I had a wonderful time chatting to the folks from History Hack about the mistresses of George I and II. From rumours of murder to ghostly ravens and the grumpiest kings Hanover ever saw, it's all here!
Showing posts with label George II. Show all posts
Showing posts with label George II. Show all posts
Wednesday, 10 November 2021
Monday, 14 March 2016
An Announcement: Kings of 18th Century Great Britain
I'm so excited to announce my next book, Kings of 18th Century Great Britain, which has been commissioned by Pen and Sword, my wonderful publisher.
For over a century of tumult, upheaval and scandal, Great Britain was a Georgian land. From the day the German speaking George I stepped off the boat from Hanover to the night George IV, bloated and diseased, breathed his last at Windsor, the four kings presided over a changing nation. Their reigns were marked by drama and romance, war and crisis. Within these pages monarchs lead their troops into battle, America tears free of British rule and a beloved king finds himself confined to a straitjacket.
Kings of 18th Century Great Britain offers a fresh perspective on the lives of the four Georges and the personal events that shaped their characters and reigns. From love affairs to family feuds, political wrangling and beyond, it is a chance to peer behind the pomp and follow these iconic figures from cradle to grave. As these four very different lives will go to show, being a king isn’t always grand parties and jaw-dropping jewels and sometimes, following in a father’s footsteps can be the hardest job around.
Take a step back in time and meet the wives, mistresses, friends and foes of the these remarkable kings who shaped the nation and find out what really went on behind closed palace doors. Whether dodging assassins, marrying for money, digging up their ancestors or sparking domestic disputes that echoed down through generations, the Georgian kings of Great Britain were never short on drama.
Kings of 18th Century Great Britain: Coming in 2017
Thursday, 20 November 2014
The Death of Caroline of Ansbach
Wilhelmina Charlotte Caroline of Brandenburg-Ansbach (Ansbach, Holy Roman Empire, 1st March 1683 – London, England, 20th November 1737)
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| Caroline of Ansbach by Jacopo Amigoni, 1735 |
Just a couple of days ago, we peeked in at the final hours of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and today we once again the share last moments of a queen. Caroline of Ansbach was, of course, the wife of George II, and had enjoyed several successful periods as regent. These periods won her the admiration and respect of the English people and she remained popular throughout her ten years as queen.
Like so many women of her era, Caroline underwent no small measure of trauma during her ten pregnancies and it was to be a trauma to her womb that would eventually kill her. Although she began to suffer a number of ailments as she grew older, the fatal blow came on 9th November 1737 when she attended a reception and was struck down by a terrible pain in her abdomen.
Despite the agony the queen tried to carry out her duties she was forced to retire to her private rooms at St James's Palace where the royal physicians descended, led by Dr John Ranby. The doctors decided that Caroline's womb had ruptured and set about treating her in their tried and tested way. When bleeding produced no solution they attempted surgery and the queen endured these unaesthetised procedures without complaint, growing weaker with every passing day.
Eventually Caroline and George told the doctors that, many years earlier, the queen had suffered from an umbilical hernia. With this knowledge, Ranby could finally take action and went to work on the hernia, which over the years had caused part of her bowel to decay. In the gruesome operation that followed, the doctors sliced out the decayed flesh, completely opening her bowels and causing catastrophic damage. From that day on her fate was sealed; raw excrement oozed into her abdomen and out through the surgical wounds as Caroline clung weakly to life, suffering untold agony with every moment.
For a week the queen lingered on, well aware that her death was swiftly approaching. She begged her husband to marry again once she was gone but he refused, saying that he may take a mistress, but never another wife. In his eyes, no woman could truly match her and as she faded from life, he maintained a vigil at her side.
At ten o'clock on the evening of 20th November 1737, attended by her husband and daughter, Caroline's unimaginable suffering came to an end. She took George's hand and told him with her final breath, "I am going."
As she had been so many times, the queen was proved right. Plunging the public, court and her own family into mourning, Caroline of Ansbach passed away. She was buried in Westminster Abbey and when her husband joined her in death, their coffins were placed side by side and the sides removed, so that they might rest together for eternity.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
The Unfulfilled Life of Princess Caroline of Great Britain
Princess Caroline of Great Britain (Caroline Elizabeth; Hanover, Germany, 10th June 1713 - London, England, 28th December 1757)
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| Princess Caroline Elizabeth by Jacopo Amigoni |
It is once again time to meet one of the princesses of Great Britain. Today we welcome Princess Caroline, daughter of the man who would become George II and Caroline of Ansbach and a young lady who lived a life that was far from settled, though she was beloved by her family and friends.
Her Serene Highness Princess Caroline of Hanover was born in Herrenhausen Palace, Hanover, just a year before her grandfather became George I. Although her family delayed their travel to England due to her sickly health, they eventually took up residence in St James's Palace and the young princess began a new life in the English court. She was adored by her parents and when Lady Mary Wortley Montagu brought variolation against smallpox to England, Caroline’s mother ensured that her children were treated against the infection.
