however, which was current at the time, and which is actually founded on truth, goes so far as to state, that it was neither the marine views, nor the benefit of change of air, nor the salubrity of the place, which possessed, in the eyes of his Royal Highness, at this time, any great attractions ; but that he was drawn thither by the 1 'Memoirs of George IV.,' by Robert Huisb, 8vo., vol. i., p. 80 ; London, 1831. A DOUBTFUL STORY 49 angelic figure of a sea nymph, whom he, one day, en- countered reclining on one of the groins on the beach. In this amour, however, his Royal Highness was com- pletely the dupe. As far as personal charms extended, Charlotte Fortescue was of " the first order of fine forms"; but, as far as mental qualifications were to be considered, she was one of the most illiterate and ignorant of human beings. In artifice and intrigue she was unparalleled ; and, withal, she knew how to throw such an air of simplicity and innocence over her actions, as would have deceived even a greater adept than his Royal Highness, in the real nature of her character. She soon discovered the exalted station of the individual whom she believed she had captivated by her charms ; and, on the principle that the thing is of little value which is cheaply or easily obtained, she, for a time, frustrated every attempt of his Royal Highness to obtain a private interview with her. She kept her residence a complete secret, and, for some days, she was neither seen nor heard of. On a sudden, she would make her appearance, and then, sufflised in tears, would speak of her approaching marriage, and her consequent departure from the country ; and could that idea be borne by her royal lover ? Heaven and earth were to be moved to avert such a direful calamity ; a regular elopement was proposed, and, in order to give the affair a highly romantic air, it was arranged that the dress of a footman was to be procured for the beautiful fugitive, and that the Prince was to have a postchaise in waiting a few miles on the London road, to bear away his valuable prize. There is, however, an old adage which says, that much falls between the cup and 4 50 FLORIZEKS FOLLY the lip, and, in this instance, the truth of it was fully confirmed. The hour was anxiously looked for which was to bring the lovers into the undisturbed society of each other ; but, as the Prince was dressing for dinner, the arrival of George Hanger, who had just then begun his career of eccentricity and profligacy in the fashion- able circles, was announced. The Prince invited him to dine ; excusing himself, however, at the same time, for the early hour at which he would be obliged to leave him, as he had most important business to transact that night in the metropolis. Dinner being over, the Prince inquired the business which had brought his visitor to Brighton in so unexpected a manner. ' " A hunt, a hunt, your Royal Highness," said Hanger, " I am in chace of a d d fine girl, whom I met with at Mrs. Simpson's in Duke's Place ; and, although I have taken private apartments for her in St. Anne's East, yet the hussy takes it into her head every now and then to absent herself for a few days ; and I have now been given to understand that she is carrying on some intrigue with a Jellow in this place. Let me but catch him, and I will souse him over head and ears in the ocean." ' The Prince now inquired what kind of a lady he was in pursuit of; and, by the description given, he doubted not for a moment, that the lady with whom he was to elope that very evening, on account of her approaching marriage, was the identical lady who had eloped from the protection of his visitor, and he began to consider how he could extricate himself with the best possible grace from the dilemma in which he was involved. That he was a dupe to the artifices of a A DOUBTFUL STORY 51 cunning, designing girl, was now apparent to him ; and, therefore, it would be his greatest pride and joy to outwit her. He, therefore, disclosed the whole of his intrigue with the runaway, and it was resolved that Hanger should put on one of the coats in which she was accustomed to see her royal lover, and take his seat in the chaise, instead of the Prince. The whole affair was well managed ; the Prince remained at Brighton ; Hanger bore off his lady to London, not a little chagrined at such an unexpected termination of her romantic elopement ; but not many months elapsed before the lady gained an opportunity of repaying the Prince tenfold for the trick which he had played her."" 4—2 CHAPTER V. Memoir of, and anecdotes about, George Hanger. HE HON. GEORGE HANGER (after- wards the fourth and last Lord Cole- raine) was at one time an especial friend of the Prince, He was educated at Eton and Gottingen, and was for some little time an officer in the first regiment of foot guards, which regiment he soon left in disgust at someone being promoted over his head. He then received an appointment from the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel as Captain in the Hessian Jager Corps, then serving in America, and he was with this corps throughout the war. He, afterwards (in 1782), was made a Major in Tarleton's Light Dragoons, which was disbanded the following year, and he retired on half- pay. It was then that he joined the Prince's set, and received the appointment of equerry at a salary of ,£300 per annum, and this, combined with raising recruits for the East India Company, enabled him for a time to vie with the jovial crew with which he GEOROEY IN THE COAT-HOI. E. GEORGE HANGER 53 associated. But evil days fell upon him, and he dwelt in the King's Bench Prison from June 2, 1798, to April, 1799, and in 1800 set up for a time as a coal- merchant, and was nicknamed the Knight of the Black Diamond. He appears in many of Gillray's caricatures, but the most savage pictorial satire on him (by Cruick- shank) was issued with the Scourge for November 2, 1812, where he is represented as a tall, full-faced man, wearing a long drab-coloured coat with a cape, and a star upon his right breast. Each of his arms encircles a gin-drinking old woman, and at his feet, one of which is cloven like a satyr''s, sprawls a young woman who applies a bottle to her lips. A dandy, standing near, inspects the scene through his quizzing glass, and observes : ' Hang her ! She's quite drunk.' A label issuing from the mouth of the principal person makes him observe : ' As for me, my name is sufficient ; I am known by the title of the Paragon of Debauchery, and I only claim to be the [Princejs Confidential Friend.'' The letterpress description of the caricature contains the following illustrative paragraph : ' A tall, strapping - looking person, shabbily, but buckishly attired, with a peculiar cast of countenance, now stepj^ed forward, and cried out, " My name is sufficient. Whoever has heard of must know that I am without a rival in the annals of debauchery. I claim no higher honour than to be my Prince''s friend^' On the death of his brother, on December 11, 1814, he succeeded to the title of Lord Coleraine, but he never assumed the title, and disliked being addressed by it. On his death, unmarried, on March 31, 1824, 54 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY at the age of seventy -three, the barony of Coleraine became extinct. Huish tells several stories about Hanger.^ ' It is well known that the above-mentioned person was the particular companion of his late Majesty, when Prince of Wales, and many of the youthful improprieties which he committed were ascribed, by the King, to the com- pany which he kept ; and, particularly, to the society of Sheridan and Major Hanger. On a particular occa- sion, when the latter was raising recruits, the King, hearing that the Prince was taken from place to place, by him and others in high life, collecting mobs, and throwing money to them in large quantities, for the sake of creating the fun of seeing a scramble, and other worse purposes, he, with much feeling, exclaimed, " D — n SheiTy, and I must hang — hang — Hanger, for they will break my heart, and ruin the hopes of my country." "" The following will be read as a rich treat to the lovers of fun and mischief : it shows the extraordinary gaiety of the Prince of Wales's disposition, and the familiar manner in which he lived with his companions : It was at the celebration of her Majesty ""s birthday, 1782, that Major Hanger made his first appearance at Court ; and it may be said to have been a debut which proved a source of infinite amusement to all who were present, and to no one more so than the Prince of Wales, who was no stranger to the singularity of his character, and the general eccentricity of his actions. Being a Major in the Hessian service, he wore his uniform at the ball, which was a short blue coat with gold frogs, with a belt, unusually broad, across his 1 Vol. i., p. 97, etc. GEORGE HANGER 55 shoulders, from which his sword depended. This dress, being a Httle particular, when compared with the full- trimmed suits of velvet and satin about him, thouoh, as professional, strictly conformable to the etiquette of the Court, attracted the notice of his Majesty and his attendants ; and the buzz, ' Who is he ?' ' Whence does he come ?' etc., etc., was heard in all parts of the room. Thus he became the focus of attraction, and especially when the contrast presented itself of his selecting the beautiful Miss Gunning as his partner. He led her out to dance a minuet, but when, on the first crossing of his lovely partner, he put on his hat, which was of the largest Kevenhliller kind, ornamented with two large black and white feathers, the figure which he cut was so truly ridiculous and preposterous, that even the gravity of his Majesty could not be restrained : the grave faces of the Ministers relaxed into a smile, and the Prince of Wales was actually thrown into a convulsive fit of laughter. There was such an irresistible provocation to risibility in the tout ensemble of his appearance and style of movement, that his fair partner was reluctantly obliged to lose sight of good manners, and could scarcely finish the minuet ; but Hanger himself joined in the laugh which was raised at his expense, and thereby extricated his partner from her embarrassment. This is, perhaps, the first time that the pas grave of a minuet has been considered as a mighty good jest, but there are moments when even the most serious circumstances serve only to produce a comic effect. The Major now stood up to dance a country dance, but here his motions were so completely antic, and so 56 FLORIZEUS FOLLY much resembling those of a mountebank, that he totally discomfited his partner, put the whole set into confusion, and excited a degree of laughter throughout the room such as had never before been witnessed in a royal drawing-room. On the following day the subject of the Major*'s ludicrous debut at Court became the topic of conversa- tion at the convivial board at Carlton House, when the Prince proposed that a letter should be written to the Major, thanking him in the name of the company which had assembled in the drawing-room, for the pleasure and gratification which he had afforded them. The joke was considered a good one. Writing materials were ordered, and the Prince himself indited the following letter, which was copied by Sheridan, with whose hand- writing the Major was unacquainted : ' St. James's Street, ' Sunday morning. ' The Company who attended the Ball on Friday last, at S* James''s, present their compliments to Major Hanger, and return their unfeigned thanks for the variety with which he enlivened the insipidity of that evening's entertainment. The gentlemen want words to describe their admiration of the truly grotesque and humourous figure which he exhibited : and the ladies beg leave to express their acknowledgements for the lively and animated emotions that his stately, erect, and perpendicular form could not fail to excite in their delicate and susceptible bosoms. His gesticulations and martial deportment were truly admirable, and have raised an impression that will not be soon effaced at S' James's.' GEORGE HANGER 57 This letter produced a highly humorous scene, which often excited a laugh when the Prince related it to his guests, as one of the most humorous which had occurred to him during his life. On the day subsequent to the receipt of this letter, the Prince purposely invited George Hanger to dine at Carlton House, and it formed part of the plot of his Royal Highness, that Sheridan should not be invited. After dinner the conversation turned, designedly, upon the leading circumstances of the late ball ; and, on the Prince ironically complimenting the Major on the serious effect which his appearance must have had on the hearts of the ladies, he, in a very indignant manner, drew from his pocket the letter which he had received, declaring that it was a complete affront upon him, and that the sole motive of the writer was to insult him, and turn him into ridicule. The Prince requested per- mission to read the letter, and, having perused it, he fully coincided in the opinion of the Major, that no other motive could have actuated the writer than to offer him the greatest affront. ^ The Major's anger rose. ' Blitz und Holle !' he exclaimed ; ' if I could discover the writer he should give me immediate satisfaction.' ' I admire your spirit,' said the Prince ; ' how insult- ing to talk of your grotesque figure.' ' And then to turn your stately, erect and perpen- dicular form into ridicule,' said Mr. Fox. ' And to talk of your gesticulations,' said Captain Morris. ' Sapperment !' exclaimed the Major, ' but the writer shall be discovered.' 58 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY ' Have you not the slightest knowledge of the hand- writing ?' asked the Prince ; ' the characters are, I think, somewhat familiar to me. Allow me to peruse the letter again.' The letter was handed to the Prince. ' I am certain that I am not mistaken,' he said ; ' this is the handwriting of that mischievous fellow, Sheridan."' ' Sheridan !' exclaimed the Major. ' Impossible — it cannot be !' ' Hand the letter to Fox,' said the Prince ; ' he knows Sheridan's handwriting well.' ' This is undoubtedly the handwriting of Sheridan,' said Fox, looking at the letter. ' Then he shall give me immediate satisfaction,' said the Major, rising from the table ; and, addressing him- self to Captain Morris, requested him to be the bearer of his message to Mr. Sheridan. Having written the note, in which a full and public apology was demanded, or a place of meeting appointed, ('aptain Morris was despatched with it; and in the meantime he (the Major) would retire to his lodgings to await the answer from Mr. Sheridan. The Prince now pretended to interfere, expressing his readiness to be a mediator between the parties, but at the same time he contrived, every now and then, to increase the flame of the Major's resent- ment by some artful insinuations as to the grossness of the affront, and complimenting him on the spirited manner in which he had behaved on the occasion. The Major was determined not to be appeased, and he left the room, muttering, ' D — n the impudent fellow ! grotesque figure ! perpendicular form ! gesticulations !' The Major had no sooner retired than the whole party burst into a loud laugh. The Prince had brought GEORGE HANGER 59 him to the very point he wished, and in about an hour Captain Moms arrived with Sheridan, who entered im- mediately into the spirit of the adventure. It was then agreed that Sheridan should accept the challenge, appointing the following morning at daybreak in Batter- sea Fields, and that Mr. Fox should be the bearer of Mr. Sheridan''s answer to the offended Major, Mr. Sheridan undertaking, on his part, to ])rovide the necessary surgical assistance. On the following morning the parties were punctually on the spot; the Major, accompanied by Captain Morris, Mr. Sheridan by Mr. P'ox, the Prince of Wales, disguised as a surgeon, being seated in the carriage which con- veyed the latter gentlemen. The customary pre- liminaries being arranged, the parties took their stations. The signal to fire was given ; no effect took place. The seconds loaded the pistols a second time ; the parties fired again ; still no effect was produced. 'D — n the fellow!' said the Major to his second, 'I can't hit him.' ' The third fire generally takes effect,' said Captain Morris, who with the utmost difficulty could keep his risible faculties in order, whilst the Prince, in the •carriage, was almost convulsed with laughter at the grotesque motions of the Major. The signal to fire was given the third time. The effect was decisive ; Mr. Sheridan fell, as if dead, on his back. ' Killed, by G — d !' said Ca})tain Morris. ' Let us flly instantly;' and, without giving the Major time to collect himself, he hurried him to the carriage, which immediately drove away towards town. The Prince descended from the carriage, almost faint with laughter. 60 FLORIZEUS FOLLY and joined Sheridan and Fox, the former of whom, as soon as the Major''s carriage was out of sight, had risen from his prostrate position, unscathed as when he entered the field, for, to complete the farce, it had been previously arranged that no balls should be put into the pistols, and that Sheridan was to fall on the third fire. The Prince, with his two associates, im- mediately drove off to town, and a message was sent to Major Hanger, desiring his immediate attendance at Carlton House. The Major obeyed the summons, and he entered the apartment of the Prince with a most dolorous countenance. 'Bad business this,' said the Prince — 'a very bad business. Hanger; but I have the satisfaction to tell you that Sheridan is not materially hurt, and if you will dine with me this day, I will invite a gentleman who will give you an exact account of the state in which your late antagonist lies. Remain here till dinner-time, and all may yet be well.' The Prince, from goodness of heart, and not wishing that the Major should have the painful impression on his mind that he had been the instrument of the death of a fellow-creature and one of the most convivial of their companions, had imparted to the Major the consolatory information that his antagonist was not seriously injured, and the Major looked forward to the hour of dinner with some anxiety, when he was to receive further information on the subject. The hour came. The party was assembled in the drawing-room. ' Now, Hanger,' said the Prince, ' I'll introduce a gentleman to you who shall give you all the informa- tion you can wish.' GEORGE HANGER 61 The door opened, and Sheridan entered. The Major started back in wonder. 'How — how — how is this .P' he stammered. *I thought I had killed you."* ' Not quite, my good fellow," said Sheridan, offering the Major his hand. ' I am not yet quite good enough to go to the world above ; and, as to that below, I am not yet fully qualified for it, therefore I considered it better to defer my departure from this to a future period ; and, now, I doubt not, that his Royal Highness will give you an explicit explanation of the whole business — but I died well, did I not, Hanger ?' The Prince now declared that the whole plot was concocted by himself, and hoped that when the Major next fought such a duel, he might be in a coach to view it. Conviviality reigned throughout the evening ; the song and glass went round ; the Prince singing the parody on ' There's a difference between a beggar and a queen," which was composed by Captain Morris, and which is to be found in the twenty-fourth edition of ' Songs Political and Convivial,' by that first of lyric poets. One more anecdote of the Prince and George Hanger, from the same source,^ and I have done with him. ' That the immense losses which the Prince of Wales sustained at the gaming table were not, always, the consequence of a run of ill luck, may be easily con- jectured. Scheme after scheme was devised by which a heavy drain was to be made upon his finances ; and he became, eventually, the dupe of a set of titled sharpers, who fattened on his credulity, and who, by 1 Huisb, vol. i., 164. 62 FLORIZELS FOLLY acts of the most deliberate villainy, reduced him to a state of comparative pauperism. As a proof of the inventive spirit of these associates of the Prince, we have only to mention the celebrated wager between the turkeys and the geese, which emanated from the prolific head of George Hanger, and on the issue of which the Prince found himself minus several thousand pounds. ' During one of the convivial parties at Carlton House, George Hanger designedly introduced the subject of the travelling qualifications of the turkey and the goose, and he pronounced it as his opinion (although directly contrary to his real one), that the turkey would outstrip the goose. The Prince, who placed great reliance on the judgment of George Hanger on subjects of that nature, backed Hanger's opinion ; and, as it may be supposed, there were some of the party who were willing to espouse the part of the goose : the dispute ended in the Prince making a match of twenty turkeys against twenty geese for a distance of ten miles, the competitors to start at four o'clock in the afternoon. The race was to be run for ^ m■^^ l ■ «l l ■' ■ ll »lln^l.^^ l ll u i . mi i.i^iiMiii ^iii ui/..i. iMfviminiini i niini i n i ifii i fv i ii i K w » i i ^ I ' l u mmm ■ i ii n n i l i i nj i nj n m i i ' ijiil i ii ) n i i ii i mii. ■iii iiii mi/IH F I HJIIW I IS ;LH IIU Jl i mUJ IIgnLM CHAPTER XII. The Duke of Norfolk, and anecdotes respecting him — The Duke of Queensberry, and anecdotes — Charles Morris — The Prince out shooting — A grand review — French emigres — Smuggling — The Prince's birthday, 1792 — Poem on the Emigres. NOTHER of the Prince's companions, until they quarrelled, was Charles Howard, eleventh Duke of Norfolk, who possessed all the habits and attributes of a hog,^ Slovenly and dirty in his attire, he was rarely washed, but when he was drunk, and then by his servants ; and the story is told that one day he was complaining to Dudley North that he suffered terribly from rheumatism, for which he could find no cure, and was answered by the question, ' Pray, my lord, did you ever try a clean shirt ?' Hear what the anonymous writer of ' The Clubs of * Gillray caricatured him (May, 1792) in 'Le Cochon et ses deux Petites,' where, holding a tumbler of wine in his hand, he is toying with two very fleshly ladies. 150 FLORIZEUS FOLLY London,'' says of the old glutton, when writing of the Beefsteak Club. Speaking of a visit to that club in 1799, he says : 'I do not recollect all who were present on that day, but I particularly remarked John Kemble, Cobb of the India House, his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, Sir John Cox Hippisley, Charles Morris, Ferguson of Aberdeen, and his Grace of Norfolk. This nobleman took the chair when the cloth was removed. It is a place of dignity, elevated some steps above the table, and decorated with the various insignia of the Society; amongst which was suspended the identical small cocked-hat in which Garrick used to play the part of Ranger. As soon as the clock strikes fives, a curtain draws up, discovering the kitchen, in which the cooks are dimly seen plying their several offices, through a sort of grating, with this appropriate motto from Macbeth inscribed over it ' " If it were done, when 'tis done, then 'twere well It were done quickly." ' But the steaks themselves ; — they were of the highest order, and I can never forget the goodwill with which they were devoured. In this respect, no one surpassed the Duke of Norfolk. He was totus in illis. Eyes, hands, mouth, were all intensely exercised ; not a faculty played the deserter. His appetite, literally, grew by what it fed on. Two or three succeeding steaks, fragrant from the gridiron, rapidly vanished. In my simplicity, I thought that his labours were over. I was deceived, for I observed him rubbing a clean plate with a shallot, to prepare it for the reception of another. THE BEEFSTEAK CLUB 151 ' A pause of ten minutes ensued, and his Grace rested upon his knife and fork ; but it was only a pause, and I found that there was a good reason for it. Like the epic, a rump of beef has a beginning, a middle, and an end. The palate of an experienced beef steaker can discern all its progressive varieties, from the first cut to the last ; and he is a mere tyro in the business, who does not know, that towards the middle, there lurks a fifth essence, the perfect ideal of tenderness and flavour. Epicurism itself, in its fanciful combinations of culinary excellence, never dreamed of anything surpassing it. For this cut, the Duke had wisely tarried, and, for this, he re-collected his forces. At last he desisted, but more, I thought, from fatigue than satiety : lassatus non satiaUis. I need not hint, that powerful irrigations of port encouraged and relieved, at intervals, the organs engaged in this severe duty. ' Nor could I help admiring that his Grace, pro- verbially an idolater of the table, should have dined with such perfect complacency upon beef steaks : — he, whose eyes and appetite roved every day amidst the rich variety of a ducal banquet, to which ocean, air and earth, paid their choicest contingents. His palate, I thought, would sigh, as in captivity, for the range in which it was to expatiate. A member, who sat next me, remarked that in beef steaks there was considerable variety, and he had seen the most finished gourmands about town quite delighted with the simple repast of the Society. But, with regard to the Duke of Norfolk, he hinted that it was his custom, on a beef steak day, to eat a preliminary dish of fish in his own especial box at the Piazza, and then adjourn time enough for the beef 152 FLORIZEKS FOLLY steaks. He added also, and I heartily concurred in his remark, that a mere dish of fish could make no more difference to the iron digestion of his Grace, than a tenpenny nail, more or less, in that of an ostrich. ' After dinner, the Duke was ceremoniously ushered to the chair, and invested with an orange coloured ribbon, to which a silver medal, in the form of a grid- iron, was appended. ... I was astonished to see how little effect the sturdy port wine of the Society produced on his adamantine constitution ; for the same abhor- rence of a vacuum, which had disposed him to do such ample justice to his dinner, showed itself no less in his unflinching devotion to the bottle.'^ Sir N. Wraxall, in his ' Historical Memoirs of My Own Time . . . 1772 to 1784,' writes thus of him : 'Drunkenness was in him an hereditary vice, trans- mitted down, probably, by his ancestors from the Plantagenet times, and inherent in his formation. His father indulged equally in it, but he did not manifest the same capacities as his son, in resisting the effects of wine. It is a fact that, after laying his father and all the guests under the table at the Thatched House Tavern in St. James's Street, he has repaired to another festive party in the vicinity, and there recommenced the unfinished convivial rites.' The caricaturists openly made fun of his hoggish propensities, as did the public press, vide these two extracts from the T'lmen (March 1, 1793) : ' On the late Inundation in Old Palace Yard. ' On one side, Duke Norfolk pushed forward with strife, For he never liked Water throughout his whole life.' 1 'The Clubs of London,' etc. ; London, 1828, 8vo., vol. ii. p. 27. THE PRINCE AND DUKE OF NORFOLK 153 February 17, 1794.