A
cv
J.
<^*L
(WU* ty&ptribufce ^otmtafo
VOL. I.
'
COUET AND PRIVATE LIFE IN THE
TIME OF QUEEN CHAKLOTTE :
BEING THE JOURNALS OF MRS PAPENDIEK,
ASSISTANT KEEPER OF THE WARDROBE
AND READER TO HER MAJESTY. EDITED
BY HER GRAND -DAUGHTER, MRS VERNON
DELVES BROUGHTON
VOLUME I.
LONDON: RICHARD BENTLEY & SON, NEW BURLINGTON
STREET, PUBLISHERS IN ORDINARY TO HER MAJESTY
THE QUEEN
MDCCCLXXXVII.
PBEFACE
The manuscript of the memoirs which I now offer
to the public came into my hands a few years ago
through the death of a relation, and it seemed to
me that the record of a life of one so intimately
associated as was Mrs. Papendiek with the Court of
George III., and of his Queen, Charlotte Sophia,
could not fail to have some interest for the general
reader.
The long reign of this sovereign was one full of
stirring public and political incident, and of much
special interest in the matter of art and science,
having been prolific in men of note in all branches
of artistic learning — men not only of English, but
of foreign birth and lineage, many of the latter
having been induced to settle in this country by the
liberal encouragement given to them by the Koyal
patron of art.
Painting and music may be said to have been in
once and
;<• social li?
and universal an at' uses,
with most i n in
day,
onal
a was
begun by >!
ra, as an
I intern!
inily, n
at intervals during several m
also in t1 ecessarv
! k.
ed at t!;<
I her
PREFAi vii
surviving grandchildren and other relations and
friends.
The narrative having been written from memory
after the lapse of a considerable number of years,
and quite the early part of it only from hearsay, is
necessarily fragmentary. I have endeavoured as
much as possible to put the facts of which she tells
into chronological order ; but as human recollections
are always liable to error I crave indulgence on this
score should any inaccuracies have crept in, not
only in the matter of dates, but also in titles, names,
&C, for any errors of which kind I do not hold
myself responsible.
Mrs. Papendiek's descriptions, given sometimes
with quaint, old-fashioned expressions, of her home
at various periods and at different places, of her
4 gala ' days, and of the various entertainments in
which she took part, I have purposely left unaltered
and unabridged, as being illustrative of the very
primitive style of living in the days of which she
writes. Though these descriptions may possibly, on
a first impression, appear somewhat trivial and at
times almost childish, they would lose the ring of
genuineness were they altered or modified.
The intense delight* which she evinces in the few
inno< isures of her ea , and which she
recounts at the age of se\. 1 more with so
and, to
thinkinp, a r
ie societ mes,
-ent day being biases
and i if some i be not
ility
and personal rhich
woui
serve as apology, should apology be ne* the
simplicity and homeliness of Ie.
sense of dutj I was
ruling !>•
reve: ood-
ness of an all-mcrriful I
•pen- n of her lift in pious n signa-
m]], and . though passed
d hope
love.
We.
nature and v'lty,
v lament pleU
PREFACE IX
the record of her well-spent life, which could not be
recounted by others with half the force or fidelity of
her own pen.
In their unfinished state, then, I present these
reminiscences to the public, trusting in the forbear-
ance of the intelligent and discriminating reader.
A. D. B.
Kensington :
November 1886.
CONTENTS
OF
THE FIRST VOLUME.
CHAPTER I.
Early family history — Princess Charlotte Sophia chosen to be wife
of George III. — Marriage of the King announced — Life at
Mecklenburgh-Strelitz — Marriage by proxy — Journey of the
Princess to England — Reception at St. James's Palace — De-
scription of the Princess — The wedding — The King's presents
— Different opinions of Mademoiselle Schwellenberg — The coro-
nation— The Lord Mayor's Show — Visit to Mr. Barclay — Lord
Bute and Pitt — Visits to the theatres — Mrs. Tunstall as house-
keeper—Birth of the Prince of Wales — Installation of Knights
of the Garter — Appointments in the Royal nursery — Mrs. Albert
arrives from Germany — Purchase of ' the Queen's house ' —
House-warming — Birth of the Duke of York ....
CHAPTER II.
he Queen and the Spitalfields weavers — The King's first illness
— Macaulay on the Princess Dowager — Fox and the Lady
Sarah Lennox — Madame Schwellenberg and Mr. Albert — The
Regency question — Birth of Charlotte Albert, afterwards Mrs.
Papendiek — Birth of William IV. — Mr. Albert engages a
house near St. James's — Birth of the Duke of Kent — Birth of
the Princess Augusta — Inoculation — Death of the Princess
Dowager — Birth of Princess Elizabeth — Birth of the Duke of
Cumberland-^Removal of the Alberts to apartments in St..
J tavr*'« Palace f»- .«tall and her daughter — House
to the Alberta— Ufc at B *n»t
«bool tt Street Mbert trarels abroad with the
Doebeas of North urn be Hand —Change* in the Ho y al househt M
■ rnm opinion* of the character of Mr.. '
!II.
Ikrth of the Dak* of Cambridge- Appointment of Mies Margaret
Plants— Que rtott partiae ■-Meaalea at acbool — S neea
rriblo storm— \ n—
aldron's draatai Charlotte Albert seized with
Ike email Princess Mary— Daily arrange-
saeate of the K oj *! Family -Kducation at Stroatham— Anec-
dote of 1
JSoff* ;*inting at Florenoe— Mr*
OB !V.
.•e of Mies Kamus i -ations at
Wmdenr Ceotle— The alder Prineea reside there— First flaw in
the harmony of the Royal household — Royal entertainment* and
la— 4o*riotte Albert introduced to the Thralea—
ittvnt CharUte kpJMI Mfcoill Olid NfNl R«fJ Y.ar
it liesuas Terrific hurricane— Prince William
Mra. Trimmer- Bach's troubles- Firet intro-
■ of aAsonf.etas lllnasi of Mies Fry-Death of Mra.
id artistic society -Singers -Dancers
l*pcmgtoosoni Dr. John-
aw and Mies R«n»y -Hit Joahoa lUynoldV- Angelica Km
Naecdotes lull at Sir Abraham
de U Cow 00
nm aitrudaotsua to Mr. Papsndha- Leering school for good
Tae Oortoa Riota- The Royal children sent to Kew- A party
by hifhwaymen-Vtait to Newgate
-Hub of Prince Alfred
in: ni: mi:
routine Apollo of tho day — Bach's distress Sohroeder —
• dill Faoh"s benefit Mrs. Abington ConuHh
biOD in dress Mr. F.r.vndiok Ho propoatt
marriage us
OHAPTBB VI.
irffl Qaii^j Ba4 between Bach aud
-.or- king of Ponmark A lively joke At Kew with Mi
1 at Court Tho Queen and Madame Schwel-
lenherg frhq Royal Aoadi n, afterward- i :»>i v
Deri Hamilton The Data o( Doxtel Kaoh's
declining haahh EBadaath His funeral— Bath — Miss Quasi
• capricious VJoMi-gamba Abel Bach and
| Illuminations Pol and \ Pitt Sukov Confir-
mation tumoral La ko ami Colonel Hulse The (,) noon's tV
inent of Mr. All unv at Court Mr. Ubert an altered
man Ohaagti in tho Royal household Introduction o( people
of inferior rank Visits to H:uup«tead and Tower Hill 11*.*
OHAPTBB vn.
Fitter disappointment of Mr. AUnr' Mr F.ipoudiok ■gain OH
the scene Mrs. Albeit encourages him Marriage arranged
Description o( trousseau Visit to Stiv:\thatn Ad\ico frotu
Mrs. ka\ and Miss Fry Return home First sitting to Zof-
(any Tha wadding Bxed suddenly Arrangement*- Married at
.mover Square Mr. Albert did not attend M-
Mid Mrs. Fapondiek go home -First dinner, not a success
Visit to the IvUtvn at St. James's In tho availing to the
younger Princes and Princesses Present from the Prince
Wales Mr. Fapondiek to Windsor Arranging the house in
charlotte Street — Presents from the Queen First party goes
off well Zotlany sails for India -( Irand concert Salomon . 166
- t'HAPlT.K VIII.
The Miss Finleys- Oratorios Flayhouses Trae,ed\ and coined \
— Captain Hroughton -Slouch Salomon — Hmperoi
Mrs. Magnolley's school — A dinner — Question of the Prince
of "Wales's establishment George Fapondiek May in town —
Birth of Frineess Amelia Caudle and cake Firth of Mrs.
:. fcsj n.ilJ -K v.:v-l h.r Mondi Coadk tad
-Prwwnt fn»tn Mr. Papndiek -VL-it t.i tho (,>m.. :i —
m of
trr.t QtYOOB- Tli Knv. M •. >i>l I'-na, and Miss
xur near Orosrenor Place — Household nr-
• Pi.-),.-, of lV-v»n*hirv CanvaxMn^ for Fox—
teeaent — Foxchaired- Mr. (luy-
Grand eoocert
Morlinn of the death of Handel -Satques—} >n>asw of
ndi«-k as a flu Uby is el.
coated— The baby taken to at* the Qoec> -en very
compUaMOtery— Two mors Abbey concerts— Dettingen
Iteum' Deed March in 'Saul *— Mara in 'O Min?
Lord'— Coronation anthem— Kemo*
dection of straw bonmte— Increased intimacy
family Mrs. Papendiek takes to riding— Alarm of thieves—
Maidenhead moss Mr. Papeodi-k a •,, re-
asons'— Perquisites— IW11 on th. cess
RoysJ drops her shoe— A brilliant Court— Hiinnemann— Kamm
— «iJrsJeatre— I aton — 8mall parties
•idink dor! ndthom-
Papiediok tokos a booos at Windsor— Heary snow n-
of April- Ooncsrts at lbs Hanover B me— Settb
Wmdsor— Iloosabold arrangeroenta— Ittrth of Mrs. Papend;
on—iisjojfjter MercW .rformancoe-MaraV
lo CMrd-Dreadrn) outrage -Half-crown risitors— Present
frees Ust Qsjsob
-TV King's neuters— The PohJe-Lece- Price of
-Toe {/nett's birtMay-Weothr
tkmfUm
CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME xv
PAGE
Herschel — The Astronomer Royal — Discovery of the planet
Georgium Sidus or Uranus — Death of Mr. Pitt — Horn, or-
ganist of St. George's Chapel — David, the tenor — Debts of the
Prince of "Wales — He declares himself a bankrupt — Presents
on coming of age — Attempt on the King's life — Thoughtful
kindness of the Spanish Ambassador — Sunday schools — Baron
Hordenberg — He leaves England — Illness of Princess Elizabeth
— Birth of Mrs. Papendiek's third child, Frederick — Seriously
ill — Presents — Loss of 16/. — Inoculation — Re-arrangement of
the Royal household — The Duke of York in Germany — Mr.
Magnolley associated with Mr. Papendiek^-Mr. Brown— Lady
Charlotte Finch — Death of Prince Octavius— Mrs. Harris —
Princess Elizabeth ordered to ride — Review on Ashford Com-
mon— The ' Messiah ' — The Marquis of Carmarthen — Altera-
tions in fashion — The Eton Montem — Dr. Herschel and Mrs.
Pitt 243
CHAPTER XL
St. George's Chapel at Windsor — Painted windows — New College,
Oxford — West — Fashion set by the Prince of Wales — Grand
pianoforte — Art and science — Rodgers — Lady Mexborough —
Miss Haines — House-breaking and robbery — Hart Street — Mrs.
Pitt and Dr. Herschel again engaged — Epidemic fever at Eton
— Precautions against infection — Death of a canary bird — Mr.
Papendiek takes to a wig — Mr. Lang, assistant surgeon of St.
Bartholomew's Hospital — Mrs. Albert's great strictness — Mrs.
Papendiek gives a dance — The supper — Visit from Salomon —
A private concert — Charlotte writes a letter — Mr. and Mrs.
Duberly — Approaching death of Mrs. Pohl — ' Back Stairs ' —
Fashions for evening dress — Fashionable work — Mrs. Hiinne-
mann — Mrs. Duberly — Hoppner and Mrs. Hoppner — Charlotte's
portrait — Signs of the King's serious illness — Mrs . Magnolley
— Dr. Heberden — The Princess Royal's rooms refurnished —
Dr. Herschel marries Mrs. Pitt — Troubles at St. James's —
Ramberg — Drawing of the Papendiek children — House at Ken-
sington— The Zoffanys— Charlotte goes to school — The King
tries wine — Death of Miss Laverocke — Miss Pascal, now Mrs.
Theilcke— The party for Cheltenham 277
XII.
Th* organ loA The .>rjrer
dish'* fourth child, George The Royal party Mum
blMM Bnlommi Christening of the child
Mode — The Qu«
ruit The chine roan
The glove manufactory Fa/
Paper,: he Queen— Visits t<>
EieaJpf parties New music I Misses St owe
The Cheshire* Terrihle poisoning cat n i uicon
The last of the Cheshire famih
Misses 8towe play hrf
Mr PtpMstttll Mates to the Quwn the Stowwj' I
Queen's approxiJ of Mrs. &
..?
ND CHILD
COURT AND PRIVATE LIFE
IN THE
TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
CHAPTER I.
Early family history — Princess Charlotte Sophia chosen to be wife of
George III. — Marriage of the King announced — Life at Mecklenburgh-
Strelitz — Marriage by proxy — Journey of the Princess to England —
Reception at St. James's Palace — Description of the Princess — The
wedding — The King's presents — Different opinions of Mademoiselle
Schwellenberg — The coronation — The Lord Mayor's Show — Visit to
Mr. Barclay — Lord Bute and Pitt — Visits to the theatres — Mrs.
Tunstall as housekeeper — Birth of the Prince of Wales — Installation
of Knights of the Garter—Appointments in the royal nursery —
M rs. Albert arrives froj>s. Germany — Purchase of ' the Queen's house '
— House-warming — Birth of the Duke of York.
It is said that our family are descendants in the direct
line of the Alberts of Saxe-Teschen. It may be so ;
but as we at the present time derive no advantage
from that honour, it matters little beyond the satis-
I faction of knowing that, in searching the pedigree of
our ancestors, no blemish was found in the character
of any members of the family.
My father, Frederick Albert, was born in the
vol. i. B
it>
1 the
i
piing
ia lumrni »f his
It
rytbing
. ■
or sorrows. was in
much, and added
nt and confidential
orge III. nicceeded to the t In
that he Bhould
seek sorii' »uld fulfil all the
.t luge,
f tlir
fair hj\ m waa * II
ml : but when
the \.-i.
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
Courts of Germany on a mission of investigation,
reported in strong terms the charms of character
and the excellent qualities of mind possessed by the
Princess Charlotte, it was at once decided to ask her
hand in marriage for the young King.
Her father, the Duke of Mirow, was the second
son of the former Duke of Mecklenburgh-Strelitz,
whom he succeeded only in 1751, so her early life
had been passed in the utmost simplicity, her excel-
lent mother, a member of the ducal house of Saxe-
Hilburghausen, having herself superintended the edu-
cation of her two daughters, instilling every feeling
of piety and reverence for religious duties into the
minds of her children.1
1 The following passage, taken from the Memoirs of Queen Charlotte,
by John Watkins, LL.D., published in the year 1819, is interesting as
showing the manner in which the Princess had been brought up, and the
tone of piety which characterised her early education, and which same
principles of religion she endeavoured, in after life, to instil into the
minds of her own children. ' One of our old poets has observed that " a
virtuous court a world to virtue draws " — an assertion which is unques-
tionably true to a mucvi greater extent than is generally imagined, even
by those who take the closest and most correct view of the moral effects
of great examples. When the Duchess Dowager of Mecklenburgh was
forming the minds of her children and attending to the manners of
her household, she had no prospect of any splendid alliances for her
daughters ; and it is certain that she neither indulged such ideas herself
nor suifered them to be encouraged in conversation. Totally free from
worldly policy, she regulated the whole system of her maternal government
by the principle of religious duty, in a pious conformity to the direction
of Providence. Thus laying her own foundation of happiness in the
deepest humility, and feeling the benefit of it in the calm tranquillity of
her passions amidst many severe trials, she was anxious that those in
whose welfare she was most tenderly interested should experience the
same blessing.'
B 2
i " • i 1 .
n, and Lord 1 1
1 within a
■
with his missi
A only were allowed to ma
necessary pn bad learnt
I intimately in the family of my
brother, and
Her Serene Highness, who
was < »osition founded on religious and moral
no thought of Wl
■ ither against ber-
y of b( father
r Umm to marry this young
; eling tl ■
i, which th-
that now he should it imprudent This
m could not reconci
. and ag
ler consented and
•an hard tl couH be
r in the si. and;
asc, she was satisfied to remain
Till; TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
with her family till my father could find a proper
opportunity to send for her.
The cortege arrived that was to conduct Princess
Charlotte to England : the Duchess of Ancaster,
the Duchess of Hamilton, Ladies of the Bedchamber ;
Mrs. Tracey, Bedchamber Woman ; Earl Harcourt,
Proxy for the King ; and General Graeme, to con-
duct the whole escort ; Lord Anson being appointed
commander of the squadron. They were magni-
ficently received, and were entertained with the
greatest splendour and pomp.
[Dr. Doran, in his * Lives of the Queens of England
of the House of Hanover,' quotes the following de-
scription of the ceremony of the marriage by proxy
from Mrs. Stuart, daughter-in-law of Lord Bute, who
left the following note of the early life of the
Princess :
' Her Majesty described her life at Mecklenburgh
as one of extreme retirement. She dressed only en
robe de chambre, except on Sundays, on which day
she put on her best gown, and after service, which
was very long, took an airing in a coach and six,
attended by guards and all the state she could muster.
She had not " dined " at table at the period I am
speaking about. One morning her eldest brother, of
whom she seems to have stood in great awe, came to
her room in company with the Duchess, her mother.
... In a few minutes the folding doors flew open
- !
thing then
I his
1'enfant,
then
a. The
.
which 1 nd they all embr
•
M d introduced t<> Genera]
now
the party, who
with him. Be was a very hand-
face and person ; he wa
ng manner ; he had the knick-
oul him ; he spoke
I was \ npanionable. Be, with the
.
>m her own
i
176] th< it en t!
■ ; thunder overtook
•1 the Lightning fir i an
they had to They
. and mm
barke<! on l*>anl the yachts, in the mi
dutiful :, to the Prii
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLO'I 7
both by high and low, male and female, for she was
generally and greatly beloved.
They were nine days at sea and in the greatest
danger, the voyage being usually accomplished in
about three days. The Princess, however, did not
lose her gaiety through all this trying time, nor did
she suffer from sea-sickness, but sang to her harpsi-
chord, leaving the door of her cabin open, so as to
encourage her companions in their misery.
Instead of going on to land at Greenwich, where
everything was prepared for the reception of the
Princess, Lord Anson thought it better to make for
the nearest port, and ran into Harwich, where they
remained at anchor for the night. This was on
Sunday, the 6th of September, and landing the next
morning they travelled to Lord Abercorn's at Witham,
in Essex, where they rested, and the following day
continued their journey towards London. At Bom-
ford, after being conducted by Mr. Dutton to his
residence, where an elegant dejeuner was provided,
the Princess, with her suite, entered their travelling
equipages, and proceeded on their route. They en-
tered London by the suburb of Mile End, and passing
through Whitechapel, which could not have given
the strangers a very promising idea of the beauty or
grandeur of the metropolis, or the Princess a very
exalted notion of the people over whom she had come
to reign (for that was at that time, as it is now, one
8 IN
lark,
ution
Hill
unded I
■nail |»ri\
I her through tl :i. up the
- to the i
:' her reception
oint of kneeling to the very far from
Id Duke of Grafton, as the crimson
was placed for her seemed to point that
pped forward and embn
ion to her overwrought
bo imagine, and the
mbling Lips of which one hears and
■ I up when she
:i .. at that time
Ge 'i his lil I 'rin-
only moderately
it woul that the
n-k with disappointment on
had
m of her mother, VI
turn
rfa] bloom
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 9
youthful countenance, not to mention the anxiety her
Eoyal Highness must have felt in coming among
strangers on so trying an occasion.