However, Princess Caroline never found happiness in her personal life. Infatuated with our old friend, Lord Hervey, she was never able to win his affection despite rumours that he was having affairs not only with her own brother, but with a number of ladies within her circle. Though she and Hervey were close friends, her apparent love for him went unreturned. He died when Caroline was just 30 and she was inconsolable, retiring into mournful seclusion at her home.
Although she involved herself in religion and philanthropy, the princess did not emerge from her reclusive lifestyle and never married. Her health was fragile for many years and she died aged just 44, with her remains laid to rest at Westminster Abbey.
Thursday, 29 May 2014
The Scandalous Birth and Eventful Life of Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester
Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester (Mayfair, Middlesex, England, 29th May 1773 - Blackheath, Kent, England, 29th November 1844)
Today we meet Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester, a most noble lady who had her own ideas about what she wanted from life. The life of this great granddaughter to George II and niece to George III was a long one, which started in scandal.
Sophia was the only surviving daughter born of a secret marriage between William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and brother of George III, and his wife, Maria Walpole. It was not until Maria fell pregnant with the little girl that the illicit union became known and the rift between William and his brother, George, was immediate and long-lasting, though happily not permanent. Feeling betrayed and angry at the deception, the king enforced a ruling that the Duke and his family should not be admitted to the royal household should they attempt to enter.
With the pomp and ceremony of a royal christening therefore denied, the couple arranged a private baptism for their daughter with some family and friends in attendance. Thereafter the family retired to the continent, where they remained for a good many years and where Sophia's beloved brother, William , was eventually born.
Eventually though the Duke and Duchess and their children returned to England, where the king and his brother were reconciled. As she grew out of childhood, Sophia matured into a young lady of culture, intelligence and charm and she was well-liked by those who knew her. The young princess was very briefly considered as a possible match for the Duke of Clarence but Sophia had no intention of marrying and firmly rejected such proposals.
At the age 40 Sophia was named Ranger of Greenwich Park and became hugely popular with the people of the area. Her philanthropic interests magnified as she grew older and she died well-loved and respected by all who knew her.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
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| Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester by Sir Joshua Reynolds, 1774 |
Today we meet Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester, a most noble lady who had her own ideas about what she wanted from life. The life of this great granddaughter to George II and niece to George III was a long one, which started in scandal.
Sophia was the only surviving daughter born of a secret marriage between William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and brother of George III, and his wife, Maria Walpole. It was not until Maria fell pregnant with the little girl that the illicit union became known and the rift between William and his brother, George, was immediate and long-lasting, though happily not permanent. Feeling betrayed and angry at the deception, the king enforced a ruling that the Duke and his family should not be admitted to the royal household should they attempt to enter.
With the pomp and ceremony of a royal christening therefore denied, the couple arranged a private baptism for their daughter with some family and friends in attendance. Thereafter the family retired to the continent, where they remained for a good many years and where Sophia's beloved brother, William , was eventually born.
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| Princess Sophia of Gloucester by John Haslem, 1846 |
Eventually though the Duke and Duchess and their children returned to England, where the king and his brother were reconciled. As she grew out of childhood, Sophia matured into a young lady of culture, intelligence and charm and she was well-liked by those who knew her. The young princess was very briefly considered as a possible match for the Duke of Clarence but Sophia had no intention of marrying and firmly rejected such proposals.
At the age 40 Sophia was named Ranger of Greenwich Park and became hugely popular with the people of the area. Her philanthropic interests magnified as she grew older and she died well-loved and respected by all who knew her.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
The Frail Life of Princess Louisa of Great Britain
Princess Louisa of Great Britain (Louise Anne; London, England, 19th March 1749 - London, England, 13th May 1768)
Roll out the red carpet and be careful with the best china because once again we welcome a royal lady today. Princess Louisa of Great Britain lived a short life, not marked by any great marriage or scandal; she did not fall victim to a revolution nor did she rule a country, she was simply a young lady who was destined to die tragically young.
HRH Princess Louisa was born at Leicester House, Westminster, to Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. Her grandparents were George II and Caroline of Ansbach and she joined a large family, counting future kings and queens amongst her siblings.
Louisa was a bright and cheerful child yet, around the time of the death of her sister, Elizabeth, her health began to fail. She grew weak and frail and would never recover her precarious well being. Because of her health issues, Louise was frequently confined to her bed and was unable to fully participate in court life, nor were any plans made to secure the young lady a marriage.
The young princess passed away at Carlton House aged just 19, the fourth among her siblings to meet an early death.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
Roll out the red carpet and be careful with the best china because once again we welcome a royal lady today. Princess Louisa of Great Britain lived a short life, not marked by any great marriage or scandal; she did not fall victim to a revolution nor did she rule a country, she was simply a young lady who was destined to die tragically young.
HRH Princess Louisa was born at Leicester House, Westminster, to Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. Her grandparents were George II and Caroline of Ansbach and she joined a large family, counting future kings and queens amongst her siblings.
Louisa was a bright and cheerful child yet, around the time of the death of her sister, Elizabeth, her health began to fail. She grew weak and frail and would never recover her precarious well being. Because of her health issues, Louise was frequently confined to her bed and was unable to fully participate in court life, nor were any plans made to secure the young lady a marriage.