— 'The Duke of Norfolk is attacked by the Hydrophobia^ he can't bear the sight of xvater. His physicians have prescribed Wine. The Marquis of Stafford, Marquis of Bath, and Lord Thurlow who were present, sanctified this prescription with their most hearty consent.' And yet it is over this wretched old sensualist that Thackeray, in his ' Four Georges,' gets maudlinly sentimental ! ' And now I have one more story of the bacchanalian sort, in which Clarence and York, and the very highest personage of the realm, the great Prince Regent, all play parts. The feast took place at the Pavilion at Brighton, and was described to me by a gentleman who was present at the scene. In Gillray's caricatures, and amongst Fox's jolly associates, there figures a great nobleman, the Duke of Norfolk, called Jockey of Norfolk in his time, and celebrated for his table exploits. He had quarrelled with the Prince, like the rest of the Whigs ; but a sort of reconciliation had taken place ; and now, being a very old man, the Prince invited him to dine and sleep at the Pavilion, and the old Duke drove over from his Castle of Arundel with his famous equipage of grey horses, still remembered in Sussex. ' The Prince of Wales had concocted, with his royal brothers, a notable scheme for making the old man drunk. Every person at table was enjoined to take wine with the Duke — a challenge which the old toper did not refuse. He soon began to see that there was a conspiracy against him ; he drank glass for glass ; he overthrew many of the brave. At last, the First Gentle- man of Europe proposed bumpers of brandy. One of 154 FLORIZEi;S FOLLY the royal brothers filled a great glass for the Duke. He stood up and tossed off the drink. " Now," says he, " I will have my carriage, and go home." The Prince urged upon him his previous promise to sleep under the roof where he had been so generously entertained. " No," he said, he had had enough of such hospitality, A trap had been set for him ; he would leave the place at once, and never enter its doors more. ' The carriage was called, and came ; but, in the half hour's interval, the liquor had proved too potent for the old man : his host's generous purpose was answered, and the old man's grey head lay stupefied on the table. Nevertheless, when his post chaise was announced, he staggered to it as well as he could, and stumbling in, bade the postilions drive to Arundel. They drove him for half an hour round and round the Pavilion lawn ; the poor old man fancied he was going home. When he awoke that morning he was in bed at the Prince's hideous house at Brighton. You may see the place now for sixpence : they have fiddlers there every day ; and, sometimes, buffoons and mountebanks hire the Riding House, and do their tricks and tumbling there. The trees are still there, and the gravel walks round which the poor old sinner was trotted. I can fancy the flushed faces of the royal princes as they support themselves at the portico pillars, and look on at old Norfolk's disgrace ; but I can't fancy how the man who perpetrated it con- tinued to be called a gentleman.' Another of the Prince's intimates and visitor to the Pavilion was that disreputable old roue William Douglas, third Earl of March and fourth Duke of Queensberry, commonly called ' Old Q,' well known on the turf as a THE DUKE OF QUEENSBERRY 155 racehorse-owner and betting man, a thorough gambler and finished debauchee. ' And there, insatiate yet with folly's sport, That polished, sin-worn fragment of the Court, The shade of Queensb'ry should with Clermont meet, Ogling and hobbling down St. James's Street.' Nearly forty years older than the Prince, he was his Mentor in every kind of vice, and rooked him of thousands of pounds at play and in betting. Thackeray, in ' The Virginians,'' portrays him under no pseudonym. He is called simply by his title of Lord March. In Chapter XXVI. Mr. Warrington is at the White Horse Tavern, where are Lords Chesterfield and March : ' " My Lord Chesterfield's deuce is deuce ace," says my Lord March. " His Lordship can"'t keep away from the cards, or dice." '"My Lord March has not one, but several devils. He loves gambling, he loves horse-racing, he loves betting, he loves drinking, he loves eating, he loves money, he loves women, and you have fallen into bad company, Mr. Warrington, when you lighted upon his Lordship. He will play you for every acre you have in Virginia." '"With the greatest pleasure in life, Mr. Warring- ton !" interposes my Lord. ' " And for all your tobacco, and for all your spices, and for all your slaves, and for all your oxen and asses." ^ 7(t W ^ * ' " Unfortunately, my Lord, the tobacco, and the slaves, and the asses, and the oxen, are not mine, as yet. 156 FLORIZEUS FOLLY I am just of age, and my mother — scarce twenty years older — has quite as good chance of long life as I have." ' " I will bet that you survive her, I will pay you a sum now, against four times the sum to be paid at her death. I will set a fair sum over this table against the reversion of your estate in Virginia at the old lady's departure." ' Certainly, it is pleasant to turn from such companions of FlorizePs to another, whose only fault was his con- viviality. I mean Captain Charles Morris, punch-maker and bard to the Beefsteak Society, where he met with the Prince, at his admission into the society, in 1785 ; and the author of the ' Clubs of London ' thus describes him : ' But Charles Morris — can anyone think of the Beef- steaks without including thy revered image in the picture? The faculties of man are not equal to an abstraction so metaphysical. For many, many years, during which several of man's autumnal generations have fallen, he has been faithful to his post. He is the bard of the Society, who, in the person of this, her favourite disciple, may still boast noji caret vote sacro^ fortune has not yet struck this old deer of the forest. You should have seen him, as was his wont at the period I am speaking of, making the Society's punch, his ancient and rightful office. It was pleasing to see him at his laboratory at the side board, stocked with the varied products that entei- into the composition of that nectareous mixture ; then, smacking an elementary glass, or two, and giving a significant nod, the fiat of its excellence ; and what could exceed the extasy with which he filled the glasses that thronged round the ■^^ CATTAIX MORRIS. CAPTAIN MORRIS 157 bowl ; joying over its mantling beauties with an arti^fs pride, and distributing the fascinating draught ' " That flames and dances in its crystal bound." ' Morris''s songs, which after his death were published in two volumes, under the title of ' Lyra Urbanica,' rendered him a welcome guest at Carlton House and the Pavilion ; and, strange to say, he enjoyed the favour and countenance of Florizel, both as Prince and King, until the death of his royal patron. We have a very good portrait of Captain Morris, dated July 1, 1789, with the lines : ' When the fancy stirring Bowl Wakes its World of pleasure, Glowing Visions gild my Soul, And Life's an endless treasure.' These were some of the more notorious of the Prince's intimates at that time ; some of the minor ones may be mentioned later on. We hear very little of the Prince at Brighton in 1791. He went there, for the season, on June 13, and he soon had his old set round him. I can only find one record of their doings, and that is in the Sussea: Weekly/ Advertiser of September 26 : ' Between six and seven o'clock, on Monday morning last, the Prince, accom- panied by Sir John Lade, in his curricle, drove through this town, on a shooting excursion, to Haremere, an estate belonging to Sir John ; but no day ever proved more unfavourable to the sport, for the gamekeeper who attended on the occasion, with all his diligence, was unable to spring more than one solitary bird. 158 FLORIZEUS FOLLY About seven in the evening his Royal Highness returned here, and, after taking fresh horses, which were in readiness at the White Hart, proceeded on to Brighton. ' Lady Lade and the Barrys had the honour to be of the party. Her Ladyship, in rallying the Prince and Sir John, on their bad success, observed she thought even an object as large as a goose, might, with great safety, come in their way ; but was, soon after, con- vinced of her error, by being presented with a goose, which the Prince and Sir John had shot in a neighbour- ing pond. The joke was accompanied with great pleasantry ; and the farmer, who owned the goose, had the benefit of it, by receiving a handsome present from the Royal purse.' In 1792 the Prince went down to Brighton earlier than usual — in April — and his regiment was quartered there for the defence of the coast ; things on the Continent were very disturbed, and war with France broke out the next year. We read in the Sussex Weekly Advertiser of May 21 : 'On Friday the 10th Regiment of Light Dragoons had a grand field day, in honour of the Prince ; after which, his Royal Highness honoured the officers with his company to dinner, at the Old Ship tavern ; and, the next morn- ing, set out for town. The Prince is expected at Brighton this day, previous to the grand review of his regiment to-morrow, by Gen. Lascelles, on the Downs, near that place. On Friday next, the above regiment is to have another field day, in review order, at which the Duke and Duchess of York are expected to be present.' The French Revolution was seething, and prudent FRENCH EMIGRANTS 159 people were leaving France. We read in the same newspaper : ' There has been, lately, a great importa- tion of French Emigrants to Brighthelmstone. Last Wednesday, twelve of them, seemingly persons of dis- tinction, passed through this town, in four post chaises, on their route to Dover, in order to embark there for Brussels. Another cargo of the same quality, has also been smuggled in an open boat to Bulverhithe,^ on our coast, likewise on their way to the ex-Princes."' En passant, let me just give one anecdote of the manners and customs of Brighton at this time re fixnxxggWng {Sussex Weekly Advertiser, August 27, 1792): ' On Wednesday last, a smuggling cutter, having been closely chased at sea, in order to lighten her lading, threw 300 tubs of spirits overboard, and, by means thereof, escaped her pursuers. The Brighton fisher- men seeing many of the tubs float on a very rough sea before that town, swam out at the hazard of their lives and saved some of them. Two Revenue officers, who looked on while these hardy sons of Neptune buffeted the angry waves for the sake of their favourite grog, endeavoured to seize the fruits of their labour. But, one of them, in pursuing a woman, who had received a tub from her husband, or brother, fell down the bank and broke one of his legs, in a manner that the bone appeared through his stocking. The other, having gone down on the beach, in order more effectually to intercept his prey, was hustled by the crowd off one of the groins, and broke three of his ribs in the fall. 1 One mile from St. Leonards Station, and two miles west of Hastings. It is supposed to be the landing-place of Julius Caesar. 160 FLORIZEUS FOLLY Honest Jack, seeing his foes thus disabled, secured every tub that fell in his way, and in his dripping jacket, drank confusion to Excise." On August 27 Florizel gave a fete to celebrate his birthday, and this is a contemporary account of it {Sussex Weekly Advertiser, September 3): 'At the Prince's fete on Brighton Level, last Monday, no fewer than four thousand persons were supposed to have attended ; the majority to feast their eyes, while the others feasted more substantially on a fine ox, with a proportionate quantity of bread and strong beer pre- pared for the occasion. The ox was taken from the fire about S o'clock, and very skilfully dissected by Mr. Russel, at the bottom of a large pit, while the spectators and expectants stood, in theatric gradation, on its sloping sides. The day proved very favourable to this rustic festivity. His Royal Highnesses guests were very accommodating and good humoured to each other, until the strong beer began to operate. The Prince and Mrs. Fitzherbert looked on for a consider- able time with great good humour, and had the satis- faction of hearing that no accident nor injury occurred in so large a concourse, except a few blackeyes and bloody noses, at the close of the evening.' The French Revolution grew apace. On August 10 the Royal Swiss Guards were cut to pieces and 5,000 persons massacred. On August 26 there was a decree of the National Assembly against the priests, and 40,000 of them were exiled. From September 2 to 5 there was a fearful massacre in Paris ; the prisons were broken open, and 1,200 persons, including 100 priests, were slain. 'THE EMIGRANTS^ 161 Of these priests Charlotte Smith speaks in her poem called ' The Emigrants ' : 'Scene — On the Cliffs to the Eastward of the Town of Brighthelmstone, in Sussex. 'Time — A morning in November, 1792. ***** ' Behold, in witness of this mournful truth, A group approach me, whose dejected looks. Sad Heralds of distress ! proclaim them Men, Banish'd for ever, and for Conscience' sake, From their distracted Country, whence the name Of Freedom misapplied, and much abus'd By lawless Anarchy, has driven them far To wander ; with the prejudice they learn'd From Bigotry (the Tut'ress of the blind), Thro' the wide World unshelter'd ; their sole hope. That German spoilers, thro' that pleasant land May carry wide the desolating scourge Of War and Vengeance ; yet unhappy Men, Whate'er your errors, I lament your fate : And, as disconsolate and sad ye hang Upon the barrier of the rock, and seem To murmur your despondence, waiting long Some fortunate reverse that never comes ; Methinks, in each expressive face, I see Discriminated anguish ; there droops one, Who in a moping cloister long consum'd This life inactive, to obtain a better. And thought that meagre abstinence, to wake From his hard pallet with the midnight bell. To live on eleemosynary bread, And to renounce God's works, would please that God. And now the poor pale wretch receives, amaz'd, The pity, strangers give to his distress ; Because these strangers are, by his dark creed, Condemn'd as Heretics — and, with sick heart, Regrets his pious prison, and his beads,' etc.^ 1 ' The Emigrants : a Poem,' by Charlotte Smith ; London, 1793, 4to., p. 7. 11 fen Qjj?^,^^^^^^v M^lA iSS^^B ^s^"^^'^' y^^^^S^^'^^^^^^^^' «^&^^^^^g ^^^^^j^^^^^ ^^^^^^P %M^«!» ^^^m ^^^^P ^^^^^S^^^ ^^^^9 ^^^^^^^ l^^s^ ^W'^^ff ^Sw^y^ CHAPTER XIII. The emz^res — Duchesse de Noailles — The nuns — Camp at Brighton — The Prince as a soldier — His debts— Interview with the King- Breaks with Mrs. Fitzherbert — Her account —Satirical prints — Newspaper paragraphs. BOUT this time the emigres poured into Brighton, and happy were those who could thus save their Hves. Here is a con- temporary account, given in the Sussex Weekly Advertiser^ September 3, 1792 : ' Brighton once favoured the escape of a sovereign from his enraged subjects. The former town is now become the refuge of the persecuted noblesse of a neigh- bouring state. The former returned to his country and kingdom, untaught by affliction, and ungrateful to loyalty that had bled in his service. And it is to be feared, that if the bayonets of combined despotism restore the latter to their late rank and power, petty tyranny will revive, and human nature, exhausted in the unequal struggle for freedom, again lick the feet of her oppressors, in debility and despair. FRENCH EMIGRANTS 163 ' On Wednesday last (Ai(g\ 29) Madame {Duchesse de) Noailles arrived at Brighton from France, and was received with the most poHte and cordial hospitality, by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and Mrs. Fitzherbert. Her husband being a counter revolutionist, she found it very unsafe to remain any longer in Paris, or any other part of France, and sent her child and nurse before her, who took their passages from Dieppe to Brighton, where they arrived about a week ago. The lady, herself, had more difficulty in leaving her native land ; but we are far from vouching for the reality of all the sufferings which are said to have attended her emigration. Travelling in breeches^ was no very great distress ; but the coil of cable which is said to have enclosed her for fourteen hours, smells not less of the marvellous, than the tar. This, in the hands of a novelist, might be spun out to something monstrous pathetic. ' It is also said that the Marchioness de Bouille (? Beaule), whose safety in France might have been no less precarious than that of the other fair fugitive, hired an open boat at Dieppe, in which she committed herself to the mercy of the winds and waves ; and, after a very tempestuous passage, arrived safe, on Wednesday last, at Brighton. ' Some Frenchmen, seemingly of distinction, landed last Wednesday morning, after a very rough passage, in an open boat, at Newhaven ; and, on Friday, went post from this town for the Capital.' September 10. — ' On Wednesday and Thursday last, no less than oiie hundred and seventy French emigrants, ^ She was disguised iu male attire. 11—2 164 FLORIZEKS FOLLY mostly priests, were landed from the packets, and an open boat at Brighton. More are daily arriving ; and, many of them being observed to labour under very distressed circumstances, we hear a subscription has been opened for their relief, at Mr. Crawford's library. ' On Friday and Saturday last, near three hundred unfortunate Frenchmen of the above description were put on shore at Eastbourne, many of whom were hospitably received by Lord George Cavendish, Lord Bayham, A. Piggott, Esq''^, and many other of the Nobility and Gentry of that place. They, afterwards, took different routes for the Metropolis. Many, from the above place and Brighton, came to this town, and such as could not get places on the stage coach, hired carts for their conveyance. Five of them, seemingly of a superior order, who brought a letter of recommenda- tion to a gentleman of this town, have fixed their abode there. ***** ' Mrs. Fitzherbert, the Duchess de Noailles, and many other ladies of distinction, were present at the Cricket match, and dined in a marquee pitched on the ground, for that purpose. The Prince's band of music attended, and played during the whole time the ladies were at dinner. In the evening, Mrs. Fitzherbert, the Duchess, Lady Clermont, and Miss Piggott, walked round the ground, seemingly the better to gratify the spectators with a sight of the French lady. 'The Duchess de Noailles appears to be 21, or 22 years of age, is very handsome, and her figure and deportment are remarkably interesting,' FRENCH EMIGRANTS 165 September 17, 1792. — 'Upwards of five hundred un- fortunate emigrants were, last week, landed on our coast, who have had the fury of the elements to contend with, after escaping that of their barbarous country- men. The Brighton packets, heavily laden with them, were driven by the winds far eastward of their usual track ; and, with difficulty, made Hastings, Pevensey, and Eastbourne. At the former place, on Wednesday morning, seventy six, all ecclesiastics, came on shore ; among whom were the Bishop of AvrancJies, the Dean of Rotten, and several other dignitaries. The Bishop, with great difficulty, escaped from Avranclies with the assistance of one of his Grand Vicars, who, with one of his domestics, accompanied him to Rouen, where they were, for some days, concealed. The populace, how- ever, having discovered them, they were, again, obliged to fly. They travelled thence, on foot, in disguise, to Dieppe, at which place they arrived in the night, and took refuge, for a few hours, at a hotel. Thence, at the time appointed for the departure of the packet, they ran to the sea side, and, as it was, providentially for them, high water, they were enabled to put off, and instantly get out of the reach of the rabble, who, in less than one minute afterwards, pursued them to the shore, and, with savage fury, declared that it was their intention to have murdered them on the spot. ' The Bishop and his Grand Vicar were hospitably re- ceived at Hastings by the Rev. Mr. Whitear, who enter- tained them till Saturday, when they left that place for London. It is the duty of every Magistrate and Gentleman to prevent the lower classes in this country from imposing upon these poor fugitives. We are 166 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY sorry to learn that, at Hastings, the exactions of the boatmen, on Wednesday last, were shameful in the extreme. They refused to bring any of the Frenchmen on shore for less than four shillings a man ; and some even raised their fare to Jive shilling's. — Among English mariners, we thought that such unjust and uiifeeling wretches were not to be found.' A notice of the nuns who took refuge here must close this episode : October 29, 1792. — ' The Nuns, whose arrival at Brighthelmstone was mentioned in our last paper, were driven from a convent at Lisle. At the time of their debarkation they had only about thirty pounds in specie remaining, all the valuables of their convent having been seized on by the regenerate French. The Prince and Mrs. Fitzherbert paid them a very long visit at the New Ship Inn ; after which, his Royal Highness set on foot a subscription for their relief, which, in a short time, amounted to upwards of one hundred pounds. ' ' The above ladies, on the evening of their arrival, celebrated High Mass, with great solemnity, in an apartment at their inn. ''Twas remarkable that no two of the above nuns could be prevailed on to sleep in one bed." October 1, 1792. — 'The Prince, we hear, has it in contemplation, to take down, and entirely rebuild, on a much larger scale, his Marine Pavilion at Brighthelm- stone ;' but he did not do it just then, as he was woefully hard up. Of course, during the year the Prince did not escape the pencil of the satirist, and there was a print published A VOLUPTUARY UNDER THE HORRORS OF DIGESTION. BRIGHTON CAMP 167 on May 23, to understand which it must be premised that formerly, at the opening of Courts of Assize and Quarter Sessions in England, a proclamation against vice and immorality was always read. This print is called ' Vices overlooked in the New Pkocla^mation,"* in which are depicted the King and Queen as Avarice, the Prince as Drunkenness, the Duke of York as Gambling, and the Duke of Clarence and Mrs. Jordan as Debauchery. Another, published July 2, is 'A Voluptuary under the Horrors of Digestion.'' This is an excellent likeness of the Prince, who, with unbuttoned waistcoat, lolls in an armchair, picking his teeth with a fork. On the ground are dice, a New- market List, Debts of Honour unpaid, and Faro partner- ship Account, Self, Archer,^ Hobart and Co. In February, 1793, war was declared between France and England, and volunteers were enrolled for the defence of their country. Camps were formed at different parts of the coast, and there was one at Brighton in August of that year. Needless to say that the Prince's regiment was quartered there, and he him- self showed in great force. A contemporary'^ gives us an account of this camp, written by a volunteer : '' Brighto)i Camp, August 22. — On the Monday, whatever mistakes (if commanders can make any) had prolonged the order of march from Waterdown, they were removed, and the line reached Chailey in good time. With equal glee and regularity, they set off, the 1 Lady Archer and Mrs. Hobart, both notorious keepers of high-class faro-tables. 2 Gentleman's Magazine, vol. Ixiii., part ii., p. 785. 168 FLORIZEUS FOLLY next morning, for Brighton : about four miles before they arrived on their ground, their regiments were formed in battahons, in which order they moved, keep- ing good wheehng distance. The irregularity of the Downs frequently gave an opportunity of seeing every regiment with a coup cVoeil. Numbers of people came out to meet us. The town, with the sea and the music, and the universal animation around, somewhat dissi- pated the fatigue of a long march. Conspicuous among the spectators, was the Prince of Wales, in the honourable garb of his regiment, looking both the Soldier and the Prince. We marched by his Royal Highness by divisions, officers saluting, and then wheeled round the town to our new ground, which appeared a little Paradise, in comparison. ' The water at our former stations had too much chalybeate in it to be pleasant. On Chailey common it was good ; and, on our arrival here, we had the luxury of finding it could not be better. This necessary part of the comforts of life, with the delightful ground we are encamped upon, a full advantage of the sea breeze, and the lively scene continually passing and repassing in our front, make us hope we shall have more oppor- tunities of frequenting the Steine Parade than we had of visiting Tunbridge Wells. Besides, the Commander in Chief wonderfully gave us an overslaugh from Wed- nesday until Monday ; on which day we were out six hours and a half ; live of the hours dragged on with the usual having nothing to do. We then began to form columns and lines. This intention was by way of drilling in the new system. General Dundas, the modeller of it, gave his personal assistance ; and I could not help BRIGHTON CAMP 169 remarking how gracefully and expeditiously he moved his sun burnt hand, explanatory of his formation of the divisions into battalion. I dare say, when we have brought his theory to practical perfection, we shall never be a hair's breadth out. Old officers, who have been accustomed to fight after the old school, find great fault with many parts of this celebrated system.' This camp consisted of about 10,000 men, regulars, mihtia, and volunteers, and was situated at Hove, where it continued till October 28. Two new batteries were built, one on the west cliff", which mounted eight twenty-four pounders, and the other on the east cliff', where were four guns of the same weight. The ^rm^^aZ Register^ August 21, gives the following : ' Last Sunday, the Rev. Dr. Knox (a gentleman well known in the literary world as the author of several essays) preached at Brighton church. He took his text from St. Luke ; " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will towards men ^ In enlarging on this subject, he spoke in very strong terms of the calamities of war, and said that the tinsel of military parade was but a poor compensation for the innumerable miseries that were the too sure attendants upon a state of warfare ; that the voice of religion was but little heard amidst the roar of cannon, the shouts of conquerors, and the splendour of victory. In another part of his discourse, he said that rehgion and philosophy seemed to have but little weight in the councils of the rulers of the world. ' Several military officers in the church, officiously took upon themselves to think that the sermon was an attack upon the constitution of the country, and that it 170 FLORIZEUS FOLLY contained improper reflections upon the profession to which they belonged. ' Last night, Dr. Knox and his family being in one of the boxes at the theatre, there were, also, several officers in the house. At the end of the play, a note was handed by the box keeper, to Dr. Knox, stating that it was the desire of several gentlemen then present, that he should withdraw. The note being without a signature. Dr. Knox took no notice of it. Several officers then stood up, and insisted on his leaving the house immediately. ' A scene of much confusion, nearly bordering on personal violence, ensued. Dr. Knox attempted to speak, but was, absolutely, forcibly hindered from pro- ceeding ; and himself, Mrs. Knox, and two or three of their little children, were compelled to leave the house, to avoid vulitary coercion.'' Florizel, commanding his regiment, and playing at soldiers, was in his element, as the following extracts from the St. James's Chronicle show : August 13-15. — ' Monday, being the anniversary of the Prince of Wales' birth, the same was celebrated at Brighton ; the morning was ushered in by the ringing of bells ; and, at one o'clock, the guns of the salute battery were fired. Several of the nobility, who went down to pay their compliments to the Prince, visited his Royal Highness in the Pavilion, who gave a very superb entertainment to the officers of his regiment, etc., in his Marquee. In the evening there was a grand ball in the Castle, which was numerously attended.' September 5-7. — ' In the high winds of Wednesday night, the Prince of Wales's Marquee, in the Camp at THE PRINCE IN DEBT 171 Brighton, was blown down ; his Royal Highness, how- ever, suffered nothing; for, except on the nights when he is Colonel of the Camp, his residence is in the Pavilion. Many of the officers and men had their tents blown down on the same night/ This marquee was a very splendid and spacious affair, with a kitchen and all sorts of conveniences attached. Indeed, Florizel was ever attentive to his own comfort, vide the following account of his new travelling- carriage : August 22-24. — 'The Prince of Wales has just built a long carriage for travelling — it is so constructed, that, in a few moments, it forms a neat chamber, with a handsome bed, and every other convenience for passing the night in it, on the road, or in a camp.' It is all very nice to have travelling-carnages and marquees, and whatever one's soul desires, but if the income is a fixed one, albeit over oCTOjOOO a year, there must be a limit to expenditure. Poor Florizel was deeply in debt, and one of his best friends, the Earl of Malmesbury, tells us about it : ^ ' Landed at Dover on Saturday, June 2nd, 1792. . . . Saw Prince of Wales early the 4th — he was very well pleased with what I had done at Berlin, thanked me for it, etc. — Stated his affairs to me as more distressed than ever — Several executions had been in his house — Lord Rawdon had saved him from one — that his debts amounted to oC370,000. He said he was trying, through the Chancellor, to prevail on the King to apply to Parliament to increase his income. ^ ' Diaries and Correspondence of James Harris, first Earl of Malmesbury;' London, 1844, vol. ii., p. 450, etc. 172 FLORIZEKS FOLLY ' On the Wednesday following, I was with hira by appointment. He repeated the same again ; said that if the King would raise his revenue to dC'l 00,000 a year, he would appropriate cP35,000 of it to pay the interest of his debts, and establish a Sinking fund. That, if this could not be done, he must break up his establish- ment, reduce his income to i?l 0,000 a year, and go abroad. He made a merit of having given up the turf, and blamed the Duke of York for remaining on it. He said (which I well knew before), that his racing stable cost him upwards of .£30,000 yearly. He was very anxious, and, as is usual on these occasions, nervous and agitated. He said (on my asking him the ques- tion), that he did not stand so well with the King, as he did some months ago, but that he was better than ever with the Queen — that she had advised him to press the King, through the Chancellor, to propose to Mr. Pitt to bring an increase of the Prince's income before Parliament, and that, if this was done, she would use her influence to promote it. ' I strongly recommended his pressing the Queen. He suggested the idea of going to Mr, Pitt directly through the Chancellor, etc. I doubted both the consent of the Chancellor to such a step, at the moment he was going out, and his influence and weight if he did consent to it. I took the liberty of disapproving his going abroad, on any terms, and, particularly, under the circumstances he mentioned ; said, that if he should, unfortunately, be reduced to the necessity of lowering his income to the degree he had mentioned, it would be much better to live in England, than out of it. That the showing, in England, that he THE PRINCE IN DEBT 173 could reduce his expences, and live economically, would do him credit, prove him in earnest, and if he kept up to such a plan, would, in the event, be much more likely to induce the public to take his situation into consideration, than any attempts through Ministry, Opposition, or even the Queen herself. ' I saw the Prince again on the 7th June, at Carlton House, as before. He repeated the same things, and added, that, if he could not obtain some assurance from the King that he would apply to Parliament in the next Session of Parliament, before this ended, that he should be ruined, and must go abroad — I, again, com- bated this idea ; but he appeared to have a wish and some whim about going abroad, I could not discover. — He talked coldly and unaffectionately about the Duke and Duchess of York, and very slightingly of the Duke of Clarence. ' Colonel St. Leger called on me on the 8th June. He said the Prince was more attached to Mrs. Fitz- herbert than ever ; that he had been living with Mrs. Crouch^ ; that she (Mrs. Fitzherbert) piqued him by treating this with ridicule, and coquetted on her side. This hurt his vanity, and brought him back ; and he is, now, more under her influence than ever.' And yet he could sacrifice her, in order to get his debts paid, and himself have a larger income to squander. There was but one way out of his mess : that he must commit bigamy, and deliberately repudiate his wife. ^ Anna Maria Crouch, actress and famous singer ; born 17G3, died 1805. Separated from her husband in 1791. 174 FLORIZEKS FOLLY On August 24, 1794, the King wrote thus to Pitt from Weymouth : ' Agreeable to what I mentioned to Mr. Pitt before I came here, I have this morning seen the Prince of Wales, who has acquainted me with his having broken off all connection with Mrs. Fitzherbert, and his desire of entering into a more creditable line of life, by marry- ing ; expressing, at the same time, that his wish is that my niece, the Princess of Brunswick, may be the person. Undoubtedly she is the person who, naturally, must be most agreeable to me. I expressed my approbation of the idea, provided his plan was to lead a life that would make him appear respectable, and, consequently, render the Princess happy. He assured me that he perfectly coincided with me in opinion. I then said that till Parliament assembled, no arrangement could be taken, except my sounding my sister, that no idea of any other marriage may be encouraged. ' G. R.