She was certainly not a beauty, but her counte-
nance was very expressive and showed extreme in-
telligence ; not tall, but of a slight, rather pretty
figure ; her eyes bright and sparkling with good
humour and vivacity ; her mouth large, but filled
with white and even teeth ; and her hair really beau-
tiful. On the journey, the ladies who were with her
were very anxious that she should dress it more in
the English fashion, and curl it. She, however,
would not hear of it, but preferred her own style of
toupet, as it was called, saying that she thought it
looked as well as that of any of the ladies sent to
fetch her, and adding : * If the King should desire
me to wear a periwig I will do it ; but till he expresses
a wish upon the subject, my hair shall remain as
it is.'
[Walpole says of her that ' she looked sensible,
cheerful, and remarkably genteel ; ' but Croker's
opinion of her charms is, though amusing, certainly
not flattering. ' Queen Charlotte,' he says, * had
always been, if not ugly, at least ordinary, but in her
later years her want of personal charms became, of
course, less observable, and it used to be said that
she was grown better looking. I one day said some-
thing to this effect to Colonel Disbrowe, her Cham-
IN
t li ink f
thai
r, but an
• • - ;
. i'.iii
in 1)
chun held tl.
moniefl of introduction tl
her apartments, where her
eau \\;i> displs
issistanl dn now brought forwaj
lish woman, and Miss Pa
•man. The Iat1 with the K
on which account ow never liked her,
i ipy upon her actions. She
■■■'.'.. i lei i c : uting
Den with dilig td punctual
J (.pinion that might be
re in
reading a the em t, under the
the then
y trouble
look
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTI. 11
leave of their charge to repair to their respective
homes in order to prepare for their attendance at the
wedding in the evening. The parting was equally
painful to all, for they had mutually endeared them-
selves to each other during their long and dangerous
journey.
Dinner was now served ; the party at table con-
sisting only of the family, the four pages to the
Princess being in attendance. In the course of the
day she recruited, and resumed her cheerfulness, and
that peculiar sweetness of manner which she pos-
sessed, and which combined with her interesting and
expressive countenance now seemed to touch the
heart of the King ; and when they separated to dress
for the wedding he assured his family that he already
felt a great affection for her.
At about ten o'clock the procession entered the
Eoyal Chapel, the Princess being led to the altar by
the Duke of York and Prince William. The Arch-
bishop of Canterbury performed the ceremony, the
bride being given away by the Duke of Cumberland.
Ten bridesmaids attended her, who carried her train,
which was of purple velvet, lined with ermine, the
rest of her dress being of white satin and silver
gauze.
[Horace Walpole says : 'The Queen was in
white and silver ; an endless mantle of violet-coloured
velvet, lined with ermine, and attempted to be
1\
a bund
half-
it iful
ind ;i
I Id.]
Hamilton Ceppel,
iirt. and
sed in ( burl
articular present to hia bride wa
i aa large aa a full pea ; the e liis
hair and cypher, both
with diamond a
ihion
of tl.
than t1 iiiiLr iii rhich
\b to serve as a guard. <>n thai finger the
although
- nf t! in inii);
■ coin, b} our ralued friend,
set as a
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 13
her Majesty to wear on the little finger of the right
hand on this auspicious day.
Finding that my father was to be placed in the
chapel close in sight of the Queen, Mademoiselle
Schwellenberg desired that herself and Mademoiselle
Hagedorn might also have accommodation, which
was immediately granted, and they were placed next
in inferior rank to the maids of honour.
The ceremony of the marriage being ended, and
the State attendants of the Queen having all been
introduced to her in public, their Majesties now re-
turned to the apartments, on their way to the grand
supper which had been prepared for all the wedding
company. This the bridal Queen, from excessive
fatigue, requested that she might be excused from
attending. The King consented willingly, but led
her to the table, as it were, to welcome the guests,
and then back to her dressing-room, to be disencum-
bered of the brilliant parts of her dress, while a
supper was prepared in a private room for the King
and Queen alone, on whom my father was now
desired to attend. This opportunity introduced him
to the King in the most favourable manner ; and his
Majesty, who was always sincere in his friendships,
never swerved from the attachment he at once
formed for my father, confirming it after his death
by his liberal allowance to my mother.
We now view the royal couple as a married
mlful oi
ilia r k many
holding drawn;
• ll (lollK
•1(1.
wellenberg, who had been with
:i from her infancy, and who w ewd,
Oman, aow assumed to h(
; to the i
distinction from her
to join thoei
i to her
itro-
me prin-
Jly unn<
ding,
pie, and
II ather
I
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE I •'»
warm, but softened by an excellent heart, and a
benevolent and kind disposition. She was pious and
devout in religion, and alive to every moral and
social duty ; charitable without bounds, and her
charities were directed in a way to convey the good
she intended to individuals, of whatever rank they
might be, totally disregarding any trouble it was
necessary to take to achieve the desired end.
In Lord Chesterfield's correspondence the follow -
ing passage occurs, showing the opinion that he, with
many others, had formed of Queen Charlotte's good
qualities : * You seem not to know the character of
the Queen ; here it is : she is a good woman, a good
wife, a tender mother, and an unmeddling queen.
The King loves her as a woman, but, I verily believe,
has never spoke one word to her about politics.'
By some unaccountable forbearance, the inter-
ference of Madame Schwellenberg was never done
away with, though many ladies expostulated with the
Queen upon her presumption. Her prevention of the
intrusion of visitors may in some instances have
saved the Queen much trouble, but in others it had
the effect of disturbing, if not of destroying, friend-
ship, and with the Duchess of Ancaster, who was high-
minded, it was quite an unnecessary interference.
By imperceptible degrees, Madame brought her-
self to the head of the wardrobe department, to the
regulation of the persons therein employed, and to
IN
iming
dignity in t!
• • ;
mpanion with \ em-
bark - a placi man.
•
hut stood by whi
' difficulty, which her pre* I notamelio-
ther wai of what
on, and greatly regretted ing the
Ltural that with this feeling he
did not culth mpatriotic friendship for her.
Mr. Nicolay, :i German, from tin- Princess Dowa
me of the tour appointed p
to >; i -1 K 11 1 man, was
to l»r preferred ;
while no doubt
rind ton must
ml of th( 1 1
ply pro-
fa the int prhilo
tin- i • ither, that my It.
\\ II within ;t I
at. The
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 17
King desired that she should be dismissed, and
return to Germany upon an allowance suitable to her
position in that country. Finding that this inten-
tion made the Queen uneasy, not so much from
sorrow at parting with her, as from regret that so
unpleasant a circumstance should have happened,
the King revoked his determination, upon these
conditions, that she should not resist his commands,
nor influence the Queen's mind upon any subject,
that she should share the labours of her place equally
with her companion, and infringe upon no regula-
tions unconnected with her immediate appointment.
This remonstrance, given by the King in the presence
of his mother, hurt the Queen very sensibly ; and I
fear that at times through life the overbearing dis-
position of this woman did disturb the harmony of
the circle, although the check given did, in some
measure, put her on her guard.1
1 Dr. John Watkins in his Memoirs of Queen Charlotte says of
Madame Schwellenberp that ' she was a well-educated and highly accom-
plished woman, extremely courteous in her manner, much respected by
all the domestics of the royal household, and devotedly attached to the
illustrious family with whom she lived, who, in their turn, entertained
for her the sincerest affection. Madame Schwellenberg had been, how-
ever, most cruelly and wantonly held up to public ridicule by a profligate
wit, whose delight lay in ribaldry, as a woman of a sordid disposition,
than which nothing could be more opposite to her real character, for
she was ever ready to oblige all who applied to her for assistance ; and
though, like her royal mistress, she chose to do good by stealth, her
charities were very extensive.'
This opinion of the character of Madame Schwellenberg does not
quite coincide with that of Mrs. Papendiek, or of her father. Mr. Albert,
whose views are, however, corroborated by Miss Burney, who
hVOL. I. C
I
Mill. T 11, with a
I
him,
which was done. S 1 in the
Abl rman dn
No particular privi
. which was magnificent.
Buit-
ttendanl ired first in pr<
from that of the young Bang and Qu<
tended by ihe beauties of the Court of both
The church service was impot nun
intimately associated with lwr for many year* of her life. In the
:>•• passage which I
clearly the terms upon which tl
berg wm very ill.
I bed it ! lee, as
II from presiding at th
end be permitted to sit eft spoei quite
necessary to my depressed
•eesary to keej
my colleague, who. ir my
▼oiee * we ire /»'
t is at rest. I e
*. The
Genera I Wft8 fain • !n HI1(l
il«. th»> honour*.
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE [9
by Archbishop Seeker; the music by what we
now call the old masters, though the modem of
that day, Dr. Arne and Dr. Boyce, not to omit the
inimitable Handel.
When their Majesties took the Holy Commu-
nion, after the ceremony of the coronation, the
King, just before going up to the table, whispered to
the Archbishop to inquire if he should not divest
himself of his crown. Being surprised at the ques-
tion, and not knowing what was the custom upon
such an occasion, he, in turn, whispered the question
to Bishop Pearce, one of those dignitaries who were
taking part in the service, but he was equally at a
loss as to what answer to give. The King therefore
decided the matter for himself, and laid aside the
crown, feeling that humility best became such an act
of devotion.
The next public exhibition was that of the Lord
Mayor's Show, followed by a dinner and a ball, to
which the King and Queen were invited, and went.
The Queen went to see the show pass, to the house
of the great Quaker firm, Barclay & Co. Madame
Schwellenberg and my father accompanied the
Queen, her other .ladies having to go in procession to
the Guildhall.
When their Majesties arrived at Temple Bar the
usual form of opening the gates to Eoyalty was gone
through ; and at the east end of St. Paul's Church-
C 2
Mr. I LUgh-
indchildr
.
. the
:ii which be held th.
[An an tnt of tl ! >r.
iving
■ :■ ■ :' the same i am< , w '
•
. who had entertained in the same h
be had given welcome to the
third I Q Chariot!
"Ill man, wit] taker simplicity, went
a little beyond it in order to do honour to tl
his balcony and n ith a
brilliant crimson damaak, thai must ha
on all who stood oear — particularly on the
• Friends" who had a
within the b tonour to then
and he was al the time a very hand-
red all the female Friend-
pre*" their ti [itation, ma;
• thai he kissed them all round,
died and
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOI 21
clapped his hands, and when they had passed into
another room, the King's young brothers followed
the example, and in a minute had all the young
Quakeresses in their arms — nothing loth. Those
were unceremonious days, and "a kiss all round"
was a pleasant solemnity, which was undergone with
alacrity even by a Quakeress.
' In the apartment to which the King and Queen
had retired the latter wTas waited on by a youthful
granddaughter of Mr. Barclay, who kissed the royal
hand with much grace, but would not kneel to do so,
a resolute observance of consistent principle which
made the young Queen smile. Later in the day,
when Mr. Barclay's daughters served the Queen with
tea, they handed it to the ladies-in-waiting, who pre-
sented it kneeling to their Sovereign — a form which
Eachel and Eebecca would never have submitted to.
From the windows of this house, which was exactly
opposite Bow Church, the Queen and consort wit-
nessed the Lord Mayor's procession pass on its way
to Westminster, and had the patience to wait for its
return.' — Ed.]
The Princess of Wales, the King's motner, was
also a guest at Barclay's, and watched the procession
with her son and daughter-in-law, and after the show
had passed, and returned again, the State carriages
arrived to take up the royal party. The Queen
sat in a State coach with the King, the Duchesses
IN
i Hamilton yiug the back
tned upon tl
»f Lord I I to the measures
that
1 ihatham), which took j
bis M.i
while him almost with Lndiffer-
with hiS8€S and
umphaJ entry into the «
olay, in his on the Earl of
. describes this incident in the following
bis (Tit; nation came the
I ' ind the B imily
lildhall. Pitt was one of the gU
;itcd by his' bride in li is State
remarkable lesson. II
Bxed on the fallen mini
d to liini. . the
■ • i . bant ii r de-
niot passed by. T; 6 lad
; from the window common
the wheels, sh< ads with the
mingled
•• Pitl ' When Pitt
lhall, he <u><\ by loud huzzas
and i , which the very magistrates
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOI
of the City joined. Lord Bute, in the meantime, was
hooted and pelted through Cheapside, and would, it
was thought, have been in some danger, if he had
not taken the precaution of surrounding his carriage
with a strong bodyguard of boxers. Many persons
blamed the conduct of Pitt on this occasion as dis-
respectful to the King. Indeed, Pitt himself owned
that he had done wrong. He was led into this error,
as he was afterwards led into more serious errors,
by the influence of his turbulent and mischievous
brother-in-law, Temple.' — Ed.]
On alighting, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress
received their illustrious visitors. The whole affair
was well conducted, to the entire approbation of the
royal party and of the public, and no accident
happened.
My father was the acting attendant upon the
Queen at the dinner. Her amiable and interesting
behaviour, first at Barclay's and secondly at the
Guildhall, endeared her to everyone present.
The Queen announced her intention of attending
the theatre once a week, but their Majesties, later
on, greatly increased this number of visits. They
attended Drury Lane Theatre first on November 26,
when the Queen was requested to choose the piece
to be performed. She selected, * Eule a Wife, and
have a Wife.' Not long after they visited Covent
Garden in State, when the King, with a sense of
COl IN
homo ' nn, ' I Wives of
fully
: en Januai
birthda kept, the courl was
. and thi
bal»
menl on on] . and
rand difficull to place him. It was, how-
bu Btipend should be I
with rooms in St. Jai
Palace for hi i ttendant, and also at the
chmond, that he might always remain
A appointment! made l>y the
her lady attendants, and all
□ quietly ily.
['When 001
orth-
of the ladi -i- bedchamber,
1 ht. Th< i I
rthumberland will |
;
M\ ;m i., think about my mother
to join him, hnt nn iiKjn mnd
iching - dd ni.-il
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 26
difficult to manage before that event took place, and
afterwards it would be too late in the season. In
those days the accommodation for passengers on
board the packets was very different to the con-
venience of the present time, added to which we
were at war. The Queen also was in the same
condition, and my father knew full well that
whenever the event should happen he would be
required not to leave his attendance even for a
moment.
This state of things being fully explained to my
mother, she was satisfied to remain, as it were, a
second time with her family, and to enjoy for a little
longer the pleasures of a home to which, having
once left, she would probably never return.
During the summer she gave birth to a little boy,
whom the King desired should be named George ;
the usual gifts being transmitted, and many kind-
nesses shown.
After the King's birthday on June 4, upon which
occasion the Queen appeared in the greatest splen-
dour, the family removed for a few weeks to
Eichmond.
There Mrs. -Tunstall was housekeeper, and her
husband had the care and direction of the grounds
and outbuildings connected with her appointment.
They were people of property ; both of them suited
to their employments, and more than usually loyal.
COI IV
■tail's
md did her Ma
ible hou was
.' to th(
method of
• the lishment, rding to
Ber M liadame
Bchw< i make do altei er in
arrangements, which did not condu<
dship between those ladi
Mrs. TunstalTs house was open to all belonging
to the household. M dornwasat home there,
and my father wi 1 with hospitable feeling
1 into a friendship which ended only
ith.
swell was the I housemaid
tge of n . and so admiral': :dl bhingfl
thai this young never either
a mistake in her business. She
was in : ty through Life, and attended
at tl His 1 I IV. then
• LOO/, a year with apartments, The
hree;
■ wo, and a help 'uineas a
>/. a y<-. Mrs. Tunstall f<>r
and washing. In th< time these
wages were raised to ten is; but ration
was ( the arrangi ments, as the Qn<
Till: TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE ^7
expressions of approbation at Mrs. Tunstall's menage
remained the same as at first.
The family now left this happy retreat for St.
James's, where, on August 12, 1762, the Queen gave
birth to her first child, the Prince of Wales. On the
same day the immense riches taken in a Spanish
galleon passed by St. James's to the Bank. All was
joy, merriment, and gladness in London.
On September 13 the Queen attended the Chapel
Eoyal to offer the usual thanksgiving of women after
childbirth. The ceremony of christening his Eoyal
Highness the Prince of Wales, which took place at
St. James's Palace, was attended with every circum-
stance of splendour. The cradle upon which the
infant lay was covered with a magnificent drapery
of Brussels lace ; the attire of her Majesty, as well
as of the guests and attendants, was also of great
magnificence, and the whole scene was most in-
teresting.
On the 2 1st of the same month the installation as
Knights of the Garter of Prince William, afterwards
Duke of Gloucester, and of the Earl of Bute took
place at Windsor. Being the first of these ceremo-
nies after the accession of George III. unusual pomp
was displayed upon the occasion.
My father associated with Messrs. Nicolay and
Chapman, and found it agreeable to visit their
families. They, as well as Messrs. White and Wey-
1\-
::k1 wait
tnight.
id to
■it and faithful.
m, and it may be trul\
. about twtv thing
. ill an ;: truth
and Eer daughl lapman,
jroung Prince, which
Qtinued to :
child! were of cambric, the tuck*
itched with Valenciennes
and cuffia for the evening; plain for the
1 :^ | la tecure.
: ! 76 I M N ■ ■ . i 'om ■ • eling
<»f friendship for my ! his
■ bring my mother and her ;
travelled, with the addition
I.iinl.nr the little
.
hi> life,
rourable. They landed at
1
kind: litt]^
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
fellow, was then taken to his nurse, my mother being
left with the Queen to relate, everything, even the
most trifling anecdote, that had occurred since her
Majesty had left her happy home.
About this time their Majesties removed to the
house at the top of St. James's Park, which had been
purchased from the Duke of Buckingham and settled
upon the Queen for her jointure residence. An addi-
tional wing on the garden side had been added ;
extensive and convenient offices ; and, on the Pimlico
side, a most elegant building for a library, with rooms
for attendants, for rebinding books, &c. Bucking-
ham House was a red-brick mansion, and very much
more handsome than the present Buckingham Palace,
which was built by George IV. about 1826. He first
applied to Parliament for a grant of money to repair
the house; but Nash, the architect, began by making
so many alterations that at last it became necessary
to entirely reconstruct it. The fine collection of
books and pictures made by King George IH. was
removed by his son when the house was demolished,
the former being made over as a grant to the nation,
and the greater number of the latter being sent to
Hampton Court Palace. All public days, without
exception, were to be held at St. James's as usual ;
and this new abode, termed ' the Queen's house,"
was to be in future the London residence for their
Majesties and their children. June 4 being celc-
IN
warming,
(I — a
ted, Bup-
magnifi
under the direction, principally, of Mr.
rman, and i the
lity wei
The rooms allotted to my father
at for him and his servant, were by
no means calculated to accommodat mily. aor
f provided for him at the Queen's hi
• -ritly it was thought better to Lodge my
mother when aid be comfortable, as my father
could bul seldom be with her, and when' she would
unity of making herself acquainted
with • intry, and of learning to
iiage. My mother, her little boy,
and : therefore placed with the
lnillii I* who had a house in Maddox
3] i . as the daughter
Lord William Bolby in the
• n. much in favour with
M' nt down with the
bmond, and returned with them
confinement,
1 1'., when t! i
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
31
was born, the Duke of York. After that, they re-
turned to Eichmond until November. My mother in
the meantime was on a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Petch,
an agreeable and worthy family, Mr. Petch being on
the King's establishment.
CHAPTEB II.
ret illneee —
Minni IV
igee i house oear St -1
iger l'»irtli of Prima
lai.-i of tiir a;
han i 1 with the Da
langM in t household Drone opinioni of the
, ferliament in January I 766, the
annoui q1 to i:
eenhis sister, Prin< I tilda,
and the Prim I of Denmark i but, both I
did not take place till ti
Krai thu time tin- \ the
brought befi
witli her usual kind heartednesa
and [aid aside .-ill
• only her
Till: TIME OF QUEEN OHARLOTTt 33
Court to do the same. This gave no small amount
of dissatisfaction among a few, who prided themselves
upon their French costumes, but the greater number
of her ladies were glad to follow her Majesty-
ample.