The young princess passed away at Carlton House aged just 19, the fourth among her siblings to meet an early death.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
Friday, 14 March 2014
To Do His Utmost: The Execution of Admiral Byng
Admiral John Byng (Southill, Bedfordshire, England, baptised 29th October 1704 – The Solent, England, 14th March 1757)
Today I will share a tale of a naval battle, of supposed cowardice and twisted legal wranglings that ended before a firing squad. The case echoes even today, as the family of Admiral John Byng continue their efforts to clear his name.
The high-flying Byng enjoyed a highly successful naval career, temporarily putting it on hold to pursue life as a Member of Parliament before he returned to the sea. In 1756 he sailed out of England to join the Battle of Menorca, under orders not to let the French capture Port Mahon under any circumstances. Even as the mission began Byng was plagued by doubt, certain that his vessel was underprepared and sure to be overwhelmed by the forces of the French. Upon his arrival he found the garrison at Port Mahon completely besieged by the French and wrote that he believed his chances of success were slim in the circumstances.
Despite this, Byng did go into battle on 20th May 1756 and the result was a far from happy one. With the French forces heavily outgunning their adversaries, Byng's vessel, the Ramillies, ended up towards the back of the English fleet and never came within firing range of another ship. On that unfortunate day several English vessels suffered serious damage whilst the French were untouched. The engagement had been a disaster and as Byng gave orders to head for Gibraltar, an order was issued to arrest the Admiral as a coward who had retreated from battle.
When Byng returned to England he was placed under guard in Greenwich Hospital as a war of words raged and eventually, it was decided that the Admiral would face a court martial. The case opened on 28th December 1756 at Portsmouth, with Byng charged under the 12th Article of War:
There was little room for interpretation of the sentence to one found guilty under the 12th Article and so, with the public demanding answers and Crown and parliament keen to settle the matter, the court marital set out to ascertain whether the Admiral had "done his utmost" during battle and to aid his garrison. Byng argued passionately that he had not deliberately kept the Ramillies out of the battle but had been forced to do so by the fact that the opposing forces were at angles to one another, rendering it virtually impossible for him to engage the French from his position. Serving as his own defence he countered that he had been sent to battle without adequate forces and that his sailing for Gibraltar after the engagement had not been in retreat, but by necessity.
However, Byng's prosecutors would hear none of it and although he was absolved of cowardice, they ruled that he had indeed failed to do his utmost and the mandatory punishment was death. However, his judges found this inescapable outcome a bitter pill to swallow and unanimously recommended that George II show clemency and grant the Admiral a reprieve. Influential figures raised their voices in support of a lighter sentence and Byng's family campaigned tirelessly on his behalf yet it was to no avail. Petitions brought before the king fell on deaf ears and, believing Byng was a coward, George gave his decision: the death penalty would stand.
Byng was taken from his prison on HMS Monarque in the Solent and brought to the quarterdeck at noon on 14th March 1757. Here a firing squad of Royal Marines awaited him alongside the crew of the Monarque and sailors from other ships, all of whom were there to show their support of the unfortunate Admiral. Blindfolded, he knelt on a cushion and dropped his handkerchief to signal he was ready to die. At this moment, the squad fired as one, ending the life of Admiral Byng.
Today I will share a tale of a naval battle, of supposed cowardice and twisted legal wranglings that ended before a firing squad. The case echoes even today, as the family of Admiral John Byng continue their efforts to clear his name.
The high-flying Byng enjoyed a highly successful naval career, temporarily putting it on hold to pursue life as a Member of Parliament before he returned to the sea. In 1756 he sailed out of England to join the Battle of Menorca, under orders not to let the French capture Port Mahon under any circumstances. Even as the mission began Byng was plagued by doubt, certain that his vessel was underprepared and sure to be overwhelmed by the forces of the French. Upon his arrival he found the garrison at Port Mahon completely besieged by the French and wrote that he believed his chances of success were slim in the circumstances.
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| Admiral John Byng by Thomas Hudson, 1749 |
Despite this, Byng did go into battle on 20th May 1756 and the result was a far from happy one. With the French forces heavily outgunning their adversaries, Byng's vessel, the Ramillies, ended up towards the back of the English fleet and never came within firing range of another ship. On that unfortunate day several English vessels suffered serious damage whilst the French were untouched. The engagement had been a disaster and as Byng gave orders to head for Gibraltar, an order was issued to arrest the Admiral as a coward who had retreated from battle.
When Byng returned to England he was placed under guard in Greenwich Hospital as a war of words raged and eventually, it was decided that the Admiral would face a court martial. The case opened on 28th December 1756 at Portsmouth, with Byng charged under the 12th Article of War:
"Every Person in the Fleet, who through cowardice, negligence or dissatisfaction, shall in time of action withdraw or keep back, or not come into the fight or engagement, or shall not do his utmost to take or destroy every ship which it shall be his duty to engage, and to assist and relieve all and every of His Majesty's ships or those of his allies, which it shall be his duty to assist and relieve, every such person so offending, and being convicted thereof by the sentence of a court martial, shall suffer death."