^ At this time Lady Jersey, a lady of mature age, had great influence over the Prince, and this probably made his rupture with Mrs. Fitzherbert the easier. The caricaturist (this time J. Cruikshank), who always seems to have been as well posted up in any Court scandal as one of our Society papers, has a picture, August 26, 1794, ' My Grandmother, alias the Jersey Jig, alias the Rival Widows." Old Lady Jersey, who is taking snuff, sits on the knee of the Prince, who says : ' I've kissed & I've prattled with fifty Grand Dames, And changed them as oft, do you see ; But of all the Grand Mammys that dance on the Steine, The Widow of Jersey give me.' SEPARATION FROM MRS. FITZHERBERT 175 Mrs. Fitzherbert, one hand clasping her forehead, and in the other holding a bond for £6,000 per annum, cries distractedly : ' Was it for this Paltry Considera- tion I sacrificed my — my — my — ? for this only I sub- mitted to — to — 'f Oh ! shame for ever on my ruin'd Greatness ! ! I" It came very suddenly. Both Mrs. Fitzherbert and the Prince were to dine with the Duke of Clarence ; the lady was there, but Florizel was not ; instead, a letter from him was handed to his wife repudiating her. Lord Stourton had the story from her own lips. Let him tell it : ' Her first separation from the Prince was preceded by no quarrel, or even coolness, and came upon her quite unexpectedly. She received, when sitting down to dinner at the table of William the Fourth, then Duke of Clarence, the first intimation of the loss of her ascendancy over the affections of the Prince ; having, only the preceding day, received a note from his Royal Highness, written in his usual strain of friendship, and speaking of their appointed engagement to dine at the house of the Duke of Clarence. The Prince's letter was written from Brighton, where he had met Lady Jersey. From that time she never saw the Prince, and this interruption of their intimacy was followed by his marriage with Queen Caroline ; brought about, as Mrs. Fitzherbert conceived, under the twofold influence of the pressure of his debts on the mind of the Prince, and a wish on the part of Lady Jersey to enlarge the Royal Establishment, in which she was to have an important situation. * Upon her speaking to me of this union (confiding 176 FLORIZEUS FOLLY in her own desire that I should disguise from her nothing that I might conceive to be of doubtful character as affecting her conduct to the Prince), I told her I had been informed that some proposals had been made to her immediately preceding the marriage of the Prince, of which her uncle, Mr. Errington, had been the channel, offering some terms upon which his Royal Highness was disposed to give up the match. She told me there was no truth whatever in the report ; that a day or two preceding the marriage, he had been seen passing rapidly on horseback before her house at Marble Hill, but that his motive for doing so, was unknown to her ; and that, afterwards, when they were reconciled, she cautiously abstained from alluding to such topics ; as the greatest interruptions to their happiness, at that period, were his bitter and pas- sionate regrets and self accusations for his conduct, which she always met by saying — " We must look to the present and the future, and not think of the past." ' I ventured, also, to mention another report, that George the Third, the day before the marriage, had offered to take upon himself the responsibility of breaking off the match with the Princess of Brunswick, should the Prince desire it. Of this, too, she told me, she knew nothing ; but added, that it was not improb- able, for the King was a good and religious man. She owned, that she was deeply distressed and depressed in spirits at this formal abandonment, with all its conse- quences, as it affected her reputation in the eyes of the world. ' One of her great friends and advisers, Lady Clare- mont, supported her on this trying occasion, and coun- o < a SEPARATION FROM MRS. FITZHERBERT 177 selled her to rise above her own feelings, and to open her house to the town of London. She adopted the advice, much as it cost her to do so ; and all the fashionable world, including all the Royal Dukes, attended her parties. Upon this, as upon all other occasions, she was principally supported by the Duke of York, with whom, through life, she was always united in the most friendly and confidential relations. Indeed, she frequently assured me, that there was not one of the Royal family who had not acted with kind- ness to her. She particularly instanced the Queen ; and, as for George the Third, from the time she set foot in England, till he ceased to reign, had he been her own father, he could not have acted towards her with greater tenderness and affection. She had made it her constant rule to have no secrets of which the Royal Family were not informed by frequent messages, of which, the Duke of York was, generally, the organ of communication, and, to that rule, she attributed, at all periods, much of her own contentment and ease in extricating herself from embarrassments which would, otherwise, have been insurmountable," Compare this paragraph with the ideas of the pic- torial satirist on her abandonment. Take, for instance, 'The Rage,' published November 21, 1794. Here we see Mrs. Fitzherbert, having thrown off her Princess of Wales's coronet, with clenched fists and dishevelled hair, sparring at the new Princess of Wales. Another, which is of the same date, and is called ' Penance for past Folly," shows Mrs. Fitzherbert weep- ing, and on her knees, before a Roman Catholic priest, who holds a birch rod in his hand. 12 178 FLORIZEUS FOLLY The newspapers had an early inkhng of the state of affairs between Mrs. Fitzherbert and the Prince, and the following cuttings from the Times of 1794 do not redound much to the paper's credit, or knowledge : July 21. — 'A CERTAIN LADY lias uot been so im- provident as the beauteous harlot in the days of Edward. She has, wisely, laid up ample provision for a rainy day ; and, therefore, her approach, unlike to that of Shore, is still as likely as ever to make " a little holiday !" ' July 23. — ' We have, hitherto, forborne to mention the report in circulation for many days past, of the FINAL separation between a Gentleman of the most DISTINGUISHED RANK, and a Lady who resides in Pall Mali, until we had an opportunity to ascertain the fact beyond all doubt. ' We are now enabled to state from the most un- doubted authority, that a final separation between the parties in question has actually taken place; that the agreements formerly entered into, have been given up by mutual consent ; that a new contract has been signed, by which the lady is secured in the possession of i?4,000 per annum, for her life, besides retaining her house in Pall Mall, plate, jewels, etc. ' Mrs. Fitzherbert has no intention of retiring into Switzerland, as has been reported. She is looking out for a house at, or near, Margate, where she means to reside for six months, in the society of the Duchess of Cumberland, Lady E. Luttrell, Mrs. Concannon,^ and others of her old acquaintance.' ^ All notorious gamblers and keepers of faro-tables. harynx to rectum begrim'd and befogg'd 'em : While, hoarsely, they growl'd at the house, and the smother, Though, by knowing the cause, they had curs'd one another. 'Mid their baneful carousals, I've fum'd and I've fretted, Till from kitchen to garret, I've croak'd, and I've sweated ; By pressure, I made my joints crack — I can't bawl — And drops, drawn from my heart, ran from every wall : But, his H s, not knowing my woes, or displeasure, Renew'd the broad catch, and refill'd every measure ; While the rascals around him. revil'd the damp mansion. And my marrow, scorch'd up by the fire's expansion : Which so heated my fibres and bones — I mean wood — That a putrescent fever polluted my blood ; Which settled behind the bed's head of the P e, And I've not had my health, or vay ease, ever since ; Yet I'm sure he would grieve, his politeness is such, Had he known that a lady had suffered so much. 188 FLORIZEUS FOLLY Thus they swill'd and re-swill'd, and repeated their boozings, Till their shirts became dy'd with purpureal oozings. When the taster sought wine of a primary sort, I have cough'd 'neath the bin, and shook all the old port, Till 'twas muddy as Will B ck's brains — yet each varlet Said 'twas as bright as a rubj', and toasting some harlot, Would then smack his lips, in despite of my labour ! Oh, ye Gods ! how I wish'd for a fist and a sabre. To cut down the hiccupping roist'rers with glee, That is, if their heads could be injur'd by me. When Weltje has cook'd for the half famish'd group, How oft have I belch'd pecks of soot in his soup : Yet e'en that could not drive them from board, or from bed, Though 'twas render'd as black as an Ethiop's head : When I've made it as foul as a Scot's ragged tartan, The rogues gulp'd it down, and all swore it was Spartan. When they've sat near the fire, in knee squeezing rows, I have spit out a coal, and demolished their hose : All my grates have breath'd sulphur to stifle their powers ; I'd a watch at my side to beat minutes and hours : When I've seen a Blight glide 'twixt the earth and the skies, I've coax'd in the demon, and ruin'd their eyes : I've edg'd down a poker on legs swell'd with gout. Till the miscreant has roar'd like swine stuck in the snout ; When Lord from my windows was making a beck, I have hurl'd down my sashes, and wounded his neck ; Though my rage could but bruise him black, yellow and blue, 'Twas a hint that might show what the nation should do : But each knave all the arts of my anger withstood. For the leeches will suck while the body has blood. I'd have prophecied much, had I Cerberus' three tongues ; I would fulminate oaths, but, alas I I've no lungs. When they thought 'twas an earthquake that palsied my walls, It was I who was shudd'ring to witness their brawls. There's no office so dirty but they would fulfil ; There's no sense of debasement could alter their will : When the munching of immature codlings might gripe him, They would tear out the leaves of the Psalter to wipe him. BRIGHTON IN 1796 189 Yet these summer fed vermin will fly him, if e'er His wintery fortunes should leave his trunk bare ; Then he'll know that but virtue can keep the soul great, As they'd make their past meanness the cause of their hate ! I have dropp'd lumps of lime in their glasses while drinking ; I've made thieves in the candle to move him to thinking ; I have clatter'd my casements and chairs to confound 'em ; I have let in the dews and the blast all around 'em ; I have elbow'd my timbers 'gainst many a head ; I have stirr'd up the sewers to stink 'em to bed : Yet this mass of antipathy marr'd my own liver. And my tears filFd the gutter like Egypt's deep river. — My eyes, my dear Coz, are exhausted with crying ; So I'll give o'er at present — I'm yours till I'm dying. ' Pavilion.' We learn what the society at Brighton was hke at this time by the following excerpt from the Times of July 13, 1796 : ' Brighton. — The Prince and Princess of Wales's arrival has been talked of much in London ; but, as yet, we have no signs of it here. The Duke and Duchess of Marlborough pass their time in a very retired manner indeed. His Grace walked for some time yesterday evening upon the Steyne ; the company consisted chiefly of opulent Jews, needy fortune hunters, broken down Cyprians, fishermen's daughters, and several fat city dowdies, from the environs of Norton Folgate. Her Grace commands the play on Friday evening, which will be her first appearance in public, here, for this season. The Officers of the Blues are the great dashers of the place ; they associate with no one but their own Corps. The most of them keep their blood horses, their curricles, and their girls. At one o'clock they appear on the 190 FLORIZEUS FOLLY parade, to hear the word of command given to the Subaltern Guard : afterwards, they toss ofi their goes of brandy, dine about five, and come about eight to the Theatre. Vivent V Amour et Bacchus.'' The latter part of this quotation seems to be borne out by the first of ' Twelve Golden Rules Jbr young Gentlemen of Distinction, to be observed at Brighton Jbr the year 1196': 'Young and inexperienced officers must confederate with several of their mess, as young as themselves, and reel into the theatre, during the performance, in a state of assumed intoxication, and be sure to disturb the audience in the most important part of the drama, by taking liberties with any of those Cyprian nymphs who harbour in the green boxes, and are, unhappily, devoted to insult : by this manoeuvre, if dexterously managed, they will gain three enormous points ; — the first is, the credit of having consumed more wine than their income will allow ; the second is, a disposition for unlimited intrigue ; and the third is, an opportunity of displaying their contempt for good manners, without any hazard of personal danger. — This behaviour will be totally out of character if any of the parties have seen service, or arrived at the years of discretion. ' N.B. — All descendants, or members of the tribes of Israel, must neither mention lottery tickets, omnium, bonus, scrip, navy, nor exchequer bills ; they must pay their tradesmen on Saturdays, laugh at the paschal, eat swine, and shave every day."* Let us look at Brighton as shown us by a con- temporary publication^ : 1 'New Brighton Guide,' 1796. BRIGHTON IN 1796 191 ' There are two taverns, namely, the Castle, and the Old Ship, where the richer visitors resort ; and, at each of these houses, a weekly assembly is held, where a master of the ceremonies attends, to arrange the parties, not according to the scale of morality, but that of aris- tocracy. There is a ball every Monday at the Castle, and, on Thursdays, at the Old Ship ; every subscriber pays three shillings and sixpence, and every non-sub- scriber, five shillings ; for which they are entitled to a beverage which they call tea and coffee. — The masters of the respective inns receive the profits, except on those nights appointed for the benefit of the Master of the Ceremonies ; to whom, all who wish to be arranged as people of distinction, subscribe one guinea — and who would not purchase distinction at so cheap a rate ! — Independently of this vain douceur^ they must pay most liberally for their tickets ! The card assemblies are on Wednesdays and Fridays. — There is a hotel, which was intended for a country Hummums, or grand dormitory; but, in my weak opinion, the establishment is some- what inefficient, unless it can be supposed that the tumultuous equipment of stage coaches, at the dawn of day, is contributory to the purposes of rest. — There is a theatre, commodious, and, generally, well directed ; the nights of performance are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. — At the lower end of North Street is a sort of Birmingham Vauxhall, called the Promenade Grove ; it is a small inclosure of a paddock, tormented from its native simplicity, befringed with a few gawky poplars, and decorated with flowers, bowers, zigzag alleys, a ditch, and a wooden box for the minstrels. — The coast is like the greater part of its 192 FLORIZEUS FOLLY visitors, bold, saucy, intrusive, and dangerous. — The bathing machines, even for the ladies, have no awning, or covering, as at Weymouth, Margate, and Scar- borough ; consequently, they are all severely inspected by the aid of telescopes, not only as they confusedly ascend from the sea, but as they kick and sprawl and flounder about its muddy margin, like so many mad Naiads in flannel smocks ; — the shore is so disastrously imperfect, that those beginners who paddle in, are injured by the shocking repulsion of the juices to the brain ; and, of those who are enabled to plunge in, and swim beyond the surge, it is somewhat less than an even bet, that many never return — in truth, the loss of lives here, every season, would make any society miser- able, who were not congregating in the mart of noisy folly. — There is a Subscription House, or Temple of Fortune, on the Steyne, where the minor part of our blessed nobility are accustomed to reduce their characters and their estates in the same period ; — the signal for admission is habeo, — for rejection, debeo. — There are lodgings of all descriptions and fitness, from twenty pounds per week, on the Cliffs, to half a crown per night in a stable — the keepers of the lodging houses, like the keepers of madhouses, having but one common point in view — to bleed the parties sufficiently. — There are carriages and caravans of all shapes and dimensions, from a waggon to a fish cart ; in which you may move like a king, a criminal, or a crab, that is, forwards, backwards, or laterally. — There are two libraries on the Steyne, replete with every flimsy species of novels, involving the prodigious intrigues of an imaginary society; this kind of recreation is termed Ug'ht reading: BRIGHTON IN 1796 193 perhaps, from the certain effect it has upon the brains of my young country women, of making them light headed ! — There is a parish church, where the canaille go to pray ; but, as this is on a hill, and the gentry found their Sabbath visit to the Almighty very trouble- some, the amiable and accommodating master priest has consigned the care of his common parish mutton to his journeyman^ the curate, and has kindly raised a Chapel Royal for the lamhs of fashion^ where a certain sum is paid for every seat ; and this, it must be admitted, is as it should be ; as a well bred Deity will, assuredly, be more attentive to a reclining Duchess, parrying the assaults of the devil, behind her fan, than the vulgar piety of a plebeian on his knees. — There were books open in the circulating libraries, where you were requested to contribute your mite of charity to the support of the rector, as his income is somewhat less than seven hundred pounds a year; the last incumbent died worth thirty thousand pounds." 13 ^^B 1 ^m CHAPTER XV. Reconciliation of the Prince and Mrs. Fitzherbert — Her scruples, etc. — The Prince at Brighton — Satirical prints — The Prince and the Pavilion— Increase of income — The Prince and his regiment — A race— Guests at the Pavilion — The Prince and his daughter. T was in this year that the separation of the Prince and the titular Princess of AVales was complete, and FlorizePs heart (if he had such a thing) went back to his wife. Let us hear Lord Stourton's account of their reconciliation : ' When she thought her connection with the Prince was broken off for ever, by his second union, she was placed by him in difficulties from the same earnest and almost desperate pursuit, as she had been exposed to during the first interval of his attachment. Numbers of the Royal Family, both male and female, urged a reconciliation, even upon a principle of duty. ' However, as she was, by his marriage with Queen Caroline, placed in a situation of much difficulty. RECONCILIATION 195 involving her own conscience, and making it doubtful whether pubHc scandal might not interfere with her own engagements, she determined to resort to the highest authorities of her own Church upon a case of such extraordinary intricacy. The Rev. Mr. Nassau, one of the chaplains of Warwick Street Chapel, was, therefore, selected to go to Rome and lay the case before that tribunal, upon the express understanding that, if the answer should be favourable, she would again join the Prince; if otherwise, she was determined to abandon the country. In the meantime, whilst the negotiation was pending, she obtained a promise from his Royal Highness that he would not follow her into her retreat in Wales, where she went to a small bathing place. The reply from Rome, in a Brief, which, in a moment of panic, she destroyed, fearful of the conse- quences during Mr. PercivaPs administration, was favourable to the wishes of the Prince ; and, faithful to her own determination to act, as much as possible, in the face of the public, she resisted all importunities to meet him clandestinely. The day on which she joined him again at her own house, was the same on which she gave a public breakfast to the whole town of London, and to which he was invited. ' She told me, she hardly knew how she could summon resolution to pass that severe ordeal, but she thanked God she had the courage to do so. The next eight years were, she said, the happiest of her connection with the Prince. She used to say that they were extremely poor, but as merry as crickets; and, as a proof of their poverty, she told me that once, on their returning to Brighton from London, they mustered 13—2 196 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY their common means, and could not raise ^5 between them. Upon this, or some such occasion, she related to me, that an old and faithful servant endeavoured to force them to accept £60, which he said he had accumu- lated in the service of the best of Masters and Mistresses. She added, however, that even this period, the happiest of their lives, was much embittered by the numerous political difficulties which frequently surrounded the Prince." We can scarcely, nowadays, when the judicial separa- tion of man and wife is an everyday occurrence, and divorce is rendered as easy as possible, properly conceive Mrs. Fitzherberfs feelings in this matter of reconcilia- tion. We must, however, remember that she was a strict Catholic, that her Church teaches that marriage is indissoluble, except by death, and that she invoked and followed the highest ecclesiastical authorities for guidance. Let us hear a modern opinion of her conduct. It occurs in the Dublin Review of October, 1854, p. 21, in a criticism of 'Lord Holland's Memoirs '': ' The doctrine of the Catholic Church regarding marriage is plain and simple. She teaches that the marriage contract itself, which is perfected by the words, " I take thee for my wife," on the part of the man, and " I take thee for my husband," on the part of the woman, or by any other words, or signs, by which the contracting parties manifest their intention of taking each other for man and wife, is a sacrament. Protestants are apt to fall into the mistake that it is the priest who administers the sacrament to the wedded pair. He does no such thing. As far as the validity of the contract and of the sacrament is concerned, even ROMAxN CATHOLIC OPINION 197 when the contracting parties are both Catholics, the priest need not utter a word. His presence is only necessary as a witness to the contract between the parties. Up to the time of the Council of Trent, the presence of a priest was not necessary for the validity of either the contract, or the sacrament. Nor was it by any means to confer the sacrament that the Council enacted a law requiring his presence. The law was made in consequence of the abuses which arose from clandestine marriages, because an immoral person who had married without witnesses, could, afterwards, deny the existence of the contract, and wed another publicly, and in the face of the Church. To prevent this abuse, the Council of Trent enacted that the parish priest of one of the contracting parties, or some other priest deputed by him, and two other witnesses should, /b?- the JuUire (hi posteruvi), be present {prcesente 2)arocho) at the marriage contract. The presence of the two other witnesses is required exactly in the same way as that of the parish priest. The law is simply that marriage should be contracted in the presence of three witnesses, one of whom should, necessarily, be the parish priest. ' Nor was this law made, at once, obligatory, even on Catholics. By an ordinance of the Council, it was not to have effect in any parisli until thirty days after it had been published there. This allowed a large dis- cretion to each bishop with regard to the time of its publication in his diocese, and, in fact, it is not long since it has been introduced into England. ' But it does not, and never did apply to any marriage in these countries, where one of the parties is not a 198 FLORIZEUS FOLLY Catholic. Neither in such marriages, which are called mixed, nor in those contracted between parties, neither of whom belong to the Catholic Church, is the presence of any priest required for the validity of either the contract, or sacrament. It is not even necessary that the contracting parties should know that marriage is a sacrament. The sacrament exists wherever Christians marry as Christ intended ; and, if they be properly disposed, they will receive grace to live happily together, and to bring up their children in the fear and love of God. ' Mrs. Fitzherberfs marriage was, therefore, perfectly valid, both as a contract and as a sacrament, in the eyes of the whole Catholic Church, and to imagine that she alone, of all those who professed the same faith, should look upon it as invalid, is monstrously absurd. Neither the Pope, nor the whole Church could have annulled it, nor allowed her to marry another. ' But it was illegal ! Why, so was the whole Catholic religion, at the same period. It was, not very long ago, unlawful to celebrate Mass, but the sacrifice was not, therefore, invalidly offered. To say that Mrs. Fitz- herbert considered the marriage ceremony to be nonsense, because it was illegal, at the time when the penal code against Catholics — and especially that part of it which regarded matrimony — was in full operation, is about as reasonable, as to prove that she did not believe in transubstantiation, because the law declared it to be damnable and idolatrous." For the next two or three years we hear little about the Prince, the newspapers leaving his doings unrecorded. We learn (May 15, 1797) that ' On last Thursday even- ing, the Prince of Wales, accompanied by a single gentle- THE PRINCE AT BRIGHTON 199 man, arrived at his Pavilion at Brighton. His Royal Highness, the next day, reviewed the Monmouth and Brecon Militia, on the Downs, near the above place. To-day, we hear, the Prince leaves Brighton, having come there only for a few days, by the advice of Dr. Warren, for the benefit of the sea air. His Royal Highness has lost much of his corpulence since he was last at Brighton."' He went again, on -Tuly 24, to be present at the races, and it is recorded that, on October 23, ' The Prince of Wales amused himself with a day's shooting at Petworth, on an invitation from the Earl of Egremont. The next day, his Royal Highness being on his way to London, with post horses, very narrowly escaped being overturned, about a mile and a half on the other side of Cuckfield, where the horses, by some means, took the carriage off the main road to the side of a bank, and with an in- clination that threatened its overturn, for the space of many yards, but fortunately, and owing to the lowness of the carriage, it was kept upon its wheel s."" He was present at the races on August 1, 2, and 3, 1798, and a newspaper remarks that 'The change of society and manners which has taken place at the Pavilion, gives the most heartfelt satisfaction to every lover of his country ; it is, now, every way worthy of the Heir apparent of the British Empire.'' In 1799 we hear of him being at Brighton, both in July and October. In 1800 he was at the races in August, when his horse Knowsley won a race. In the ' Brighton New Guide,' fourth edition, there is a good view of the Pavilion as it was in 1800, with the follow- ing text : 200 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY ' Adjoining to Marlborough House stands the Marine Paviliox, built by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, in the year 1784. ' This handsome structure extends upwards of 200 feet in front, towards the Steyne ; the centre is a circular building, with a lofty dome, supported by pillars ; on each side are two elegant rooms on the ground floor, with bed chambers over them : in addition to these, in the spring of 1802, two wings were added, which gives a light, airy appearance to the building ; gravel walks, grass plats, and plantations towards the Steyne, add a great degree of elegance to the whole. ' The front, towards the street, forms a square, with a handsome colonnade in the middle, supported by columns ; in the wings are commodious apartments for his Royal Highnesses suite ; in the court is the figure of a negro supporting a dial, executed in a superior style of beautiful sculpture.' The Prince was at Brighton in 1801. Vide the following extract from a newspaper : ' Rejoicings for Peace. Oct. 14. — On Monday, the joyful tidings of Peace were celebrated here; the bells rang from six in the morning till twelve at night ; never was the satisfaction of the people more fully displayed. Young and old wore ribbons emblematic of the occasion — Peace and Plenty ! The sea fencibles fired ajeii de joie, marched from thence to the Prince's house, and gave him three loud huzzas : with that liberality which has ever marked our Royal guest, he ordered them two hogsheads of beer. Brilliant illuminations took place in the evening ; the whole town appeared in a blaze. The most distinguished were those of his Royal High- SATIRICAL PRINTS 201 ness the Prince of Wales, flambeaux burning round his house, and every window lighted. This happy day closed with a ball and supper at the Castle, attended by near five hundred visitors ; at one o'clock the room was opened with the most sumptuous entertainment ; every delicacy that could be procured.'' The Prince was in Brighton in 1802, and in the latter part of the year hunted almost daily with his harriers, and had concerts at the Pavilion two or three times a week. He left it for the season on December 27. A newspaper cutting tells us that ' The charitable donations and willing assistance which Mrs. Fitzherbert has bestowed, and continues to bestow on the unfor- tunate individuals of this place, have justly endeared her to the inhabitants of every description." But the miserable caricaturist, who knew nothing of her noble nature, depicts her in a scurrilous drawing (October 21, 1802), entitled 'A Bkighton Breakfast, OR MoRNiXG Comforts.' Mrs. Fitzherbert and Lady Lade are at breakfast ; Mrs. Fitzherbert is pouring Hollands into a huge tumbler labelled ' Comfort,' and says, ' Won't you take another Comforter ? We must make haste, I expect Noodle here presently.' Lady Lade, who takes Brandy, says, ' I think your Comforters are bigger than my John's.' The next day brought out another satirical print, indicative of the Prince's intimacy with the Lades. It is called ' Birds of a Feather Flock Together ; Diversions of Brio-hton.' Sir John Lade and the Prince are on the box of an open carriage, in which are seated Mrs. Fitz- herbert and a lady (Miss Snow). Sir John is lashing one of the four horses, and says to the Prince, ' There, 202 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY B 1 it, don't you see ? that's the Cut/ Miss Snow observes to Mrs. Fitzherbert, ' Did Noodle bring your physic this morning ?' To which she replies, ' Oh, yes, he calls regularly every morning."' We read in the Sussex WeeUy Advertiser (February 28, 1803) that ' The Prince's Pavilion at Brighton is under- going other considerable alterations and improvement, under the direction of Mr. Holland, the architect ; and is ordered to be got ready for the lesidence of his Royal Highness, at an early part of the ensuing season.' On October 14, 1800, just before Weltje died, the Prince took from him a lease of the Pavilion for ninety- nine years at a rent, annually, of ^^1,150, and on April 18, 1803, he went to Brighton to see how the alterations were getting on. 'His Royal Highness slept at the house, late Weltje's, adjoining the Pavilion, the repairs and alterations of which are not yet com- pleted. The Prince, after minutely inspecting the works going on, returned to town on Thursday.' In this extravagance he was somewhat justified, for on February 16 the Chancellor of the Exchequer brought before the House of Commons the following message from the King; : ' George R. ' His Majesty having taken into consideration the period which has elapsed since the adoption of those arrangements which were deemed, by the wisdom of Parliament, to be necessary for the discharge of the incumbrances of the Prince of Wales; and, having adverted to the progress which has been made in carrying INCREASE OF INCOME 203 them into effect, recommends the present situation of the Prince to the attention of this House. 'Notwithstanding the reluctance and regret which his Majesty must feel in suggesting any addition to the burthens of his people, he is induced to resort, in this instance, to the experienced liberality and attachment of his faithful Commons, in the persuasion that they will be disposed to take such measures, as may be calculated to promote the comfort, and support the dignity of so distinguished a branch of his Royal Family.'' On February 23 the House went into Committee to consider the King's message ; and the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Addington) pointed out that on the 5th of the previous January .£'563,895 had been paid off" the Prince's debt of 0^650,000, and that the whole would be discharged in July, 1806. He moved ' That his Majesty be enabled to grant a yearly sum, or sums of money, out of the Consolidated Fund of Great Britain, not exceeding, in the whole, the sum of Sixty thousand pounds ; to take place, and be computed from the 5th day of January, 1803, and to continue until the 5th day of July, 1806, towards providing for the better support of the station and dignity of his Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.