And now came the Queen's first serious trouble.
In this year, 1765, the King was attacked with alarm-
ing illness. The close attendance of the Princess
Dowager at first appeared to proceed from the ami-
able motive of keeping the Queen from the knowledge
of the full extent of his dreadful malady, as well as
from the affection the Princess bore towards her son ;
but when the Duke of Cumberland, the King's uncle,
began to express that he thought himself the most
entitled to be at the helm of affairs during the in-
capacity of the King, the tactics of the Princess, with
those of Lord Bute and his party, became apparent.
Power was what they desired, and, the more effec-
tually to obtain it, they did not scruple to endea-
vour to undermine the affection of the King for his
Queen.
It was not known beyond the Palace that his
Majesty was mentally afflicted, but our poor Queen
found this out only too soon for her peace of mind,
for notwithstanding the Princess Dowager's en-
deavours to keep her from her proper place a1
her husband's side, she would not be wholly ex-
cluded, both inclination and her strong sense of
vol. i. D
in this
as well as
the pub-
the Dal
as it * ible his upon
thought
truth was then dis-
. and the i Pear w
\ towards consumption.
The Princess I ■ was not liked by i
tion in the country, hut - upheld and ado
by t! v. The Tories and Wl
at this tu ch other, and
in those days party feeling In politics ran quit
high, if not more BO than at the present till
; nfacaulay, in I on the Ear]
iks in the following terms of the l'i
• The detractor
affirmed that she had kept her children from com
•v. in order that she might ho]
undivided empire over their mint
gladl; >\ in
the world it' they could do bo without risk to their
lis. But the pi'
alarm The jroun ; the
r HME OF i I 3ARL01
young women made love, instead of waiting till it was
made to them. She could not bear to expose those
whom she loved best to the contaminating influence
of such society. The moral advantages of tin
of education which formed the Duke of York, the
Duke of Cumberland, and the Queen of Denmark,
may perhaps be questioned. George III. was indeed
no libertine ; but he brought to the throne a mind
only half opened, and was for some time entirely
under the influence of his mother and of his Groom
of the Stole, John Stuart, Earl of Bute.'
What he says later on about Fox and the Princess
Mother is interesting and may be quoted 1
* He (Fox) was, on personal grounds, most obnoxious
to the Princess Mother. For he had, immediately
alter her husband's death, advised the late King to
take the education of her son, the Heir Apparent,
entirely out of her hands. He had recently given, if
possible, still deeper offence ; for he had indulged,
not without seme ground, the ambitious hope that
his beautiful sister-in-law, the Lady Sarah Lennox.
might be Queen of England. It had been observed
that the King at one time rode every morning by the
grounds of Holland House, and that on such occa-
sions, Lady Sarah, dressed like a shepherdess at a
masquerade, was making hay close to the road, which
was then separated by no wall from the lawn. On
account of the part which Fox had taken in this sin-
IN
f the
announo
wit!
: and did 1 made
Qtmenl a >f the
seas, having I intellig hings
•I. Mv father, hew I her
mgull no one, bul to act upon her
superior judgment, and to show no Bpai
. without answering my father,
in part have Listened to his jn m his
the King returne more
r impressed with her id, if
ble, more fond. The I
i avn keei
but, to vent her spleen on sure ground,
iwellenb
Bupon the reprimand was g •.- the
i
The Illness of
and immediately after, his
irliamenl
to or
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOT
in case of anything happening to him before hi-
should come of age. A long and violent debate en-
sued upon this question, one party wishing to exclude
}ueen from taking any share in the guardianship
of her son, the Heir Apparent, and the other desiring
that the name of the Princess Dowager should be
altogether omitted. Eventually both names were
inserted, and the Bill was passed through both
Houses.
My mother remained wjtli Miss Downs in Maddox
Street, and there, on the 2nd of July, 1765, I was
born, being immediately sent from home to be nursed,
according to the custom of that day.
On the 21st of August in the same year the present
King, William IV. (I am writing in 1833), was born,
and such an interest was kept up between us, that
once a month, at least, we were brought together for
comparison of improvement. The Queen, Princess
Louisa, and Prince Henry, the late Duke of Cumber-
land, brother and sister of the King, were my sponsors.
I was christened, by the names of Charlotte Louisa
Henrietta, at St. George's, Hanover Square. The
Prince was christened William Henry.
Nothing particular occurred until I was brought
home ; which being about the time when the Royal
Family removed to Richmond for the summer, my
father took a house in Hill Street. A painful adieu
was taken of Miss Downs, who had in every respect
38 ON
with kindness ai and a
mily,
failed him,
, e with some reluctance, that
she would pay for his country house, and for 01
Ion the following winter, when i tould
The young man who had <
.d with my father afl his servant, at this time
i.iny, and. being well recommei
!i obtained s dtuation ther<
hmond, my mother was very hap]'
was always welcome at the Tunstalls', and kindly
Nicolay's, who had a house and large
. ineyard ; also a1 Petch's, w hen
< >u Michaelmas
born
at th< m London. My father wi
during the time, but returned with
;. to Richmond for the n F the
ion.
Tl dow appointed the daughter
. formerly nv the I >uk emp-
tO the
ded for — two in the army, and the
third a- Id.
Bculties arc
. in a 81
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 39
near St. James's, was neat, compact, and convenient ;
but how was the furniture to be obtained ? The
Queen could not again be applied to. My mother
had brought with her, according to the custom of her
country, quantities of linen of every description ; a
large double bedstead, with green silk hangings,
eider-down quilt, and every other part of the bedding
complete, and of the best materials ; a child's bed-
stead, equally the same ; and a travelling couch. These
were removed from Eichmond with other portable
articles, some few purchased, and others hired for
the season ; my father starting with the determination
of not incurring debt. He was fortunate through
life to escape the misery, I should almost call it crime,
of it.
This year passed without anything remarkable to
relate.
On November 2, 1767, the Queen was confined
with the late Duke of Kent ; so that the Eoyal Family
moved early lo London for the season. My mother
also expected an addition to her family during the
winter months ; and as I had the whooping cough,
my parents were advised to leave me with a neigh-
bour, who had- been useful to our family, and was a
kind woman, a widow Smith, with two daughters
and a son. I was very happy with them, and re-
mained there until all was in its usual routine at
home. The new baby was again a boy, and was
I ward,
the summei . I him
. bill inrlin.
. bile th<\ home in
! with convu
called in, bu1 dnighl the |
rpee. I neither Baw him di<
. me,
raid of the dark and of my own Bhadow.
could diver! me from this I
had no pleasure for me ; I
whipped wit! , thai only added terror, and to
lowed to ail quietly in one spol waa the only
seemed to make me vanl
to wait upon my mother, to take
. had no preten-
to beauty, and waa of an age when one might
! : bul tl: tntly,
• k nif tO t: aal wall
children), place me in the hoi lold milk,
or in a box, until her
<>rt walk, she would return I
with in the mind- of my
ctitude of her conduct. They were
■ (•'Mint of this dullness which had t
1. which
mond without diffi-
nrafl then th< l, and eligible places
THE TIME OF QUEEN OHABLOTTB 11
were easily found. This change had the dea
effect. I soon became the lively child I had been
before ; ran on a half-holiday first to the old Maid-of-
honour shop for ray bun, then to papa at the Rich-
mond Lodge, into the royal nursery for a little play
with Prince William under the eye of dear nurse
Chapman, and on whole holidays, home to dine first,
and then for the play as above described. When
otherwise than good I am sure it was not overlooked,
for my father, through fondness, was strict, and
my mother severe.
Early in the season we returned to town for the
Queen's confinement with Princess Augusta, which
took place on November 8, 1768.
During my summer gaieties, I had told to some
one or other about our servant, and her immoral
conduct having been inquired into and proved, she
was very properly discharged.
When the Queen had recovered, it was settled
that Prince Ernest, her Majesty's brother, Prince
William, and myself should be inoculated. I was
taken to the Queen's house, there held by my father
on one chair, the Prince by his nurse on another,
their Majesties being present. It was first performed
on Prince Ernest, then on myself, then on Prince4
William, after this manner: two punctures in the
arm near to each other were made with the point of
a lancet, through which a thread was drawn several
OOUKT and ri:i\ \ in
. . bhu
: Blomfi
both cried. I
. and i! i
arm th< and d arly.
I William had pustti arms,
i, and n\ 11, which wbb attributed
oale constitution being more delicate. On
' it took li < Mi OUT
ultiiii y all was considered right, and thai
ire from further fear of
In this year, L769,we remained late in the
Richmond, as bis Maji cupied in
sting plans with Sir William Chambers for a new
hmond, the Lodge now occupied I
: r the in< family. The m
of t1 upon can now be
by the public in the apartment- at Bampton Court.
Richmond I was
:ed out ae a pi rand the
.vhich was to hs
■ u Bouse, with an un-
p and down, of the
hill, • Imondeley Walk, and p
the pp.
I ha. ther pur-
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
ground was necessary that was not in the royal
manor, and therefore must be purchased from the
authorities of the town. This they refused. The
building nevertheless went on as far as the ground
floor, but was then stopped, and their Majesties deter-
mined to remove to Kew. The Princess Dowager
continued in her widowhood to occupy the house that
is now standing under the title of New Palace, and
the one opposite to it, which was pulled down at the
beginning of 1800. But when her three sons had their
own establishments, the fourth being dead, as well as
Frincess Louisa, and her other two daughters mar-
ried, the one to Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, the
other to the King of Denmark, her Eoyal Highness
gave up the elegant house, and by far the more desir-
able of the two, the one now down, and fixed herself in
the one now standing. This took place in 1770 or 1771,
I cannot recollect which, and here she remained until
her death on February 9, 1772.1 This event caused
1 The following account of the death of the Princess Dowager is
taken from Walpole's Journal of George HI. : —
' February 8, 1772, died Augusta Princess Dowager of Wales, tin-
King's mother, aged fifty -two, of an abscess in the throat. . . . For the
last three months her sufferings had been dreadful and menacing her
life, yet her fortitude, was invincible, and she kept up to the last moment
that disguise and reserve which predominated so strongly in her character.
She not only would not acknowledge her danger to her children, servants,
and physicians, but went out in her coach. On Thursday, the 6th, her
approaching end was evident, and on Friday the King forbade hi.-
on that account. It was his custom to visit the Princess, with the
Queen, every Saturday evening from six to eight. They now went at
that hour on the Friday. Hearing they were come, the Princess rose,
\.\i> i'i;i\ \ in
;i<» was
. and the i
. which about tl
In the autumn of 17' - incident
id by me. I «>n with
had a D 3 and
me thai 1
and brought it home unpen viwd,
in &] it. The following d:i\
I, * Y<>u must I
girl I a dish given to yon yesterday
!." I hung my head, and shame struck
My father, mething waa w
- m your boi e will g
with the diah.' I du: We
said in my My child
diah without
dressed her- wna so weak
in the
I
in bar
lead.
inceae of Wales wa> izzaed
that manner, rspfcially as the amount wa-
TIN: TIME OF QUEEN 0HARLO1 ■!'»
must herself entreat pardon.' I recollect fully fall-
ing down on my knees and saying my usual pr.-r.
and giving back the stolen property, which in future
no persuasion could induce me to play with or even
look at. When we left the Fetch's for home on that
unhappy day, I would not be kissed, saying I was too
naughty. The chastisement my father gave me, saying
little, but that with point, made me convict myself
I went *to school as usual, but begged not to go to
my dear holiday making, feeling as if everyone knew
of my disgrace. Oh, I am thankful to my dear
father for never suffering wrong to pass unnoticed
or unpunished.
On May 22, 1770, the Queen was confined with
Princess Elizabeth, and in the course of the same
my mother also had a little girl, who was christened
after herself, Sophia Dorothea.
In 1771, on June 5, Prince Ernest, the Duke of
Cumberland, was born. The Queen attended the
Drawing-room on that day, and the ball in the
evening at St. James's ; and before morning his
Eoyal Highness surprised everyone.
We were passing the summer still at Richmond,
and Mr. Petch, who had been ailing for some time,
died. My father, being never absent from the Queen,
had officiated for Petch ; and the King, who from
the first had liked him very much, now appointed
him to succeed his sincere friend, Petch, and gave
him
al tO
nrould permil
Iain's < >ffice, and
• ■ linen, a >als, cand
Jar daj Bed, A
n-ehair were always in readme*
person.
< hi coming to London in 177 1. we v our
iber L8 my brother
born, being so christened by the K
father begging to add his own name,
ierick. This little baby wenl off to be qu
. and when my mother v.
came hi ad a fu
Th< . upon tin* advancement of my fatl
the hou! -vn. Be
i ' I children, and in
additi ed them th<
of on
which I
! then it of them ;
THE TIMK OF QUEEN CHAiRLOl h
for the post in those days did not add to the revenue
i these.
In the summer of 1772 we were to be settled at
Kew, of which place I must now give an account
(being still a resident there at this time, 1833), and
also of its inhabitants, as we were a community and
associated together as friends and dependants.
The road ran up the middle of the green between
the royal houses, there being no wall across it ; and
at the end stood a house in the gardens. The portals
of the gates are still standing. Between the gate to
the water side from the palace and the ferry was a
house, also in the gardens, appropriated to Lady
Charlotte Finch, the royal governess, and her family.
By the ferry steps was still another house, occupied
by the clerk of the works, Mr. Kirby, the father of
Mrs. Trimmer, the celebrated writer on education.
These houses were now fenced off, as the King
and Queen were resident at Kew, a gate being left
into the gardens from each as a convenience to the
occupants when in attendance. The sub-governed.
Mrs. Coults worth, and the English teacher, Miss
Planta, were lodged in the Queen's house, the latter
also having apartments in St. James's. The Tunst alls'
house was the same as that now used by the house-
keeper, but kept up with an elegant neatness thai
made ;i palace in miniature. She continued in the
same favour, and made the usual arrangements for
IN
was ina i the
her 01
in infancy. This
-
• left their home, bl to let
with her friends, whid ould now do
almoel under their This th<
I nol to do, for poor Sally wi
and silly, and had never seemed to profit by the
of her parents. 1 h 3 her pa
at thai time ; I mean Buch beyond her
■II in lif 1 - j > I ; i \- i 1 then resorted to
as the amusement of the evenii becoming a
proficient in the hope of gain. Mischief quickly
amo
individuals unavoidably mix who soon know how
point they are benl upon. Then
Sally bought Bbares in the lottery, dabbled in Bp
;tiiiLr into difficult* flew to
bich fortunately
time; but I
do1 having followed tl
•
Th( i to
Dr. 1 1 p of W r of the
Tin: TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 49
Prince of Wales and the Duke of York, one of the
most amiable and able men of the day.
The house that was given to us bad been origin-
ally fitted up by the King, for his mother, the
Princess Dowager of Wales, and was termed the
Garden Retreat. The public, however, termed it a
retreat to carry on her political schemes with Lord
Bute and his party. The walls of the drawing room
in this house are decorated with prints pasted on the
paper, collected and arranged by this fond son, witli
a print of Lord Bute in his robes of State over
the fireplace. The cottage in Richmond Gardens is
similarly decorated, as is also a room in Sion House,
that being a fashion of the day. The barracks were
situated as at present, the stables also, over which
wciv the neat apartments of Mr. and Mrs. Montagu.
He was riding-master to the Princes, and riding-
attendant to the King; and every morning, summer
and winter, he had to be in the riding-house in
readiness for his Majesty. These good people never
had any family, and Mrs. Montagu devoted her
whole time to her husband, taking breakfast with
hi in every morning at half-past four o'clock. There
i house for the stable people, now pulled down,
where the road leads to the Botanic Gardens. The
houses of the Dukes of Cambridge and Cumberland
were appropriated to Sir John Pringle, the physician
to the Person,and to Caesar and Pennell Hawkins, the
voi,. i. E
IN
Q W«»lll(l ]).'!
them al
ifula, in from the dig. iw
'ht daughfc .1 at tli«
dim
tnents did not in with public duti
:' the King, whom she neithi
i nor kept waiting a moi
y, under any circums
minister's hon next to that of the
Dui abridge, now pulled down. Shaw's hom
and the one adjoining, which then communicate
re occupied by dear and valued Dr. afajend
who, although a Swiss, taught her l£a Inglish.
Be had been in this country from his birth, and had
:i tore: it. Be assisted in the clerical
duties of the ]»i ! to the instructed the
sum up h
any and one in the Church — com-
imal] i
up with I'ohl. late M
who had made her hi
nid mother in Madd<
He p
E TIME 01 QUEEN 0HARLO1 5]
Buperior abilities, was agreeable, fascinating, and
mosl persevering, and married without mucb thought
of the future, hut unfortunately he never Lr<>t on
after hia employer, the Hanoverian Minister, died,
though Count Bruhl and other foreigners of distinc-
tion tried to serve him. They took the adjoining
e in Maddox Street, to let, as well as the lodgings
formerly occupied by my mother. Mrs. Pohl still
held the same post at Court; and to further her
business, as well as to give country air to her two
children, this cottage at Kew was taken. The shops
between this cottage and the gate were the same in
those days as at present. In Richmond Lane Mr.
Englehardt, the miniature painter, lived, and also liis
brother. The Queen's flower garden was up the
lane, opposite to the engine gate; the cottage of her
gardener, Mr. Green, adjoining. In this bijou of a
garden were orange trees, nursed by poor Green, that
would in a very short time have yielded fruit as fine
as our ripened China orange, if he could have had
assistance to rebuild the hothouses to a proper size ;
but retrenchment to a fearful degree had already
begun, and, as this was a private garden of the
Queen's, the Board of Works would not undertake it.
The Queen could not, so the fine trees were dwarfed,
and Green nearly broke his heart. Be offered to pay
half the expense, or to give 250/., but this COuld QOt
suffered. The corner house, dow the Duke of
i: a
I
Mr 1
had
i
i 1 with
ii, John. i him in t ' mond
Richmond I two
. which were m pre-
highly cultivated with a luxurii
ilk-, and a \
l)tiil(i gentlemen iiltim
! to these appointment
\ ( lolonel West lived in
< foddard House, with a family of oil
.. whom the Duke of M : QOUT
t<» th< of Wales and the Dub irk, made
onour to tip
elationship. The timtx , the
■
supplied the inhabit th milk, butt
pork, and bacon. >:
Mr. I
upon ho Upon
tion was inquired in* : k f always take
and niiir-
THE TIME OF QUEEN OHaRLOI
ders belong no1 to my gang, and if I am allowed to
take my beer od the (-itch, and sit with my neigh-
bours, without being insulted, I shall take care that
no harm happen here. I am well aware of the
bearings of the place.' We all spoke with him as a
friend when we met ; and of my father he asked for
any trifle he wanted, and never was refused. Truly a
curious state of things !
At the corner of the bridge on the Surrey side,
a large inn was built, which is called the 'King's
Arms/ now Sowter's. A little way on was a ladies'
school, and next 'The Eose and Crown,' now pre-
cisely the same as in those days. Then Mrs. Schnell's,
which at that time my father took from Mrs.Englehardt
for three years ; a cottage next ; then stabling ; a little
farther on Dr. Newton's, the Bishop of Bristol ; next
Fin lay's of the Princess Dowager's establishment ;
and then (now Hobbs's) my uncle Louis Albert's
house. He came to this country unexpectedly about
a year after my mother, and lived with my parents
until the Queen gave him the vacancy that fortu-
nately happened ... [A part of the old manuscript
being here torn away, the title of the appoint-
ment is lost, but it was, I think, something about the
pei-sons of the Princesses, probably that of page. — Ed.]
Most of the other houses at Kew remain (1833)
now as they were al the time of which lam speaking.
but the inhabitants are all changed ; many of our
oori:r AND PBIVA1 IN
old IV
r part of the year L772, my mother had
rioue ill i the
( >n her r< in 1 7 7
..lit advisable that I should be sent to
tsulted Mrs. liontagu, who recommended
I ever memorable Streatham. lire, w
worth, a friend of Mrs. Montagu's, had a daughter
my own age, and placed under <-ir-
f trouble. Mrs. Wt
.\ a1 an early age, beautiful in I me, with
i and daughter. Eer husband had been pur-
: he King's mews, both in
town and country. A business like this lira. Wads-
worth wac determined to carry on, having a faithful
nan, in the I handing it over to her
in value.