There was little room for interpretation of the sentence to one found guilty under the 12th Article and so, with the public demanding answers and Crown and parliament keen to settle the matter, the court marital set out to ascertain whether the Admiral had "done his utmost" during battle and to aid his garrison. Byng argued passionately that he had not deliberately kept the Ramillies out of the battle but had been forced to do so by the fact that the opposing forces were at angles to one another, rendering it virtually impossible for him to engage the French from his position. Serving as his own defence he countered that he had been sent to battle without adequate forces and that his sailing for Gibraltar after the engagement had not been in retreat, but by necessity.
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| The Shooting of Admiral Byng, 1757 |
However, Byng's prosecutors would hear none of it and although he was absolved of cowardice, they ruled that he had indeed failed to do his utmost and the mandatory punishment was death. However, his judges found this inescapable outcome a bitter pill to swallow and unanimously recommended that George II show clemency and grant the Admiral a reprieve. Influential figures raised their voices in support of a lighter sentence and Byng's family campaigned tirelessly on his behalf yet it was to no avail. Petitions brought before the king fell on deaf ears and, believing Byng was a coward, George gave his decision: the death penalty would stand.
Byng was taken from his prison on HMS Monarque in the Solent and brought to the quarterdeck at noon on 14th March 1757. Here a firing squad of Royal Marines awaited him alongside the crew of the Monarque and sailors from other ships, all of whom were there to show their support of the unfortunate Admiral. Blindfolded, he knelt on a cushion and dropped his handkerchief to signal he was ready to die. At this moment, the squad fired as one, ending the life of Admiral Byng.
Saturday, 8 February 2014
An Unloved Princess: Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, Princess of Wales
Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, Princess of Wales (Gotha, Germany, 30th November 1719 - London, England, 8th February 1772)
A royal lady joins us today; unfairly maligned in her day and mocked, ridiculed and gossiped about, the mother of George III bore her burdens with dignity.
Princess Augusta was born to a life of privilege as the daughter of Frederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg and Magdalena Augusta of Anhalt-Zerbst. That she would make a dynastic marriage was never in doubt and, despite her virtual inability to speak English, at the age of 16 the young princess set foot on English shores as the bride-to-be of 29-year old Frederick, Prince of Wales, son of George II and Queen Caroline.
A lavish ceremony was held 27th April 1736 and so began a happy marriage for the new royal couple. Together they had nine children, all of whom survived childhood yet their home life suffered from the unhappy relationship between Frederick and his parents, who he refused to allow to meet his firstborn child. Indeed, when Augusta went into labour whilst at Hampton Court, Frederick was so adamant that his child would not be born under his mother and father's roof that he made the distress mother-to-be flee to St. James’s Palace in the middle of the night.
Despite this, Augusta supported her husband throughout his domestic travails and devoted herself to him, enjoying a civil but cool relationship with the king and queen whom Frederick so loathed. The apparently unassuming, naive Augusta proved her worth following Frederick's death in 1751. Now a valuable political figure as mother the to heir-apparent she threw herself on the sympathy of her bereaved father-in-law and he rallied to support her and her children.
Seeking both a friend and a tutor for her son, Augusta entrusted the young George's education to John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute and a man who had been a mutual friend to both Augusta and her late husband. Before long though, the press and public began to whisper that Stuart was doing a lot more in the royal household than simply tutoring the children and the princess was mercilessly and unfairly mocked throughout the land. As her son, the boy who would become George III, grew into a man, she guarded him fiercely and held an enormous influence over his decisions and actions.
Augusta died of throat cancer aged just 52 yet even at her funeral the peace was shattered, as her coffin was heckled on its passage to its final resting place.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
Pen and Sword
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Book Depository (free worldwide shipping)
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| Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, Princess of Wales by Charles Philips, 1736 |
A royal lady joins us today; unfairly maligned in her day and mocked, ridiculed and gossiped about, the mother of George III bore her burdens with dignity.
Princess Augusta was born to a life of privilege as the daughter of Frederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg and Magdalena Augusta of Anhalt-Zerbst. That she would make a dynastic marriage was never in doubt and, despite her virtual inability to speak English, at the age of 16 the young princess set foot on English shores as the bride-to-be of 29-year old Frederick, Prince of Wales, son of George II and Queen Caroline.
A lavish ceremony was held 27th April 1736 and so began a happy marriage for the new royal couple. Together they had nine children, all of whom survived childhood yet their home life suffered from the unhappy relationship between Frederick and his parents, who he refused to allow to meet his firstborn child. Indeed, when Augusta went into labour whilst at Hampton Court, Frederick was so adamant that his child would not be born under his mother and father's roof that he made the distress mother-to-be flee to St. James’s Palace in the middle of the night.
Despite this, Augusta supported her husband throughout his domestic travails and devoted herself to him, enjoying a civil but cool relationship with the king and queen whom Frederick so loathed. The apparently unassuming, naive Augusta proved her worth following Frederick's death in 1751. Now a valuable political figure as mother the to heir-apparent she threw herself on the sympathy of her bereaved father-in-law and he rallied to support her and her children.