*' This resolution was agreed to. In September, 1803, the royal stables, now the Dome, were commenced, and that the Prince was there in October we have evidence in the following newspaper cutting : ' Oct. 2. — The Prince of Wales, at the conclusion of the Concert at the Pavilion, some time after mid- night, on Thursday last, addressing himself to Colonel 204 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY Leigh, expressed an anxious desire to know in how short a time his regiment of dragoons could be under arms, and ready to face the enemy, should necessity require their exertions in the night. The Colonel im- mediately proposed, as the best method of satisfying his Royal Highness, instantly to ride to, and order an alarm to be sounded at, the barracks ; and, afterwards, to return, and give his Royal Highness a correct account of the conduct of his troops. This measure being approved by the Prince, the Colonel's horse was soon brought to the door, and he set off, with all possible speed to see it carried into effect. ' On reaching the advanced guard at the entrance of the barracks, the Colonel commanded a black trumpeter on duty, to sound to arms. The man, in obedience to the mandate, raised the trumpet to his lips ; but the surprise of the moment so greatly overpowered him, that he wanted breath to put it in execution. An English trumpeter, who overheard the order, as he lay in bed, in an instant arose, dashed open the window of his room, and without waiting for further advice, put the bugle to his mouth, gave the proper signal, and the troops, in every part, were, in an instant, in motion. The greater part of the soldiers had been in bed many hours ; the whole of them were properly accoutred, and on their horses, together with the flying artillery, in readiness to depart, in time sufficient to have reached Rrighton within 15 minutes after the bugle gave the alarm. The barracks are situated something better than a mile and a half to the north of the town.' The following excerpt from the Annual Register shows the diversions of Brighton : BRIGHTON ANECDOTES 205 ' Aitg. 20, 1803. — A whimsical exhibition took place on the race ground at Brighton. Captain Otto, of the Sussex Militia, booted, and mounted by a grenadier of 18 stone weight, was matched to run 50 yards, against a poney, carrying a feather, to run 150; but Capt. Otto's rider tumbled over his neck, which he was very near cracking ; and, consequently, he lost the bet. The next match was, the same gentleman, mounted by the same grenadier, to run 50 yards, against a noble lord, carrying a feather, who was to run 100. He was considerably distanced by the latter.' The following is taken from the Times of September 7, 1804: ' Brighton Anecdote. — Some ill timed pleasantry was played off, a few days ago, at Brighton, on a respectable Laro Officer and his wife, who have made a summer excursion there. An invitation, couched in due form, and beaiing all the marks of authenticity, was sent to them, desiring their company at the Pavilion in the evening. The Gentleman and Lady, justly proud of the distinguished honour thus conferred on them, they knew not how, attended at the hour appointed, and were ushered into the Saloon, in which were many persons of distinction, to whom they were wholly unknown. Some embarrassment necessarily ensued, but it was increased to a ten fold degree, when they were announced to the illustrious Master of the house, who had no recollection either of his guests, or the invitation in his name ; an explanation ensued, and his Royal Highness, with all that urbanity that distinguishes him as the most finished Gentleman in Europe, was pleased to declare " that he felt himself much indebted to the 206 FLORIZEUS FOLLY ingenious person, who (by forging his invitation, in order, perhaps, to sport with their feelings) had afforded him the pleasure of their society and acquaintance, however unexpected ; and that he was perfectly happy in the opportunity of receiving them." His Royal Highness conducted himself towards them during the whole of the evening with the most liberal and marked attention, and thus converted a rencontre, which was pro- duced by the most malignant motives, into a source of honour and perfect satisfaction/ Of the Prince's connection with Brighton in 1804 we have very little trace. He was averse to having his doings chronicled, probably because they were im- mediately pictorially satirized ; but we have a very fine one by Gillray, called The Reconciliation, published on November 20, 1804. The Prince and the King had been at daggers drawn, principally as to the guardianship of the little Princess Charlotte. A peace was temporarily patched up between them, and the King wrote on November 7 to the Chan- cellor that he was ready to receive the Prince. The letter being forwarded to the latter, he at once replied : ' Brighton, ' Nov. 8, 1804. ' The Prince of Wales, without delay, acknowledges the receipt of the Chancellor''s letter ; and will, in con- sequence of the gracious intention signified from his Majesty, be in London to-morrow evening, with Lord Moira, who has just arrived at Brighthelmstone. The Earl of Moira is authorised by the Prince to wait upon the Chancellor at any hour on Saturday morning, that his lordship may please to appoint.' THE KING AND THE PRINCE 207 The meeting between father and son took place on November 12, and next day the King wrote to the Princess of Wales : 'Windsor Castle, • Nov. 13, 1804. *My dearest Daughter in Law, and Niece, ' Yesterday, I and the rest of the family had an interview with the Prince of Wales, at Kew. Care was taken on all sides to avoid all subjects of altercation, or explanation, consequently, the conversation was neither instructive, nor entertaining ; but it leaves the Prince of Wales in a situation to show whether his desire to return to the family, is only verbal, or real, which time, alone, can prove. I am not idle in my endeavours to make inquiries that may enable me to communicate some plan for the advantage of the dear child. You and I, with so much reason, must interest ourselves; and its effecting my having the happiness of living more with you, is no small incentive to my forming some ideas on the subject, but you may depend on their not being decided upon, without your thorough and cordial concurrence ; for your authority as a mother, it is my object to support. ' Believe me, at all times, ' My dearest daughter and niece, ' Your most affectionate Father in Law and Uncle, ' George R." Nothing really came of this so-called ' Reconcilia- tion,' and soon father and son were as much estranged as ever. Gillray gives us a picture of the Pi'odigal Son's return. ^ A)id he arose and came to Jus Father; SOS FLORIZEKS FOLLY and his Father saw him, and had compassion and ran, and fell on his nech, and kissed him.' The Prince of Wales is in tatters, with his empty pockets turned inside out, his stockings slipping down, and his shoes down at heel. Lord Moira and Pitt stand by, looking on, and Queen Charlotte, with her arms outspread, and two of the Princesses, are beaming with delight. CHAPTER XVI. The case of Miss Seymour — Satirical prints thereon — The Prince at Brighton, 1806— His birthday— The Green Man — Visit of the Princess Charlotte. nN 1805 the Prince was much at Brighton, but we hear but little of him except in connection with Mrs. Fitzherberfs guardianship of Miss Mary Seymour, a child of whom the Prince of Wales was very fond, and Lord Stourton tells the story in a pleasant way : ' A circumstance now took place, which ended by blasting all her happy prospects, and, finally, terminated in a rupture with the Prince, which lasted till the end of his life. One of the dearest friends of Mrs. Fitz- herbert, Lady Horatia Seymour, in the last stage of decline, was advised to go abroad, to seek, in change of climate, her only chance of recovery. She had, at that time, an infant, and, not being able to take it with her, she entrusted her treasure to the care of her attached friend, Mrs. Fitzherbert, who, having no child of her 210 FLORIZEUS FOLLY own, soon became devotedly attached to the precious child, and her affection for the child increased with the loss of the parent. Some time afterwards, one of the near relatives of the family, desirous of having the education of the child placed in other hands, and being jealous of the religion of its protectress, applied to the Chancellor to obtain possession of Miss Seymour, as guardian. Mrs. Fitzherbert, now more than ever devoted to the child, and sharing, in this affection, with the Prince himself, exerted every means to retain the custody of it ; and, after all others had failed, had, at last, recourse to Lady Hertford, with whom she was, formerly, intimately acquainted. She requested her to intercede with Lord Hertford, as head of his house, to come to her aid ; and, demanding for himself the guardianship of the child, to give it up to her,^ upon certain conditions as to its education."' The satirical prints, of course, were to the fore on this subject, although it was a purely private matter. First of all comes (January 9, 1805) ' To Be, or Not TO Be, a Protestant."' Miss Seymour is sitting on a sofa, holding in her hand a book, ' Mother's advice to her Daughter^ respecting the true principles of the Pro- testant relig'ioii''; Mrs. Fitzherbert, wearing a rosary and crucifix, and having in her hand a book, ' Directions from the clergy^ respecting the Duty of a true Catholic, in converting all, etc.,'' says : ' I say I have the un- doubted right to have the care of her, and to bring her up as I like. Do I not Rule the Roast .''"' At an open door appears a monk, who says : ' Well done, my Child, ^ An arrangement which was satisfactorily effected. -V-*'^ ^OTTT 4 -^'sCy* ^» "~>. ~ THE GUARDIAN' ANGET,. SATIRICAL PRINTS 211 you are now serving our holy religion ; you shall next use your influence to procure us Emancipation."' ' The Convention, or a Hint at Emancipation,"' is another on the same subject (February 18, 1805). Mrs. Fitzherbert, who has been reading 'The Reign of Queen Mary,"' is seated at a table with a monk, who is making a hearty meal of roast beef and port wine. She says : ' Oh, Father, they want to rob me of my charge, I will not part with her ; entrusted to my care, I have the will and the power to make her as mine own, and save one Heretic, at least. I know my power, and will exert it for our cause.' Says the monk : ' Dear Child ! the labours of the faithful claim their due regard. That thou hast laboured to promote our cause, full well I know, and have my brethren well informed. Emancipation is at hand, and all depends 011 thee.'' But the best print is ' The Guardian Angel. The print taken from the Rev. Mr. Peter's sublime Idea of an Angel conducting the Soul of a Child to Heaven."' Mrs. Fitzherbert, with an apron full of ' play things,"* such as rosaries, monstrances, thuribles, service-books, etc., is the angel, who, ascending from the Pavilion at Brighton, with Miss Seymour in her arms, points to an altar surrounded by lighted candles, flowers, etc., and surmounted by a Virgin and Child. All round are cherubs — Fox, Sheridan, Earl of Derby, etc., all friends of the Prince. We learn the following from a newspaper cutting in 1805: ' On Friday and Saturday, the Prince, attended by Col. Leigh and Col. Hanger, rode for several hours. 14—2 212 FLORIZEUS FOLLY Soon after six o'clock, on the former evening, his Royal Highness, in his carriage, left the Pavilion to dine with the Marchioness of Downshire, at Westfield Lodge. Among the elegantes present, on this occasion, were. Lord and Lady Harrington, the beautiful and accom- plished Lady Ann Maria Stanhope, Mrs. Fitzherbert, Baron Eben, Col. Hanger, Col. Leigh, etc., forming, on the whole, a select and sociable party of fourteen. About nine o'clock, the Prince, the Marchioness, and the whole of her guests from Westfield Lodge, removed to the Pavilion, where a most splendid entertainment, consisting of a ball and supper, etc., was given by the Prince, and of which the greater part of the most dis- tinguished persons, here at present, partook, in number somewhat exceeding one hundred and sixty. . . . On the night following (Saturday) it being the natal day of the interesting little protegee of Mrs. Fitzherbert, Miss Seymour, this young lady gave a ball and supper to a party of juvenile nobility, at the Pavilion.' The Prince's birthday in 1806 was celebrated at Brighton with great festivity. '■Aug. 12. — At the Pavilion dinner yesterday, the Prince entertained five of his Royal brothers, the Dukes of York, Clarence, Kent, Sussex, and Cumberland. Of the splendid party were also the Duke of Orleans, M. Beaujolais, the Marquis of Winchester, Count Stahremberg, Mr. Sheridan, Colonels Turner and Lee, etc. This being the natal day of the Heir apparent, the morning was ushered in by the ringing of bells, and the flag was hoisted on the tower of the church. Two oxen, pro bono pnhlk'o, are roasting whole, on the Level. Such an agreeable bustle as this town at present THE PRINCE'S BIRTHDAY, 1806 213 exhibits, was never witnessed here before. Business is totally given up, and pleasure is the standing order of the day. At ten o'clock a.m., the Otter sloop of war, decorated with the colours of all nations, hoisted the Royal Standard at the main, and announced the event by a discharge of her guns. The Gallant and Calypso, armed brigs, and Earl Craven's yacht, were, also, dressed out with colours. About this time, the Carabineers fi'om Shoreham, and the Fourth Dragoons, passed to the north and south of the town for the Downs. The Artillery, the King's Dragoons, and the Nottingham and South Gloucestershire Militias were under arms as early as four o'clock in the morning. At half past twelve, the Prince of Wales, habited as a Field Marshal, a star at his breast, accompanied by his Royal brothers, and a numerous suite of noblemen, etc., and mounted on a grey charger, splendidly capari- soned, left the Pavilion for the Downs. The Royal brothers were all in regimentals, with stars at their breasts. The Duke of Sussex wore his Highland uniform. The Earl of Moira, General White, Count Beaujolais, Lord E. Somerset, the Earl of Barry more, etc., were in the Prince's suite. Lady Haggerstone, and Miss Seymour, the Lord Chanceller, Lord Head- fort, Mr. Sheridan, and Mrs. Smith were in the Prince's landau. Mrs. Fitzherbert was detained at home by indisposition. 'As soon as the Royal cavalcade was distinguished by the military on the Downs, signal guns were discharged, and every necessary adjustment was, in an instant, made for its reception. The Royal party now advanced, and passed down the centre of the line, each regiment saluting. 214 FLORIZEUS FOLLY and the bands alternately playing " God save the King." Having reached the extremity of the line, the cavalcade turned back, and the Commander in Chief and staff", took their stations in the centre of the line, the Prince and the other Royal Dukes facing them. The whole line now saluted the Prince. This ended, the line passed the Prince, in review order, to slow time ; the bands of each regiment wheeling off", and playing until the regi- ment to which they were attached, had gone by. The regiments again passed in quick time, the Duke of York, etc., having stationed themselves by the Prince of Wales. The line was again formed, when o^feu cle joie was fired in a very capital style. Huzzas and " God save the King " concluded the proceedings, this day, on the hill, when a signal was hoisted at the Telegraph, for the shipping to salute, which was instantly obeyed ; and every house in the town was shaken by the explosion. The Princes returned to the Pavilion about half past three o'clock. At six, all the splendour and fashion of Brighton were assembled to dine at the Pavilion. ' Tuesday Evening. — The crowd on the Level in number are many thousands ; and his Royal Highnesses butcher, Russell, habited in a white jacket, the sleeves ornamented with buff and blue ribbons, and a blue sash containing the words " Long live the Royal Brothers," with a white apron, and steel, and a fanciful cap to correspond, has just given the signal for the grand carver to do his duty. The acclamations of the multitude are deafening, and all, now, is confusion, expectation and joy. The Nottingham Militia, whose encampment adjoins the public kitchens, are busy actors in this scene. They distinguish themselves manfully, and many a heavy joint. THE PRINCESS BIRTHDAY, 1806 215 after severe struggles for victory, is borne by them, triumphantly, to their tents. Amongst the splendid party at the Pavilion are, the six Royal Brothers, the Lord Chancellor, Earl Moira, Count Beaujolais, Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Tierney, with a numerous assemblage of persons, the most distinguished for their rank and talents. Two bands of music, the Prince's own, and the South Gloucester, play alternately on the Lawn. The Steyne is crowded with pedestrians. The town is generally illuminated ; Pollard's and Donaldson's libraries have, both, a very brilliant appearance. The Theatre, Fisher's lounge, Mr. Russell's, the Old Ship, the New Inn, the Coach Offices, Blaker's, Alexander's, and the greater part of the houses at the bottom of North Street, are, also, lit up in a very radiant style. 'At ten o'clock, the Princes and the whole of the Royal dinner party left the Pavilion, for the ball at the Castle. The rooms had a good show of company as early as half past eight, but, towards nine, they began to arrive in crowds. Carriages with four and six horses rattled through the town from Worthing, Rottingdean, Lewes and Eastbourne. Before ten o'clock, not less than four hundred persons were present ; and, before eleven, the assemblage had received an addition of two hundred, at least. The crowd occasioned heat, and many ladies nearly fainted, though every possible pre- caution was taken to prevent it. ' When the Roval Brothers entered the ball room, the band (the Prince's) struck up, " God save the King," all the company standing until they had passed down the room. All the rank, elegance, fashion and beauty in Sussex were present. A few minutes subsequent to 216 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY the aiTival of the Princes, dancing commenced with the Honey Moon. About fifty couple stood up; who led off, it was impossible correctly to ascertain. This dance was succeeded by Lord Macdonald''s reel ; at the end of which, about half an hour after midnight, the Prince and his Royal brothers removed to the supper rooms : tables were laid in three separate rooms, but the com- pany was so numerous, that many could not be accom- modated with seats; and, consequently, sans refreshment, they were compelled to remain in the ball room. The tables were decorated with every delicacy of the season. The ladies were dressed in an unusual style of elegance ; such a rich display of diamonds we never saw at a public entertainment before, and such a fascinating display of beautiful women, in one house, was not to be found, perhaps, in any other part of the world. The Princes were all in regimentals, and all appeared in high health and spirits. The attention paid by those illustrious personages to the company was highly flattering. They entered into conversation with all they knew ; and the ladies were highly gratified with the marked attention which was so peculiarly bestowed upon them ; and all ultimately retired, highly gratified with the entertain- ment they had received.' My readers must pardon my introducing an episode unconnected with this book, except as regards Brighton ; but it is so curious that I cannot refrain. It is chronicled in the Annual Register for 1806 : ' Oct. 25. — Among the personages who lately attracted public notice at Brighton, was an original, or would he original, generally known by the appellation of The Greex man. He dressed in green pantaloons, green THE ' GREEN MAN ' 217 waistcoat, green frock, green cravat : and, though his ears, whiskers, eyebrows, and chin were powdered, his countenance, no doubt, from the reflection of his clothes, was also green. He ate nothing but greens, fruits and vegetables ; had his rooms painted green, and furnished with green sofa, green chairs, green tables, green bed, and green curtains. His gig, his livery, his portmanteau, his gloves and his whip were all green. With a green silk handkerchief in his hand, and a large watch chain with green seals, fastened to the green buttons of his green waistcoat, he paraded every day on the Steine. ' This morning, at six o'clock, this gentleman leaped from the window of his lodging, on the south parade, into the street, ran thence to the verge of the clift' nearly opposite, and threw himself over the precipice, to the beach below. The height of the cliff" whence he pre- cipitated himself, is about 20 feet perpendicular. From the general demeanour of the above gentleman, it is supposed he is deranged. His name, we understand, is Henry Cope, and that he is related to some highly dis- tinguished families." There were some contemporary verses on Mr. Cope : ' A spruce little man in a doublet of green, Perambulates, daily, the streets and the Steyne. Green striped is his waistcoat, his small clothes are gi'een, And, oft, round his neck a green 'kerchief is seen. Green watch string, green seals, and, for certain, I've heard, (Tho' they're powdered) green whiskers, and eke a green beard ; Gi-een garters, green hose, and, deny it who can, The Brains, too, are green, of this little green man.' Another account of him says : ' Mr. Cope, at four o'clock, walked on the Steyne ; 218 FLORIZEUS FOLLY he wore a huge cocked hat, with gold tassels. He was surrounded with company, who expressed their surprise at the size of his hat : when he answered that he was then performing a different character from that of the preceding day. He is the gaze of Brighton.*' In 1807 the Princess Charlotte was staying at Worthing, and paid a surprise visit to the good folks of Brighton. ' July 27. — About eight o'clock yesterday evening, an open barouche, with four horses, halted for a few minutes nearly opposite to the Pavilion, and, shortly afterwards, it was ascertained that the carriage contained the Princess Charlotte of Wales. The carriage at length moved for the Buff and Blue houses, and, afterwards, down the North and South Parades, followed by an immense confluence of people, anxious to obtain a view of the interesting blossom of royalty. As if to gratify the populace, the carriage moved but slowly, and, on the North Parade, it again halted for a few moments. Her Royal Highness was habited in a very plain and simple style, white frock and slouch straw hat. She appeared in charming health, and much pleased with the re- spectful notice she obtained. Her extreme likeness to her Royal parent was loudly spoken of, and, on that subject, there could be but one opinion. Her Royal Highness, prior to her arrival here, yesterday, had paid a visit to Lewes. She returned from hence to Worthing.'' The Prince liked to spend his birthdays at Brighton, and 1807 was no exception. Here is a contemporary account of the festivities : PRINCESS CHARLOTTE AT BRIGHTON 2J9 ' Aug. 12. — His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales's birthday was announced, this morning, by the ringing of bells, and every demonstration of joy : colours were hoisted on the church. The gun brig, the Strenuous, and Earl Craven's boat, Avere dressed in national colours, and placed in a situation to be seen from the Pavilion. By eight o'clock, the whole town was in motion, the Marine Parade was lined with company, the balconies were full of beauty and fashion, and all the telescopes were in use. At ten o'clock, the gun brig fired a royal salute, which was answered by Earl Craven's boat. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales's band, in full uniform, played on the lawn in front of the Pavilion ; and, on the outside of the railing, the carriages formed a complete line, the ladies sitting on the boxes, surrounded by a vast number of gentlemen on horseback, viewing the lawn in front of the Pavilion, where all the Royal Dukes were walking. ' At eleven o'clock, her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales arrived at the Pavilion from Worthing, in one of her Royal father's carriages, drawn by four beautiful bays. Her Royal Highness was dressed in white muslin, trimmed with point lace, Vandyked at the edges, and wore a Leghorn gipsy hat, with wreaths of small roses round the edge of the leaf, and a second row round the crown. Her Royal Highness looked most charmingly, and was received at the grand entrance by her Royal father and uncles, who conducted her to the Chinese apartment, with which she appeared greatly delighted. The Pavilion was surrounded on all sides by a most numerous concourse of spectators, who waited anxiously to see the Royal party proceed 220 FLORIZEUS FOLLY to the ground, where the grand review was to take place. ' At twelve o'clock, a Royal salute was fired from the batteries; and, immediately after, two of the Royal carriages came out, the first, drawn by four bays, with two postilions dressed in blue striped jackets, and brown beaver hats ; in this carriage were Viscount and Viscountess Melbourne, Lord Erskine, and Mr. Dalmy ; in the second, her Royal Highness, the Princess Charlotte of Wales, attended by the Dowager Lady De Cliiford, and another lady ; the carriage was drawn by six fine bay horses ; after which, followed his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, mounted on a beautiful iron grey charger. His Royal Highness was most superbly dressed in the hussar uniform, and wore a diamond belt, with a diamond crown on his breast : the feather in his cap was most superb, encircled with diamonds round the bottom, and fixed in a diamond loop : never did we witness his Royal Highness in better health and spirits. The ac- coutrements of his charger were most superb. They proceeded slowly to the ground, where the troops were formed in a line, which was on the beautiful hills at the four mile course, which command a grand view of the sea. ' At within half a mile from the ground, his Royal Highness the Duke of York galloped up to the line, extended upwards of a mile, and passed them without any form. At half past twelve the whole of the Royal party arrived on the ground, and took their station in the centre of the line ; her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales's carriage stood just behind her Royal father. As soon as the party had taken their PRINCESS CHARLOTTE AT BRIGHTON 221 station, a royal salute of twenty one guns was fired from the horse artillery ; the ranks formed into open order, when the Royal party went down the front of the line, returned by the rear, and retook their station in the centre, when the whole of the line passed in ordinary and quick time, the different bands playing " God save the King." Some ships passing at the time, received signals from the telegraph ; they immediately fired a Royal salute, and hoisted a Royal Standard. ' There was, also, a sham fight on the sea with small boats, which had a very pretty effect. The day was uncommonly fine, and not one accident occurred to damp the joy manifested on this happy occasion. A good deal of mirth was occasioned by the firing, several of the horses that had been taken from the carriages, having broken loose, and run in all directions, leaving many of the company fixed in their carriages until the horses were caught. ' At half past three the Royal party returned to the Pavilion, where the Prince of Walesa's band was playing to receive them. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Charlotte of Wales, after partaking of some refresh- ments, walked on the lawn with her Royal uncles, who seemed to vie with each other in attention to her. The Duke of Cambridge danced with her on the lawn, and at six o^clock she returned to Worthing. At eight o'clock the Royal party, the Duke of St. Albans, the Marquis of Headford, Earls Berkeley, Craven, Dursley, Bathurst and Barrymore, Viscount Melbourne, Lords Petersham, Erskine, and Charles, Edward and Arthur Somerset, and several military officers, sat down to dinner. The Pavilion was most brilliantly lighted, and the South 222 FLORIZEUS FOIXY Gloucester band played on the Stejne. The illumina- tions were splendid. The Prince attended the ball at the Castle in the evening, which was crowded with fashion and beauty, but none of the Royal party joined in the dance. The supper was of the first description, but would have been better enjoyed had the company been less numerous. The Prince retired at an early hour."" fcr'3ijtrn;3I-/&JIT7i;-/iriiJI-/I.J^yi_i^-Ji-fT -jL-Jr-Jc^n'lt-Jl-ii--u-.«:tjr7L3\^,T:,,'tvn CHAPTER XVII. Final rupture between the Prince and Mrs. Fitzherbert — That lady and William IV. — Her kindly relations with the Royal Family — Her death — The King's illness — The Regency — Visitors at the Pavilion — Queen Charlotte there — The 'Royal Rantipoles.' HE episode of Miss Seymour indirectly led to the final separation of the Prince and Mrs. Fitzherbert, which was mainly brought about by her false friend, Lady Hertford. Lord Stourton, speaking of the Mary Seymour incident, says : ' This long negotiation, in which the Prince was the principal instrument, led him, at last, to those confi- dential relations which, ultimately, gave to Lady Hert- ford, an ascendancy over him, superior to that possessed by Mrs. Fitzherbert herself; and, from a friend, con- verted her into a successful rival. Lady Hertford, anxious for the preservation of her own reputation, which she was not willing to compromise with the public, even when she ruled the Prince with the most 224 FLORIZEUS FOLLY absolute sway, exposed Mrs. Fitzherbert, at this time, to very severe trials, which, at last, almost, as she said, ruined her health and destroyed her nerves. Attentions were required from her towards Lady Hertford herself, even when most aware of her superior influence over the Prince, and these attentions were extorted by the menace of taking away her child. To diminish her apparent influence in public, as well as in private, was now the object. When at Brighton, the Prince, who had passed part of his mornings with Mrs. Fitzherbert on friendly terms at her own house, did not even notice her in the slightest manner at the Pavilion on the same evenings, and she, afterwards, understood that such attentions would have been reported to her rival. ' She was frequently on the point of that separation which afterwards took place, but was prevented by the influence of the Royal Family from carrying her reso- lution into effect. A dinner, however, given to Louis XVIII. ^ brought matters, at last, to a conclu- sion ; and, satisfied of a systematic intention to degrade her before the public, she then, at last, attained the reluctant assent of some of the members of the Royal Family, to her determination of finally closing her con- nection with the Prince, to whom, in furtherance of this decision, she never, afterwards, opened the doors of her house. Upon all former occasions, to avoid etiquette in circumstances of such delicacy as regarded her own situation with reference to the Prince, it had been customary to sit at table, without regard to rank. 1 On June 19, 1811. SEPARATION FROM MRS. FITZHERBERT 225 Upon the present occasion, this plan was to be altered, and Mrs, Fitzherbert was informed, through her friends at Court, that, at the Royal table, the individuals invited were to sit according to their rank. ' When assured of this novel arrangement, she asked the Prince, who had invited her with the rest of his company, where she was to sit. He said, " You know. Madam, you have no place." " None, Sir,"" she replied, " but such as you choose to give me." Upon this, she informed the Royal Family that she would not go. The Duke of York, and others, endeavoured to alter the preconcerted arrangement, but the Prince was inflexible ; and, aware of the peculiar circumstances of her case, and the distressing nature of her general situa- tion, they no longer hesitated to agree with her, that no advantage was to be obtained by further postpone- ment of her own anxious desire to close her connection with the Prince, and to retire once more into private life. She told me, she often looked back with wonder that she had not sunk under the trials of those two years. ' Having come to this resolution, she was obliged, on the very evening, or on that which followed the Royal dinner, to attend an assembly at Devonshire House, which was the last evening she saw the Prince previously to their final separation. The Duchess of Devonshire, taking her by the arm, said to her, " You must come and see the Duke in his own room, as he is suffering from a fit of the gout, but he will be glad to see an old friend." In passing through the rooms, she saw the Prince and Lady Hertford in a tete-a-tete conversation, and nearly fainted under all the impressions which then 15 226 FLORIZEUS FOLLY rushed upon her mind ; but, taking a glass of water, she recovered, and passed on.