Co liam, then, my father took me in
■ I ; , ... on ;i w itupefied an I
ed. Tl bile in the parlour with
kind go lown the
to t ■
; t<> bring me a pair of white
!i stone bucklee vhich
i noon with M
ement. ed my fath(
E TIME OF QUEEN OHARLCM
stay and dine, but he refused, saying lie could but
seldom dine in company, as lie was obliged to walk
up and down to coax the food into his stomach ;
so that during the best part of his life lie Buffered
from the malady of which he died. I did not see him go
away, and my tears still fall when I think of this visit
of paternal love. My father wras very dear to me.
This excellent school was kept by Miss Eveleigh,
originally by the three sisters, one of whom married
Mr. Kay, in the law, the other Mr. Fry. Each of the
sisters had a boy and a girl, and both becoming widows
they rejoined the school, the young ladies being of
course brought up in it, the young gentlemen going one
to Eton and the other to Westminster. Mrs. Fry
dying soon after her return to her happy home, Miss
Pry clung to her Aunt Eveleigh with an affection rarely
met with. The two sisters and the niece were of sur-
prising height, fine women, and most pleasing, with
intelligent countenances, if not exactly handsome.
They were remarkably well bred, well informed, of
benign dispositions, and liberal in all their dealings.
Miss Fry was always in the schoolroom, and very often
Miss Eveleigh. There were two English and one
French teacher, and an assistant to each of these ;
about eighty scholars ; and the best masters in every
department — Mr. Knyvett for music and singing, a
well-known musician ; Mr. Mirlan, also known, for
Latin and English ; and every kind of needlework,
IN
ornamental, • bool-
ction l>\
iple thai
with me, rinsburj
Arbuthn< md ;*
Blount, for whom Q ; the
l lolcnel Matthews, win. e id himself
in the \\av of those days ; Mi- < ha worth, the Mi
. jhter of Mi-. Chaworth, who waa killed in a
by Lord Byron ; and many i
srintended in one room the music, drav.
and geography, the latter taught inimitably i
by Mr. Povoleri, who was >r Italian, a lang
at that time rarely studied, and <»nly to enable a
m to read the \, f an Italian
ood musician, and on 8un< oings
up to the drawing room, where there
the hymns •
th until
psalms. Mrs. Kay conducted the doi part,
. 1 1 IV. !>!< Well
\ |»t. and man
and :■ . the latter only t«> attend t<. the
and the
i iiaki.o! 57
were, two for the ladies and Linen, two housemaids,
two to wail upon the schoolroom and schola
cook and kitchenmaid, the linen being washed by
three women in the village. Mrs. James had the
care of the stores and linen. She had her own room
and two Others adjoining, where all the linen was
looked over; and each young lady who was old
enough came to take her own to repair it and place
it where allotted en the Saturdays. When stores were
given out the young people of a certain age were
called to assist, and by this means an insight, into the
mysteries of housekeeping was obtained ; and us
as well as ornamental instruction was always going
on, to the employment of the mind in pleasing vai
The danger of intimacies among the girls, too. was
much Lessened, an evil to be guarded against when
tie, as it leads first to the marvellous, secondly
to falsehood, and lastly to a great waste of time. In
the village there was a charity school, superintended
closely !■;. dear ladies, two of the girls being
always in our house either training for servitu<:
Learning ueedlework and the useful kinds of millinery
and embroidery. Before each of the holiday
Christinas and. midsummer we had a gala, with
permission to invite any young friends where we might
have visited during the half-year. The refreshments
wert' mince pies and tartlets, plum porridge, now
but little known, the etcetera- of almonds and raisin>
and I I punch. . numb
e all pr<
in th< itions, an ad of
ment, tl 1 attend
In the rammer our gala took place in len,
il)lll),
fruit, iV<-.. on the Bame plan. After oi
• the charity i\ which i had
I hiring the length oi
stabliahmenl was carried on, no cha
to introduce anything thai could
to improvement, which wae le,
When the French emigrated in shoals to
country at the time of the Revolution, the natur
la chang same the fashion for
daugl which had
Bupp jcomraa
time Ura I
• 1 with the the
well-digested n they
tie, but with the
i en in th
and who
In i hool,
too, • ppened .-till v. < me in-
iri in
THE TIME OF QUEEN 0HARLO1
a quarrel killed another by pressing on her chest and
stomach till she died. The survivor, on account of
her youth, was not hanged but imprisoned. ►She
i level- recovered her cheerfulness, and appeared to
sineere penitent, dying of consumption under
twenty.
My next visit was from papa and mamma to-
gether. They came to tell me that my sweet pretty
little sister had died of the small-pox, and that my
uncle's baby had also died in the measles. The
medicine had been wrongly directed, and the baby
had died in a few hours from convulsions. It was
feared that in my poor sister's case something was
wrong too, for she was recovering and fell back un-
expectedly, but this could never be proved.
At that time, and for many years after, the fami-
lies of those about the Court had the benefit of
medical advice gratis, as well as those directly holding
the appointments.
My parents came also to tell me that my father
was going abroad for a few weeks with the Duchess
of Northumberland, who wished to see the course of
the Rhine, hoping to dissipate by travel her sorrow
for the loss of -her only daughter, Lady Elizabeth
Percy. My father was himself but in indifferenl
health, which gave rise to the Queen's proposal that
she should take him with her. She gladly acquiesced,
and they departed with the secretary, Mr. Selby, the
\M» PR1VA I\
upon
[uadrille, and
irited woman, and she waa amiab
In p my
ed in again . win*
health ; and on being introduced to the
er desin [claimed, ' I am d<
it worthy and admirable son to
and I am glad, aa he must be happy, to find
lookh ell and handsome at your time of life.'
following winter, poor man, he fell, from the
. which killed him 1"
ary to the n
liml). The mother * ather
land. During his in 177
\n\ to i f Mr.
and ! !. My brother n< home I
id I from Btreatham for the holid
r the
:it.
with anythi
:i the
ly as
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 61
usual. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of York
removed with their governour and sub-gover-
tinurs to the opposite house, late Princess Dowag
now called thePrince of Wales's house, the three Miss
Ducks being appointed housekeepers for their joint
Their family had been dependents in the
household of Caroline, Queen of George II. Their
apartments were in the side wing. They were by no
means prepossessing, but clever, sensible women, and
in the absence of the Koyal Family entered into society
with a friendly though rather constrained politeness.
The Princes William and Edward were removed from
the nursery and placed in the apartments before
occupied by their elder brothers, and a page, Mr.
G. Magnolley, was appointed to attend them. Mrs.
Coultsworth resigned from age, and Miss Goldsworthy,
sister of the King's first equerry, was received in
her Btead ; a lady of private fortune, and of general
endowments that in every respect qualified her for
the situation of sub-governess. The nurse, our dear
friend Mrs. Chapman, could no longer retain her
place from inability to fulfil the arduous duties of
it, as an addition was yearly sent in to be fostered
in the nursery. Mv*. Cheveley, who had suckled
the Duke of Cumberland, had contrived to blind the
just dispernmenl of the Queen, and obtained this
of trust. No one could have been more unlit
tbr it. as gain and favour were her idols. Every
IN
val chil-
employed therein, was now I
It was
ad the laborious duties
■ liful. and c 'ii their pari
of the work with equal dili
on r _r the royal household, b with
Miss Xrvin. to to the Prin-
ill-bred, ill-looking, ill-natun
with pride and arrogance, the only ing point
in her cl being thai she retired more within
elf than her sister, and therefore onlj those who
had business with her w fully subjected to her
i hold a different oj
Imirable mi enl of t!
i without spoilll
her wit when r<
humours,
child B • the
indul Ed,
il.Mi: OF QUEEN OH \i;i."
CHAPTER III.
Birth of the Duke of Cambridge — Appointment of Miss Margaret Plants
— Quartett parties — Measles at school — Serious illness of Charlotte
Albert — Terrible storm — Visit to Brighton— Fashions for children's
dresses — Charlotte Albert seized with the small-pox — Birth of the
Princess Mary — Daily arrangements of the Royal Family — Education
at Streatham — Anecdote of Bach — History of Dr. Dodd — Break in
the diary— Zoft'any — His painting at Florence — Mrs. ZoiFany — Story
of her life.
At the beginning of 1774 I returned to school as
usual. On February 24 in that year, Adolphus
Frederick, Duke of Cambridge, was born, and for hifl
Koyal Highness's christening I was allowed to come
home for a few days. It was then permitted for
spectators to be present on all public days at St.
James's, and many who could not obtain tickets of
admission went in Court dresses, which franked them
through the rooms as far as the entrrc.
For those who were in course of time to be pre-
sented, this permission Avas a great advantage, for it
gave them an insight into Court ceremonies, and an
ease of carriage under the peculiar dress essential for
all those who attended them at that date — the large
hoop, Long Lappets, heavy plumes, <Scc.
\Y
had
in which t!
luring tl
is but I
ay in
having
held the situati
househ( I <>r an accidental illi
i
appointment. Her mann< more
brilliant than that of her her disposition more
lr. an<l her whole deportment more suited
should cided \,
in the death of the lump doubt but that
ually well informe
d of th(
ding,
of the i
Plant 1 much ap-
and cheerfulness. 1 ench,
and : 1 valued friend, Johann
i [ME OF <>('!'.l.\ CHARLOI
Christian Bach.1 Ee also gave lessons to the Queen ;
and of evenings, by appointment, he attended the
King's accompaniment to the pianoforte by the flute.
Be had a house at Richmond, where my father
visited him, and cultivated a lasting friendship.
These practices led to private quartett parties
twice a week, assisted by Abel, the celebrated viol-
imba player; Cramer, the violinist; and Fisher,
the oboe player.
Our old house — at least the drawing-room half of
it — was given to Lady Effingham, then a widow, with
every attending kindness; the rest to Prince Ernest,
whenever his Serene Highness should visit England.
On my return to school after the Prnn
christening, I fell ill, with many others, of the
measles, but we had them favourably. Miss Dixon
was one of the sufferers, and her father being a
physician, and visiting her often, we certainly had
the best advice. My father came constantly to see
me, and was the bearer of many little amusing things
to please us all, being admitted to our drawing-room
when we were in a convalescent state. I remained
at Streatham till the midsummer recess, and then
went home well ; .but very shortly after was attacked
with inflammation of the eyes, which increased in an
alarming degree. Everything usual was tried, all to
1 Johann Christian Bach was the second bod of Johann Sebastian
Bach, the famous composer.
VOL. I. !•'
COURT AM IN
niiiLf
mended,
i if merrii that in
!i a thing could n<
I then went on
and Pry coming h me in tin
5 v\ lace, tin1 onlj Mr. Wallace in the
,vli.» lived iii the last h( i the
; Norfolk Street, Strand, accompa
on horseback. The father cular
I of the Prys, and young Pry was to be
to him. Ee was therefore to receive I
at Westminster, where young Walla< thai they
might form an early friendship, and tliat the quiet,
thoughtful, and persevering Mr. Pry,
who was rather the older, might draw toward him
that of young Wallace, who 'tly the
On our way, in the middle <>! Wand-worth
Common, the coachman begged that .Mr. Wallace
it !_f<-t into the I and have his 1
to run by the others, for it 1>«
d to push
did not reach Streatham till ten
ird l.y the
ii- in ;i
torm had
nil TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOI
now assumed a fearful height. It continued through
the night with unabated violence. The church
-truck, and fell with a frightful crash,
and damaged the roof. Our house stood ' alone.
There were conductors round it, and, thank God,
nothing happened to us, but many accidents oc-
curred in the surrounding neighbourhood. The
family were up all night, and assembled in the
room where I lay to prayers. It was noon the fol-
lowing day before the storm cleared off; it had lasted
without intermission for sixteen hours. A hobby
groom was sent from Kew to say that the Eoyal
Family and our own were safe and well, and that no
particular accident had happened. This was at the
beginning of August. At first I revived a little, but
in a few days the inflammation came on again, and
my father fetched me back. An issue in the left
ami was then resorted to, but was of no avail, and
lastly the seaside was proposed and determined on.
An old servant, who had left us to be married, con-
sented to take me, and on the last day of August my
father set off with us in a chaise. We changed horses
at Epsom, the second stage being to Horsham, where
we dined. A bit of chicken I relished. At Steyning
we changed again, and after the usual accidents of
harness breaking, first one wheel coming off and then
another, we reached the 'Old Ship' ;it Brighton
about eight o'clock. Mrs. Muttlebury; who had wet
r 3
• im;i\ \ in
up with her. Ber husband *
and tin lutiful 1 i the
the subl
. the following morning, in walking I kind
. I exclaimed, • v
a difil r from the
ace the Last relapse I had
ed anything I light and darkness. We
took a Lodging in V. near th<
small rooms and the use of tin- parlour, which had
a brick floor, for meals, at half a guinea a w
Medical advice was that I should take
the beach every alternate d
than half a pint, before breaJ ind bath
was not alarmed at it and oven liked it. v.
ven days. 1 remained
hen my fat] .. finding me
red. Se
from il d for her moth
could D
with me, and my mothe
willh aye hou with her
ther, wh< ively
. d< a play-
I IMF. OF QUEEN OHARL01
he Queen in my camlet cloak and bonnet,
given to me by Mrs. Muttlebury for warmth and for
damp mornings, for I was invariably to take a run.
iv bo approved, that Mrs. Pohl had to pro-
vide the same for the royal children, who were old
enough to take exercise by walking. The outdoor
equipment in those days, when pelisses and great-coats
of woollen were not worn by girls, was a black cloak
of a silk called ' mode,' stiff, and glossy, wadded, with
hood, armholes with a sleeve to the wrist from them,
a small muff, and a Quaker-shaped bonnet, all of
the same material. These I had taken new with me
to Brighton, in addition to my green silk bonnet, and
pelisse, new for the summer, but which I had little
worn.
The suffering I underwent from the inflammation
was more acute than I can describe. My head was
much swollen, my nose and mouth greatly enlarged,
and the pain of taking food made me entreat to be
excused. My perfect recovery was, therefore, mira-
culous. I went almost daily to the royal nursery, that
the medical man might pay every attention to keep
me well, and my dear little brother generally accom-
panied me. We'left Kew in November, and nothing
of note occurred. I returned to Streatham in Feb-
ruary, with this recommendation, not to fatigue the
sight, nor to let me be confined in one position long
at a time. Every injunction was acceded to, and
i pi:i\ \ i\
marked ferindn<
U, was at 1:
holida]
passe j with tl had a I
unmon. The Captain, I
• h us in his cabriolet, and bring us
v mother woul
with • old friends, but she Qi
into without my father.
ptember 22 in thai yen-. 177:». my father
itham to fetch me to be at h<
fortnight, where on arrival I found, to my great
■, horn on the L9th. Bhe was
christened Sophia, and then went off to be nursed on
Bide Of the water. I cannot tell who
< hi our family going to town in
ember, my brother fell ill of the .small-pox. Ee
them full and of course b< but without
any i jymptOD without
the help of opei tnd
f health; but anothi trophe n flow,
M'ln all.
Blomfield, who had inoculated tl
and f, .1- l have before explained, was ques
s to the probability of da] infection,
irly to me, who would c I hrist-
from the fresh air of the country; but he would
doubts. I [uently I an
!i\!i: OF -. I BARL01 71
The moment I entered the house I expressed my
distress at the smell, and the following day I felt ill.
Mons. Villeueuve, our dancing master, called to plan
the dress and attendance for his benefit ball, when
my mother told him that I had come home stupid,
heavy, and anything but improved; and did not
agree to my going to it. The following day Dr.
Turton and Mr. Devaynes saw me. I was very ill.
They gave me James's powders, which afforded no
relief. They were puzzled ; but in the night of
Sunday appeared the small-pox in full force. I was
worse than my dear little brother, and for six weeks
at least suffered the martyrdom of that dreadful
disease. I had my good Brighton nurse, but no one
could give me any comfort or alleviate pain. I
could only be lifted by four people, one at each
coiner of the sheet, to have my bed made ; for not a
pin's point could be placed between the pustules.
Then all my beauty was gone, which before my
father was flattered by. I was lost to all the fond
hopes in which he had indulged.
Then Blomfield assured the Queen that we had
been inoculated from different subjects, and that all
would be safe with the Princes. It has been so, but
her Majesty's confidence in Blomfield was shaken.
My father was terribly distressed, for the small p<>\
had been very fatal in our family ; and my sister at
five or six months old was considered of an age too
\M> PB IN
I in tli-
it, and settled with
Mr. ! '
is now fifty-seven, and from
may affirm that in her cat
In ing of 177
was confined with Princess Mary, which gave holi-
>me and close attendance t<> otl i
During this summer,] visited our kind
and Mrs. White at Ivjham. and tin;
ely <jx>ts in the neighbourhood, including
Windsor. That place, both a
■. and the town itself, was much the
■Meet n<> par-
ticular chang< count, though many of the
. since that time, l»«'<'n <*« »n^i< I dded
'died. They then.
tones, the upper on*
The Borne Park was then open to the public.
i ■
•Mm the easl and north
mu might with - im<» any
Then pers,
. hom had a hoi The !
►f the Ca ral, and Round Tow
THE TIMK OF QUEEN CHARLOQ
in those days enchanting; and the natural beauti
mrrounding , the forest, and Long Walk
must ah. main. Lady Mary Churchill was
housekeeper.
our return to town from this sweet country,
which made an impression upon me never to be
effaced, I remained with Mrs. White a few days at St.
James's, for the purpose of going with them to see
the King robed at the House of Lords. We followed
into the House with the procession, but being dazzled
with the show, and behind the Throne, I can say
nothing of the King's speech. Full of gratitude and
gratification, I rejoined my mother and brother at
Kew, who rejoiced in again having his playfellow.
Here we shall find a few changes. The Princes
William and Edward were placed in the house, now
the Duke of Cambridge's, with Mons. de Bruyere,
their governor, the Eev. John Fisher, afterwards
Bishop of Salisbury, and Mr. Farhill, preceptors.
Another page was also appointed, Mons. Mliller, a
Swiss. A gate from the garden took them privately
to Kew House. The Princes Ernest and Augus-
tus were removed to the house at the top of the
Green. A page, was appointed, Mr. Powell, and a
dresser, Miss Sorel, for their ages still kept them in
the nursery, where Mr. Compton was page, recom-
mended by Lady Charlotte Pinch ; we may almost
say appointed, for since the introduction of Mrs,
\M» PB
[p had assumed more ;
Daily,
.
childi to in thai particular,
either in their airing home, and when they
ranee before th<
Jiieh
►'clock, from tin
herself took in. Here the
cal man saw them, and invariably directed the
for ilit- day. including those of th<
Mrs. Cheveley, no doubt, while in the du
rved the growing attachment between Mr.
Compton am id therefore introduced
. tfise tfevin, to succeed. This listed
re that d SOOner than she had
. and married Mi-. Oompton under disad van-
circumstances. The changi
e birth to a stillborn daught
!v Effingham's eldesl dan
. bag married I »r. ( lourtenay, Bishop of
r, her ladyship now Lefl K< rince
-nc the same before this time
• 11 Haw] removed into their . with
daughter was married i" the
rwarda had the appointment
of j>i < Sharlotte. I may here nieii-
■ having heen observed in the
Tin: TIME oF QUEEN OHARLCM
written i is given to the Princess than was
considered justifiable, he was superseded.
Evince Ernest had wished to marry the great
heiress of the North, Miss Bowes, whose fortune ex-
ceeded that of the heiress of the South, Miss Tilney
Long ; but the King objecting to his being united to
a subject, his Eoyal Highness left England, and never
returned. Most certainly such a fortune in Germany
would have made him a Prince indeed ; but as he
was a younger brother, it might have disturbed the
harmony of the house of Mecklenburgh-Strelitz, of
which the reigning Duke was not married.