Seeking both a friend and a tutor for her son, Augusta entrusted the young George's education to John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute and a man who had been a mutual friend to both Augusta and her late husband. Before long though, the press and public began to whisper that Stuart was doing a lot more in the royal household than simply tutoring the children and the princess was mercilessly and unfairly mocked throughout the land. As her son, the boy who would become George III, grew into a man, she guarded him fiercely and held an enormous influence over his decisions and actions.
Augusta died of throat cancer aged just 52 yet even at her funeral the peace was shattered, as her coffin was heckled on its passage to its final resting place.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Book Depository (free worldwide shipping)
Saturday, 1 February 2014
Frederick Louis, A Cricketing Prince
Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales (Friedrich Ludwig; Hanover, Germany, 1st February 1707 – London, England, 31st March 1751)
My grandpa Gilflurt likes a bit of sport and always has the time for cricket. Another man who liked the sound of leather on willow was our own Frederick, Prince of Wales, and in honour of his birthday today, I thought I would share the tale of his love of the game.
Frederick arrived in England from his home in Hanover at the age of 21 to join his mother and father, George II and Caroline of Ansbach, with whom he had a relationship that can politely be described as fraught and, less politely, downright hostile. A keen sportsman who was looking for some way to fit into his adopted country, Frederick turned his eye to cricket and soon found it very much to his taste.
The young man threw himself into his new interest, learning all he could about the game and happily gambling on matches along with his fellow enthusiasts. He was soon something of an expert on the sport and was often in attendance at matches, making friends among the players and followers of the game.
Eventually Frederick's spectator interest began to develop into a wish to do more than just watch the game and on 28th September 1731 he took up the bat on Kennington Common to take part in a Surrey versus London match. No record exists of the Prince's performance, but his appearance was sufficiently novel to be reported in the advertisements for the match and his appearance at other games was documented by the popular press.
By 1733 Frederick was an avowed cricket fanatic. Often on hand to present prizes to winning teams, he also awarded players from his own pocket now and again and formed his own team, the Prince of Wales' XI, for competitive and recreational matches. His enthusiasm never dimmed and he captained the team with enthusiasm and passion, watching from the sidelines when not actually playing on the field.
There was to be a dark twist to the Prince's love of the game though and popular gossip claimed that it was cricket that eventually caused Frederick's early death and that a cricket ball had struck him in the chest and caused the abscess that killed him. Whether a cricket ball struck the fatal blow is debatable but one thing is for sure and that is the fact that the Prince of Wales loved cricket to his dying day and on his death the practitioners of the game honoured him in turn, playing games dedicated to the memory of their regal patron.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
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| Frederick, Prince of Wales by Jacopo Amigoni, 1735 |
My grandpa Gilflurt likes a bit of sport and always has the time for cricket. Another man who liked the sound of leather on willow was our own Frederick, Prince of Wales, and in honour of his birthday today, I thought I would share the tale of his love of the game.
Frederick arrived in England from his home in Hanover at the age of 21 to join his mother and father, George II and Caroline of Ansbach, with whom he had a relationship that can politely be described as fraught and, less politely, downright hostile. A keen sportsman who was looking for some way to fit into his adopted country, Frederick turned his eye to cricket and soon found it very much to his taste.
The young man threw himself into his new interest, learning all he could about the game and happily gambling on matches along with his fellow enthusiasts. He was soon something of an expert on the sport and was often in attendance at matches, making friends among the players and followers of the game.
Eventually Frederick's spectator interest began to develop into a wish to do more than just watch the game and on 28th September 1731 he took up the bat on Kennington Common to take part in a Surrey versus London match. No record exists of the Prince's performance, but his appearance was sufficiently novel to be reported in the advertisements for the match and his appearance at other games was documented by the popular press.
By 1733 Frederick was an avowed cricket fanatic. Often on hand to present prizes to winning teams, he also awarded players from his own pocket now and again and formed his own team, the Prince of Wales' XI, for competitive and recreational matches. His enthusiasm never dimmed and he captained the team with enthusiasm and passion, watching from the sidelines when not actually playing on the field.
There was to be a dark twist to the Prince's love of the game though and popular gossip claimed that it was cricket that eventually caused Frederick's early death and that a cricket ball had struck him in the chest and caused the abscess that killed him. Whether a cricket ball struck the fatal blow is debatable but one thing is for sure and that is the fact that the Prince of Wales loved cricket to his dying day and on his death the practitioners of the game honoured him in turn, playing games dedicated to the memory of their regal patron.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
Friday, 10 January 2014
The Short Life of Princess Elizabeth of Great Britain
Princess Elizabeth Caroline (London, England, 10th January 1741 - Kew, Surrey, England, 4th September 1759)
Today's entry is a short and sad one, as we meet a young lady who lived for only 18 years and suffered from ill health throughout her short life. Despite being born into a royal household, nothing could be done for the unfortunate girl.
Princess Elizabeth was born at Norfolk House, St James's Square, to Prince Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha; her grandparents were, of course, King George II and Caroline of Ansbach. The infant princess was christened in the first week of February and was conducted by Thomas Secker, Bishop of Oxford.
The little girl suffered from ailments that left her physically weak yet she was a cheery and enthusiastic child, loved by her siblings and keen to take part in their entertainments. However, she was destined to live a short life and at the age of 18 was laid low by an inflammation of the bowels.