^ ' Thus terminated this fatal, ill-starred connection, so unfortunate, probably, for both the parties concerned. Satisfied as I was with the very full explanation of all the circumstances, and of the propriety, and almost necessity of the course which Mrs. Fitzherbert was com- pelled to pursue, I yet felt, that her intimate relations with the Prince might have imposed upon her some duties during his last illness, the non-fulfilment of which would have left my mind not fully satisfied. I, therefore, again availed myself of the confidence which had been so repeatedly urged upon me, to inquire of her, whether any communication had taken place previous to his demise. She told me " Yes,"' and that she would show me the copy of a letter which she had written to the King, a very short time before his death, which, she said, had been safely delivered by a friendly hand ; the person assuring her, that the King had seized it with eagerness, and placed it immediately under his pillow; but, that she had not received any answer. She was, however, informed that, on the few last days of his life, he was very anxious to be removed to Windsor Cottage. 1 On June 1, 1812, Town Talk published a satirical print, Worse and Worse, or the Sports of the 19th Century.' Mrs. Fitzherbert and Lady Hertford are playing at shuttlecock with the Prince of Wales's feathers. Mrs. F. says, ' This shuttlecock is too light for me. I'll have no more to do with it.' Lady H. calls out, ' You have play'd with it till you are tired, but it suits me to a nicety ; the game's mine. Y — h, take care of the shuttlecock.' Lord Yarmouth, who is behind Mrs. F., says, ' yes, Ma'am, I'll take care of the shuttlecock, I warrant you.' MRS. FITZHERBERT AND WILLIAM IV. 227 ' " Nothing," she said, " had so cut her up," to use her own expression, as not having received one word in reply to that last letter. It is true, she observed, that she had been informed by the Duke of Wellington, that he, more than once, expressed his anxiety that a particular picture should be hung round his neck, and deposited with him in the grave ; and it seemed to be the opinion of his Grace, that this portrait was one which had been taken of her in early life, and was set round with brilliants. It appeared the more likely, as this portrait was afterwards missing when the others were returned to her. The copy of the letter, which, in answer to my question, she went into her bedroom to fetch, she put into my hands to read. It was an expression of her fears that the King was very ill, and an affecting tender of any services she could render him, in a strain which I could not read without sympathising deeply in her distress. ' Soon after his death, she left town for Brighton. There, she, a second time, received the kindest messages from William the Fourth ; but, upon his inquiry, why she did not come to see him, she stated the peculiar difficulties of her situation, and a wish, if it was not asking too much from his condescension, that he would graciously honour her with a personal communication at her own house, previously to her visit to the Pavilion. ' The King complied with her request, without delay, and she told him that she could not, in her present circumstances, avail herself of the honour of waiting upon his Majesty, without asking his permission to place her papers before him, and requesting his advice 15—2 228 FLORIZEL^S FOLLY upon them. Upon her placing in his hands the Docu- ments which have been preserved, in justification of her character, and, especially, the certificate of her marriage, and another, and most interesting paper, this amiable Sovereign was moved to tears by their perusal, and expressed his surprise at so much forbearance with such Documents in her possession, and under pressure of such long and severe trials. He asked her what amends he could make her, and offered to make her a Duchess. She replied, that she did not wish for any rank; that she had borne through life the name of Mrs. Fitzherbert ; that she had never disgraced it, and did not wish to change it ; that, therefore, she hoped his Majesty would accept her unfeigned gratitude for his gracious proposal, but that he would permit her to retain her present name. ' " Well, then,"" said he, " I shall insist upon your wearing my livery," and ended by authorising her to put on weeds for his Royal brother. He added, " I must, however, soon see you at the Pavilion"; and, I believe, he proposed the following Sunday, a day on which his family were more retired, for seeing her at dinner, and spending the evening at the Pavilion. " I shall introduce you myself to my family," said he, " but you must send me word of your arrival." ' At the appointed hour, upon her reaching the Pavilion, the condescending monarch came himself and handed her out of her carriage, and introduced her to his family, one after the other, as one of themselves. He, ever after, treated her in the same gracious manner, and, on one occasion, upon her return from Paris, made her a present of some jewels, which he said he had had MRS. FITZHERBERT AND WILLIAM IV. 229 some time, but would not send them to her abroad, as he wished to give them to her himself, on her return to Enffland. He afterwards entered into conversation on matters relating to her dearest interests, and to sanction the custody of such papers as were thought most avail- able in support of her honour and fair reputation with posterity. ' Mrs. Fitzherbert told me that, the first day, when, in compliance with the commands of the King, she went to the Pavilion, and was presented by him to the Queen and Royal Family, she was, herself, much sur- prised at the great composure with which she was able to sustain a trial of fortitude which appeared so alarm- ing at a distance ; but she believed the excitement had sustained her. It was not so the next dinner at which she was present in the same family circle ; and the many reflections which then oppressed her mind, very nearly overpowered her. Afterwards, she frequently attended the King's small Sunday parties at Brighton, and then, as upon all other occasions, she was received with uniform kindness and consideration. ' Many letters of hers, even when writing from abroad to fight off her marriage, had been preserved by the King. Some were in the possession of Sir William Knighton,^ who had obtained possession of the King''s correspondence, either as being his executor, or from having Colonel MacMahon's letters in his custody. She had, also, various letters of her own, from the Prince. It was, therefore, agreed, by the friends of both parties, that, with a few exceptions, the whole correspondence should be destroyed. 1 Physician-in-ordinary to George IV. 230 FLORIZEUS FOLLY 'In this arrangement, William the Fourth kindly concurred, and it was carried into effect ; only such papers being preserved as Mrs. Fitzherbert thought fit to select to bear witness to her character. ***** * Upon one memorable exception, only, she was called upon by the Prince ; and, indeed, expressly sent for to Brighton, to give her opinion on a step of great political importance which he was about to take, but her influ- ence, then, had been, some time, on the wane. He told her that he had sent for her to ask her opinion, and that he demanded it of her, with regard to the party to which he was about, as Regent, to confide the administration of the country. At his commands, she urged in the most forcible manner that she was able, his adherence to his former political friends. Knowing all his engagements to that party, she used every argu- ment and every entreaty to induce him not to sever himself from them. " Only retain them, Sir, six weeks in power. If you please, you may find some pretext to dismiss them at the end of that time ; but do not break with them without some pretext or other." Such was her request to him. He answered, " It was impossible, as he had promised"; but, at the same time, she observed that he seemed much overpowered by the effort it cost him. Finding that resistance to a deter- mination so fixed was unavailing, she asked to be allowed to return to Brighton, which she did ; but, previously to leaving him, she said that, as he had done her the honour of imposing upon her his com- mands of freely declaring her sentiments upon this occasion, she hoped he would permit her, before she MRS. FITZHERBERT AND THE PRINCESS 231 left him, to offer one suggestion, which she trusted he would not take amiss. ' She then urged upon him, as strongly as she was able, the disadvantages which must accrue to his future happiness from treating his daughter, the Princess Charlotte, with so little kindness. " You, now. Sir," she said, " may mould her at your pleasure, but, soon, it will not be so ; and she may become, from mis- management, a thorn in your side, for life." " That is your opinion. Madam," was his only reply. ' I must, here, also add that, not only with the Royal Family, but, also, with the Princess Caroline, IMrs. Fitz- herbert was always on the best terms. As to the Princess Charlotte, Mrs. Fitzherbert said, the Prince was much attached to her for some years ; indeed, he was generally fond of children and young people, and it was only when the Princess Charlotte became the subject of constant altercation betwixt him and those who took part with Queen Caroline, that he, at last, began to see her with more coolness. Upon one occa- sion, Mrs. Fitzherbert told me, she was much affected by the Princess Charlotte throwing her arms round her neck, and beseeching her to speak to her father, that he would receive her with greater marks of his affection ; and she told me that she could not help weeping with this interesting child.' She spent the latter part of her life almost entirely at Brighton, beloved by the townsfolk for her goodness and charity, and whilst she lived her servants invariably wore the Royal livery. She died in 1837, and was buried in the Old Catholic Chuix'h^ at Brighton, where a hand- 1 St. John the Baptist in Upper St. James's Street. 232 FLORIZEUS FOLLY some monument was erected to her memory by the Hon. Mrs. Lionel Dawson Damer, whom we have known as Miss Mary Seymour. It bears the following inscription : ' In a vault near this spot, are deposited the remains of Maria Fitzherbert. She was born on the 26th July, 1756, and expired at Brighton, on the 29th March, 1837. One, to whom she was more than a parent, has placed this monument to her revered and beloved memory, as a humble tribute of her gratitude and affection.' On her wedding-finger are three rings, in allusion to her three marriages. The Prince was more or less at Brighton in 1808, 1809, and 1810, when came the death of the Princess Amelia, and the mental aberration of the poor old King. On February 11, 1811, the Prince of Wales was sworn in as Regent, and for the next two or three years Brighton saw little of him ; only the Pavilion was always growing bigger. Marlborough House was purchased, in 1812, for i?'9,000, and in 1813 a series of improvements and additions were made, which lasted till 1818. Li 1814 the King of Prussia and the Emperor of Russia came to England on a visit — the former, in passing through Brighton, spending ten minutes at the Pavilion for refreshment, and the latter going all over it, besides walking on the Steine. Queen Charlotte paid a visit to the Prince Regent at the Pavilion on October 24, 1814, accompanied by the Princesses Elizabeth and Mary, and they stopped until the 29th, visiting, during their stay, various parts of the town, and expressing themselves much satisfied with the situation and appearance of the place, and the general respectability and conduct of the inhabitants. ROYALTY AT BRIGHTON, 1815 233 Before her Majesty left the town, she ordered cfSO to be distributed among the poor, and became the patroness of the Dollar Society for their relief, towards which both she and the Princesses liberally subscribed. They paid another visit to Brighton the next year, as the Gentlemans Magazine for 1815 records : ' Brighton. Dec. 14. — Her Majesty and the two Princesses arrived on a visit to the Prince Regent, at the Pavilion. The principal inhabitants, having received permission, went to Patcham, dressed in buff and mounted, to escort her Majesty ; a dutiful address was presented on the occasion, to which her Majesty returned a gracious verbal answer. Her Majesty, on entering Brighton, seemed to be highly pleased with the atten- tion paid her, and repeatedly bowed to the gentlemen who escorted her. The Prince Regent remained from three o'clock until the arrival of his august mother, outside the gate of the Pavilion, with the Duke of Clarence and several of the nobility, to receive the Queen and Princesses. — On the 16th, her Majesty, accompanied by the Duke of Clarence, with the two Princesses, in a carriage, passed through the principal streets of the town, notwithstanding the dampness of the atmosphere, and was every where received with the most marked respect and homage."* It was of this visit that the following satire^ (believed to have been written by C. F. Lawler) was penned. I can only give a portion, as it is too long ; but I give it, as it exhibits the popular belief of the doings at the Pavilion : 1 ' Royal Rantipoles ; or the Humours of Brighton.' A poem, by Peter Pindar, Esq. ; London, 1816, 8vo. 234 FLORIZEKS FOLLY 'EOYAL Rantipoles. ' " I'll stick to state affairs no more, But banish toil and sorrow ; So order, Mac,i my coach and four And we'll away to-morrow. ' " Of Rhenish take an ample store ; Be careful how you pack it ; My whiskers, too, my hearty cock ; And eke my shooting jacket. ' " I mean to pass a month or so, 'Midst rural scenes so pleasant ; In waging war with buck and doe, With partridge, hare and pheasant. ' " The pockets of the coach well cram With brandy, gin and carraway That we may take a social dram, When snugly riding far away." ' Th'is spake the Prince, a demi-god, The pink of earthly Regents, Who shakes three nations with his nod. And bows them to obedience. ***** ' Thro' Brighton streets the carriage rolls. Loud greeted by the million. Who, crowding thick as herring shoals, Block'd up the gay Pavilion. ' Now from his carriage C^sar hopp'd, (No second Master EUar^) Just like a butt of porter dropp'd Into an alehouse cellar. ^ Colonel MacMahon, the Regent's Privy Purse. 2 A famous equestrian at Astley's Amphitheatre. ROYAL RANTIPOLES 235 ' Then happy Cfesar cry'd " Huzza ! As sure as thou'rt a sinner, Since here we are, Mac, here we'll stay, And eat our Christmas dinner. ' " And we will sport and feast away, In one unbroken revel ; Venus all night, and wine all day, We'll play the very devil." 3^ yf^ 5|^ ?|C J^ ' The next day came a group of lords, And eke of ladies plenty ; Deck'd out in jewels, wigs and swords, Of each not less than twenty. ' High at the head of this gay throng Shone mighty Caesar's mother ; And, like a pine, the shrubs among. Stood Y — k, his favourite brother. ' And brother K — t, too, shew'd his face ; And Austria's budding roses,i To swell th' attractions of the place, Thrust in their royal noses. ' And Caesar's glorious sisters came, Each like a butter firkin, A round, unwieldy, greasy dame, With visage gay and smirking. ' And H d,2 too, the prince of peers. The monarch of the stables. Who, like a glutton leech, for years Had suck'd the royal tables. ' And H d's frisky Mar ss,2 The very pink of beauty, Came, Csesar's banquet to caress, And pay her humble duty. ' The Archdukes John and Lewis, who spent a few days at Brighton with the Prince. ^ Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford. 236 FLORIZEUS FOLLY ' And then came quibbling Cast gh,i And h's proud spousy ;i And placemen green, and placemen grey, And many a Lady Blowsy. ' But sure some dire mishap bef el Red-headed Whiskerandos,^ Or frolick'd he with wanton belle, In that f am'd street call'd Chandos ? ' Or had he some contusion gain'd While at the Fives court sparring ? Or, murky thought ! a scratch obtain'd In some domestic jarring ? ' No, truth to tell, for truth will out, Caesar and this hot stager, Had quarrell'd, as the thing fell out, About some trifling wager. ' Says Redhead, " One to five, this pea (And in the fire he cast it) ; Will bounce against your Grace's knee, As soon as fire shall blast it." ' " Done !" Caesar cry'd. — The hot pea bounc'd, Outrageously disloyal. And with most trait'rous aim it pounc'd Against the forehead royal. ' " Knave!" Caesar roar'd, and Caesar look'd With most prodigious fury ; And said — " Such pranks shall not be brook'd, No, Redhead, I assure ye !" ' Then Redhead swore his Highness jok'd, And seem'd but to be fluster'd ; At which his Grace grew more provok'd, And still more loudly bluster'd. 1 Lord and Lady Castlereagh. ^ Lord Yarmouth, who had red hair and was a notable bruiser. ROYAL RANTIPOLES 237 ' And then he d d the pea so vile, And d d poor Redhead's folly ; Whilst he stood staring all the while, Quite dumb with melancholy. ' And from that hour, as courtiers say, High ran the mutual malice ; Nor was hot Redhead, from that day, Seen in the Royal Palace. ***** ' Then Ca3sar quoth — " My friends, give ear : This Christmas, to my thinking, Is the fit season for good cheer, For frolic, fun, and drinking : ' " And, since my Mother will not stay A week for recreation. Our Christmas sports will have, to-day, A sweet anticipation : ' " So, pray you, name, some lord or gent, How we may all make mei-ry, How best the moments may be spent, How we dull care may bury." ' Then quoth the Q — n, and with her snuff, Rais'd thick terrestrial vapours — " Suppose we play at blindman's buff, Or cut some country capers." ' " Faith " (Caesar cry'd) " catch who catch can, I'll do my best endeavour ; So blind my eyes ; 'ware maid and man. And blindman's buff for ever !" ' Queen DoUalolla^ straightway bound Round Ctesar's eyes the linen. And three times thrice she turn'd him round, While all the group sat grinning. ^ According to the novelist Fielding, in his play of * Tom Thumb,' 1730, Dollalolla was the consort of King Arthur, very fond of stiff punch, but scorning ' vulgar sips of brandy, gin and rum.' 238 FLORIZEUS FOLLY ' " Now !" cry'd the Q — n ; and, at the word, Off hood-wink'd Caesar started ; While lady, from his grope, and lord, With cunning archness darted. ' Now, Caesar's hand profanely press'd The bosom of his mother ; Now, grasp'd this fair one's naked breast, Now wandered to another. ' Now, on some lady's carmine cheek, His erring fingers lighted, But not one timid shrug, nor shriek. Told that the fair was frighted. ' At length, with am'rous fire, he seized Round her white neck, his sister ; And clasp'd her to his heart, well pleas'd, And, still mistaking, kiss'd her. ' And Heaven alone knows when and where Had paus'd the panting Caesar, But the dame whisper'd in his ear — 'Tis Mary ; pray don't teaze her." (( ir ' Then C^sar quick relax'd his hold. And grip'd to find another ; And, soon, with hand most lewd and bold. He clasp'd his wither'd mother. ' But she, too old for am'rous guile, For Cupid's conflagration. Felt his embrace, and stood the while Secure from perturbation. ' Yes, like a stock or stone, she stood, While naughty Caesar linger'd. Her gay attire and attitude, Her varying graces finger'd. ROYAL RANTIPOLES 239 ' But gay, good temper'd Y — k, just by, Felt for his brother's blunder, And, whisp'ring in his ear, so sly, Soon tore the pair asunder. ' " Take care, the belles !" then Caesar cry'd, — " I'll hug 'em if I reach 'em !" Then Caesar made a desp'rate stride, And caught young Lady B mp.^ ' Young Lady B mp, strange to tell, Was much attached to virtue ; And scream'd, and Csesar said, " Sweet belle, I'll tickle, but not hurt you." ' And, then, his wicked fingers stray'd About the fair one's graces ; The neck and bosom of the maid. And such forbidden places. ' Then, in the maiden's eyes, a tear Glisten'd, and seem'd to linger ; And then, she loudly cry'd " O, dear !" And pinch'd the Royal finger. ' But, still, the Royal finger stay'd And shew'd no signs of flinching ; But, further in the lab'rinth stray'd, In spite of sighs and pinching. ' So high then grew the maiden's fears. Lest scandal should traduce her ; That hard she box'd great Caesar's ears, And called him " Vile Seducer .'" ' Then, dumb with anger and surprise. And not without much reason, Csesar unveil'd his royal eyes, To see who did the treason. 1 Beauchamp, pronounced ' Beacham.' 240 FLORIZEUS FOLLY ' Then Lady B mp's mother rush'd, Nor lords, nor ladies heeding, And vow'd to Caesar that she blush'd To see the girl's ill breeding. ' But, if his Highness would, for once, Benignantly forget her, She would take home the silly dunce, And teach the rustic better. ' Queen Dollalolla interpos'd, To wipe off the transgression. And Caesar's wounds, at length, were clos'd By this most vile concession.' Then they played at 'hunt the slipper,' and would have tried forfeits, only none of the gentlemen could be found with wit enough to invent the penalties, and — ' Now wearied Caesar call'd for wine, And Y — his brother Gracchus, With Momus cut, and left his shrine, To pay his vows to Bacchus. ' The peers, of sport and frolic cur'd. Soon put their chairs in motion, And join'd, by high example lur'd. The jolly god's devotion. ' Then rose the dame of mighty mind. The graceful Dollalolla, And walk'd across the room, and sign'd The peeresses to follow. ' But whether, as the Frenchman notes, They went to closet handy, To wet their pretty little throats, And glut themselves with brandy : ROYAL RANTIPOLES 241 ' Or, whether, as the aforesaid saith, Adjourning to their houses, They went to plan their plans of death Against their thoughtless spouses : ' Of this, the bard relateth not, Nor with the ladies went he, * But chose to stay (far happier lot !) Where claret flow'd in plenty. ' Now Cassar at the head took place, With Y — and K — beside him ; And those who said he shew'd no grace, Most wofully belied him. ' Quoth he, when in his brain, a rout The wine began to kick up, Tho' lamely hopp'd the language out, Delay'd by many a hiccup. ' Quoth he — " Upon my soul, Lord L.,^ You are a funny fellow. And it would please me vastly well If you a song would bellow ; ' " Or, if Lord C.^ and you will try To sing my favourite duet, I'll dub you dukes before you die, So mind and keep me to it." ' Then did Lord C most gravely swear. For songs he could not hum 'em ; For sharps and naturals made him stare, He could not overcome 'em. ' " And," said Lord L , " I gravely vow By him the blessed Saviour, I, never, from my youth, could know A crotchet from a quaver." Liverpool, ^ Castlereagh. 1() 242 FLORIZEUS FOLLY * Then CiEsar cry'd — " Well, sing in flatf, I want no grace nor science ; And, if you mew like two Tom Cats, I'll have a prompt compliance." ' When these two nobles saw 'twas vain, To oppose his R 1 Highness, They pick'd them out a simple strain, Suited to birds of shyness. ' The key once pitch'd, they puff'd their cheeks, And gave the ears a griper, Like the discordant sound that breaks From an old Scotch bagpiper. ' But L 1 soon got before, And C h jogg'd after, While all their friends were in a roar, And Caesar shook with laughter. ' Cry'd Caesar — " Of your notes be spare, A little economic ; For though a vastly tragic air. Your genius makes it comic. ' " When next, with long, Munchausen hop, The Post 1 your praise is ringing, Your politics the knave should drop, And blazon out your singing." ' Then Csesar volunteer'd a song, And volunteer'd it gaily ; And bellow'd out, in cadence strong, " Unfortunate Miss Bailey !" * But, as his voice approach'd the close, Its tones began to woddle ; The claret fumes so quickly rose, While reaching to the noddle. 1 The Morning Post. ROYAL RANTIPOLES ' Dimly the lights began to burn, And care appear'd a bubble, And ev'ry noble, in his turn, Saw wine and glasses double, ' Now Caesar from his cushion popp'd, And none to help were able ; For, one by one, the whole group dropp'd, Like logs, beneath the table. ' And now, God bless all men who breathe, And shield the Royal crania^ That they may never break beneath The Bacchanalian mania.' 243 16—2 CHAPTER XVIII. The Regent and Admiral Nagle — A quiet time at the Pavilion — The Regent's extravagance — His yacht — Sham fight and caricature thereon — A cruise to the French coast — Royal visitors — The Regent's statues — ' High life below stairs,' etc. — Satirical prints— Closing days— Last appearance at the Pavilion. HE Regent vi^as always being satirized by the publication of some of his own puerilities, or those of his suite, who, of course, took their tone from him. The Bj-'ighton Herald is responsible for the following anecdote : ' A gallant Admiral (Nagle) residing at the Pavilion, was, a few days since, presented by a certain Great Personage, with a beautiful milk white mare, which, it was stated, had just arrived from Hanover. Nothing was talked of but this fine creature ; and every one seemed anxious to have her merits put to the test. The Admiral mounted, tried her in all her paces, and, though he could but approve, yet he pronounced her to be THE REGENT AND ADMIRAL NAGLE 245 greatly inferior to a favourite black mare of his own. The present, however, coming from so high a quarter, was, of course, received with every expression of duty and thankfulness. The long switching tail of the animal not exactly suiting the Admiral's taste, he sent her to a farrier to have it cropped — when, lo ! he speedily received intelligence that it was a J'alse tail, and that, beneath it appeared a short black one. This curious fact led to a minute inspection, when it was discovered that this heaut'iful rchite Hanoverian horse was no other than the good humoured AdmiraPs own blaek mare, which had been painted in a manner to elude his detection.'' This anecdote is probably true, as Captain Gronow ('Reminiscences,"' second series, p. 212) tells a similar story, only he changes the venue from Brighton to Carlton House : ' Admiral Nagle was a great favourite of George the Fourth, and passed much of his time with his Majesty. He was a bold, weather beaten tar, but, nevertheless, a perfect gentleman, with exceedingly pleasing manners, and possessed of much good nature and agreeability. ' The late Duke of Cambridge, on one occasion, sent his brother a cream coloured horse from the Royal stud at Hanover, and the King gave the animal to Colonel Peters, the riding master. Admiral Nagle ventured to express a hope that, if his Majesty received a similar present from Hanover, he would graciously make him a present of it ; ujion which the King replied, " Certainly, Nagle, you shall have one."" ' The Admiral was, shortly afterwards, sent to Forts- 246 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY mouth, to superintend the building of the Royal Yacht, during which time Strohling, the fashionable painter of the day, was summoned, and ordered to paint the Admiral's favourite hack, to make it appear like one of the Hanoverian breed. The horse was, accordingly, placed in the riding school, and, in an incredibly short period, the metamorphosis was successfully completed. In due time the Admiral returned from Portsmouth, and, as usual, went to the Royal Stables, and was charmed to see that his Majesty had fulfilled his promise. He lost no time in going to Carlton House to return thanks, when the King said, " Well, Nagle, how do you like the horse I sent you .?" " Very much," was the reply, " but I should like to try his paces before I can give your Majesty a decided opinion about him." " Well, then, let him be saddled, though it does rain, and gallop him round the park and return here, and let me know what you think of him." It rained cats and dogs ; the paint was gradually washed off the horse, to the Admiral's great astonishment, and he returned to Carlton House, where the King and his friends had watched his departure and arrival with the greatest delight. The Admiral was welcomed with roars of laughter, which he took with very great good humour ; and, about a month after- wards, the King presented him with a real Hanoverian horse of great value." These Christmas festivities probably produced a fit of gout, which brought the Queen and Princesses, too-ether with the Princess Charlotte, to the Pavilion, on a visit, from January 6, 1816, to January 20 — a visit which covered the birthdays of the Princess Charlotte and Her Majesty, both of which were nobly celebrated. QUIET AT THE PAVILION 24^7 This seems to have been a quiet time at the Pavilion, if we may credit a letter from the Dowager Countess of Ilchester to Lady Harriet Frampton, dated from Cran- borne Lodge, February 2, 1816 :^ ' . . . I must tell you that the fortnight at Brighton has had a very happy effect on Princess Charlotte's health and spirits. . . . You have no idea how her manners are daily softened by witnessing the address of the Queen and Princesses, with whom she went regularly round the circle, paying individual attention to the company, and she looked, really, very handsome, being always elegantly dressed, and every one seemed delighted to have her under her father'^s roof. ' It certainly was a great satisfaction to the Prince to find it gave so much pleasure to the Princess, for he had been led to suspect she did not like to come — a complete mistake, of which he is now convinced. , . . The Chinese room is gay beyond description, and I am sure you would admire it, as well as the rest of the Pavilion, though the extreme warmth does not suit every one. ' In the morning, all the guests were free from Court restraint, and met only at six ©""clock, punctually, for dinner, to the number of between thirty and forty daily ; in the evening, about as many more were invited. A delightful band played till half past eleven, when the Royal family retired, and the rest of the company dispersed, after partaking of sand- wiches : the evenings were not in the least formal. As soon as the Queen sat down to cards, every one moved 1 'The Journal of Mary Frampton from 177i) to 1846,' 8vo., pp. 264, 265 ; London, 1885. 