In this summer, 1776, several houses on the
Green were sold ; and my father bought the one
at the corner for 400/. The Queen, who was Lady
of the Manor, excused him from paying the 20/.
which was usual as a fee for copyhold. Mrs.
Newton, and her granddaughter, Miss Pullen, be-
came tenants of the house which we had occupied
from our first coming to Kew.
On my return to Streatham I was to take up
my education with rather more diligence. Needle-
work, both useful and ornamental, except muslin
work, I was tolerably fair in, indeed, in all that I
learnt, throwing a veil over French. In music and
singing I took a start, for the quartett party, who
took up their quarters at the King's Arms Inn. prac-
tised at our house, to which Bach had sent a small
\m> im:iv.\ i\
ither and
or hours, and qo doubt
from this
>portuni1
ays had given up thi tich-
! in their excel].
ith of tin
She was a line. clev<
determined from that ti- tire from
r to change the then fashion of her
sar ii of the i mmon material.
attendance of Cramer; the violinist, could
Lepended upon, from the multiplicity
of hi- en . <>n the ount,
ould n«>t accept a regular appointment, it was
•i to Mr. Nicolay, who wai tolerable
rmer, having been a Bcholar <>!' I Kibo
an, the Kiic r the
d also to attend i.dly ; but
Wendling had been once heard among them n«>
.Id d<>, until hi- . Mr. Papendiek,
I will here relate an anecd<
• P8 while in his zenith. Be -till kept
up his agreeable establishmei chmond, and on
I u-uall; down to
their product!* the mor-
: afl it v I by the-c two that they should
on Thursdays alternately produce
Til! TIME OF QUEEN OHARLCM 77
something new, either of their own composition or
adapted by them. On one occasion Bach had totally
forgotten that it was his turn, so after dinner he
down and wrote an enchanting first movement of a
quintett in three flats. He sent off for two copy
who wrote down the parts from score over his
shoulders, while he wrote the harmony, after having
composed the melody. This quintett is ranked
among the best of his compositions, and the melody
is sweetly soothing. In that day three movements
formed a piece of music, and about half an hour or a
little more was the space of time required for the
performance of it.
At Michaelmas, I came home to be equipped for
winter, and found that my brother went to day school
at Mrs. Newton's. The little boys assembled in one
room, Miss Pullen attending in another to the young
ladies. She was a cheerful, well-bred young woman,
and lived among our neighbours and friends, while
Mrs. Newton remained at home in care of the whole.
The sale of these houses made a stir at Kew.
Many of the smaller ones were pulled down ; others
were repaired and beautified; and several new ones
were built in Bichmond Lane, and those called
Gloucester Bow, to accommodate a class of assistants
thai increased in proportion as did the Eoyal Family.
Kew now became quite gay, the public being
admitted to the Richmond Gardens on Sundays,
IN
and Oil Tli i OH
than
.
their & and the royal children
themselves in their Parties
water, too, with bands of music, to the
ait opposite the Prince of Wale- The whole
of enchantment and delight ; Royalty
; heir Bubjecte ad to
The Christmas holidays brought u
Q, and this year in good health.
On the Queen's birthday, January 18, 1777. my
brother \ ppear in a new d to be
eched,' the term used in thoc . and literally
bo it \ pair of br with a buckle at the
with a falling shirt collar hanging
«a1 with pockets Ion he thigh : and a
ed hat, round ones not being known; was the
In February, this dear little fellow wa
• Bampstead. The 1 >unde
and Mi-. Dressier a plodding, ering
a German, rous,
kind-hearted, nan. Hi- mother and
My. with an English and
My brother attached himself to
Til! IIMI. OF I ' IIAKLOI
daughter, a girl about my age or rather
older, and the little fellow soon reconciled himself to
econd home. His abilities for the classics were
soon discovered by this excellent master, and he was
encouraged in the schoolroom, besides being fondled
by the females. On Sundays, after the second ser-
vice, a dinner was prepared for friends in general.
The boys were around you in the garden or school-
room without the least restraint, and it was a general
holiday, quite after German fashion. The other
days of the week were wholly devoted to busi
but never longer than two hours at a sitting, which
brought freshness to the work in hand. My father
was fortunate in his choice of schools, for this esta-
blishment was also, it may be said, without fault.
Dear, excellent, worthy people, doing their duty in
all respects from principle. On my return to Streat-
ham, I began geography. The manner in which
Povoleri communicated his instruction, and the
amiability of his whole demeanour, rather made
one fly to him than walk in with a pile of books
in solemnity to meet him. For the benefit of the
Italian, his visits, twice a week, were for the entire
day, and Mrs. Povoleri joined us at dinner. I never
learnt Italian, but Povoleri used to hear me
over the words of my vocal music.
Early in the spring, the forgery and apprehension
of Dr. Dodd, one of the popular preachers of the
IN
hill
drawn was the nej
!. who vi
. and he
bom
I addrec
This DephewrMr. Stanhop a pupil of Dr.
. and while tl lishment
i at West Ham all went right, bul on the
removal to town his ambit
-.ii. These plunged him into difficu
which brought him to his ever-to-be-lamented end.
He built the chapel in Char!' with
spectation of the Beir Apparent being brought
ar him preach ; which, in his opinion,
COUld not fail to pre. him an appointment as
iie of the Princes. Dr. I1
superiorly bo, in the pulpit,
hnt bifl d ii Was known, ami hi I entirely
When he ; I, the ;
. and there \va> DOt even Standi] Q left
in tin- church. The organ was a li- built for
do i of the DTSt that had 11, or
added. The children w< hi to
the hvi: prettily, with curtains drawn be-
and th< was
luch piet ublimity, tl.
:
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 81
the age I then was, eleven, the impression of the
duties of religion was so rooted in my mind, thai I
hope T have lived to increase my veneration for
devout exercise, rather than to efface it. Dr. Dodd
in his duty was almost unequalled. He greatly im-
proved the funds of the 'Magdalen Charity' by his
preaching and attention to the interests of the insti-
tution. His disposition was benign, and he spared no
pains to increase the welfare of all who crossed his
path. The charity for ' Small Debtors ' was also by
his exertions greatly augmented. Our family always
attended Divine service at this Charlotte Street
Chapel, where the King and Queen had successive
rows of seats for their attendants in the galleries
well as several pews in the middle aisle. Dr. Dodd
was handsome in the extreme, and possessed every
personal attraction that could add to the beauty of
the service; an harmonious voice, a heart of passion,
and the power of showing that he felt his subject
deeply. His fate must be deplored. He had no
companion to respect, having married incautiously
and unadvisedly, and his great abilities knew no
cheek. Out of the House of God, this man lost all
power over himself. Humility let us worship, and
never lose sight of, depending not upon our own
trength or intentions of well-doing. We arc indeed
eak and know so little ! We see the fall of a
student in divinity, who appeared to cherish religion
VOL. I. G
001 IN
upon tl
point tli- infortUE
MS. in 'id wIhm
i take up tin' thread of ;
find I ing upon the
II known, C
■in Prankfort-on-the-Main, where be
born in \l-\~). Alter studying in Italy.
I eing induced t<> try his
fortunes in this country, he \
SO pleased with the life and appreciation of art
settled himself permanently, and was ai
ised as an Englishman.
The pictn Mi--. Papendiek de
• work i I by Zofiany, by command
of K i whom be
shortly after he ' Tribune ' in the
VWlY.
ed. 'l'le art that Mr.
I was the grouping of Small wh<>
-id theexcellence of the lib
6 and in an\ When the proposal WBB
abroad) in the receipt of
the first,
ii hi- Que. !!«•
TIIi. TIME OF QUEEN 0HABLO1 83
his journey to Florence and back, and \v:i< to be
allowed 300/. a year while painting the 'Tribune* of
the Gallery. This picture, when completed, was
placed in a room at Kew House, and the Royal
Academicians were desired by the King to come
wn and make their report upon it. They were
unanimous in their opinion of its superlative excel-
lence. The beauties of every master were so well
preserved in the copy of the pictures, that the igno-
rant many could almost point out the name of each
artist. In the foreground is the beautiful Titian
Venus, held by the man who is supposed to be fixing
it for Zoflany to copy, while he himself is seen in
the Gallery listening, as it were, to the observations
of the spectators. Every countenance is lighted up
with animation ; but the number that lie has so won-
derfully grouped, I am ashamed to own, I have
ten. Sir Horace Mann, our Ambassador at
Florence at the time, is conspicuous, as well as many
other Englishmen who were there, and were well
known among their countrymen. The cognoscenti,
I'm addition to the professors, were agreed that an
allowance of 1,000/. a year for life would not more
than pay him for -his vast labour, and that less than
700/. could not be offered. Alas, poor Zoflany ! The
moment the question of money was raised, all sorts
of objections were made to the work; as to the
different persons introduced, that could not interest
i the
to him, * Tribi
niiily
and othi
upon which he
and, and bo forth. '1
lance
at the Gallery, as the public could only from
iin times, and thai 1
built Id, rendered a I
application dam .Mr. Zo
brought home with l<
Study, tli of inanition I
after. lered as the first seizure of |
which BOme years hit ed him to hi
his having painted certain
. he answered that the Empe
at tl. . on his
with Zoffa
himself -;it for his ;
all the members of his family to do I
pictun e d«»ne in tin- intervals
of hi k. with which they did not in any
Zoffany was well rewarded by the
. and was made a Baron of the
-man Empire. The Emperor, m<
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHABIXH
strongly urged his coming to Vienna, but Zoflimy
refused od the ground of his commission for the
King <»!* England. On account of his having ac-
cepted these rewards from the Emperor, ZofFany pro-
I dropping the 300/. a year that was promised
to him, but requested payment of his expenses to
Florence and back. On this point, another difficulty
started, namely that the agreement had been
made with him as a single man ; that he had since
married, and that therefore his expenses had been
increased. What in the end ZofFany received, I
cannot assert, but I am certain that it was under
1,000/. The picture was put out of sight, and it
not till it was exhibited in the collection of
George IV. that it was again even recollected. His
old friends stuck by him, and lie was made a Eoyal
Academician and Visitor immediately.
He took a house in Strand-of-the-Green, and
one in town at the corner of Albemarle and Staf-
ford Street-. T)ear Mrs. ZofFany was the friend of
my youthful days ; it was always a holiday to go to
see her. She was a perfect beauty, good-natured,
kind, and very charitable. She was not of equai
rank with Tier husband, and when she married him,
at fourteen years of age, having had no education,
her mind was not formed. During the seven years
they spent in Italy, however, she did receive some
instruction, and spoke the language perfectly. Their
IN
ild was a l' rom an
•i months old.
poor . thoroughly
the time of which I am too
id the position in life of Mrs.
which was do1 wholly n . but I -
tly learnt all the particulars of her hich,
. oded in : tae as
. husband was concerned. As it i- full of
md incident, I will here briefly relate what
in I is I heard from her own li;
Mi-. Zofiany, talented as he was, and always in
the best Sod 1 in his leisure hours prowled
around for victim- i ratification. lie found
out the humble dwelling of Mrs. Zofiany's pai
and I i )i their daughter he determine
posse :■ h<' made her acquainl
ler for him to pi to Italj .
Florentine ( tallery, and >r child, who
was at that time only fourteei
the mark of criminality. 1 to the
vessel in which he was to Bail, and got on |
■e Mr. Zofiany and i
he voyage slie i him, and
. on landing, to place her where she wpuld
i taken f during her confine-
boy was the child horn.
IB OF QUEEN 0HABLO1 87
Immi after tliis event, Mr. Zofiany made
inquiries about his wife, to whom he had been
married sonic time, and who had returned to her
native place in Germany on account of the unhappy
manner in which she dragged on her existence in
Engl and, for he was far from kind to her ; and finding
that she had died a few months before, he married
the object of his admiration, who had become a
mother at fifteen.
Her heart was devoted to doing the best she
could to render herself worthy of her husband. She
made rapid progress in learning Italian, and also in
reading and writing her own language, and in that
polish of manner so essential to the position of a lady.
She was a good mother to her boy though still so
young, and her beauty, good dressing, and a natural
elegance of appearance, combined with the feeling of
happiness which shone in her countenance, soon fitted
her for any society, and she and her husband were
taken up in thl most hospitable and flattering man-
ner by the Tuscan family, the Duke being related to
Joseph II., Emperor of Germany.
The boy being now more than a year old, it was
advised that he should be weaned, and the gover
or head nurse of the Koyal Family was to have him.
with his maid, under her care. Poor little fel-
low, all was going on well, when on one sad day he
was in his go-cart, and running to the door, where
IN
fly was speaking n a whole
will suppose that . but
sin, and knew hi r, which
' y, b • •
ad.
Mr. Zoflany was n<»i to be comforted, ai
r wholly terri-
ilaniitv. II
with his work in the < lallery, and though this iiiT -
asure, distracted him from his own pri
. ' had an evil effect in another way — for it
was at this time that, in order to drown his thou
verworked himself, which brought on the Brsl
; of pal hen he Lost of his limlx.
and for some time hi*
Th<
ome little time md before they
quitted Florx I ecilia, la Born, waa
born.
England ie their
quail ' then fourteen, and the imprea
made upon me me to think all she
did perfect i< >n. Before she waa Introduced
'•my should have married her
the 1'' llgion and our law.
E TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOl
The neglecl of this Laid the foundation for the sup-
position that she was not his wife. She could q<
expected to know much about these ceremonies, and
p thought about them from a religious point
of view. He was aware of the good conduct of his
spouse, and took care that his friends held her in
ect, but it was cruel to leave her fair fame under
a cloud that could have been so easily removed.
Mrs. Zoflany's father died soon after the flight of
his poor child ; but the widowed mother was settled
comfortably by ZofTany in a little home of her own,
not very far from his house at Strand-of-the Green.
Greatly were my parents blamed for allowing the
affectionate intercourse between Mrs. ZofTany and
If. I can only say that industry, care, and a
spirit to do right were the examples I met with, and
a kind and warm heart ready and anxious to return
every sentiment of friendship.
Notwithstanding the doubt about her marriage in
the minds of S few, she was very generally admired
and beloved, and was able to introduce her two
daughters after a time into good society.
While ZofTany was living at Strand-of-the-Green,
lie painted his famous picture of ' The Last Supper"
for St. George's Chapel at Windsor, which was
repaired and beautified during the reign of George III
The picture has remained, and may still be seen in
its old position.
CHAPTEB IV.
u with Sir John D
ref school- ic lessons —
irricane — Prinoe William filters th.- N mer —
Ml introduction -Ilhwss Oi
I
Oen and actors — II. •turn to Streathani Dancing It
I »,-. Johnson and Mi.-- Boxnej sir J
:l'mann — < BlO at Sir
l.i ( 'our.
111:1: Pri brougl
Prince Adolphw r brothi
The eldest daughter of Mr. Ramus, the
to the B it this time
1 according to
i] form, ■ wouli
at 1 1 ted to it
lit of the position her held in the
ehold ; bul >hn Day
[ndia
ild DO 1"
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 9 J
intimate friends from their infancy, and the great
desire of her ladyship now was that her brother
William, who was also a page at Court, should marry
Sally Tunstall, and join her in India, where, through
her husband's influence, she hoped soon to be able to
obtain a good situation for him. No objection on
the part of the lady was raised, but the gentleman
could not be prevailed upon. He had formed an
attachment for Miss Goldswrorthy, and proposed to
her ; but upon the Queen saying that in the event
of her marriage she must quit her situation, the idea
was given up.
The Prince of Wales having now, 1778, attained
his sixteenth year, it was taken into consideration
how his leisure hours from study could be more
amused. It was known to their Majesties that
among the several preceptors, both reverend and
noble, a diversity of opinion upon this question ex-
isted, and it was necessary, in consequence, to make
some changes. Much do I lament to add that some
of those about the young Princes swerved from
principle, and introduced improper company when
their Majesties supposed them to be at rest, and after
the divines had closed their day with prayer.
It was now determined to examine the accommo-
dation of Windsor Castle, which, from the beauty of
its situation, the space in its parks and the surround-
ing country for field sports, and its general magnitude,
\.\i> ri. in
>f the
unify,
. and Ot! • the
mily.
ith his well-known i vould
them disturbed ; but the Lower ran
walk, was chosen for t: . and
allotted to them with a chosen lie*
Simong these, unfortunately, v. onels
I and Bulse, the wry men who should have
The house of Lord Talbot, opp
astle, was accepted, upon his offer of i
d, for the EtoyaJ Family, and Sir William
Than :ne down to make the
A building was thrown OUl at I
toward- the Home Park
<»rner house on the hill t<> the rfghl was tO be
Mr. Montagu, H the
riding, the third houi art for I
of th. Mr. Tilderley, with apartments in it
Sir William Chan, When I1 ill arrai
would lown to
■h this summer, Monday to
■ dite the v, ad tO make
Bang purchased the
E TIME OF QUEEN 0HARL01
Duke of St. Albans' house, at the back of which
there was a range of rooms looking into the garden
of the house now known as Windsor Lodge and the
garden adjoining it. The front of this house wi
Moans' Street, in which were also situated the
King's stables. On the furniture of the Duke's house
being sold, Martin, of the Castle Inn, bought the bed-
stead, with its hangings and the bedding, which had
been Nell Gwynne's, and which to this day is in the
same inn.
The people of Eichmond, on hearing of the pre-
parations that were going on at Windsor, now came
forward to offer the land that had before been re-
l, even to entreaty; but it was too late. That
portion of the mansion that had been built was now
to be taken down, and the part of the Richmond
gardens that had been inclosed was turned into
farming land. From this period I think we may
date the first flaw in the harmony of those regulations
hitherto so successfully followed by the Eoyal Family.
The concentration of the whole was disturbed, and
different interests succeeded.
To say that the Princes had not been sufficiently
in company, or early enough introduced, is, in my
opinion, erroneous. From their infancy they had
been taken to St. James's regularly on Thursdays,
when the company at the Drawing-rooms had
paid their compliments to the royal children, the
COl IN
and the l>u;
•met from I
■
eight till
Th< and Thu
tindred
and music. The i
of the private band, with the addition of other
men. Among tl
a; Cramer, the King's former master; and
i, father and Bon, violinists; with Croedil,
Parke, and Others, besides the Misfi I.inlevs, and
the day. Their MJ
-iic- a week, and on the remaining
aings there was company more or 1'
In the country at I\e\\\ after their early dinner
four o'clock, the King and Queen would usually have
family around them, at full Liberty, and
joying themselves with their attendants and i
uiird to their different
birtb ertainments, dai
by Mr. Powel, and a COIU
ted to t!
routine, the elder Princes and Princesses attending
oing pai w, upon
• plan BS when in London.
o doubt en!,
of th( < ase to their mi
it mi: of QUEEN OHABLO!]
advantage to them generally, taking it for granted
that those who introduce them take every precaution
in the choice of their companions; but it lends
little aid to the formation of the mind. That, how-
ever, should be done principally in the hours of
eation, when the tutor or attendant should dis-
cover, by imperceptible means, the inclinations and
is of each pupil, directing their pastimes into
such channels as may tend to divert evil propensities,
and give encouragement to rational pleasures and
pursuits. This is the great secret and difficulty of
education, and makes it necessary that we should
exercise great judgment in our selection of those
to whose care we entrust the development of our
children's minds. The young are naturally very
impressionable, and with judicious training they may
be led to amend the follies of youth, and, by God's
grace, continue in the path of righteousness.
To return to my own narrative. After a pleasant
holiday, my brother and I returned to our respective
schools. In this half-year, 1778, I was introduced
to the neighbouring families ; amongst others, to
the Thrales, on Streatham Common, where Dr.
Johnson and Miss Burney usually resided, and where
the late Duke of Bedford might constantly be met.
Being in delicate health, he was brought up at
Streatham by private tuition, in a house at the corner
of the road leading to Norwood, then part of the
IN
bich has
with five dau -. the
So ml with the
thai brought >ther in a
In the autumn, an occurred
an impression od us all. Miss Vaughan wi
ool to l>c lntrodu< ball on tin*
of the Lord Mayor's Day, by dancit
minuet, in imitation of the evenings .»t' the K
and 1 birthdays at St. Jan lien the
young nobility were introduced in the same manner.