Within days of falling ill, Princess Elizabeth passed away at Kew Palace. As her family mourned, the unfortunate girl was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
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| Princess Elizabeth by Jean-Étienne Liotard, 1754 |
Today's entry is a short and sad one, as we meet a young lady who lived for only 18 years and suffered from ill health throughout her short life. Despite being born into a royal household, nothing could be done for the unfortunate girl.
Princess Elizabeth was born at Norfolk House, St James's Square, to Prince Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha; her grandparents were, of course, King George II and Caroline of Ansbach. The infant princess was christened in the first week of February and was conducted by Thomas Secker, Bishop of Oxford.
The little girl suffered from ailments that left her physically weak yet she was a cheery and enthusiastic child, loved by her siblings and keen to take part in their entertainments. However, she was destined to live a short life and at the age of 18 was laid low by an inflammation of the bowels.
Within days of falling ill, Princess Elizabeth passed away at Kew Palace. As her family mourned, the unfortunate girl was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
Saturday, 7 December 2013
Louise of Great Britain, A Well-Loved Queen
Louise of Great Britain (London, England, 7th December 1724 - Copenhagen, Denmark, 19th December 1751)
I’ve got the best china out again today to welcome another daughter of the house of Hanover. Louise of Great Britain was a sister to our previous guest, Anne, Princess Royal, and like her, left England behind for the courts of Europe. Like her sibling, Louise made a good marriage and even became a queen, yet her life was to be a short one.
Louise was the youngest surviving daughter of George II and Caroline of Ansbach, then Prince and Princess of Wales. Her christening took place on 22nd December 1724 at Leicester House and among her godparents she counted yet another lady who has previously featured at the Guide, Louisa Ulrika of Prussia.
When Louise was just two years old her father was crowned king and the little girl was raised and educated to make a good marriage. Gregarious, sociable and cultured, she had a charming personality and found it easy to make friends so the family must have been confident that a likely groom would be easy to find. Meanwhile in Denmark the hunt was on to find a bride for the future King Frederick V, son of Christian VI and Sophie Magdalene. Christian hoped that a good dynastic marriage would secure English support for his claim to the Swedish throne and after negotiations, George agreed to marry his daughter to the hedonistic Frederick. The young man was known for his love of women and he had no intentions of settling to married life but he agreed to the match, though impending marriage did nothing to curb his gadding about!
The couple were married at Altona, Holstein, on 11th December 1743 and eventually had five children, four of whom survived childhood. Louise and Frederick became good friends though he continued to have numerous mistresses and fathered several illegitimate children. If Louise was distressed by her husband’s behaviour she never showed it nor discussed the matter and instead it appears she turned a blind eye, instead throwing herself into life at court.
Louise and Frederick had been married for almost three years when they became King and Queen of Denmark and Norway on 6th August 1746 and Louise was very popular with the people thanks to her efforts to fit into Danish life. She studied the culture and tradition of her adopted country and learned to speak Danish, ensuring that her children were also raised speaking their native language, an unusual decision in the German-speaking court.
Under their stewardship the court that had been so dour and stern rang once more to the sound of music and song, Louise invited theatre companies to perform for courtiers and was tirelessly cheerful and charming. Her popularity helped her husband win the favour of his subjects and she was as well-liked at court as she was with the people of Denmark.
The life of this vibrant young woman was to come to an abrupt end in December 1751. Aged just 27, Louise suffered a traumatic miscarriage at Christiansborg Palace and died as a result of complications. Her burial took place at Roskilde Cathedral, the young queen mourned deeply by the nation that had taken her to its heart.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
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| Queen Louise of Denmark in her Coronation Robes by Carl Gustaf Pilo, 1747 |
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| King Christian VI with his family (L to R, Crown Prince Frederick, King Christian VI, Queen Sophie Magdalene, Crown Princess Louise) by Carl Marcus Tuscher, 1744 |
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| Louise of Great Britain by Carl Gustaf Pilo, 1751 |
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
Saturday, 2 November 2013
An Abrasive Regent: Anne, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange
Anne, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange (Hanover, Germany, 2nd November 1709 – The Hague, The Netherlands, 12th January 1759)
Not so long ago we met the well-meaning if not always successful William IV, Prince of Orange and today I'm pleased to introduce his wife, Anne, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange. A lady of illustrious lineage, Anne was the daughter of the future King George II and granddaughter to the man who would become King George I. A woman of strong will and no small amount of political talent, she endured personal trials on the road to power.
When Anne was born to George and Caroline of Ansbach at Herrenhausen Palace, her grandfather was not yet King of Great Britain and she was titled Duchess Anne of Brunswick-Lunenburg, named in honour of her grandfather's second cousin Queen Anne. As was usual for a young lady of her station, Anne enjoyed a comprehensive education and excelled in music under the illustrious tuition of our old friend, Handel. These lessons with the composer left Anne with a lifelong appreciation for music and she was particularly fond of the work of her tutor, who would later provide the music to accompany her own words at her wedding to William.