248 FLORIZEUS FOLLY about as they pleased, and made their own back gammon, chess, or card party, but lounging up and down the gallery was most favoured. All the rooms open into the beautiful gallery, which is terminated at both extremities by the lightest and prettiest Chinese staircases you can imagine, and illuminated by the gayest lanterns. There are mandarins and pagodas in abundance, and plenty of Japanese and Chinese sofas. In the centre of the gallery is a skylight. Each stair- case opens into a large room, one of these communicat- ing with the Queen's suite of rooms, and the other with that of the Princess and mine. The effect of the central room is very good. There was a bright fire, and it is supplied with books and newspapers, and from one set of rooms to the other is a private communica- tion."" Prince Leopold also stopped at the Pavilion for some time previous to his marriage with the Princess Char- lotte, which took place May 2, 1816. In spite of the enormous taxation, the deamess of bread, etc., the extravagances of Florizel knew no bounds. What cared he, so long as every whim and wish of his was gratified, who found the money for it ? In three years he had spent c£l 60,000 on furniture for Carlton House ; the previous year china cost dS'l 2,000, ormolu nearly 0^3,000, and during three years he owed his silversmith i:'130,000. He had .£100,000 allotted him for an outfit when he came to the Regency ; that had to go to pay some of his debts, and Lord Castle- reagh was obliged to admit that the Prince's debts amounted to ^339,000 ! Yet, forsooth, the great baby must have another toy THE REGENTS YACHT 249 at the expense of the nation — a yacht, all over gilding. William Hone published a single - sheet broadside (August 26, 1816) with a picture and description of this rococo vessel. Here is his ' Description of the Regent's New Gilt Yacht : ' This superb yacht, the Royal Sovereign, was launched from Deptford Yard on Thursday, the 8th of August, 1816, having been newly copper bottomed, and entirely new gilt, and fitted up throughout. — She is between three and four hundred tons burthen, has three masts, is ship rigged, and is the most splendid vessel, beyond all comparison, ever launched in England. — The bust of his Majesty forms the head, richly gilt ; surmounted by a canopy, painted crimson, with fringe and tassels in gold. — The head rails have carved figures of Peace and Plenty (!) which support the bust, with a frieze of devices to the bows, carved and gilt. — Above the channels is a frieze — boys supporting the Cardinal Virtues, united by festoons of laurel, all gilt. The quarter badge, representing the Star and Garter, sup- ported by the Lion and Unicorn, is a complete blaze of gilding. The stern is most superbly ^i7^ — in the centre of the tafFrel is a King's Coat of Arms, supported by Prudence and Fame, carved and gilt. Fortitude and Truth are carved at the sides of the stern, richly gilt. The lower counter is an emblematical painting, gilt. On the right of the rudder is Neptune, drawn by four Sea Horses, a painting, gilt. On the left of the rudder is Britannia, pointing to the Arts, a painting, gilt. Above the rudder is a Star, presumed to be the Star of Brunswick, as if presiding, — g-ilt. The upper counter is Cupids with laurel, painted and gilt. Over the poop 250 FLORIZEUS FOLLY are three magnificent lanterns, in blue and gold^ with stars on the top, gilt. The quarter deck is separated from the main deck by a rich carved breast rail, gilt. The sides of the quarter deck are devices painted in compartments, gilt. ' The gallery is fitted up for a kitchen, with steam boilers and other cooking apparatus. Adjoining it is the Lord's room, in white, with panel mouldings gilt — the roof supported by fluted pilasters, with Ionic caps, all gilt. The passages are white and gold. The roof of the King's room is panelled mahogany and gold ; the sides crimson damask panels, the framings gold ; twenty carved emblematical figures, the four Elements, etc., are on pedestals with Ionic caps of mahogany and gold. Round the rudder case are three beautiful plates of looking glass, entirely concealing the wood, in frames to correspond, gilt. The Queen's room is fitted up, in every respect, with the same grandeur as to materials and gilding. The descent to the State rooms is by a superb mahogany winding staircase, the balustrades richly carved and gilt ; the sides panelled with mahogany and gold. The ceilings and doors to the State rooms are of the finest mahogany, in panels, with carved borders, richly gilt. The doors in the centre cabin are covered with mirrors. The chairs and sofas are of crimson damask, in mahogany frames, gilt. The windows are of plate glass, and draw up and down, like those of a coach, the sides painted a deep vermilion, the edges gilt. To suspend the tables, that they may swing with the vessel, chains descend from the ceilings, as if for lamps, elegantly gilt. The side windows, one on each side the stern, are two immense concaves of THE REGENTS YACHT 251 plate glass, like mirrors ; from each of which, on the outside the vessel, rays diverge, to form a splendid star, superbly gilt. The predominant feature of the decorations is cosily gilding ; even the blocks carrying the ladders and the rigging, are fully gilt. The vessel has been put in its present state, for the Prince Regent, at an estimated expence of Sixty Thousand Pounds ; the gildings alone, is supposed to have cost nearly Thirteen Thousand., Five Hundred Pounds ! She now lies oflP the Dockyard at Deptford, with the workmen on board ; and, when completed, will, with the Divine permission, sail to Brighton, for his Royal Highness''s use. Her apparatus for roasting, baking, boiling, frying, stewing, broiling, etc, is com- plete. And it is remarkable that the Cardinal Virtues are amongst the most prominent decorations outside.'' This new plaything was at Brighton in the summer of 1817, and we read in a newspaper cutting that : ' On the 10th September, for the Regent's especial delectation, a sham fight took place at sea, immediately off the town, the vessels taking part in it being the Inconstant and Tigris frigates, the Grecian armed schooner, and the Rosario brig. The Channel was thickly dotted with packets and pleasure boats, and every species of floating craft, each and all crowded with spectators, anxious to witness the coming conflict ; the cliffs from one end of the town to the other were also thronged. The Prince Regent embarked at 10 a.m., and, as soon as the Royal barge was afloat, simultaneous salutes were fired from the ships of war, and were repeated as soon as his Royal Highness was S52 FLORIZEUS FOLLY on board his yacht was announced, by the Royal standard being hoisted at the main. ' The order of battle was, that the Inconstant and the Grecian were to defend the yacht against the designs of the supposed enemy, in the Tigris and the Rosario. The vessels, respectively, were most skilfully manoeuvred, and broadside after broadside sent their rattling reports to land. At length, the escape of the yacht was effected ; but the enemy still stood to their guns. In fact, the conflict between the frigates became still more severe, during which, within pistol shot of each other, many discharges of musketry marked the apparently determined progress of the action. The spectacle was grand, and wrought the feelings of the spectators to the highest pitch. The battle over, which ended in the retreat of the enemy, the Royal George stood in, and the whole returned to the road- stead about 2 p.m. In the evening a boat was sent ashore, to announce the Regent's intention of remaining on board all night.** Apropos of this naval engagement, a humorous print was published in October, 1817, entitled, 'Fun at Sea — the sham fight off Brighton, and the capture of the Knight of the Larder, Privateer, or, the Alderman in Chains.'' Alderman Sir William Curtis is brought on board the Regent's yacht a prisoner, bound in chains of sausages,^ accompanied by sailors bearing turtles, fowls, soup, etc., whilst an officer exhibits a scroll of 'Ammuni- tion Stores taken in the Larder Sloop. Ammunition — 500 Forced meat halls, 5 Barrels Curry Pozader, 2 casks ^ A turkey hung round with festoons of sausages is called 'an Alderman in Chains.' THE SHAM FIGHT 253 whole Pepper, 200 Bottles Sauce piquant. — Stores — 1 whole Calf, 25 Sheep, 12 dozen Capons, 50 Haunches of Venison, — Westphalia Hams, 2 cwt. of Sausages, 100 Rounds of Beef, 100 Sir Loins, 150 doz. of Pigeons, 50 Sucking pigs.' Sir William Curtis is kneeling, and, offering the Regent a carving knife and ladle, he says : ' Great conqueror, see your captive kneel ; Your clemency now let him feel ! Here's all my arms, upon my life, My Ladle and my Carving Knife. My Vessel Fame "the Larder" calls, My Ammunition Forced meat balls, My Powder, Curry, whole Pepper, Shot, All, by my Capture, going to Pot : Then, let me hope you'll grant this Boon, Release me speedily., and soon ! I'm bit of a poet, you see, this is rare fun.' The Regent, looking at him, says, ' What ! we have caught you, have we .? and in arms against your Sovereign ! We'll just drench you with grog, and keel- haul you — and then release you, my old buck. You love fun ? Sir William was fond of the sea, and the Whig and Radical wits were never tired of laughing at the sump- tuous fittings of his yacht, in which the Regent often accompanied him in his cruises. He was very badly educated, and is said to have been the author of the famous ' Three R's : Reading, Riting and Rithmetic.'' According to the Gentlemans Magazine for 1817, the Regent had quite a cruise in his new toy : ' Monday, Sept. 15. — The Prince Regent arrived last niiiht at Carlton House from Brighton, having, during 254 FLORIZEUS FOLLY the week, been four days, and three nights at sea ! The Prince commenced his aquatic excursions on Monday, when His R.H. remained at sea ten hours ; and, on Wednesday, accompanied by Admirals Sir George Camp- bell, and Sir Edmund Nagle, Lord William Gordon, Sir William Keppel, the Hon. Capt. Paget, and Capt. Horace Seymour, His R.H. embarked in the Royal George yacht on a second voyage, under salutes from the Tigris, IncoTistant, Rosario^ Grecian, Viper and Hound: and, at half past one, the ships of war went through all the manoeuvres of an engagement. At night, the vessels proceeded to sea ; and, the next day, they stood over to the coast of France, and were off Dieppe, close in with the land, early on Friday morning ; where, communication being had, the yacht and squadron cruised across the Channel again, and reached Brighton at one clock on Saturday, when the Prince landed, regretting that his presence being required in town, he was obliged to disembark. ' His Hoyal Highness was gratified beyond descrip- tion, and enjoyed the highest state of health and spirits during the excursion. On disembarking, the Prince presented the Hon. Capt. Paget with a most elegant snuff box, in testimony of his high gratification and esteem ; and so ardent and perfect was the pleasure that His R.H. felt, that, among other gracious intima- tions of his attachment to the Naval service, he said that, if he should land at any other place besides Brighton, it was his intention to wear the full dress uniform of an Admiral, and which he should continue to wear, at his levees, alternately with the dress of the army.' THE PRINCKS STATUES 255 On January 15, 1817, the Grand -Duke Nicholas (afterwards Emperor) of Russia visited the Prince at the Pavilion, and stayed four days. Directly after the funeral of the Princess Charlotte, who died on November 5, the Prince went to Brighton, and stayed there eleven weeks. In September, 1818, the Grand-Duke Michael of Russia paid a visit to the Pavilion, which in that month was lit by gas. ' The Brighton Ambulator,'' by C. Wright {London and Brighton, 1818) gives a very good descrip- tion of the Pavilion, and mentions that 'a statue of the Prince of Wales, by Rossi, 7 feet high, on a pedestal 11 feet high, was, in the year 1802, placed in front of the Royal Crescent. The Prince is represented as dressed in his regimental uniform, with his arm ex- tended towards the sea. This statue cost upwards of £^00. The likeness is not considered very striking, and, since it has been injured by the loss of one of the arms, it is not even deemed a pleasing orna- ment.** In 1821 it was proposed to erect, on some conspicuous spot in the town, a large bronze statue of George IV., and i^3,000 was very quickly subscribed for it. For this sum Chantrey agreed to produce it, and pay for the casting; but he made a bad bargain, as it cost nearly double the sum. It was unveiled on October 11, 1828. The alterations to the Pavilion were not altogether finished ; yet the Prince made shift somehow, as he was most certainly there in March, 1819, for we read in the Times of March 15 : ' Royal Condescension. — We are assured that, a few 256 FLORIZEKS FOLLY nights ago, the Prince Regent, in a merry mood, deter- mined to sup in the kitchen of the Pavilion. A scarlet cloth was thrown over the pavement, a splendid repast was provided, and the good humoured Prince sat down, with a select party of his friends, and spent a joyous hour. The whole of the servants, particularly the female part, were, of course, delighted with this mark of condescension {Brighton Herald).'' Then the pictorial satirists swooped down upon him, and curious were their different conceptions of the event. I give the one I consider best, as it is the least offensive, and the Regent is so ' royally drunk." It is by J. R. Cruikshank, and was published on March 25. It is called ' High life below Stairs ! a new Farce, as lately performed at the Theatre Royal, Brighton, for the edification and amusement of the Cooks, Scullions, Dishwashers, Lick trenchers, Shoe blacks. Cinder sifters. Candle snuffers, etc., etc., of that Theatre, but which was unfortunately Damn'd the first night by Common Sense !' Others are (all in the same month), ' Royal Kitchen Stuff! or a Great Man come down to visit his most Obed* humble Servants ! ! ! (vide the amusements of Brighton)."' The Prince has a fat cook round the neck, kissing her, and saying, ' Don't be alarmed, my dear ! I only want to see how my private affairs get on below here, so show me your Kitchen Stuff'.'' The cook, who beats him with a ladle, says, ' La, Sir ! what will the people say when they hear of your meddling so often with things beneath you ? Depend upon it, you'll be caird over the Coals, and finely roasted for this.' A maid-servant has hold of his coat-tails, and calls out, THE PRINCE AND HIS SERVANTS 257 ' Baste him well ! Give him Goose without Gravy !' On the floor lie two papers — one, ' Theatre Royal, Brighton, By Command of the Prince Regent, High life below Stairs, with Animal Magnetism '' ; the other is, ' When Bottle the eighth, I get through, I make love in a style so bewitching, That most female hearts I subdue, From the Drawing-room down to the Kitchen.' Another is, ' He stoops to Conquer, or the Royal George Sunk. This is not the Royal George that was sunk at Spithead, this was sunk at Brighton."* A third is entitled ' Beauties of Grease, or Luxuries of the Kremlin '; and a fourth is, ' Royal George in the Kitchen, or High life below Stairs."* The Prince, with a bumper in his hand, nurses a cook on his knee, to whom he remarks : ' You may baste meat at leisure, It's my will and pleasure Distinctions between you and me. Henceforward shall cease, In love, and in peace. The P — e and his Cook shall agree.' It would seem, also, that he gave a servants' ball at Christmas, 1820, at the Pavilion, for there is a satirical print, published January 24, 1821, called 'Low life ABOVE Stairs, or the Humours of the Great Baby at B . . . ht . n."* The King is dancing with a fat kitchen- maid, whilst Lady Conyngham looks on in rage and wonder. ' Releas'd from all the toils of State, From care and sorrow free, The humorous "Wag of pond'rous weight, Gives way to mirth and glee. 17 258 FLORIZEKS FOLLY ' " To all the Servants of my house," Said G— e, " I'll give a ball ; Haste, mirth and revelry let loose, Come forward, one and all. ' " I've supped within my Kitchen range, But I'll descend no more ; The scene, this night, I'll wholly change, Upstairs invite uproar. ' " No virtuous women visit me — They dread to lose their name — I'll condescend — with those make free Who never blush'd with shame. ' " 'Twas wrong when C e^ eat, perchance, With Vassali and Bergami, I'll eat with Cooks, with Scullions dance — I can't do wrong, G — d d — n me." ' The Orchestra made noble sport, Old Bags,'-^ the bag-pipes squeez'd, A ricketty Cabinet pianoforte Old Sid3 and L 1* teaz'd. * The R-y-1 Host, in livery clad, (An honour long design'd her), Waltz'd with his scullion, nearly mad, To Terry 0, the grinder. ' Ben Bloomy^ and the fat old Cook, Herself a perfect larder, A simple jig together took. The tune was Shave the Barber. 1 Queen Caroline. ^ Lord Eldon. 3 Viscount Sidmouth. * Earl of Liverpool. ^ Sir Benjamin (afterwards Lord) Bloomfield. GEORGE IV. AT BRIGHTON, 1820 259 ' And Cunning-onei mov'd not a limb, But stood amazed with wonder ! To see the K — 's disgraceful whim, And vow'd she'd pull'm asunder, ' The fiddlers play'd, the dancers scream'd, And all was in commotion ; Like waves they roll'd — the noise it seem'd Just like a troubled ocean. * Great G — e at supper next attends, Amidst his new compeers ; When drunk " Low life above Stairs " ends With thrice three times three cheers.' In the beginning of January, 1820, the inhabitants of Brighton were allowed, for a fortnight, to visit the Pavilion and view its wonders, as far as it was then completed ; on the 29th of the same month the old King died, and Florizel, then in his fifty-ninth year, succeeded him, as George IV. He came to the Pavilion at the end of February, and stayed at Brighton nearly the whole of March. A satirical print represents him as being at the Pavilion in November of this year. It is called ' Moments of PAm.' The scene is an apartment in the Pavilion, and the surroundings are all Chinese. The King is dressed in full Chinese costume, the great ' Fum "* bird being embroidered on his bosom ; he is very ill, and a physician is feeling his pulse. On the floor lies a huge roll of a ' List of Addresses presented to Caroline, Queen of England,' and an attendant is trying to prevent the entrance of a messenger, who 1 Lady Conyngham. 17—2 260 FLORIZEKS FOLLY brings the news of 'The Bill turned out."" This was the Bill of pains and penalties brought into Parliament against her by Lord Liverpool on July 5, 1820; the trial began on August 19, and the Bill was abandoned on November 18. The King spent his Christmas at Brighton, and as he was a full-fledged monarch, his ideas expanded as to his country residence, and the assembly-room of the Castle Tavern was absorbed into the building, and con- verted into a chapel. Then also was arranged the alterations which have made the Pavilion the extra- ordinary conglomeration of buildings it now is. The chapel was consecrated on January 1, 1822. He left Brighton in April, went to Scotland in August, and returned to Brighton in October. In January, 1823, he had a terrible attack of gout, and he did not leave the Pavilion till April. Naturally, now that he was King, he had to spend much of his time in London ; but he spent the Christmas of 1824 at Brighton, and stayed there till the following February. He never made but one more visit to Brighton — from January 23, 1 827, to March 7 — and FlorizePs stupendous Folly knew him no more. ^Tf^— ITTTTTll TllC CHAPTER XIX. The books by Nash and Brayley on the Pavilion — Description and history of the building — Its exterior — Entrance hall — Red Drawing-room. E left behind him a more abiding monu- ment of his ' folly ' than the building itself in a magnificent folio volume of etchings, plain and coloured, a task which he entrusted to Nash, the archi- tect, who employed the artistic assistance of Wilks, Moore, and the elder Fugin, especially the latter, and it took five years (1820 to 1825) to complete. I have reserved the description of this building until the end of my book, because it ended only with the King's life. The Lord alone knows what it might have become had he lived longer ! And I transcribe the best description, that of E. W. Brayley,^ who in the spring 1 ' Illustrations of Her Majesty's Palace at Brighton, formerly the Pavilion ; executed by command of King George the Fourth, under the superintendence of John Nash, Esq., architect. To 262 FI.ORIZEKS FOLLY of 1836 made a careful survey of the Pavilion, which had but very slightly been altered since the death of George IV. 'THE ROYAL PALACE AT BRIGHTON, 'formerly the pavilion. ' This Edifice, which, in respect to architectural form, has no parallel in Eui'ope, nor perhaps on the globe, is indebted for its origin to his late Majesty George the Fourth, who, when Prince of Wales, first went to Brighton in the autumn of the year 1782 (?), on a visit to his uncle the late Duke of Cumberland, then residing at his house, near the south end of the Steyne, and not far from the cliff. The consequences of that visit have been extraordinary. ***** 'The greatly increased and still augmenting pros- perity of this town, however, is almost wholly due to the patronage which it received from the late Prince of Wales, who, whilst the guest of his uncle, as above noticed, became so pleased with the situation and air, and the bold, open, and diversified character of the downs and neighbouring country, that he, again, visited Brighton in the following summer, and in the next year (1784) the Prince commenced the erection of the Marine Pavilion, now the Royal Palace, for the purpose of forming a distinct and appropriate habitation for himself and suite. which is prefixed a History of the Palace by Edward Wedlake Brayley, Esq., F.S.A.' London, 1838, fol. THE PAVILION 263 ' The eclat attending the residence of such an illus- trious person as the Heir apparent to the Crown, attracted a great resort of company to Brighton, and numerous respectable mansions and rows of houses were quickly built for the accommodation and entertainment of those continually flocking thither. The impulse thus given cannot be said to have yet ceased ; and, though the town has been so greatly extended, that it already covers full six times as much ground as when it first engaged the notice of the Prince of Wales, scarcely a year passes without a considerable augmenta- tion, both in the number of its inhabitants, and of its buildings. A still further increase is also contemplated, to which the projected Raihvay from the metropolis (that occasioned so much controversial enquiry during the sitting of Parliament in 1837) is expected essentially to contribute, by the superior accommodation it will afford for speedy intercourse. Having, thus, briefly adverted to the vast change in the state of Brighton, which has resulted from princely patronage and abode, we shall proceed to the immediate object of this work, viz.., the description of the Palace itself. ' The Marine Pavilion, as it was originally called, was commenced in 1784, under the superintendence of the late Henry Holland Esq''", architect, whose profes- sional talents were, afterwards, so eminently displayed by the magnificent Drury Lane Theatre, which was destroyed by fire in February, 1809. In its first state, the Pavilion, as completed by Mr. Holland in 1787, consisted of a circular edifice, attached by semicircular projections to two adjoining buildings, forming wings. The central part (which was crowned by a dome, or 264 FLORIZEKS FOLLY cupola, and fronted by an Ionic colonnade and entabla- ture, supporting statues), and the north wing, were new erections, but the south wing was merely altered from the villa which had been first hired for the occasional residence of the Prince of Wales, and was, subsequently, purchased by his Royal Highness. In succeeding years, and, particularly, in 1801 and 1802, additional build- ings were raised by the same architect, or, rather, by his pupil, Mr. F. P. Robinson, F.S.A., who was stationed at the Pavilion, and, during Mr. Holland's absence on some mining affairs in Cornwall, had the special direction of the works in progress. ' Whilst the improvements were going on, in the year 1802, several pieces of very beautiful Chinese paper were presented to the Prince, who, for a time, was undecided in what way to make use of them. As the Eating room and the Library, which were between the Saloon and the new Northern wing, were no longer required for their original purposes, Mr. Robinson, on being consulted, advised the Prince to have the partition removed, and the interior formed into a Chinese gallery. This was immediately agreed to ; the walls were hung with the paper described, and the other parts of the Gallery were painted and decorated in a corresponding style. About the same time, the passage room between what was, then, called the Small Drawing Room, and the New Conservatory, or Music room, at the south end of the Pavilion, was constructed in a singular manner. A space was enclosed within it, measuring twelve feet by eight, the sides and upper part of which were entirely formed of stained glass, of an oriental character, and exhibiting the peculiar insects, fruits, THE PAVILION 265 flowers, etc., of China. It was illuminated from without ; and through it, as through an immense Chinese lantern, the communication was carried on ; its effect is stated to have been extremely beautiful. Such, then, were the circumstances under which the Eastern style of decoration was first adopted at the Pavilion ; and, soon afterwards, between the years 1803 and 1805, the same principle was extended to its architecture ; the new Stables, which were then erected by Mr. William Porden, being considered as designed in the Hindu style. ' Although the Pavilion itself had been much enlarged, and had, recently, undergone extensive alterations, the Prince had still further changes in contemplation ; and, in 1805, he issued his commands to Mr. H. Repton (who was much celebrated for his judicious practice in landscape gardening, and had already been employed in improving the grounds at Brighton), to deliver his opinion " concerning what style of architecture would be most suitable for the Pavilion." The result was made known to the Prince early in the ensuing year ; and, in the spring of 1808, was communicated to the public in a folio work of much interest, which includes a series of coloured plates of proposed improvements, both in the House and Grounds. Though Mr. Repton's designs in respect to the Pavilion were never carried into effect, the arguments which he employed for giving it an Eastern character, had, doubtless, considerable influence over its present form ; a short exti'act from his work will, therefore, be admissible. ' Mr. Repton ingenuously owns that his knowledge of the various forms of Hindu architecture was derived ^66 FLORIZEi;S FOLLY from communications first made to him by the proprietor of Sesincot, in Gloucestershire (Sir Charles Cockerel 1, who had been long resident in the interior of India) ; and, afterwards, corroborated by the accurate sketches and drawings made on the spot by his ingenious friend, Mr. Thomas Daniell. He then says, " Immediately after I had reconciled my mind to the adoption of this new style at Sesincot, I received the Prince''s commands to visit Brighton, and there saw, in some degree, realised, the new forms which I had admired in the drawings. I found, in the Gardens of the Pavilion, a stupendous and magnificent building, which, by its lightness, its elegance, its boldness of construction, and the symmetry of its proportions, does credit both to the genius of the Artist, and the good taste of his Royal employer. Although the outline of the Dome resembles rather a Turkish Mosque than the buildings of Hindustan, yet, its general character is distinct from either Grecian or Gothic, and must both please and surprise every one not bigoted to the forms of either. ' " When, therefore, I was commanded to deliver my opinion concerning the style of architecture best adapted to the additions and Garden front for the Pavilion, I could not hesitate in agreeing that neither the Grecian, nor the Gothic style could be made to assimilate with what had so much the character of an Eastern building. I considered all the different styles of different countries, from a conviction of the danger of attempting to invent anything entirely new. The Turkish was objectionable, as being a corruption of the Grecian ; the Moorish, as a bad model of the Gothic ; the Egyptian, as too cumbrous for the character of a Villa ; the Chinese, too THE PAVILION 267 light and trifling for tlie outside ; however it may be applied to the interior ; and specimens from Ava were still more trifling and extravagant. Thus, if any known style were to be adopted, no alternative remained, but to combine from the architecture of Hindustan such forms as might be rendered applicable to the purpose." ' Acting on this principle, Mr. Repton produced the series of drawings which have been referred to ; and it is but just to add, that his designs for the Pavilion evince a clearness of conception, and a boldness and accuracy of outline, and combination of forms in the Hindu style, which far surpass the anomalous concep- tions that determined the external character of the present ediflce. ' The Plan of Brighton, published in 1809, shews that the Pavilion was still in a state of progressive enlargement. Several neighbouring houses had been previously bought, and annexed to the premises, and the whole assumed, in a great measure, the form and arrangement represented by the Ground Plan in Plate I., in which state it remained until the late John Nash, Esq''^, architect, commenced his alterations in the year 1817. Those alterations were carried on during a con- siderable time, under the direct surveillance of the Prince himself, whose own facility of invention, and correctness of taste, tended greatly to increase the elegance of the interior. Numerous additions Avere also made to the buildings, until, at length, about the year 1824, the edifice was completed in the manner in which it now appears. Instead of the plain and humble character of a Marine abode, it assumes, in its external architecture, the varied characteristics of an Oriental style, and domes, and 268 FLORIZEUS FOLLY cones, and minarets spring from its roofs to a consider- able altitude. ' In the general design of this unique edifice, much fancy is exhibited, and great ingenuity and professional skill are displayed in the construction of its domes and conical cupolas ; yet there is little in the composition, exteriorly, that would elicit praise from an admirer of classic elegance. There is, however, ornament in pro- fusion, and this, in combination with the singular aspect of the entire fabric, makes a considerable impression on the eye, and especially so, if the spectator be unac- quainted with the details of classic architecture ; this effect would, doubtless, be stronger, if the Pavilion stood upon elevated ground. With the exception of the minarets, pinnacles, and minor ornaments, which are of Bath stone, nearly the whole building is of brick, stuccoed. ' The expense of completing and furnishing this building was very great ; and, independently of many lavish sums issued for those purposes from the Civil List, upwards of dC"! 00,000 was paid from the Privy purse of its magnificent founder in aid of the charges for furniture and decorations. On the accession of the Prince Regent to the Crown, after the decease of his father, in January, 1820, the Pavilion became a Royal Palace ; and, on his own decease, in 1830, it descended, together with the succession, to his brother, the Duke of Clarence, the late King William the Fourth. It, afterwards, became a favourite residence of this sovereign (and his now dowager. Queen Adelaide), who passed some portion of every year there until his death in June, 1837. During a few weeks in the past autumn. THE PAVILION 269 the Palace was inhabited by his successor, Victoria, her present Majesty ; Whom God preserve ! ' EXTERIOR OF THE PALACE. 