Ber mother, Mrs. Vaughan, bham,
[pected, to fetch her for this event, but
different mission.
liter that Mi-. Vaughan, who was ;i whol
their
condition that they wei at home, but in
friend. M ughan, with the
mind of heart and
famii- i.«l. ' 1 thank you, dear mothei
my libera] education, which I shall hope now t<>
turn ir comfort.1 she was then
made by lh« Ls
E TIME OF '('i i.i A OHARLOTTE
take her to P keep up their children's English,
but she preferred taking an engagement as a regular
She had always been assiduous, and very
improve, but she had no taste for the orna-
mental She learnt music, but it could never into
anyone to listen to the extreme accuracy of her per-
formance, with a coldness and seeming want of mind
that was unaccountable. For drawing and needle-
work she had more feeling, but books particularly
took hold of her attention. She had an excellent
understanding, and a good disposition ; but as she
never associated with her companions in the usual
pursuits of the young, nor in any way cultivated a
friendly intercourse, she was not generally beloved.
She was at this time seventeen, and was highly re-
spected, and Looked up to as a superior being, and in
her trouble was greatly commiserated. The carriage
took Mrs. and Miss Vaughan to town, and brought
back the second daughter, Rebecca, who was then in
dedicate health, which the present anxiety naturally
increased. She remained with us at Streatham as
long as she could derive benefit from the fresh air
and kind care of the family ; but very soon after her
return home, we heard of her death in decline. Mrs.
Kay then took the youngest daughter, Josepha, who
from her shining abilities soon became of every use
in the school. She was lively ami social among US,
but being very capricious she was not a universal
Vol,, i. II
I\
ut was much beloved 1
!!<>\V
Mi- . whom I
60 mar;
Mr. Langford, of the firm i
< lovenl I d od b fin
morning in October M d .ailed in her
from Morden to take M
id her sister to town
Parliamenl was o] i thai day. We
lered first at the early start, and then at the
the dresses, and -till more when Mi-.
and Mi— Bainsbnry returned alone; bi
-•me time before this Miss A\ had been but little
with as, this did not excite any suspicion. Judge,
then, of our surprise when, two
Mi-. Bainsbury conducted her into Iroom as
his bride ' el] had the courtship been n
■
ie time she lefl ber happy home.
loved, i I, and adored h(
Tv
church i
; joy pi
alwa\ when the prelimina
ed with caution and propriety.
IE TIME OF QUEEN GHARLOI I
,i few moments' reflection, we requested
their company to partake of our humble endeavi
to entertain them, and the following Tuesday was
proposed. Our invitations were to the families near
names I have before mentioned, as well as
many of our young friends as we could offer
accommodation to in the house, for in those days
people did not care to drive any distance at night on
account of the highway and footpad robberies, which
of daily, or rather nightly, occurrence. Brixton
Hill, now an inhabited suburb, was then a noted
place for danger, as well as St. George's Fields, and
ECennington Common, on which a house, called 'The
1 loins,' was supposed to be the rendezvous of the
depredators.
Our schoolroom was spacious, and we decorated
r this auspicious occasion, very tastefully with
laurestina and mountain ash, interspersed with rib?
bons, and it. was lighted with wax candles,
lamps were not then in use for rooms, and
quite unknown, it not being used to light the
streets of London even, till the year 1814. The
forms were covered with green baize, and the
whole, for the convenience of the dancers and the
comfort of the company, most properly put in order.
We were divided into parties', one to receive the
company, another to superintend the going, a third
to conduct the dance, another the music, another the
II 9
1 1 it i LIFE IN
- \tli to direct the handinj
. which included tea, a luxury in
itli,
tli- g no tii: ire them. I
an had cake and a favour,
! the whole entertainment \
Tl that they ra
an evening for our dependant* in the village, the
cli boo! being particularly attended I
ihi< institution Mr. Bainsbury sum
. and all was joy. < Mir ill u mi -
oat ral others through which the
bride had to pass <>n her way from Bforden, with the
of proving t<> her how greatly she v. ,rd
for her elic nature throughout the wh
neighbourhood. We 1 our in the
drawing-room, in which was the organ, with chc-
. and then we would have them all down to s
dancing. Dr. Johnson's own easy chair \
placed by the lire, in which I think I mm- him no
IT old friend I He told ofl all to talk to him.
that was what he liked, and his kind benevolent
,:t made him a favourite with us all. In return
..in- welcome, W< I at a time, whii
stituted a coach full, to dii Iforden, on the
hen the BainsburyS were at home ; hut
oiiK -ill this ite in the
>f the numb ■ st
I [ME OJ ' I BARLOl Inl
ision we cast lots. I was, however, Luck]
to be present at all the other entertainments that
given in honour of the bride, by the Thrales,
the l . and others in the neighbourhood.
tad wedding dresses — garments,
I hope I may call them, as we were sincere in our
feelings. I was a girl who put heart and feeling into
everything I undertook, and my nickname was
'Albert here, Albert there, Albert everywhere.'
Alas! this happy half-year ended, and we went
home for the Christmas holidays. My father had
been, during the summer months of this year, 1778,
to Portsmouth, to see the English fleet when it re-
turned after the engagement between ECeppel and
D'Orvillierfl off Ushant, and to visit the camps of
Heath and Warley Common with their Majesties.
On this account, he had not taken me home, as usual ;
and now it was settled that I was to leave school, to
my intense regret.
Dear parent, I thank thee for what thou hast done,
but it was imperfect. A little longer, and 1 mighl
have arrived nearer to the point you intended in
your desire to see me well educated. As it was, I
found myself at home without the means of proceed-
ing with what had been so desirably begun in that
ever to be respected mansion of all that wae
and amiable. My mother was a careful, industrious
woman, and praiseworthy in all that she did for our
\M» i'i;i\.\ in
. support, and the requisite* of life; but
I from
ere all her
ildren v.
congenial to We
ighl up to i! id to
• cultivate Buch abilitii
given to us, by study. My mother, ho with
lerman ideas, kept us u]
fully teaching u princip]
! thought it Loss of time wl Lifler-
ently employed. Only one sitting-room was all
. ffhich will speak for itself as to the im-
of doing anything that required thought.
Alter the usual ga I New Sear's Day, the
birthday ofti q, and a few evenings spent with
. my In-other returned to ELai
If alone, totally at b loss what plan to
' her to allow me ;» music
which he did, and Bach recommended
Mr. I bearing me play his
tas, and the third set of concertos, and pla;
with me ;i duet, also of his ition, then much
; 1 to him that Mi . Benser did not
communicate his art with that rpst I
, QVVett ; when he
child, you have entered upon life
i imi: OF ' i[.\i:i.<m LOS
early, and with heart and enthusiasm ; I pity th< •
it will be soon checked/
It was the regulation that the move to Ivew should
usually take place about the middle of May, and that
the Royal Family and attendants should return to
town for one week to include the King's birthday on
June 4. This day was always passed in gaiety and
enjoyment. We were with the family while dressing
at St. James's, saw the company at the Drawing-room,
and had the pleasure of meeting our friends and
acquaintances.
I must not forget to mention a terrific hurricane
which passed over the metropolis at the commence-
ment of this year, 177ih The wind blew violently
from the north-west, and took off the upper corner
of the 'Queen's House.' This was the room next to
the one in which the Princes Ernest, Augustus, and
Adolphus slept, which was over the bedroom of their
.Majesties. The King was up, and with his children
in a moment. The ceiling was falling fast, and had
already broken the bedstead of the elder Prince, but
they were soon placed in safety with their attendant,
Mr-. Long, and no harm happened to them. Nine-
teen trees were, torn up in St. James's Park, and
serious damage waa done in other parts of London.
The hearth was tin-own up in the drawing-mom of
our apartments, the windows of our kitchen were
beaten in, and but for the perseverance of my mother
mi wii pa in
-. and pertinaciously keeping all
to preclude I
bould 1 1 much more than we did.
3 ■ had passed <>\
Ion. It near Etoehamp-
>rn up for about two miles, with
[stations. This waa \t night,
Hammersmith Church was struck, and much mure
In my uncle's I
98, fixed to the wall, was thrown down,
ation of dread was universal as Long as this
bonn Lasted.
On June 11, my playfellow, his EtoyaJ High]
Prince William, who was to be in the Navy, joined
the ' lVii at Portsmouth, under Admiral
Digby. He went through the different cabin
midshipman, &c., but, at the end of th<
to be ra the rank of .
The Reverend Henry ICajendie, youi n of Dr.
Majendie, was appointed the Prince's preceptoi
d, and was to proceed with him to B "U tO
which the ship might be ordered. Naval instruction
• through minutely, and his present Majesty
always looked upon as an able seaman.
Tl. for the Prii
improvement in the German lanj tnd appo
man chaplain, Mr. Schroeder, their ma
a that he came down to Kew for this pui
Till-: ti.mi: 01 Ql i:i \ OIIARLCn L05
tmained with as, which gave me the opportunity
of reading English with him, and we went through
the 'Guardian,' and the 'Idler.'
Mr, Roberts also taught me to write, which intro-
duced me to the Trimmers, whose relation he was,
and with whom he resided.
[M rs. Trimmer was the daughter of the Kirby who
was President of the ' Society of Artists ' of Great
Britain, out of which grew the Eoyal Academy. Of
this man, Gainsborough was not only a great ad-
mirer, but a sincere friend, and it was his last desire
to be buried beside him. Their tombs, therefore,
adjoin one another in Kew Churchyard, where they
may to this day be seen. — Ed.]
Morning visits in this exemplary family could
nol be admitted, for Mrs. Trimmer was emplo
in writing her excellent works on education, while
the eldest daughter, acting as bookkeeper, was in
accounting-room, and the second daughter,
Sarah, was Instructing her younger brothers and
sisters in the schoolroom. Mr. Ernst, one i^ the
King's pages, proposed marriage to the eldest daugh-
ter, Charlotte Trimmer, but it was not consented
to, much to the annoyance of the young people.
Sarah became governess to the daughters of the
of Devonshire, and was held in high
estimation by that family. She had been offered
the post of sub-governess to Princess Charlotte,
\M» I'KIYA l\
in tlic i imunical truo-
U
appointment, had ; it for the
OUT
much of the plea by my mother k
ing ;
tiring this Bomn I down
to Wind- y till Weill
were opened to the pub!
when the Boyal Family were absent. The Drawing-
i now was held once a fortnight on Thura
id of weekly, as heretofore. The qua
>, only met once a fortnight. Bach
■ Richmond partly on this account, and
partly on account i bbery which he
QU hi- lion in the
her ni" M.nth t<» pay his
Mil.-, which she brought to him n
however, approprial being
rumoured t! leave Etichn
ople l" [amorous, and the truth
nian a' wafl
-nd time 1 > . leven and t\yelve
hundred pound -k him, and
iblea follow.
i imi: or <>i BEN CHARL0] L07
The oratorio performances, in which be v
- one of the proprietors, in measure
failed. He bad composed for the occasion, and
etween the acts, his second concerto. A
in piece was usual, but as it was to be heard on
irgan, it was ill chosen, for, though beautiful in
. it did not accord with the sacred performance,
and Bach being no organ player the whole thing
rather tended to detract from the success of the
evening. About this time pianofortes were first in-
troduced into this country. They had been in use
for some little time in Germany, and were consid
a vny successful invention. Those instruments now
known as 'small pianofortes' were the first that
made their appearance in England, and those of a
square shape shortly followed, upright ones not
being known till much later.
I went, by invitation, for a month to Streatham
with my cousin Charlotte, when she returned there
after the Christmas holidays. Very different was the
scene to meet me to that which closed my last happy
half-year. Miss Fry was seized with rheumatic f<
which confined her to her room for six weeks, and
when recovering exerted herself to gain an addi-
tional mile daily in her drives, in the cherished hope
that she might reach Mrs. Sainsbury's at Morden — a
hope, alas! never to l>e realised. The latter had given
birth to a daughter, and under the affectionate
II 'J IN
bman, \
rly pleased with my
main .-Hid withdr be band. In the
minuet de la ('our I \ .1 for d
of th< n! in<»\ . ilu' jump 1
plished without brusqueness. hi thi . dancing
ridered quite an important pari of tin- educa-
and tin bown in the varioi; lents
different to the rough style of the pr<
at a glance if a young I fined
and had jant education.
My former friends received me gladly, hut I found
ttong tlirui. Miss Chapman wa
the poinl of marriage with Lord Tumour, win.
. through the death of hi> lather, became
of Winterton; Mi- Whitelock was married to the
•end Mr. Meyrick, Elector «'f Morden ; and the
: 'he Pitchen wafl married t<> Captain Bo;
The Thralefl and dear old I>r.
•d to have me back again amongst them. He.
laid he liked me I frank
and open-hearted, and glad to he corrected. He.
untidy, hut we did not lo
I t him the LeSfl for that, and Mrs. Thrale, with
kind disposition, always endeavoured to hide
isible his deficie
in di Hi- v 111 BOUT!
troni only dirty and unkempt,
ma
tl()
QiB OF QUEEN 0HARLO1 I hi
but generally burnt away in the front, for, being very
sighted, he often put bis bead into the candle
when poring over bis book-. Whenever he was
staying with the Thrales, therefore, the butler used
to waylay him as be passed in to dinner, and pull of I
the wig on bis bead, replacing it with a new one.
This was of almost daily occurrence. An amusing
of Hannah More and Dr. Johnson, which I
beard, I will relate here. She was most de-
sirous to have an interview with him, and at last
obtained a promise that he would receive her at his
house in town. Thither, then, she repaired with a
friend, and was shown into his library to await his
convenience, where, seeing a big Leathern chair, she
casi herself into it, saying, 'This is doubtless the
greal man's chair! I will try to gain from it a Pew
sparks of his genius.' On his entering the room, she
told him what she had done, when in his quiet, dry
manner, he answered, 'Unfortunately, I never sil in
at chair. I should he afraid of its gloomy inspira-
ns.' About this time, Miss Burney's first publica-
on made its appearance, under the title of* Evelina,'
and Dr. Johnson introduced it to us, saying that a
novel of a new character had been put into his hand,
in which each of the persons introduced spoke in his
or her own line, and thai the moral was unol>jrrti<>n-
able. lie would, therefore, have it read, and Miss
Burney, as usual, was deputed to do so. A- -he pro-
VOL. I. I
Ill IN
. Mrs. Thrale ke] the tm
3 and tl.
and that she in ust find oul tl
sunn . find-
:at the book met with approbation ai
acknowledged herself to be the authi
obtained fo payment,
and Bhe then produced her 'Cecilia,' which I h
tnsidered equally good.
At the Thralee 1 often met Sir Joshua K
who visited there. Ee was knig] bhe time that
the first Presidenl ofthe Etoyal Academy
in 1768, when the exhibitions were held in a
Dalton's print shop in Pall Mall. He painted
a portrait of Dr. Johnson for Mr. Thrale*- picture
gallery, and several others of renowned men of the
. among them, on foldsmith, for whom
atertained a sincere affection. He
admirer of the pretty and graceful Angelica K'anll'-
mann, one of the original thirty-six members of the
i Academy, who waa
brought i 'and by her patrons, th<
Ajnbaseador and his wife, and short la in-
troduced to Sir Joshua. There were rumours thai
he intended ber ; but th<
she certainl] cted him, this Idea never came
mything. When Gainsborough first settled in
died upon him, and though
tliii:
IMK OF < HABLO] I Lfi
al first a Btrong feeling of rivalry befr
at painters, they eventually became firm
friends. They adopted totally different styles, Gains-
borough being especially renowned for his effect
colouring, for which he LB as much lamed in his land-
in his portraits, while Sir Joshua showed
talent in the drawing and general arrange-
ment of his figures, as well as in his delicacy of
colouring, the charming adaptation of costume, and
gracefulness of his draperies, which are more
especially noticeable in his female portraits. Be was
undoubtedly our greatest English portrait painter,
though closely rivalled by Gainsborough, and fol-
lowed by Sir Thomas Lawrence, who became in his
turn the greatest portrait painter of his day. and
on the death of Sir Joshua Reynolds in 1792 he
appointed painter to the King.1
1 'These illustrious rivals fully admitted each other's excellence.
n him, how various be is ! " exclaimed Gainsborough as lie pas* d
bre the pictures of liaynolds in one of the exhibitions. "I cannot
ink how he produces his effects," said Reynolds while' examining a
portrail by Gainsborough. These were greater praises, considering from
whom they came, than volumes of encomium from ordinary critics.'
From The Lift and Times of ,S//- ,7. Reynolds by ( '. R. Leslie and Tom
Taylor.
Tn the same work may be. found the following description of the lovely
ami lamed portrait ofGeorgiana, Duchess of Devonshire:
'It was this beautiful young duchess who set the fashion of the
feather headdresses, now a mark for all the witlings of the time. Sir
Joshqj has painted her in her new-fashioned plumes, in the full-!
portrait now at Spencer House. The picture was at this time ( 177-">) in
progress, and was exhibited the next year. But, with his usual in
tion, he has lowered the bewitching Due
I 8
1 16 BI AMI I'l. IN
whom 1 happy day. She taught
caps and in man]
of millinery, in whicl an adept,
it when I saw any little thing I Liked, I Could
\t the 1 *i t < • : • deal of
;k in trifles, I ribbon,
3, ribbon work, and bo on. With them
I unit to the OroydoD Assembly, as our lad
still in mourning Abraham Pitcher, during bis
•ralty, rebuilt bia 1 1« >u -i • at Streatham, and rur-
oished it elegantly. < to opening it, a ball was given,
and here I was to shine. X- >rdered my white
kid shoes from the opera-shoe maker. Be also would
ve of my gown made to bis order, that
inn might l>e observed ; and the trail
l»e thrown hack, BO that it might not impede my
1 beautiful' steps I I '« •.-.->'• the eldest unmai
bter, opmcd the lull with ( laptain l
followed her d then your humble
I commenced with the minuet
de la ( lour, and Beveral couples joined in th<
It was a very enjoyable entertainment, and all the
families of the neighbourhood were th<
In the Bpring I was one of the scholars who
Nbverre'fl benefit ball, at the Hai
in-. I lie first minuet
■ nd in the COtQlion. My dn
;mi: OF G CHAHLO] I IT
mother se1 wore pink, and the third
light blur. I made Bach come to see us danc<
were his rooms, and so delighted was be that
lift in hifl affection.
Mr. Kay passed his Easter holidays at Streatham,
Mr. Pry being still with us, and time passed gaily.
Mr. Kay was always quaint, clever, and eminently
calculated for the law; but, strange to say, though
he possessed superior abilities, he became so diffident,
or timid, I scarcely know what to term it, that in-
stead of signalising himself at the Bar, as his good
mother fondly hoped he would, he became protho-
notary, and marrying a lady with money, lie has passed
his life almost in privacy. This time that I speak of
we ever met. Though we visited in the
same families, and have even to this very year, 1833,
exchanged letters, chance has never brought us
her again. The affection I ever bore towards
him, as the relative of those I sincerely loved, while
living, and shall, as long as I am blessed with recol-
ction, respect and venerate in memory, is not in the
diminished by time or the want of opportunity
o rem
to re
Co m PRIVATE LIFE IN
CHAPTEB V.
The royal ehild
hull Att.i.k by highwayme
r Birth I Dailj i
Indr. » Mr. I
di.lv 1 1
Nothihg occurred further during this happy half-
1 1 am writing of L780) worth recording,
the visit of Mr. Papendiek at the end of it.
when he accompanied my mother t<» fetch me home.
Mrs, K.iv seemed equally struck with myself at his
appearance, and, obe< omething like embar
manner, tioned me, to mag
. against the difficulties into which I might
!><• led.
annol describe my sensationfl when t ;
I upon us. My ed darkened,
and I knew n<>t how t<> regain my cheerfulni
I now, opened (ft my
London was in confusion. The Lssociation,
ed by Lord George Gordon, had pn
Till: TIMi: OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE I l'»
petition to Parliament against some act of concession
to the Roman Catholics, and the riots, which after-
wards proved bo alarming, had already begun.
with * No Popery ' were posted in all the
the Bishops were very roughly handled,
having their wiga turned on their heads as they
alighted from their carriages at the door of the
House of Lords ; and many members of Parliament
were jostled and annoyed. Every night the rioters
encamped themselves in St. George's Fields. Mr.