The young Duchess spent much of her childhood in England and at the age of eleven Anne was laid low by smallpox; her suffering caused Caroline of Ansbach to have her other daughters inoculated but by then, it was too late for the young Duchess. Permanently scarred by the disease, Anne was not cowed by her misfortune and returned to her studies as she recovered, her parents already on the lookout for a suitable match. She was named Princess Royal in 1727 by her father, becoming the second holder of the title.
Anne was one of the many potential candidates on the shortlist of possible brides for King Louis XV of France but nothing came of this particular negotiation. Instead, she was married to William IV, Prince of Orange on 25th March 1734 in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace. The couple formed an immediate fondness for one another and once their honeymoon at Kew was over, the newlyweds sailed for Holland. As we will see, their life was not always picture-perfect but they eventually had five children, two of whom would survive into adulthood.
Although happy in the company of her husband, when William left his bride at home and travelled to the Rhineland on military business, Anne found herself utterly at sea in her new home and became dreadfully homesick for the familiar surroundings she had left behind. Absolutely convinced that she was pregnant, she travelled back to England and remained there until her father and husband decided that enough was enough, and told her to return to Holland. In fact, there was no pregnancy and Anne returned to her husband and tried once again to settle into married life, finally establishing herself at court and creating a home of her own. A force to be reckoned with, Anne was politically astute and opinionated, two traits that would certainly come to the fore in later years.
In 1751 the 40 year old William died, leaving his widow as regent for their three year old son, William V. She served in this role until her death, proving herself as a leader even as her somewhat abrasive personality made her less than popular. Not all of her policies were successful though and she was not able to secure Dutch support for England in the Seven Years' War, finding increasing antagonism between her adopted homeland and that of her childhood difficult to reconcile.
The formidable regent finally succumbed to dropsy at the age of 49; more regents would follow until William V finally reached majority in 1766, beginning an eventful reign and a story for another time!
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
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| Anne, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange, 1736 |
Not so long ago we met the well-meaning if not always successful William IV, Prince of Orange and today I'm pleased to introduce his wife, Anne, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange. A lady of illustrious lineage, Anne was the daughter of the future King George II and granddaughter to the man who would become King George I. A woman of strong will and no small amount of political talent, she endured personal trials on the road to power.
When Anne was born to George and Caroline of Ansbach at Herrenhausen Palace, her grandfather was not yet King of Great Britain and she was titled Duchess Anne of Brunswick-Lunenburg, named in honour of her grandfather's second cousin Queen Anne. As was usual for a young lady of her station, Anne enjoyed a comprehensive education and excelled in music under the illustrious tuition of our old friend, Handel. These lessons with the composer left Anne with a lifelong appreciation for music and she was particularly fond of the work of her tutor, who would later provide the music to accompany her own words at her wedding to William.
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| Anne, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange by Johann Valentin Tischbein, 1753 |
The young Duchess spent much of her childhood in England and at the age of eleven Anne was laid low by smallpox; her suffering caused Caroline of Ansbach to have her other daughters inoculated but by then, it was too late for the young Duchess. Permanently scarred by the disease, Anne was not cowed by her misfortune and returned to her studies as she recovered, her parents already on the lookout for a suitable match. She was named Princess Royal in 1727 by her father, becoming the second holder of the title.
Anne was one of the many potential candidates on the shortlist of possible brides for King Louis XV of France but nothing came of this particular negotiation. Instead, she was married to William IV, Prince of Orange on 25th March 1734 in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace. The couple formed an immediate fondness for one another and once their honeymoon at Kew was over, the newlyweds sailed for Holland. As we will see, their life was not always picture-perfect but they eventually had five children, two of whom would survive into adulthood.
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| Anne, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange by Bernard Accama, 1736 |
Although happy in the company of her husband, when William left his bride at home and travelled to the Rhineland on military business, Anne found herself utterly at sea in her new home and became dreadfully homesick for the familiar surroundings she had left behind. Absolutely convinced that she was pregnant, she travelled back to England and remained there until her father and husband decided that enough was enough, and told her to return to Holland. In fact, there was no pregnancy and Anne returned to her husband and tried once again to settle into married life, finally establishing herself at court and creating a home of her own. A force to be reckoned with, Anne was politically astute and opinionated, two traits that would certainly come to the fore in later years.
In 1751 the 40 year old William died, leaving his widow as regent for their three year old son, William V. She served in this role until her death, proving herself as a leader even as her somewhat abrasive personality made her less than popular. Not all of her policies were successful though and she was not able to secure Dutch support for England in the Seven Years' War, finding increasing antagonism between her adopted homeland and that of her childhood difficult to reconcile.
The formidable regent finally succumbed to dropsy at the age of 49; more regents would follow until William V finally reached majority in 1766, beginning an eventful reign and a story for another time!
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
Friday, 25 October 2013
A Routine Trip to the Closet: The Death of George II
George II (George Augustus; Hanover, Electorate of Brunswick-Luneburg, Holy Roman Empire, 9th November 1683 – London, England, 25th October 1760)
Today is a somewhat subdued day in the salon as we mark the anniversary of the death of King George II. My grandmother Gilflurt has oft told a tale of two of this particular monarch but none are really suitable for sharing with our guests, as she can get a little ribald once she's got a gin inside her. Still, it seemed only right the mark the passing of a this long-serving, not always popular, monarch!