'The Ground-plot forms a long parallelogram; the extent of the building from north to south being 480 feet, and from east to west, about 125 feet : of this space, upwards of two thirds is occupied by the Royal apartments and their appendages ; and the remainder by the great kitchen, chapel, servants'' rooms, and domestic offices. « Since the Pavilion was first built, it has been greatly and progressively enlarged, as above detailed, and, together with the adjoining grounds and stabling, it now occupies an extensive plot of ground, nearly in the centre of the town, and immediately contiguous to the far famed Steyne and Parade. The whole of the demesne comprises ten acres, the principal part of which was obtained by purchase, and the rest by grant from the manorial owners and town's people. ' The principal, or eastern front of the Palace, opens on to a lawn, which is merely separated from the Steyne Parade by a low wall and dwarf enclosure, at the distance, from the building, of 170 feet. On the north side are shrubberies ; and, on the west, which includes the main entrance, are the pleasure grounds and carriage drive. The southern extremity, comprehending the Chapel Royal and offices, projects into Castle Square. ' From this Plate, it would seem that this front might be described as consisting of seven parts ; namely, a centre, of a curvilinear form, connected by adjoining 270 FLORIZEKS FOLLY divisions to two wings, and those again flanked by square buildings, forming returns to the north and south : yet this is not strictly the case, the southern return never having been completed. In all other respects the Elevation is correct. ' The Centre division which includes the Rotunda, or Saloon, and has a semicircular arcade in front, is crowned by a vast dome, presenting the appearance of an inverted balloon, tapering upwards into a lofty pinnacle, the point of which is more than one hundred feet from the ground. The dome is surrounded by a horizontal band of twenty eight conjoined ovals (crossing a similar number of vertical ribs), most of which are pierced as windows to the several small apartments contained in its concavity. It is also flanked by two octagonal minarets, and appears to rise from a basement cone, faced with scale work. Smaller domes, of a more com- pressed form, surmount the semicircular recesses which adjoin the Saloon ; these have ornamental bands and vertical ribs, but no windows. The arcade spandrils are filled up with curvilinear trellis work, inclosing quatrefoils ; and, over the middle part, is the Prince of Wales's crest, and this inscription : '"H.R.H. George. P.W. A.D. MDCCCXI." ' Similar domes to those last described, surmount the Green and Yellow Drawing Rooms (as they are now called), which connect the Saloon with the wings, and are each curved at the ends. The upper chambers recede, and before each range is a balcony and pierced parapet. The wings, which are of a square form, are THE PAVILION 271 surmounted by lofty cones, rising to the height of about ninety feet ; at the angles are minarets. In front of both wings is an open arcade, composed of seven arches, separated from each other by octagonal columns, and ornamented by similar trellis work to that of the Saloon arcade. The Southern extremity terminates in a square tower crowned by a dome, and minarets corresponding with those already described. A sort of running battlement, with very narrow embrasures, surmounts the upper line of the whole building. 'The West Front of this edifice is shewn in all its variety of detail. In its general character it corre- sponds with the Steyne front, but there are many differences in the minor ornaments. The Perspective View (drawn from a North West point) exhibits this front in nearly its entire length ; the octagon tower in the distance is that which encloses the water reservoir. ' The princijial entrance to the palace is constituted by a Porch and Vestibule, which open from the drive on the western side of the building. The Porch, which forms a square of about twenty two feet, is supported at each angle by three oriental columns, and crowned by a small dome in the general style of those already described. Over the cornice is the following inscrip- tion, recording the date when the alterations at the Pavilion were commenced by Mr. Holland : "'H.R.H. George. P.W. A.D. MDCCLXXXIV," ' The Porch leads directly to the Vestibule, which is of an octagonal form, and about twenty feet in diameter. 272 FLORIZEUS FOLLY It is surmounted by a tented roof, neatly decorated, and a Chinese lantern is suspended from the centre. ' The Entrance Hall forms a square of twenty six feet, exclusive of an angular recess which slopes to the Vestibule. The recess has a tented roof, supported by two columns in the oriental style, and pierced by a horizontal sky light, illumined, in parts by tinted glass; there are also two side windows in the recess, inde- pendently of its glazed doors. The square of the Hall is surmounted by an ornamental cornice, supporting the ceiling, which resembles an azure sky, diversified by fleecy clouds. On the entrance side, below the cornice, is neatly painted a long range of dragonish forms and other devices ; and four globular lamps, similarly em- bellished, are suspended from the angles of the ceiling. The walls are of a delicate pale green, relieved by circular and vertical compartments, in which dragons and serpents are depicted in subdued colouring. The chimney piece is of white marble, neatly executed. ' The Red Drawing Room, which is chiefly used as a Breakfast Room, adjoins the Entrance Hall on the south side ; its length is about thirty feet, and its breadth twenty two feet, independently of a consider- able recess towards the north. The timbers which cross the ceiling are sustained by reeded columns in imitation of bamboo. A number of small Chinese pictures, mostly of a bluish tone, exhibiting domestic or family scenes, ornament the walls, which are painted in resem- blance of the crimson japan." CHAPTER XX. The Chinese Gallery— The Music Room— The Yellow Drawing- room— The Saloon — The Green Drawing-room. HE Chinese Gallery which ranaes im- mediately behind the Saloon and its communicating apartments, is 162 feet in length, and 17 feet wide. This space is partially separated into five divisions, of unequal extent and elevation, by trellis work in imitation of bamboo. ' The central division is surrounded by a Chinese Canopy of similar trellis work, hung with bells, and surmounted by a coved ornamental ceiling, which projects through the upper floor, and is illumined by a horizontal light of stained glass, measuring twenty two feet in length, and eleven feet in width. On this light is represented Lin-Shin^ the god of thunder, surrounded by his drums, and flying, as described in the mythology of China. His right hand wields a mace, or sceptre, " wherewith to strike the drums, and arouse the thunder"; and, with his left, he apparently upholds 'l8 274 FLORIZEUS FOLLY an elegant glass lamp, ornamentally tinted and enriched by clusters of brilliant drops. Other sections of the light exhibit the Imperial five clawed dragon, amidst fancy borderings of different hues. Vertical trans- parencies, in a similar style, in imitative frames of bamboo, enrich the ends immediately below the ceiling, and corresponding embellishments are painted on each side. ' On the west side, beneath the canopy, and directly facing the middle entrance, is a curiously designed chimney piece worked in brass and iron to imitate bamboo ; and, over it, is a looking glass of considerable magnitude. At a little distance, right and left, are two large niches, lined with yellow marble, containing cabinets ; and, on them, in erect positions, are plaster casts, painted, of a male and female Chinese figure, in their proper costume. There are, also, four similar niches in the other divisions of the gallery, occupied by Indian cabinets, etc. ; as well as two recesses, each con- taining a pagoda of six stories, wrought in porcelain. At various angles of the ceiling, in place of the Chinese standards, to which they were formerly attached, taste- ful lanterns of stained glass are suspended, exhibiting, on their respective sides, mythological devices, with flowers, birds, insects and other ornaments, tinted in a very effective and striking manner. ' The walls are battened, and the canvas is painted throughout with a delicate peach blossom, as a ground colour, on which rocks, trees, shrubs, birds and other embellishments in the Chinese style are very neatly pencilled in a subdued tone of pale blue. There are three fire places, over which stand beautiful jars and THE CHINESE GALLERY 275 vases of china and porcela,in, intermingled with open tuHps and lotus flowers of stained glass, inclosing branches for lights. Many large jars and other vessels and figures of China ware, are, also, distributed through- out the gallery, the furniture of which is entirely of an oriental description. All the couches and chairs, which are numerous, are of ivory, curiously figured ; and, in some instances, variegated with black. ' The extreme compartments to the north and south, are occupied by double Staircases, rendered light and airy in appearance by the steps being fronted with perforated brass and iron work ; the railings are of cast iron, wrought and painted to resemble bamboo. These compartments are illumined by horizontal lights of stained glass, of similar elevation and accordant adorn- ments to that of the central division of the Gallery ; the southern one exhibiting the Imperial five clawed dragon, surrounded by flying bats, and the northern one the Chinese bird of Royalty called the Fum, with other ornaments. Above the landing place, at the north end, are also three windows, each being embel- lished with a full sized representation, in stained glass, of a Chinese god ; and corresponding imitative windows are depicted over the southern landing place. The staircases lead into an upper gallery, or corridor, which communicates with the superior bed rooms and other apartments. When the doors at the ends of the Gallery, which are fronted with looking glass, are closed, an almost magical illusion is produced, the per- spective appearing interminable. The carpeting is of English manufacture, and accords, in decoration, with the other furniture. From the respective extremities of 18—2 276 FLORIZEUS FOLLY this Gallery, access is obtained to the Music Room and the Banqueting Room. 'the music room. ' No verbal description, however elaborate, can convey to the mind, or imagination of the reader, an appropriate idea of the magnificence of this apartment; and even the creative delineations of the pencil, combined with all the illusions of colour, would scarcely be adequate to such an undertaking. Yet, luxuriously resplendent and costly as the adornments are, they are so intimately blended with the refinements of an elegant taste, that every thing appears in keeping, and in harmony. ' The ground plan of this apartment forms a square of forty two feet, enlarged to the north and south by rectangular recesses, ten feet in depth ; thus extending the entire length to sixty two feet. The square part, at the height of twenty three feet, is surrounded by a splendid canopy, or cornice, ornamented with carved shield work, flower drops, stars, etc, ; and supported, at the angles, by slender, reticulated, tree like columns, richly gilt. Immediately above this is an octagon gallery, ten feet high, formed by a series of eight elliptical arches, pierced by windows of a similar shape, and connected by intervening spandrils. The windows, which are so contrived as to be illumined from the exterior, are en- riched with stained glass displaying numerous Chinese devices, and similar decorations, in green gold, surround them. A convex cove, four feet in elevation, forms the next architectural feature, and, upon that, is based a very elegant dome, or cupola (thirty feet in diameter), which is faced, throughout, with scale work, in green THE MUSIC ROOM 277 gold, resembling escallop shells ; these ornaments, by decreasing in size as they ascend, add much to the apparent height of the room, which, at this point, is forty one feet. 'At the apex, expanding in bold relief and vivid colouring, is a vast foliated ornament, bearing a general resemblance to a sunflower, with many smaller flowers issuing from it, in all the luxuriancy of seeming cultiva- tion. From this, apparently projected from the calyx, depends a very beautiful lustre of cut glass, designed in the pagoda style, and sustaining, by its chain work, an immense lamp in the form of the Nehmihrium, or Water- lily. The upper leaves are of white ground glass, edged with gold, and enriched with transparent devices derived from the mythology of the Chinese ; the lower leaves are of a pale crimson hue. At the bottom are golden dragons, in attitudes of flight. Eight smaller lamps, but of corresponding forms and decoration, are sus- pended from the projecting angles of the canopy ; adding greatly to the general effect when illumined for evening parties. ' On the eastern side of this room, light is admitted by five windows, the draperies of which, composed of blue and crimson satins, and yellow silks, richly fringed, are upheld by golden dragons, and supported, at the sides, by large serpents of a silvery hue. In front of the intervening piers (on elevated pedestals, manufac- tured by Spode) stand four pagoda towers of oriental porcelain, each of which consists of eight stories, and is fifteen feet in height; the pedestals are embellished with varied landscapes and flowers. Many other rare and valuable specimens of oriental china and jasper, in 278 FLORIZEKS FOLLY large jars, vases, etc., are included among the ornamental furniture of this room. ' On the west side is a magnificent chimney piece, of statuary marble, designed by Westmacott, and very beautifully wrought. The sweep of cornice in the centre is supported on the expanded wings of a finely sculptured dragon ; and each of the jambs, which are, in fact, short, circular columns, having bases and capitals of conjoined lotus leaves, is surrounded by eight small columns of or molu, and otherwise enriched. The stove, fender, fire irons, etc., which were manufactured by Cutler, in a superior style of workmanship to most others, are of polished steel and or molu. Over the chimney piece is an effulgent looking glass, measuring nearly twelve feet by eight, surmounted by a tasteful and glittering canopy, supported by tree like columns of radiant gold. In front, stands a superb time piece, of curious and elaborate design ; the base exhibits a rock and a palm-tree ; around the latter a dragon entwines, and appears to be darting its sting at a figure behind, who wields an uplifted spear. At the top are Venus and Cupid, with the peacock of Love ; and, below them, is the god Mars, who is climb- ing upwards, as though to view the beauties of the Paphian queen. Large and elegant China vases, with golden branches for lights, are placed on each side the time piece, together with other vessels of rich jasper. ' The walls, where not otherwise adorned, are covered with paintings, in imitation of the crimson japan. The subjects introduced are twelve in number, and consist of views in China principally taken in the neighbourhood of that " far famed, but little known, metropolis " Pekin ; they are of a bright yellow colour, heightened THE MUSIC ROOM 279 with gold ; and, in delicacy of execution, and beauty of pencilling, are scarcely to be exceeded by the best miniature paintings. Much fancy is displayed in the framework ; the inner borderings being composed of a running pattern of rich foliage, and the outer ones of blue and yellow fret work, heightened with gold : at the upper corners are flying dragons. 'The recesses at the north and south ends are each canopied by a convex curve representing rows of bamboos, confined by ribands, and terminating in the square of the room ; these are partly sustained by large columns of crimson and flowered gold, which are entwined by enormous serpents, depicted in all their glowing diversity of colour, and vivid expression of animal power. Similar columns, but of greater height, are ranged on the western side of this apartment. Within the northern recess, and a separate room extending behind it to the depth of twenty feet, stands a large organ, which was built by Lincoln in the year 1818, and is celebrated both for great powers, and peculiar delicacy of tone. It has three rows of keys, twenty eight stops, and twenty pedals ; and its compass extends from C.C.C. with a double diapason throughout. ' There are two entrances to this apartment, one from the Chinese Gallery, and the other from the Yellow Drawing-room, each under a superb canopy of crimson and gold, ornamented with dragons and musical bells, and supported by golden columns entwined by dragons. There is no outlet on the opposite side, but the general uniformity is preserved by apparent entrances, corre- sponding in embellishments with those described. ' The carpet, which was manufactured in Axminster, 280 FLORIZEUS FOLLY to fit the room, is one of the largest in the kingdom, its dimensions being sixty one feet by forty, and its weight about 1,700 lbs. It is wrought with Chinese subjects in gold colour, on a light blue ground, including suns, stars, serpents, dragons, birds, insects, and other forms. The sofas and chairs, which are of yellow satin and gold, accord with the surrounding objects ; the arm chairs are partially dove coloured. * The Yellow Drawing Room, has been so much altered since it was fitted up by the Prince of Wales, that it now bears little resemblance to Pu2:in''s drawing of it. As there delineated, the walls displayed a series of pictures in the Chinese style, intermingled with other characteristic embellishments, and numerous Chinese lanterns were suspended from flying dragons issuing from the cornice. ' This is the intervening apartment between the Saloon and the Music Room, and is the one that usually becomes the sitting room of the Royal party when residing at the Palace. Its length is fifty six feet, and its extreme breadth, to the windows, about thirty three feet. The ceiling is partly supported by two oriental columns, of white and gold, enwreathed by serpents, and branching into umbrella capitals hung with bells. The Cornice, or Canopy, which sur- rounds the room, is also diversified by pendent bells. The draperies, etc., are of striped satin ; and the walls are panelled in white, with richly gilt borderings. The principal chairs and sofas are covered to match the drapery ; and, on the back of every chair, is a small Chinese figure, seated, with a bell in each hand. There are five windows on the east side (besides two others in THE SALOON 281 the semicircular returns), and, in front of each inter- mediate pier, is a sexagon stand of porcelain, sustaining branch lights. The chimney piece, which is of brown coloured marble, is elegantly designed ; at the angles are small columns, and within a niche in each jamb is a Chinese figure. On the mantel shelf is a handsome dial, by Vulliamy, with ornamental accessories, in- cluding Chinese figures of white china, in draperies enriched with gold. Among the furniture are Buhl tables, with grotesque borderings, beautifully inlaid. On the side and end tables are many jars and vases of Asiatic and Sevres porcelain ; several of which are of a pale sea green colour, elegantly wrought with flowers, butterflies, and other forms. The doors are panelled with plate glass. ' The Saloox, which forms the centre of the suite in the eastern front, is magnificently decorated, almost every part being effiilgent with gold. Its general plan is a circle, thirty five feet in diameter, surmounted by a cupola, and enlarged to the north and south by coved semicircular recesses (of a ten feet radius), which include the entrances from the apartments communicating with the Music and Banqueting rooms. The Cupola springs from a boldly projecting cornice, composed of various mouldings, apparently, of massive gold, crowned by a running ornament of flowers, and pendent bells. The ceiling represents a lightly clouded sky (the sun being dimly seen) ; in the centre of which is a gorgeous bird, in full relief, with wings of flowered gold and silver, en- wreathed with serpents, resplendently coloured crimson and green. This sustains one of the most elaborate and finely devised lustres, of cut glass, that was ever 282 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY executed. Its height is about eighteen feet, and its varying and brilliant tiers of glittering drops are sur- rounded, towards the bottom, by radiant burners, the light of which is softened and diffused around by globes of ground glass. Four smaller lustres, but of corre- sponding fancy and workmanship, are pendent from the ceilings of the recesses. ' On the eastern side are three large windows, splendidly adorned with festooned curtains of flowered satin, crimson and gold : and the panels, and other divisions, are enriched with corresponding drapery. Between the windows are two very large pier glasses, reaching nearly from the ground to the cornice ; and other large glasses surmount the entrance doorways ; all the framework is of an elegantly conceived pattern, designed from the lotus leaf; and every frame has a rich canopy, springing from dragons' heads. On the west side is a sumptuous chimney piece of statuary marble, wich enrichments of o?' molu ; and, in each jamb, within a niche, stands a Chinese figure; these figures, which are of metal, are highly painted and varnished, and the dresses are finely pencilled. Over the chimney piece is a vast looking glass, thirteen feet high, and eight feet wide, in front of which stands an elegant dial by Vulliamy; this is supported by couchant dragons of blue porcelain, and enclosed in a China case surrounded by golden wreaths of the lotus and sun- flower plants. Surmounting the dial, is a Chinese male figure seated, with a boy on his shoulder, a girl at his side, and a dog on his lap. ' At the sides of the recesses are enriched pilasters ; each shaft of which exhibits a kind of caduceus, en- THE GREEN DRAWING ROOM 283 wreathed by double headed serpents, in gold. The doors, which are folding, and also double, are beauti- fully ornamented in Japan work, in panels, curiously embossed with flowering shrubs, birds of different kinds (including peacocks, parrots, and cockatoos), rabbits, a porcupine frightened by snakes, insects, etc., in variously coloured gold. On the side piers, between the doors, are represented pagodas in rockery scenery, together with a lake teeming with water flowers of many species, and, in the sky, flying dragons. Great invention and very skilful execution are displayed by all these designs. 'Large vases of china, and other vessels in rich settings, beautifully wrought with sundry kinds of insects, in low relief, constitute a part of the orna- mental furniture of the Saloon ; which, also, includes some fine cabinets, and splendid ottomans of ruby coloured silk, fringed with gold, with couches and chairs of corresponding elegance. The carpet, which is of Axminster manufacture, is wrought on a circular plan, to fit the room, accords with the other decorations. In the centre is a dragon and two serpents, surrounded by lotus flowers and leaves ; roses, stars, serpents, and other forms, in alternating succession, diversify the borderings. 'The Green Drawing Room, or BANauETiNG Room Gallery, which connects the Banqueting Room with the Saloon, was originally called the Blue Drawing Room, from the general tone of its decorations. Chinese lanterns were suspended from the cornice and ceiling, and paintings of Chinese scenery and trellis work covered the walls ; but it was, subsequently, altered, and scarcely a vestige of its former state remains except the stoves 284 FLORIZEKS FOLLY and chimney pieces. It is now called the Green Draiving Room, from the prevalent hue of its draperies, which are of richly woven silks, of a pale green colour, tastefully wrought with groups of fruit and flowers. ' This apartment is fifty two feet in length, and about thirty three feet in extreme breadth. The ceiling, which is surrounded by an enriched cornice, is partly sustained by two oriental columns, crowned with spread- ing foliage. The walls are panelled white, with broad fret like borders, in gold ; and, on the west side, under a festooned canopy, is a recess for a couch, with fluted drapery at the back, radiating from a central flower. On the same side, surmounted by large looking glasses, are two handsome chimney pieces of white marble, having ornamental accessories in ormolu and bronze. A clock by Vulliamy, and two beautiful jars of porce- lain, upholding branch lights, stand on each shelf; and many other rich vessels of china and porcelain are ranged on Indian cabinets and side tables, in difi^erent parts of the room. But the most rechercM of all, are two vases, and two ewers of Chinese manufacture, which occupy high pedestals in front of the window piers ; they approach to the Egyptian form, and are of a sea green colour, variegated with gold ; each of these vessels is about three feet in height. Several of the tables are of rosewood inlaid with ormolu ; and one table is of rich tortoise shell, similarly embellished. The door panels are of looking glass.' CHAPTER XXL The Bauqueting Room— The Library — Royal Bedroom — North and South Galleries — Queen Adelaide's ai)artments — Great Kitchen — Chapel — Stables — Riding House. ' THE BANQUETING ROOM. N its general plan, dimensions, and principal architectural features, this apartment nearly corresponds with the Music Room ; but the decorations and ornamental work are entirely different, although equally impressive in effect, from the good taste displayed in their well harmonized combinations, and in the professional ability which pervades the whole, ' Like the Music Room, the square of this apartment, at the height of twenty three feet, is bounded by a most elegant cornice, apparently inlaid with pearl and gold : the upper members exhibit the lotus leaf, and the lower ones are adorned with pendent trefoils, alternating with silver bells. This is supported, at the angles, by golden columns, each surrounded, in two divisions, by fasces of 286 FLORIZEUS FOLLY lances and darts entwined by serpents. Over each side of the cornice extends an elliptical arch, about seven feet high in the clear, having, in the central part, a narrow, oblong window of stained glass (so contrived as to be illumined from without), and, in smaller arched com- partments, at the extremities, golden dragons of various forms. The windows, which are glazed lozenge wise, include in their embellishments radiant suns within circles, on a blue ground, involving dragons and serpents in their blaze, in accordance with oriental imagery. Cove-like spandrils, faced with ornamental fret work, connect the elliptical arches with a cupola of an unique, yet graceful form ; the base being a regular cone, about six feet in height, and the surmounting part composed of curves struck from different centres, and partly convex. The cove is bordered with gold mould- ings, and faced with scale work of a whitish-green colour, studded with golden flowerets. An Eastern sky, partially obscured by the broad and branching foliage of a luxuriant and fruited plantain tree, is depicted in the upper part ; and, from this, appears to issue a vast dragon, finely carved, and most brilliantly coloured, the wings and scales being redolent of metallic green and silver. ' From a ring, environed by the claws of the dragon, was, formerly, suspended a magnificent lustre, of un- paralleled size and beauty ; but this was taken down, about three years ago, under the express command of his late Majesty, King William, who was fearful lest, from its immense weight, the supports should give way, and some fatal accident occur. It is still, however, carefully preserved, and may be replaced, whenever THE BANQUETING ROOM 287 desirable. Its height is thirty feet, its extreme diameter about twelve feet, and its weight about one ton. This elaborate specimen of ingenious art consists of two divisions, connected with each other by chains richly gilt. The upper division is, apparently, formed of conjoined links of pearls and rubies diverging to a horizontal star ; below which is a radiant circle of open flowers and bands of pearls, etc., combined with festoons of sparkling jewellery. The lower division consists of a vast bulb, gradually expanding, composed of seeming pearls, and connected with four large and glittering dragons, from whose upturned mouths proceed as many lotus flowers (of ground glass slightly tinted), " the expressive Eastern emblems of perfection and bright- ness."''' Festoons of pearls, with rosettes, stars, etc., and tassels of brilliant drops, complete the form of this unique ornament. ' Four other lustres, designed in a style of correspond- ing elegance, but much smaller, and more simple in construction, are suspended from an equal number of beautifully carved figures of the Chinese Fum, which appears to issue, in the act of flight, from the spandrils beneath the cupola, and are richly and variously coloured to resemble nature. Each minor lustre dis- plays only a single lotus flower, which crowns the lower division, and appears studded, at the joining of the leaves, with superb jewels ; twenty four burners are contained within the cup of each flower. ' Of the enchanting effect produced by the diffusive rays of these lustres, when fully illumined, it is scarcely possible to conceive an adequate idea. " Creating," (if the figure may be allowed), "in mid air, a diamond 288 FLORIZEUS FOLLY blaze, yet so chastened by the semi-transparent medium through which it streams, that the eye gazes on the beauteous scene, undazzled ; the effulgence assumes the character of an artificial day. ' The recesses to the north and south of this apart- ment are united to the main cornice by convex curves (rising from a subordinate cornice enriched with gold and pendent bells), each of which is divided into five semi-elliptic compartments, curiously embellished with a variety of shadowy mythological forms, in pale gold, on a slate coloured ground. The intervening spaces above the cornice, are crimson and gold, with silver studs. ' On the east side are five spacious windows, the draperies of which are of the richest crimson silks, adorned with gold, and sustained by flying dragons. The dividing piers are covered by fluted silks of celestial blue ; and, in front of each pier, is a beautiful candela- brum, about ten feet in height. Each of the latter consists of a circular pedestal (including descending dragons, in relief, among its ornaments), supporting a ^ cylindrical vase of blue porcelain, resembling lapis lazuli, surmounted by a lotus flower, of seven leaves, slightly tinged with red, and having its stem entwined by golden dragons. Similar candelabra, but with varied pedestals, stand before the main piers on the opposite side. The windows are glazed with plate glass in large panes, set in frames of dark wood, with gold headings, and borders of amber coloured glass ; the jambs are black and red, edged with gold ornamental work. * There are four entrances to this apartment (viz., two at each end), all of which are uniform in character THE BANQUETING ROOM 289 and decoration. They have folding doors embellished in imitation