Meyer, who was always eager for information, and
my father, who endeavoured to obtain any informa-
tion which might be useful to his patroness, went
ther among these men. For a day or two they
could not liberate themselves, but they succeeded in
gaining the intelligence that June 4 would be held
Becure, and that the pageantry would be suffered to
proceed as usual, unmolested ; but that day over,
extremities would be resorted to.
It was a fine day, but with a strong cold east
wind. After the Drawing-room was over, the royal
children, except the two elder Princes, were removed
to Kew, and we also went. The appearance of the
streets was desolate. The dust was rising in clouds,
and scarcely a soul was to be seen. Terror was
depicted upon the countenances of the few who were
moving, and altogether it was an evening to create
an impression of wretchedness.
COl'i: I' .\N1> PRTVA I\
1, with an al the arm, and ui
dating pain. The elder Print
on the 5th, 1 lained in
The K'ii with
.•'mn he i ry morn-
o'clock, when he oft
his children, on whom he fondly d<
•i the bridge with our aeighboui
vening during I I think it.
I lth of the same month) we saw fires from
n different places in London. The milil
under the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Amherst, had
whenever required, and that, at length,
>red order. Newgate and other prisons were
burnt, and the prisoners sel free, and among other
to be deplored was the destruction of the
.vnrd Lord Mansfield's manuscripts and the
spoliation of his house. M.uiv of tl
mi Catholics were marked For destruction, and
: the AinUi chapels, 11 a>< the
lale Distillery, were totally i
apa for the soldi- rnned in H
. in the < \reen ind round the Court in
s Park, bo that the ordei ; moving
r issued without
thought at the time that his
metropolis from further harm.
Til). TIME OF QUEEN OHARLO] I 2 I
The Lord Mayor, ECennett, received a reprimand
from the City for his inactivity, and it was agitated
move him from the civic chair, and elect another
to finish his term of mayoralty ; but as this poor
inefficient man was strong in politics for the Govern-
. secret influence protected him.
All being again quiet, and something like order
red. everybody was, as it were, set at liberty,
and while the Ffing and Council were at work, the
populace were at play — ourselves among the number,
for we formed a party first for Vauxhall, and secondly
for passing a day in London to visit the scenes of
horror that had occurred in the short space of a few
The party from Kew for Vauxliall consisted of
my mother, myself, Mr. Papendick, and Mr. and Mrs.
Brown, and we proceeded to Mr. Stillingfleet's. in
Stafford Row, Phnlico, where it was arranged that
my father and some other friends should meet us.
After a most elegant tea, given in tents on their
lawn, we proceeded to Vauxliall, with which. I
believe, we were all equally enchanted, although in
these days we are so genteel that we should not
admit.it to have' been even bearable. I heard the
famous Vernon sing, and Mrs. Weichsel, a German,
originally a scholar of Bach's. We supped, and
went through the whole of the amusements, in-
cluding the Cascade, an object of attraction at that
IN
I » i! Kew party returned through Clapham,
ichman, who
»rtei than the road by which we had
up. The man w ,t he
was employed by Shrubeole, the liveryman
I, with whom my father had dealt 1
wlm had all the business of the Con id no
doubt but that all was right □ turning
from Barnes Terrace to the beginning of Ifortlake
. I saw three men run up from t! rside.
i to the horses' head-, while one can
ca.-h . opened the do
demanded our money. Mr. PapendieV gave hit
e, which he Baid contained but littl .
1 from Vauxhall, and he had nothing
which the fellow made bill
I [e Found nothing
upoD him but a clasp knife, which opened with a
spring, and camming it by the glimmering
. and finding that he could not shut it, he
with :m tying to his companion,
itlennm, we will not disturb the
o it ended. The coachman wai anxious
. but I strongly opposed hairing
the I added to which I f that the
Mr Papendiek'i side was a d( rob-
CB Tl.Mh OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE L23
Be had a horse-pistol, and from his manner of
fixing the lock I was confident that it was loaded. I
had obtained some knowledge of pistol firing from
the quartett party, who with my father constantly
amused themselves with taking aim at a target, at
which practice I was allowed to be present. We
suspected the coachman of complicity in the affair;
but as his master assured us that he was free from
blame, we desired that no further notice should be
taken of it.
When we ordered the carriage for our second
expedition, the same coachman requested to be
allowed to drive us, in order to establish his cha-
]• for honesty.
Our party was the same as the former one. We
started early in the morning, walked round the
different camps, and then drove to Mr. Clay's, iii
King Street, Covent Garden, where my father met
us, and where we were most hospitably received by
the family, which consisted of father and son and
three daughters. The eldest daughter was particu-
larly amiable and interesting, and was shortly to be
married to Mr. King. The son, young Clay. wi
delicate, agreeable, gentlemanly man. Bis father
was anxious to settle us together, and no objection
could be made on either side as to age or any other
impediment; but not immediately bringing matters
to bear, but waiting to give opportunity to the indi-
124 IN
vidua i find oul how their inclinat
ach oth< could in
id the matter dropped.
alia of which were uninjured.
nit ws . the
he debtors liberated. side
jupied by Dr. 1 1
which carried great interest with them. They
itly furnished by Mrs. Etudd, who had
the mistress of one of the brothers P
who were hanged for B
Dr. Dodd.
Tl i the Perreauz herself presented
a petition to the Queen for the life <>f her husband,
g obtained b i one of the rooms tin
which her Majesty had to pa— on her way to hold a
in. The Queen atly upset by the
circumstance, and not only interceded with the
iily for the life of this man and his brother, but
of ] 'r. Dodd, kind
rrible thing that b bould be
and much more so a divine, and 01
unit as Dr. \^M.
Tl luld not reconcile it to
either of the iders,
althoug] him pain to refuse any request of the
: in add; the distress he invariably felt,
IE TIME OF QUEEN OHARIXM L25
even to considerable emotion, when it w.
that he should sign a death-warrant.
Mrs. Rudd was acquitted, and left these moms
\a Bhe had used them. As the dress called the
1 Polonaise' jacket and coat is still seen at fancy
blies, I must mention that this extravagant and
unfeeling woman set that fashion while she was in
this very place. Oh, how differently did the divine
till up the remaining measure of his time ! There was
his little inkstand upon a small table at which he
constantly wrote, his chair, the table where he ate —
1 kissed them all. Nothing had been used since he
ailed to leave all earthly scenes. His memory I
must ever revere, for early did he lead me to love
religion, from the impressive manner in which he
delivered his discourses and read the Liturgy of our
Church.
gate we went to the Fleet, and through
llolborn to the Langdales', where, from intoxication.
many of the rioters were burnt or drowned in the
liquors. We also viewed the walls of Lord Mans-
field's house, where in the ruins of the interior must
have been his writings, which were so wantonly
consumed. Marty other scenes of devastation we
observed on our way back, which were truly deplor-
able. We dined sumptuously in King Street, and in
the evening went to Covent Garden to hear Lee
Lewis's lecture on Heads. Many characters were
\m> ri;i\ \ in
the timi prologue
ible and veil written, and the
ir principal c<
the proprietor, Mr. II. - par-
ticularly Loyal, all allusions that were made t<> the
unhappy affairs wen in terms favourable
IlllH'llt.
\Y. met, on leaving the
of men, formed into a company of that di oung
and his friend King being at the head. I
b had itfl company to patrol th< aving
their homes well guarded and lighted with additional
lamps. Thifl precaution, like many others, app<
to have been resorted t<> too late; but it was well,
even then, to show that the eommun ight-
thinking people weiv ready to suppress the on
tin? lawless multitude, should there he yet any hidden
future tumult. < >n our return
after this in g and happy day, my father
and Mr. Brown went outside the cai tli their
Irawn ; but we reached home
• lit having to call into play thifl formidable
now came t<. Kew, and all arran
e made for the removal of the Prina
to Windsor for the Bea80n, :i- it was the intention
hould l»e there confined. A houa
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOI 127
taken for Lady Charlotte Finch in Sheet Street ;
rooms were appointed for Miss Goldsworthy and
Planta in the Lodge, with She three elder Prin-
i) as dresser. The masters were
to attend at stated hours, and Mr. Papendiek. as page
to the Princess Eoyal, was to wait upon the three,
my father, as usual, attending upon the Queen. Miss
Hamilton was appointed sub-governess, to remain at
Kew with Princesses Mary and Sophia ; Miss Moula, a
Swiss, as French teacher, Miss Matthews, as die*
were also to remain, with Mrs. Cheveley as super-
intendent, and Mr. Magnolley as page, Mr. Compton
having recently obtained that post in the Queen's
establishment, upon the death of dear old Mr. White.
Mr. Brown, whom I have mentioned as being of our
parties, had been a captain of the Lisbon Govern-
ment packets, and was wrecked a short time before.
He found means to ingratiate himself with Lady
Charlotte Finch, who immediately told the Queen to
place him with the Princes to assist Mr. Powell, which
was done. His wife was a good-natured sort of per-
son, and lie was also friendly and joined readily into
our coterie
Desolate indeed did Kew appear when their
Majesties, the three Princesses, two Princes, and all
tin- attendants left for Windsor. Empty houses, all
in retirement at the Palace, that had hitherto been a
house of bright but innocent gaiety, and even our
Pohl i
employed, when ther
whid
ame round. Mr. Pohl,
f bis employment
with Count Bruhl, tin- Bavarian Mil this
country, upon whom he had dependence; but
upon the Count's marriage with
Hold'
an accomplished linguist, and now and then h<
a job, 1 nit he fell a sad blank in his worldly com!
m after th< ' the prisoners by
,i woman and two men broke into Pohl'a h<
in M; >mething
which he could not defin< ad that he i
blow on th< He jumped up
and ran out of his room just in time to 866 these three
el over the wall whi< ated his pren
lination he found that they
ack parlour, and had taken the
l»ut from under his pillow, where he usually
had
rvanl of
ibery of muslin,
Ill i in 0HARLO1 L29
and other articles of value, bo it was concluded
she had been the ringleader of the thi<
Mrs. Pohl thought it advisable to keep up her cot-
Li brought her before the notic
: Family, and as some of them still remained
it was 1 »clter to be on the spot to receive any
chance orders. Mrs. Pohl's daughter, too, here had
>pportunity of receiving, as day scholar, a very
proper education. At home she was taught her
mother's business, and by this means and by her own
excellent abilities she became at an early age useful to
her parents, and able to work her way through life.
We were now alone on our former footing, and I
went often as before to the Tunstalls' with the same
welcome, and to Mrs. Ilaverlield, where we had an
acquisition to our little meetings in the company of
Miss Ftlhling, whose father had succeeded to the
appointment of Clerk of the Works on the death of
Mr. h'irby. Mrs. Ftlhling, from indifferent health,
did not go out, I at she received friends at home in
an agreeable manner.
Finding our life lonely, and knowing that in a
short time we should not see my father at all, we
prevailed upon him to allow us to go to Windsor,
which he did, and took a Lodging for US in Church
Street. My sister was left with Miss Pullen and the
cook to take care of the house, and our other Bervanl
at with i,
VOL. I. K
\\l> PRIVATE I. 111. in
with a Prince, h
the i ' i her
from all In
comforts. Dr. Bunter, who had attended her with
all her children, was no more. !!<• had re
mended Dr. Ford, who no doubt w;h eminent, but
being a stranger there was a feeling ofanxi
aever was healthy. I Mi s.
Williams, a particular friend of Mr s, and
the wife of an Ka>l India Captain. Mr. (*<>mpton was
ordered down to take the genera] wait, ather
n his posl Dear the rooms of tin- Queen. Our
ing consisted only of such accommodation u
absolutely required, but nothing more; nor n
very respectable. I fear my poor fath<
only the convenience of its being near tl i . and
c took the precaution to inquire further. Here
my mother considered herself free from care, and
much as she shunned society at home, she went into
■ Windsor.
Alter remaining .-it Wind*
turned to Kew, wh< left for about a month
among my dear friends, while my mother went •
er usual custom, t<> air and
our apartment- far the winter, after their, having
it up during the summer. 1 stayed with
eld and the Tunstalls, irhei daily
THE TIMK OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE |:JI
in the company of Robert, or as he was familiarly
called Bob, Tunstall. I also made the acquaintance
of Mr. and Mrs. Miller, who lived at Brick Stables.
Be was kitchen-gardener to the King by appoint-
ment, and was discharged on being told that his
prices w< orbitant, but he proved that they
wviv even under par, considering the distances he
constantly had to send in vehicles with springe
by hand, in order to deliver the dainties without
blemish. Although his statements were proved to
be correct, he was told that such luxuries were in
future1 to be dispensed with, and the appointment was
altogether dropped. Be had a passionate temper,
and being now irritated beyond his power of endu-
rance, he shortly put an end to his existence. Mrs.
Miller was a Miss Bain, an intimate friend of Mrs.
Montagu's, and while they lived at Brick Stables
their house was a little paradise to go to, from his
liberality and her extreme sweetness of manner and
amiability. Bis business brought him daily to Kew
House, and he always lived in friendship with the
attendants.
My sister went with us to London, where my
pursuits were much as before.
On New Year's Day the Prince of Wales was
introduced at Court as being of age, having pa
his eighteenth birthday; and the Duke of York
took leave before going to Germany. The parting
K -J
\M> im:iv\ in
. who had b r from
v painful The Duke
and to
lv military I rably re
• in his i OUT army while Com-
mander-in-4 Ihief he
the Instruction he had received. This and otl
ie Prua llted in a mutual
ichment being formed b the Duke of 5T<
and the daughter of the succeeding King, which
ultimately led to marriage. 11 IHighnei
\ handsome, and died the Apollo of
day.
All was to be gaiety itself in London this year,
racl the attention of the young Prince, but as he
11 to remain under the parental roof Bome
little check was sustained over his actions, He \
not so handsome as his brother, his lib
while the Duke like the
but his countenance w and
intelligence quite irresistible. Se had an elegant
[aging and distinguished manners, added
to an affectionate disposition and the cheerfuln<
,ih. In accomplishment! the brothers w<
unequal, as well as in acquired knowledge, the scale
turnin i the l'rin. ,
Se began hi with varied resour* muse-
ment. rational in tl able
Tin: ti.mi: OF Q1 EEN OHARLO] L89
to others. Be was fond of music, sang well, and ac-
companied the piano on the violoncello with taste
and precision, taught by Crosdill. The Prince
joined in the interesting quartett parties, of which
Giardini was the conductor and leader, and adapted
music for them. These musical evenings, by their
regularity and the interest that was thrown into
them, for a long while continued to hold the atten-
tion of the Prince. Mr. Papendiek was seldom
absent, and had frequent opportunity to practise
with his Royal Highness preparatory to the general
meeting. At that period Giardini led at the Opera,
and the Prince patronised that as well as the profes-
sional concerts led by Cramer, which were started
upon the failure of those of which Bach and Abel
were the proprietors, and which had been hitherto
supported by lovers of music and the old nobility.
It was too evident that the decline of Bach's pre-
eminence preyed upon his health, and his finances
were in a wort state than he was at first aware of,
which did not tend to ameliorate his distresses. He
always maintained his position in the Eoyal Family
and the profession, by whom he was greatly re-
spected; but, alas! scholars fell off, and there was
now a new party. Fashion was to erect the stan-
dard. Whether reason, consideration, or kind feel-
ing were the supporters, the sequel has pretty clearly
si i own.
COl IN
I
small
1 for the accompaniment of
bord
was at th
1 ■- Bach i ally, bat
Bchroeder was the planet. Ee
in the modern style; a young man. tting,
fawning, and suave; a teacher for the
company for the mode, a public perform i pri-
player. Bach perceived I a his
:. an<l assisted him as a friend, for his I
was tOO good tO know tin1 littlcin - ,\y. lie
broeder advice from his experience
country, and [real use to him In tBe
theory of his profession. Ee loved him aln
son, looking upon his talent with delight, and <!<•-
plorii bia disposition was Buch as must, in the
k to his bane. Bchroeder was trulj
enchanting p
n«_r him i raid not bu
opportunity of hearing him again. Ee did lit!
nity in music. Be i'l.r
called upon, but took no interest to forward
^dividual, and left no immediate scholar, th<
John I died under him upon tin- declii
•1).
THE TIME OF QUEEN OHABLOTTE L35
The Prince was this season to attend the concert
of the new musical baud as patron, and where,
among other pieces of attraction, Crosdill and Cer-
vetto were to perform a duet concerto. The Cervettos
had hitherto led the principal musical performances,
but Crosdill, coming down upon them as a home-born
subject of equal talent, and instructor to the Heir
Apparent, more than divided the spoil. In the days
of which I am writing, little more than the melody of
a piece was written down, the performer introducing
hia <»wn graces, and varying the passages according
to his own taste. Upon one occasion, when Crosdill
and the junior Cervetto were to play a duet in
public, they had practised together and had arranged
the variations of their parts, so that in some move-
ments one was to be first and in some the other.
Most unfortunately, in the heat of the moment,
Cervetto, who was at a particular spot to follow a
passage of Crosdill's, inadvertently put in a grace.
Crosdill was on the point of jumping up, but the
other quickly apologised, and they played on till the
end. Cervetto promised that he would next day
make his mistake public, and again make a sufficient
apology, which he did. He was good-tempered and
natural, and many preferred his talent. It was more
from the heart, lively, and touching. Crosdill's
greatness was more from actual labour and study.
and produced an effect as his temper dictated,
IN
harmonii i
I his tin: write
dddle i! ited with a
.
and thf house was in rapture for minut
oncerl alwa at the Kit
with the
nt with the Zofianya and Bachs. Bach gave his
it in tin- season a- usual, and there introd
I 'antilo, after \w Instruction. She ;ij
entifically, and had a lively and i
manner, with a natural talent for music; but nature
had given a huskinesfl to her voice which 1
could rcome, and which rather increased with
Bhe was at this time about seventeen, rather
\ than otherwise, with line expressive eyes, and
ag little figure.
A- Mr. Xnrt'any's occupation of portrait painting
much diminished by hia absence
I >|»eia performers for sul
thibit. Thia opened the way t<» gratia admis-
. ami often did Mr-. Zofiany Fetch me t<» acconv
constantly in the dr<
of tl waa acquainted with. Simonet, Bacelli,
ii*1 happy am 1 here t<> affirm
anything reprehensible. When, the
tcquaintancea
in to chat a- we did. but all w um. with
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE L37
the Leading characters at all events. Miss Farren
one of our intimate friends. .Her mother, with
whom she lived in the closest affection, used often to
her daughter to the theatre, and her
i ice would help Miss Farren to decline the over-
tures of those performers whom, without wishing to
offend, she would gladly avoid. We had admission
to Drury Lane also, and there I saw the ' School for
Scandal ' with its original cast of characters; the ele-
gant Mrs. Abington, &c. The nobility, from her
great taste and peculiarly distinguished manners,
received her at their routs and evening parties ; and
consulted her upon their Court and other gala
dresses.
To Covent Garden my father could go at all
times, through Mr. Harris, and here I heard the
famous Tenducci, and Miss Brent in ' Artaxerxes,' for
whom the songs were originally written. Also the
1 Duenna ' by Sheridan, in which the singular-voiced
Leom was il '. primo. Mrs. Mattocks, Mrs. Greene,
Quick and Wilson were great supporters of comedy.
As I found it very inconvenient to dress my hair,
powder being then worn, I cut it off, beautiful as it
was, close to my head ; but took care to have a cap
most becomingly made, which answered every pur-
pose of dress, half-dress, &c, and I had less trouble,
and escaped the disgrace I had often before fallen
into, of not being tidy with powder, or of being too
IN
My !" m < >i an imp] i
Quaker shape, of bh< ble material,
for win; nally
with a < (ermaii . by the
. cupper and
Efia wife and daught the
of their own country* and th< f visiting
suited my mother. II met frequently
icob Wolfe, and his brother the Baron.