In the 33rd year of his reign, the once-lively king had slowed considerably. He had retired from the active political life he had once lived, even his famously hot-temper had perhaps quelled just a little and despite his scandalous love life, more than two decades after the death of his wife, he still mourned her passing. Now in the later years of his life, George's health was failing and he was frustrated by the partial loss of his sign and hearing, though he remained intellectually vibrant.
By the age of 76, George had quite naturally become a creature of habit and on the morning of his death he left his bed in Kensington Palace at six o'clock as was his routine, seeing in the day with his usual cup of chocolate. Suitably refreshed, he retired to perform his toilet and it was then that his valet heard a noise that brought him running to his master's aid. The king had fallen and was prone on the floor, barely alive. As George was carried to bed and settled as well as he could be, Princess Amelia was summoned to her ailing father's side but by the time the princess arrived at Kensington Palace, King George II was dead. George's physician, Frank Nicholls, made preparations to embalm the late monarch and found that the cause of death had been an aortic dissection.
According to his wishes, George was buried beside his beloved wife, Caroline of Ansbach, at Westminster Abbey on 11th November 1760. As was his wish, the sides of their coffins were removed to allow their bodies to rest together.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
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| George II by Thomas Hudson, 1744 |
Today is a somewhat subdued day in the salon as we mark the anniversary of the death of King George II. My grandmother Gilflurt has oft told a tale of two of this particular monarch but none are really suitable for sharing with our guests, as she can get a little ribald once she's got a gin inside her. Still, it seemed only right the mark the passing of a this long-serving, not always popular, monarch!
In the 33rd year of his reign, the once-lively king had slowed considerably. He had retired from the active political life he had once lived, even his famously hot-temper had perhaps quelled just a little and despite his scandalous love life, more than two decades after the death of his wife, he still mourned her passing. Now in the later years of his life, George's health was failing and he was frustrated by the partial loss of his sign and hearing, though he remained intellectually vibrant.
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| George II by Charles Jervas, 1727 |
By the age of 76, George had quite naturally become a creature of habit and on the morning of his death he left his bed in Kensington Palace at six o'clock as was his routine, seeing in the day with his usual cup of chocolate. Suitably refreshed, he retired to perform his toilet and it was then that his valet heard a noise that brought him running to his master's aid. The king had fallen and was prone on the floor, barely alive. As George was carried to bed and settled as well as he could be, Princess Amelia was summoned to her ailing father's side but by the time the princess arrived at Kensington Palace, King George II was dead. George's physician, Frank Nicholls, made preparations to embalm the late monarch and found that the cause of death had been an aortic dissection.
According to his wishes, George was buried beside his beloved wife, Caroline of Ansbach, at Westminster Abbey on 11th November 1760. As was his wish, the sides of their coffins were removed to allow their bodies to rest together.
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
Friday, 11 October 2013
The Premiere of the Coronation Anthems
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| George Frideric Handel by Balthasar Denner, 1726-28 |
Not so long ago I told the tale of the premiere of the Water Music, which was written by George Frideric Handel in 1717 to accompany George I and his illustrious friends on a barge trip down the Thames. A favourite at the house of Hanover, Handel was to receive another royal commission a decade later, this time from the son of his original benefactor. Once again the request was for music befitting a king and, as with the Water Music, once again Handel would produce a timeless, powerful piece.
On 11th June 1727, George I died at Osnabrück. He was succeeded as King of Great Britain and Ireland by his son, George Augustus, who immediately set about planning his coronation. Of course, the ceremony would come nowhere close to rivalling the scale of George IV's opulent coronation but when the new king began to think about the music that would accompany the festivities, he turned immediately to Handel.
The former Kapellmeister toiled tirelessly over the new compositions, segmenting the coronation ceremony into quarters, each of which would be accompanied by one of four new Coronation Anthems. The anthems premiered on 11th October 1727 and were entitled Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened, Zadok the Priest, The King Shall Rejoice and My Heart Is Inditing.
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| George II by Thomas Hudson |
Plans were laid for the anthems to be performed by the choir of the Chapel Royal, accompanied by almost 50 additional singers and an enormous orchestra, cementing Handel's reputation as a composer on a grand scale. Incorporating text from the King James Bible, the anthems celebrated the anointing of the new king and the crowning of the queen, building from a low-key start to a rousing, choral celebration.
Quite unlike George IV's precision-planned coronation, on the big day there was confusion among the singers as to exactly when each anthem should be sung. The choir forgot to perform one anthem altogether and though Zadok the Priest was intended to provide a rousing accompaniment to the sovereign's anointing, the piece ended up being sung at the wrong point of the ceremony. Still, my grandmother Gilflurt was there on the day and says it sounded wonderful nonetheless!
Since that day in 1727 the majestic anthem, Zadok the Priest, has become one of the most famous pieces of music ever written, performed at every coronation since George II. A jubilant celebration, Zadok the Priest is a true Giflurt favourite!
Life in the Georgian Court, true tales of 18th century royalty, is available at the links below.
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