of Japan work ; each leaf presenting an elegant pagoda, embossed with gold of different hues, and hung with silver bells. Small columns ornament the sides of the doorways, and each impost exhibits two finely carved dragons, apparently of solid gold. Above these, in an arched compartment, is a group of dragons, issuing from an expanded flower cup, expressive of the chimaera of oriental mythology : these, also, are richly gilt, and beautifully sculptured. ' The walls above the dado (independently of a general decoration of silver chequer work, heightened with flowered crosses, on a deep blue ground) are divided into compartments of large size, containing a series of beautiful paintings in illustration of the domestic manners and costume of the Chinese people. The grouped subjects are eleven in number, and there are four others of single figures, holding screens of peacock's feathers. The ground of these masterly productions is an imitation of inlaid pearl, richly and ingeniously wrought with all the varied forms of the mythology of China ; yet so delicately executed as scarcely to intrude upon the eye. The central picture on the west side represents the conveyance home of a Chinese bride. She is seated in a palanquin, under a parasol canopy, with a peacock by her side, and carried by six bearers in rich habits. An attendant with cymbals, and two boys, respectively carrying a banner and a trumpet, lead the procession. In the adjoining are a lady looking at a vase containing gold fish, which an attendant is feeding, and a Chinese grandee giving audience to a suitor. On the same side, but within the recesses, family parties 19 290 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY are represented, in one of which is a female on a settee, with two children, and, at her knee, a boy playfully holding a macaw. Among the other subjects represented are, a lady playing on a guitar, with a much pleased child, kneeling at her side, and listening ; a lady, with a peacock fan, receiving fruit from a boy ; a lady and child tending flowers ; and a child amusing itself with a tame snake, in the presence of its parents. These paintings are executed with a precision and delicacy equal to miniature, and the colouring is extremely brilliant : the figures are nearly the size of life ; and the dresses are richly embroidered. They are all inclosed within painted framings of trellis work, edged by narrow gold mouldings. On the west side are, also, painted two Chinese standards, hung with pennons, and guarded, at the base, by dragons. ' At each end of this room (facing each other) is a chimney piece of the finest statuary marble, ornamented with ormolu^ and having canopied niches in the jambs, occupied by Chinese figures, richly gilt. Above each is a looking glass, extending to the cornice, and measuring ten feet in height, by five feet nine inches in width. Before the northern glass stands a time piece, of most excellent design and workmanship. The dial forms the centre of an opening sunflower, on each side of which, as though reposing in the shade of its exuberant and varied foliage (chased in gold), is a Chinese flgure, male and female, the one with a bow, the other with a fan. These figures are of brass, highly coloured in beautiful Japan work ; and the garments are enriched with golden ornaments, finely pencilled. On the opposite chimney piece is a thermometer, of similar design and execution THE LIBRARY 291 as the time piece : each dial is surmounted by a peacock, or Fum. ' There are five sideboards of rose wood in this apart- ment, ornamented with ormolu and Chinese emblems. The dining table, which is of the best mahogany, is forty two feet in length, and seven feet six inches in width. The seats and backs of the chairs are covered with red morocco. ' Among the other furniture appropriate to a dining room, are five Chinese Cisterns, mounted in ormolu, of superior workmanship; and numerous jars and vessels of blue porcelain, of great brilliancy and excellence ; the latter are of Staffordshire manufacture, and were provided by Spode and Copeland. The carpeting, which is of Axminster manufacture, and made expressly for the room, consists of a large square, and two end pieces to correspond. A dragon, with three serpents coiled round, and involving it, forms the central ornament : this is surrounded by circles, diversely wrought, and increasing in diameter towards the border. ' The illustration represents the Banqueting Room as it appeared during one of the splendid entertaimnents given there, by the Prince Regent ; whose portrait may be distinctly recognised among the company. ' On the same sitle, at the end of the dining table, is his Royal brother, the late King, when Duke of Clarence. The table is set out with rich plate, splendid candelabra, and elegant and costly statuary. ' THE LIBRARY. 'Behind the Music Room, and, partly, forming the north west of this edifice, are the private apartments 19—2 292 FLORIZEUS FOLLY which were occupied by his late Majesty, George the Fourth. They consist of a Library, Bed room, Bath, Sitting and Dressing rooms, and several offices. ' The Library comprehends two rooms, the largest of which is thirty five feet in length, by twenty feet in breadth, and the other, about half those dimensions. Divided into three compartments, viz. a square and two oblongs, the ceiling of the large room is painted to represent an azure sky, diversified by light clouds ; and, in the oblong compartments, are delineations of Chinese standards. The square part is surrounded by a gilt cornice, supported, at the angles, by fluted pillars, crowned with capitals of fan-like tracery. Dragons of grotesque and varied forms, combined with flowers and other devices, on a green ground, are curiously painted on the walls. The hangings are composed of rich yellow coloured drapery. Over the chimney piece, which is of statuary marble, and very elegant, is a splendid looking glass ; and another is fixed over the chimney piece in the smaller room. Though still called the Library, these apartments present but few indications of that appropriation, all the books having been removed during the residence, here, of William the Fourth. A great variety of China jars, and other vessels, form a part of the ornamental furniture, and, in the smaller room, is a very pretty Indian Cabinet, containing numerous articles of bijouterie and vertu. 'his majesty''s (george the fourth) bedroom. ' This apartment adjoins to the Library, on the north side : it forms a square of about forty feet, with a recess for a bed on the eastern side. A kind of dado of trellis KING'S BEDROOM, ETC. 293 work surrounds the lower part, and the upper parts are decorated with dragons, stars, flowers, etc., pencilled in white, on a light green ground : the doors, also, are painted to correspond. The adjoining Bath Room is lined white marble : the principal bath, which is sixteen feet long, ten feet wide, and six feet deep, is supplied with salt water from the sea, by a succession of pipes, and other machinery. In the Ante room (or Page's room) are eighteen small paintings, very neatly executed, of Chinese Landscapes, and other subjects connected with China. 'The North and South Galleries, or Lobbies, as they are now called, serve as avenues of communication with the adjoining apartments. From the trellis work and general style of fitting up, they have a light and airy appearance, and the furniture is correspondent. Each doorway is flanked by two half columns, ornamented by lozenge-shaped reticulations, and crowned by dragons' heads in relief. Several models of Chinese ships and Pagodas, finely carved in ivory, are preserved here, and exhibit extraordinary examples of patient labour and dexterity in that branch of art. ' Queen Adelaide's Apartments, are very neatly fitted up, though with little splendour ; being far more adapted for domestic comfort than for state display ; for which, indeed, they were never designed. Both the Drawing and Bed-rooms are battened with a very handsome paper, teeming with flowers upon a yellow ground, and including many beautiful parrots and other birds and insects among its other ornaments. Several Indian cabinets, and an elegant Buhl table, form part of the Drawing room furniture ; and, in the adjoining Lady's 294 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY Room, is a fine head, by Lawrence, of his late Majesty, WilHam the Fourth. These apartments open to the balcony in the West Wing, over the Library. 'great kitchen. ' Nearly the whole of the south end of the Palace is occupied by the various offices belonging to the estab- lishment, — of which, both in appearance, and interest, the Great Kitchen must be regarded as the principal. Its form is rectangular ; the extent from east to west is about forty-five feet, and, from north to south, thirty- six feet. It has a lantern roof, which is supported by four iron columns, in the shape of palm trees, and is carried up to a considerable elevation. The interior of this necessary adjunct to social comfort is to be seen in a contemporary illustration, wherein its busy inmates are seen in active preparation for a Royal entertain- ment. The dishes, when placed on the central table, are kept hot by a steam apparatus, until everything is ready for the banquet. Several smaller kitchens, and two larders, are attached to the principal one ; and, on the western side of the servants' corridor, are two pastry rooms and a confectionary. Some alterations were made here about two years ago, during a repair. It is scarcely necessary to add, that all the arrangements, fittings up and furniture of these offices, as well as the great variety of articles of culinary use, are of the best and most convenient description. In an open court, there is, also, an octagon tower, containing a water reservoir ; the water is raised and supplied for domestic purposes, by ingenious and powerful machinery. THE CHAPEL 295 'The Chapel. 'Near the south east angle of the palace is a large building of red brick, forming part of Castle Square. This was, originally, the Castle Inn ; but, it having been purchased by the Prince Regent, the Ball room was converted into a Chapel for the Royal household, soon after his accession to the Crown. It was con- secrated with great solemnity, on the 1st of January, 1822, by the late Dr. John Buckner, Bishop of Chichester, in the presence of the King and his suite, and a numerous congregation. The interior forms a rectangle of eighty feet by forty ; the height is about thirty feet. The Royal gallery, which is at the north end, is supported by fluted columns and pilasters, and hung with crimson drapery : it includes three divisions, the central one beino- for the sovereign, and those to the right and left, for the attendant ladies and gentlemen. At the south end is a large organ gallery, with seats for the household servants. The area is appropriated to a general congregation, but no person is admitted without a ticket : the number of tickets issued is about 400. The chapel is neatly wainscoted ; and has two fire places on each side : it communicates with the Palace by a covered passage leading to an apartment adjoining the Banqueting room. The original Chapel Royal was in Prince's Place, North Street, at a short distance westward from the Pavilion ; and it is still occupied as a Chapel of ease to Brighton. It was erected in 1793, under the patronage of the Prince of Wales, who deposited the first stone ; and contains accommodation for about 1,000 persons. 296 FLORIZEKS FOLLY ' The Royal Stables. ' It has already been stated that the Pavilion Stables were erected from the designs of the late William Porden, Esq''®, between the years 1803 and 1805. They stand on the northern side of the pleasure grounds, at the distance of about ninety or one hundred yards from the Palace itself, and occupy a part of the site of the Elm, or Promenade Grove, which had, for some years, been used as a place of public recreation, and was pur- chased by the Prince of Wales, in 1800. Shortly after- wards, the adjoining shrubberies and grounds of Grove House, belonging to the Duke of Marlborough, were also purchased ; and, in consequence of those acquisi- tions, the Nexv Road, connecting North Street with Church Street, was made. The thoroughfare connecting East Street with the North Steyne (which had, pre- viously, run immediately behind the Pavilion) was then closed up, and the intervening space annexed to the demesne. ' The arrangement and construction of this extensive pile are highly honourable to the professional skill of its talented architect, who was the first person in this country that adopted the Oriental style in modern composition ; at least, on an enlarged scale. In the boldness of the design, particularly of the dome crowned Rotunda, and in the judicious allocation of the parts, " which " (as was j ustly remarked by a contemporary writer), "while they produce all the conveniences in the contemplation of his Royal Highness, contribute, equally, to advance the general effect," the architect has been eminently successful ; yet, as correct speci- THE ROYAL STABLES 297 mens of Oriental composition, neither the Pavilion, nor Stables, will be ever regarded as examples for imita- tion. The expense of erecting this building was upwards of ^70,000. ' The principal entrance to the Royal Stables is from Church Street, and leads through a wide and lofty arch, of the pointed form, into a spacious quadrangular court, containing the coach houses, coach house stabling, and various servants' rooms and offices. Opposite to this, is another archway, conducting to the area of the Rotunda, which is a circle of 249 feet in circumference, surrounded by the stables for the saddle horses, and an open gallery ; and the whole of which receives its light through the glazed compartments of the vast cupola by which it is surmounted. From the extent and height of this interior, and the lofty elevation of the four arches which open from it towards the cardinal points, an impressive effect, associated with surprise and ad- miration, is produced on the mind of every spectator. 'TheDome, or Cupola, which sm-mounts the Rotunda, combines strength and lightness in an extraordinary degree. Although upwards of eighty feet diameter in the clear, its thickness is only twelve inches at the bottom, and nine inches at the top. It is constructed on the same principle as was the celebrated Cupola of the Halle au BU at Paris, and it was the first example of that mode of construction, in this country, upon a large scale. The main ribs, which are twenty-four in number, are twelve inches by nine inches at the bottom, diminishing to nine inches square at the top ; they are each constructed of three thicknesses of fir planks, in lengths of nine feet, breaking joint, and firmly bolted 298 FLORIZEUS FOLLY together, every three feet ; the whole planed smooth, and the heading joints fitted together with the greatest accuracy. Of the space between the ribs, by far the largest proportion is divided into sixteen glazed com- partments, spreading fan wise, which diffuse an abundant light throughout the Rotunda. The remaining eight compartments are embellished with panels in stucco work, instead of glass, which adds variety, without destroying the symmetry, and relieves the eye from the repulsive glare that a skylight of that magnitude must, otherwise, produce. In the middle of the Cupola is a circular opening, surmounted by a lantern, which forms a ventilator for the Rotunda and Stabling, and is wrought, exteriorly, in the form of a coronet. Where not interrupted by the skylights, the ribs are connected by horizontal purlins, and further strengthened by iron chains surrounding the whole contour. The curvilinear plate, or curb, at the springing of the dome, measures twelve inches by nine inches, and that at the top, nine inches by nine ; both are constructed in thicknesses in the same manner as the ribs above described. ' The great arches on the east and west of the Rotunda lead to the Riding House, and to a new wing of stablings, erected in 1832, for Queen Adelaide, on the site of what had been intended for a Tennis Court. They, also, contain the staircases connected with the gallery, around which are the Harness and Saddle rooms, and numerous apartments for the grooms and other servants. The southern arch opens to the pleasure grounds, and the view through the arches, from the entrance gateway, across the Rotunda, is singularly striking. The stables, surrounding the area, THE ROYAL STABLES 299 forty-four in number, are so an'anged that, when the doors are open, a spectator, standing under the central part of the Cupola, may see into every stall, without changing his situation. The fronts of the stables, and the arcades of the surmounting gallery, are finished in a corresponding manner to the dome, and this gives an harmonious character to the whole interior. ' It has been fret[uently stated that the ventilation of the Royal stables, though aided by extensive archways connected with the Rotunda, was inadequate to dis- perse the heat attracted, and retained, by the glass and lead work covering the dome ; and, that the health of all horses kept there for any length of time was much injured in consequence. These assertions, however, are contrary to facts ; the writer having been recently assured by the chief groom, who has held his situation many years, that no stabling in the kingdom can be more healthful, nor better adapted for its purpose than this. ' The Riding House, which is to the west of the Rotunda, is a very capacious building ; its length being 176 feet, its width 58 feet 6 inches, and its height 34 feet, in the clear. It is covered with a roof of a peculiar construction, differing, probably, from every other example. For the jDurpose of gaining as much height as possible, this roof was constructed without the beams, the main timbers, of twelve inches by nine inches scantling, being built in the form of an arch, of forty- seven feet six inches radius, in three thicknesses of fir plank ; precisely in the same manner as the ribs of the dome, above described. These curvilinear beams rest on plates of fir, and are further strengthened by cur- 300 FLORIZEKS FOLLY vilinear oak struts, of ten feet three inches radius, forming the ceiling into an elliptical arch 58 ft. 6 in. in the span (as before stated), and of 15 feet rise ; with groins 15 ft. 4 in. wide over each of the five windows on the west front, and corresponding groins on the east side. Over the arched beams are principal rafters, framed at the top with a king post, in the usual manner; and, at the bottom, forming tangents with the beams, and connected with them by keys and iron straps. The main trusses of the roof are 18 ft. 5 in. apart over the windows, and 6 ft. 9 in. over the piers, measuring from centre to centre ; and the number of main beams is eighteen, or three over each pier."* \<^i' CHAPTER XXII. Visit of William IV.— Alterations contemplated — Visit of the King and Queen — Story of the Duke of Cambridge — Altera- tions in the Pavilion — The Royal Family snowed up — Queen Victoria's first visit — Second visit — Third, with the royal children — Fourth, and last— The Pavilion dismantled — Sold to the Corporation of Brighton. EORGE the Magnificent was buried on July 16, 1830, and at the eariiest opportunity his brother and successor WiUiam the Fourth visited the PaviHon (August 16), and at once began to plan alterations. The following is the account, from the Brighton Herald of August 21, of his reception : ' On Monday last, it being generally known that his Majesty would arrive at the Palace on that day, the town, at an early hour, was in full bustle and active preparation for receiving the Sovereign ; and, by two o'clock, the various public bodies and institutions were assembled, and proceeded to take up their stations on the line of road by which the King would pass, as allotted to them by a Committee appointed at a public 302 FLORIZEUS FOLLY meeting, on Saturday, to conduct the various matters. By three o"'clock, Brighton had poured forth its thousands of every grade, and dense masses of people flanked the road, from the Palace gates to Preston, and even beyond ; while vehicles of every description, from the gay barouche of the Peer, to the humble hackney fly, formed a continuous line for nearly a mile. • The manner in which the various authorities were stationed to receive his Majesty, was as follows : 'At the Palace gates, — the local Magistrates, the High Constable, and the Clergy, in their Canonicals ; at St. George's Place, the body of the Commissioners and their officers ; opposite St. Peter's Church, the Over- seers, Directors, and Guardians ; at the Elephant and Castle, the Revenue Officers ; at the Hare and Hounds, the Friendly and Benefit Societies of the town ; and, from the Dairy to Preston, the children of the various Charity Schools. ' Precisely at half past four o'clock, a gun, fired from the battery, announced to the expectant multitude that their Royal Prince was approaching ; and, soon after, one of the Royal carriages, containing his Majesty's pages, arrived. Twenty minutes elapsed, when the acclamations of the distant throng made known that the King, himself, had appeared. ' At Preston, the King, in his travelling chariot, (the glasses of which were down) accompanied by Sir Frederick Watson, entered, amidst huzzas, the line which had been formed, when his Majesty, to meet the wishes of his delighted people, directed the postilions to proceed at a walking pace. ' The King, who looked extremely well, and was in VISIT OF WILLIAM IV. 303 the highest spirits, acknowledged the loyal gratulations and respectful obeisances, with which he was, on both sides, saluted, frequently bending to the elegant and beautiful females who filled the balconies and windows, waving their handkerchiefs as he passed. ' The line of road was pretty well kept, until his Majesty had nearly cleared Marlborough Place, when the anxiety of the crowd, who stood in the back ground, in Church Street, to see the King, was not to be with- stood ; and, despite the endeavour of the Headborough and Committee, the populace rushed in, and the Royal carriage was literally beset : and it was with extreme difficulty that the postilions wended their way through the dense crowds, who rent the air with deafening acclamations, which were continued for a considerable time after the King had entered the Palace Gates. ' Never teas a monarch more heartily and joyfully welcomed, than was William the Fourth, on Monday last, hy the inhabitants of' this town.''^ Poor Florizel ! only absent a little more than three years from the town which he had made ; superseded in a moment by another rising sun, and all but clean for- gotten ; and even his own brother, as soon as he possibly could, began alterations on poor FlorizePs Folly ! ' His Majesty, as early as nine o'clock the next morn- ing after his arrival, attended by Sir Frederick Watson, and Mr. Nash, walked from the Palace Grounds to the gravelled space outside the south gate of the Palace, fronting East Street, where he continued for some time, familiarly conversing, and marking the ground with his stick, evidently suggesting certain alterations ; after ^ The italics are mine. — J. A. 304 FLORIZEUS FOLLY which, his Majesty and attendants retired into the Palace. It is conjectured that the unsightly boards, which hide from pubhc view the western front of the Palace, and the beautiful grounds, will be removed, and a light iron fence and gates, extending from Messrs. Brewster and Seabrook's to the Royal Kitchen, will be substituted in lieu thereof."* A few days afterwards (on August 30), the King, with Queen Adelaide, visited Brighton, and stayed at the Pavilion until October 25. Anent this visit, I cannot refrain from quoting an anecdote of the present Duke of Cambridge, who was then not twelve years old. Brighton Herald, October 2, 1830.— 'The following has been related to us as a fact : A few days since, Prince George of Cambridge went into a saddler's shop, in the King's Road, and requested to be shewn some whips. An assortment being produced, his Royal High- ness selected one of costly manufacture, and enquired the price. The cautious shopkeeper, ignorant of the rank of his visitor, stated the charge, and added : " Perhaps, Sir, you had better consult your friends before you purchase so expensive an article." The Prince, with infinite good humour, acquiesced, and left the shop ; and a servant was, soon after, sent for the whip, and announced to the astonished saddler the name of his customer.' The Pavilion was altered and added to according to the King's instructions ; in 1831 the southern gateway and the dormitories were completed, as were the northern gateway and Queen Adelaide's stables in the next year. The Queen was very fond of Brighton, and the royal WILLIAM IV. AT BRIGHTON 305 visits were frequent. None, however, deserve a notice, except, perhaps, that which commenced on October 19, 1836, the only noteworthy episode in which was that on Saturday, December 24, the whole royal establish- ment were unable to stir forth owing to the very heavy fall of snow. Several people were frozen to death ; the theatre was closed, and no carriages, except in cases of absolute necessity, left the town. One short paragraph out of a long account in the Brighton Patriot of Decem- ber 27, 1836, will suffice to show the severity of the storm : ' The King''s messenger left the Palace, with despatches, for London, on Sunday evening ; but, when he had ar- rived at Patcham, he was compelled to leave the carriage; he then took horse, and proceeded towards London. A gentleman left in a postchaise and pair, about the same time, in spite of the most pressing remonstrances. On the other side of Clayton Hill, the carriage and horses were buried in the snow. The gentleman and driver, it is understood, with great difficulty reached the Friar's Oak, leaving the horses in the snow ; and it is said, they have both perished. The London Mail left on the same evening, at the usual time ; but, having got to Patcham, it returned, the road being impass- able ; but the mail bags were taken on by a man on horseback.' The old King was then ill with the gout, and he died on June 20, 1837, and it was not long after her arccession that Queen Victoria visited the Pavilion. She came to Brighton on October 4, and left November 4. It is needless to say that she received an ovation, which 20 306 FLORIZEUS FOLLY may be tersely expressed in the following acrostic taken from the Brighton Gazette of October 5, 1837 : ' View now the crowds who throng the joyous scene, In anxious hope to greet our youthful Queen ; Can loyal hearts their joy now fail to show ? To Heaven the shouts ascend of all below. O ! may thy reign with every bliss be crowned, Round the vast world may thy renown abound, In Brighton, may'st thou health and peace acquire, And Heaven grant thee all thy heart's desire.' Her Majesty's next visit to the Pavilion was in the following year, arriving on December 18, and keeping Christmas there. The Queen married in 1840, but did not visit Brighton until February 10, 1842, when she and Prince Albert, together with the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal, paid a visit to the Pavilion. A notice of this visit, in the Brighton Herald of February 12, says : 'In the third carriage came the infant Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal, for whose failing health, it is said, this journey has been made : and never has it been our lot to witness a more interesting scene. The Prince, a fine chubby little fellow, was held up by his nurse to the right window, so as to be visible to every one, and he appeared to return the gaze of the thousands who were looking on him and hailing him, with almost as much joy as they felt. On the opposite side, the Princess Royal was displayed in a similar manner, and received with equal enthusiasm. Indeed, her Majesty must feel that she enjoys a double existence in these Royal infants, who call forth from her subjects so large a share of loyalty and love.' QUEEN VICTORIA AT BRIGHTON 307 This visit terminated on March 8. In September, 1843, the Queen and Prince Albert paid visits to the Kings of France and Belgium, and the royal children were sent to Brighton ; but the Queen and Prince Albert paid them a visit at the Pavilion on September 7, stopping till the 12th. This was the Queen's fourth and last visit to Brighton. The royal children — the Prince of Wales, the Princess Alice, and Prince Alfred — were sent to the Pavilion next year, on September 10, and stopped till October 2. This was the last time the building was used as a royal residence. A marine palace with greater privacy was considered necessary, and, as Osborne fulfilled the requirements, the Pavilion was doomed. In August, 1846, it was rumoured it was to be sold, and we see, from the follow- ing cutting from Punch of August 22, what was thought of it: * Rubbish for Sale. — As there is a doubt about a purchaser coming forward to bid for the Pavilion at Brighton, we suggest that it be bought up for the Chinese Collection, unless No. One St. PauPs* should purchase it for their tea establishment. We know of no other purpose it could be turned to ; and, with a few paper lanterns, and a real native at the door, we feel confident a deal of business in selling tea, or exhibiting curiosities, might be done. If it is pulled down, it will be a fine specimen of broken china."* From 1846 to 1848 the Pavilion was quietly dis- mantled, and in the latter year the organ was presented to the town. In June, 1849, leave was given to bring * Then Alderman Dakin's tea warehouse. 308 FLORIZEL'S FOLLY a Bill into the House of Commons for its sale, and the town was given the option of purchasing it for ^£'53,000, although Messrs. Cubitt were prepared to give ,£100,000 for the site for building purposes. On June 13, 1850, the town paid ^£'53,000 to the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, and possession was given them on June 19. Thackeray, speaking of it in 1861, says : ' You may see the place now for sixpence : they have fiddlers there every day ; and, sometimes, buffoons and mountebanks hire the Riding House and do their tricks and tumbling there.** THE END. BILLING AND SONS, PRINTERS, GUILDFORD. AN ALPHABETICAL CATALOGUE OF BOOKS IN FICTION AND GENERAL LITERATURE PUBLISHED BY CHAT TO & WINDUS III ST. MARTIN'S LANE CHARING CROSS LONDON, W.C. [SEPT. 1899,] About (Edmond). -The Fellali : An Egyptian Novel, Translated by Sir Randal Kohek is. I'oit 8vo, illustrateii boauls, z.!-. 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Library Editions of Novels, many Illustrated, crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3s. 6d. each. By Mrs. ALEXANDER. Valerie's Fate. I Mona's Choice. A Life laterest. 1 By Wom.an'aWlt. By F. M. ALLEN.— Green as Grass. By GRANT ALLEN Phlllstla. I ' Babylon. Stn-ange Stories. For Uaimie's Sake, In all Shades. The Beckoning Hand. The Devil's Die. This Mortal Coil. The Tents of Shem. The Great Taboo. Dumaresqs Daughter. Duchesa of Powysland. Blood Royal. I. Greet 3 Masterpiece. The Scallywag. At Market Value. Under Sealed Orders. By M. ANDERSON.— OtheUos Occupation. By EDWIN L. ARNOLD. f hra the Phoenician. I Constable of St. Nicholas. By ROBERT BARR. In a Steamer Chair. 1 A Woman Intervenes. From Whose Bourne. | Revenf;e I By FRANK BARRETT. The Woman of the Iron Bracelets. Thfc Harding Scandal. I A Missing Witness. Tinder a Strange Mask. | Was She Justified ! By ' BELLE.' — Vashtl and Esther. By Sir W. BESANT and J. RICE. Ready- '- Money Mortlboy My Little Girl. With Harp aud Crown. 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