This spring, L781, the whole of the Royal Family
returned to K'ew. to May till after the pro
of Parliament, which brought back \'^v a time
former pleasures with incn
bility, mi line afternoons, came up in boats, other
- being idled with hand- of music, to take the
Prince to the promenade at Richmond. Bis B
Bighi ya accompanied by hia governor
and sub-governor, and returned for the i I
in the evening. Mr. Zoflany bad a
Bailill atly and conveniently fitted up,
on board of which [uently went, the I
I the party. He used to take his pupil, a
opportunity of being h<
sang with M
tifnl on the wafc
Tl n in <li snnuner was marked.
of white and buff, or
in silk ■ mbric
! TIMi: OF QUEEN CIIARLOT L39
muslin, were the mode; hats, sou de Paris, trimmed
with Vestris'a light blue; or white, trimmed with old
Vestris's dark blue, which was a peculiarly bright
nine. One evening a play was given at Eich-
mond, upon some particular occasion, and all Kew
going. Mrs. Haverfield wanted to take me, but
was refused as my father determined upon taking us
himself. We were equipped in our best, but, alas!
our conductor never arrived. We saw them all go,
some in boats, some in carriages, and my mother
said, 4I am sorry I agreed to the proposal, as from
the fust Mr. Albert has been in the habit of dis-
appointing me.'
Mr. Papendiek was often with us. From the time
of our first meeting at Streatham he had shown me
marked attention, but being only fifteen years of age
that summer, I was quite unconscious of its meaning.
I thought then of little beyond my occupations, time
hanging heavily on my hands when I was taken from
them ; but T was not destined to remain long in this
state of blissful ignorance. At the time of our being
attacked by the highwaymen on Barnes Common,
Mr. Papendiek, having a new watch, had put it for
security in a corner of the coach, and upon hearing
the man say that the ladies were not to be molested,
I secreted it. When I restored it to him upon our
arrival, he assumed a manner which I could not
understand, but which made me feel as embarr;i
i;i and PRIVATE i.ii i: i\
in hi* compa I bad doi reatham th<
time I saw him. Ajb I became more intimate with
him, however, I embarrassment quite
. and I id happy in his
company, when, just before his leaving K* .
Windsor, he made a proposal of mai
1 loved everybody thai
happy with ; but marria men!
connected with that, I could not reel what it meant I
was struck with amazement, and with the impro-
' it all. and said that I was surprised that he
did ii ; to m\ whom I waa quite sure
would disapprove of it altogether, as it had been his
injunction to my mother not to encourage hie visits,
for he did not wish me to marry anyone in the Etoyal
•• hold. On this point 1 was always astonished
at my mother's conduct, for on every other question
impliance with my father's will
usual. It arose probably from Mr. Papen-
diek being of her OWII country, and from hi-
kind attention to her ; and she might not haVi
BtS, ai ihe Only saw him in
company with Others. I Mrown hack into
. and all enjoyment
censed. Mr. l'apendiek told me that he could not
my lath. rich I ai that I must
num. ctremely
tier the whole account.
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 111
when he said he would not bias my affection to any-
one, but that if I could, without sorrow, give up
thinking of Mr. Papendiek it would oblige him. We
spoke of my return to Streatham, but that did not
(1 with his ideas, nor was it right that I should
now leave my mother. We both represented the
circumstance to her, but she said she decidedly
would not forbid Mr. Papendiek's visits, as she
thought him a proper person ; but that if my father
was of a different opinion, he, being the head of his
own family, was the only one to settle the affair.
She was perfectly right, but my father did nothing,
and though I repeated the conversation to Mr.
Papendiek, lie continued to call as usual. My father
endeavoured to avoid meeting him, and all was
misery. I at last dreaded the well-known knock,
and when the Eoyal Family left for Windsor, I wit-
nessed their departure without repining, as it relieved
me from a weighty distress for a time.
OHAPTEB VI.
liachand Miss Oftl
B — A
ICm < luatl I'ui :
—Abel Baefa and Al»-! in and
Oonfirna
Mn'i tnatmenl of .Mr. A ;
\U».Tt an
:' InfoiOT rank Visits to B
Hill.
ii. feeling thai his health w leclining,
was anzioufl t<» Introduce his pupil. antilo, as
much as possible, and thifl led to many musical par-
(Oth of< i and mornings. These brought
band into notice, and procured them
rhbouring familii
Dr, M I the in r mornii
o the pieces playi the band
indulged with ■ quartet! from the I ichs, and
with otl equally int<
il.MK OF I OHAKIXH I L3
The Bingers of the choir were also called upoD for
&C., in which I took a pari, as well as in the
instrumental performances. Bach heard me reh(
the third set of his concertos, Schroeder's, and other
things. The first of my performances was the ad-
mired duet for two performers on one pianoforte
with himself, which at once introduced me with eclat.
Among the attendants of these concerts may be
mentioned the Egertons, who were very musical;
Major Haines, whose daughter, by marriage with one
of their family, became Duchess of Bridgewater ; and
others. Mr. Papendiek was intimate at all these
houses, and these musical meetings with the requisite
practices brought us often together, but nothing was
said, and some partiality, I almost hoped I observed,
-hown by Mr. Papendiek for Miss Cantilo, who
met his ideas in music, and certainly engaged his
attention. Thus was our term finished, and I must
say that what with the goings on of the Prince of
Wales at the Lodge, the fun with Fischer, the cele-
brated oboe player, and the various amusements in
which I was engaged, the season was one of gaiety,
mirth, and enjoyment. The well-known bet of five
guineas between Bach and Fischer was made in the
presence of his Royal Highness and of us all. The
bet was that Fischer could not play his own minuet.
He was a very nervous man, and after allowing him
to get through a few bars, Bach stood before him
Ill OVATE I. Mi: in
with a lemon in his hand, which he squ< • that
I >l«)\v! . d he bit anothi
if bifl mouth
ier tried on< id of the
ight, fill the mouth ; but
ible to conquer the sensation, be waa
oblige vii himself beaten. Thia minuet, which
remain a favourite, d on
don of a ball given at ( '<»urt to the Kir
iik, on hia visit to thia country Borne time
his marriage with the Princess Matilda, the B
ymm ter, which hall was opened by the King
of Denmark with our Queen, the second minuet
being danced l>y our King with the Du<
ter.
Another joke waa played off upon poor Fischer
by the Prince of Wales thia merrymaking
to t; : : after the concert, which
led twice a v. Imiond or at Kew.
r the Bang and Queen were, ht
vc upon the Hipper before he went t<» London.
QpOD on. ..ii the Prince came in and -aid. ' I
I something that I kn<
dish waa brought in, and when the cover waa lifted,
out jumped a rabbit German Articular
dislike to that animal in l and form ;
Fischer's
ind. This joke cost him only the loss of hia
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 1 l">
Bupper, but many nights succeeded before he could
be prevailed upon to again enter the eating-room.
The middle of November ended our term of ten
weeks, and with the exception of my marriage con-
cern, nothing could have passed more happily. I
remained a few days at Kew with my sister, until our
apartments were aired and ready for us to repair to.
Soon after this my father was seized with a bad fit
of the gout, which had slightly attacked him for
several preceding years, and he did not recover
kindly from it. After we had received my brother
for his holidays, and Christmas Day was passed, it
was proposed that my father should go down to
Kew for a few weeks for change of air, and that I
should accompany him. Consider me now as the
mistress of my father's house, busily employed in
every nicety of domesticity, although certainly in
miniature. The families who resided there during
the winter paid us every kind attention. Hardly a
day passed without my seeing the Tunstalls and the
Haverfields ; and Mr. Meyer, who had always been
an intimate friend of my father's, was now often with
us,- and partook of our homely fare, which I took
care should do me credit on this my first essay. He
was impressed. He lent me drawings to copy and
books to read. The greater part of Johnson's * Lives
of the Poets he read with me, and desired Mrs.
Meyer to take me up as a most exemplary girl. This
vol. i. L
AMI l'KIY \ IN
gladly b r I had alwa]
kind! . but was despatched when
Mr. Meyer was i allow
intrudera without 1 ion. < >ther
joined u-
Pullei up her house and removed to o\
•11 appointed, and well situated i
BchooL fctisa Pohl joined her on terms of exchange
&c. for education.
Within a few days of January L8 we left our
eable abode for London, where 1 waa soon busily
employed to gel my first satin gown made. [1
puce colour, trimmed with white satin, and a
petticoat of the same colour to match the trimming.
My hair, which wafi growing Past, was still confined
under a most becoming cap of blonde and white
satin. 1 was welcomed cheerfully atOourl on my
lathei . and complimented on my conduct,
with the observation that my di i doubl a
recompense for my dutiful attention.
the expiration of the holiday brother
returned to Hamp-tead. luit WSJ * died on
: ithrr receiving a h >m Dr. sfsjendie in-
forming him that the ' ' uination for the
id that my brother's
' on the lost no time
in taking that tii • rendered
-fill in..: by the animation of his
THE TIME OF QUEEN OJffARLOTTE 147
countenance and air of confidence on the presenl
occasion. The Queen received them with less plea-
sure than my father had anticipated, and said she
would speak with Majendie, and let my father know
the result. My brother remained at home, and when
several weeks had passed after his introduction to
the Queen, my father thought it would be advisable
to know her Majesty's pleasure, and to ascertain the
cause of delay ; when, to his utter astonishment, she
said that she thought Dr. Majendie had told him
that the Schwellenberg had given the nomination to
Nicolay's eldest son, as he was educating for the
Church, that he was rather older than my brother,
and that she concluded that three years hence would
be time enough for him. We can easily imagine
what my father's feelings were. He told the Queen
how serious it was her still allowing the influence of
Madame Schwellenberg to direct her actions ; and as
for himself, he could only express his regret at her
Majesty's decision, which he felt that, as her sup-
posed confidential attendant, he ought at all events
to have known before.
At the Eoyal Academy this year, 1782, it seemed
as if all our intimate friends composed the body, as
academicians, visitors, &c. This season Zoflany finished
his famous picture of the Academy. At their house
the society was delightful, with their own set, and
others attached to art and science. My brother,
l2
I PRIVATE LIFE IN
being at home n tompanied me, and many a
happ] in Alb This
. who now appeared in all
A.bington'fl chara anl,
for although no • Id BUrpa^ Mr-. AbiiiL'ton in
•' enactui
her a genera] favourite. Ber virtuous mind
shone through her countenance, and heightened the
brilliancy of her fin ling that
of a chaste disposition, and her manner that of a
lady. The Earl of Derby had made her an off
protection, which she immediately convinced him it
was n<>t her disposition to accept. He thei
that she would agree to marry him on the death of
his wife, wh m ill health. Thifl she in part
accepted, but Upon condition that he would onl;
her in company. a> -he was determined '
tion to her profession for the support of her-
self, her mother, and h< , and to
character inviolable. Lord Derby . but in-
I upon her using hia carriage. Thai -he also
d, hut at last Ll ittled th ich, with
every append I ondon work,
Bhonl :>t for her in n,
footmen Bhould attend, and if at any time pecuniary
he Bhould apply
to liiiu o: Were
rum WAS to he i i
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 1 \%
that, should they live to be united, she might be
respected. Dear, sweet, amiable creature! indeed
she lived up to her determination, and when at last
she was married to him, she was received into the
best society. Lord Derby, before he came into his
title, was married to the eldest daughter of the
beautiful Duchess of Hamilton, sister to the no less
beautiful Lady Coventry. Lady Betty Hamilton,
who was also the admired of the day, certainly did
not accept this offer of marriage with affection, but
was persuaded into it. Her bridal entertainment,
which was given at the Oaks in Surrey, consisted of
every amusement that ingenuity could invent. The
invitations were general, and the fete began at noon
and lasted till the usual hour of breaking up.
Earth elomon, a violin player, who was always called
upon when neither Giardini nor Cramer could be
obtained, led the concert in the evening, when his
famous rondo, called ' The Maid of the Oaks,' was
performed by him with variations, and for years was
a favourite. The ballads, dances &c. of the time all
bore the title, or sounded the praises, of the maid
of the Oaks. Alas ! this beautiful maid, after be-
coming a wife, and the mother of a boy and girl,
left her lord and decamped with the Duke of Dorset.
They begged a divorce, but my lord of Derby would
not agree to it. Soon the Duke deserted her, and she
lingered out many years in solitude and ill-health.
L50 i\ \ ii i. n i: in
•I, in \\\< turn, tried For a divorce, 1 >u t
as many yean had elapsed since the circumst
now married,
>uld ii" bis lordship's man
with Mi- Parrei] must equently, await the
•it. Meanwhile, the son and d pro-
by her care and tuition ; and so great became
ion of Lord Stanley f«»r her, that he -
if it had been possible, would have gladly
united to her.
We continued to have the enjoyment
Farren'a society in private and still carried on OUT
attendance at Dniry Lane. But soon our family, who
SO short a time before had taken a principal part in
all this pleasurable - were thrown out by ill-
and that of an alarming nature. Dear, amiable
her being verai month- in a declining
s now removed to Paddington for chai
air. Borne kind Eriends never him, and I
believe few days passed without one or other of our
family seeing him. The Zoffanys, poor AU-1. and
others supplied him entirely with pro
ready prepared. Mr. Papendieb -aw him every day.
and ; him by many kind art-, which are all the
mforting when done by the hand of one we
I him to (dose the f his
beloved friend in happiness, by mama
intilo, hut on that subject Mr.
THE TIME OF QUEEN OHARLOTTB L51
Papendiek was deaf to entreaty. The last visit we
paid was together with my father and mother. Bach,
on taking a final leave, joined our hands — I think
now I see his enchanting smile. Not a word was
said ; we wrere motionless. On retiring, we could
not get Mr. Papendiek away, but at last my father
prevailed upon him to hasten to the Queen, with the
news of Bach being so near his end. This roused
him, and after this painful mission, he obtained leave
to return to his friend, who had just passed away
when he reached this room of mourning. The
creditors poured in, but Mr. Papendiek, with the
assistance of Bach's faithful coachman, who had
driven him, I believe, from the first of his coming
to England, kept them from disturbing the corpse.
The Queen, by the hand of my father, sent the widow
a sum for mourning and other necessities, and mourn-
ing also for Miss Cantilo, with permission to Mr. Papen-
diek to remain and report proceedings. Schroeder,
Cramer, and one or two others came to see and to
hear, but no one among his musical associates came
forward with any offer of respect, either public or
private, and this great patron was carried to the
grave and buried with the attendance only of four
friends, my father, Mr. Papendiek, Zoffany, and
Bautebart, but they were indeed sincere mourners.
They deposited their charge, who was a Koman
Catholic, in St. Pancras' churchyard. The Queen,
L62 i:t AND im:i\ \ i\
finding how thii i not undertake the
5, but the funeral < I, and
ichmau loo/, which he had lenl to hifl
Mr. Cantilo immediately removed bis i
ni, al Bath, was
articled to him. The musical department of that
city had for many years been in hifl hands, and lie
much respected. Be retired from public per-
formance when this engagement was proposed to him,
which he conducted with c\ ;it to hit
to hifl pupil. Miss Cantilo here formed her
friendship with Misa Guest, the renowned pia
also a pupil, now known afl Mr8. Miles, and wl
coming to London to further her professional labours,
ived the appointment of musical instructr.
the late Trim rlotte of Wales.
Madame Bach, having given up her whole to be
divided among those who would not relinquish their
claims now lived among her friends until the time
ir arrived thai raid return to Ital\ .
native place. It was the month of February L782
when Bach died, and it was proposed that before the
lame B her a
it or as a benefit, not doubting, from
ah and her hu<l>and*- COlini :hat it would
with due e, but among her mi,
friend emenl did she line I. A favourite
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE L6S
opera and ballet were fixed upon, but the curtain rose
before a number not sufficient to pay the ordinary
expenses of the night — I mean as regards the
artificers employed, for all the performers, including
the orchestra, offered their services gratis. This
attempt having totally failed, shows how capricious
is public favour and private preference. This man
of ability in his profession, of liberal kindness in
it, of general attention to friends, and of worthy
character, was forgotten almost before he was called
to the doom of us all, and every recollection of him
seems buried in oblivion. The widow, with one
friend and the faithful coachman, quitted England
in due course for Italy, the Queen allowing her
200/. a year for life, and giving her 100/. for her
journey.
Once more adieu, dear friends, in memory — many
a happy hour have we passed together. Madame
Bach lived but a short time to enjoy the feeling kind-
ness of the Queen.
Abel pursued his professional studies and perfor-
mances till within a few weeks of his death, which
occurred about two years after that of Bach. His
instrument was the ' viol-di-gamba,' smaller in size
than the violoncello, but played in the same posi-
tion. It had six strings, and the tone was peculiarly
soft. Abel neither made nor left a scholar. He was
too impatient in teaching. Mr. Papendiek studied
154 \M> PRIVA iv
composition with him, but not to bo Lr"«><l a purp*
lie had zealously hoped, mosl of what he did learn in
that having I lach, wh<
gentle as his friend lent. A.bel was em
both
that he I friend he lucb of his p
. and often had reCOUTG
stimulants that overdid hie intention. I >ning,
at tl. rocert, he was led to bis seat, but he
• admirably that the state h<
n«»t discovered by royalty. The Ban a, on the
sion of the Musical Fund entertainment, hia par
ticnlar friends dined with him in order to Conduct him
to the theatre in safety. In that th< I, but
not in keeping hini iron) indulging in liis sup]
xor. He was led on to the Btagebet
two persons, and his Instrument given to him i.
tuned, lie played almost better than ever, and when
oncerto was finished they dropped the curtain,
tor he could not rise fr<>m his seat to how. Al><-1 was
not received in the higher circles i sitor,
probably from qoI teaching among them, which intro-
I Bach, II. beless a gentleman i
fined mind and manner. From the time that he and
e up thr
night, and Bupp
-M to tin \ ed from
ed by hia writings and performai
Tin: TIME OF QUEEN CIIARLOTTi: L58
He was buried without any honours conferred by the
profession, but followed to his grave by a few select
friends, of whom Mr. Papendiek was one.
These two professors, Bach and Abel, introduced
modern music into this country from Corelli, Gemi-
nioni, and Handel, followed by Schroeder, Clementi,
Haydn, and Mozart. The principal composers and
performers who followed these great masters were
Pleyel, Dussek, Steibelt, Beethoven, Fischer, Cramer,
Salomon, Crosdill, the Cervettos, Hummel, &c, all
moving on by degrees to the present system, which,
although great in itself as surprising, is a suppres-
sion of nature ; sentiment being overlooked, sweet-
ness annihilated, art and the marvellous alone sup-
ported.
During this season, 1782, we had splendid illumi-
nations for Eodney's great victory over the French
fleet in the West Indies, where he took the Count de
Grasse prisoner, and brought him home on board
his ship,. the ' Ville de Paris.' The public rejoicings
were also for the taking of Pondicherry in the East,
also from the French. These victories in some mea-
sure drew off the malignity of the public against
Ministers, but only for a time ; for in March so de-
termined was the House no longer to support the
Government, that when a division was called, the
numbers were found to be equal. The Speaker's
vote turned the scale once more in their favour.
I l'i:i\ \: in
I to thi tion, and
ultin. \ and N
that surprised the whole world.
.ml I v.
tak'n apendiek
home immediate then
id only a
.riv-
ing home li! . while at the Bouse multi-
- had collected. All
want of confidence, and ntinued
— until the change, in fact, was set ilcd. when
[ministration began.
;' private interest marked our si
St. James's, and we moved t<> Ke\ sual; but
our return thither. Mr. Zoffany began my
ortrait, which when finished was an excellent
lace t«» my mother when
later she died.
I continued t»> visit the Tunstalls, and Y
Haveilie! : and the latter took me t<» Mrs.
Trimi Mr. Papendiek, ml
by Mi-. 1 1 in their musical evening! I
i Uonta ad at
here the inimitable hi me t<>
since
\ the
on with
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE L57
my writing, as Mr. Roberts was anxious to perfect
the beautiful hand that lie was forming; but this
could only be occasionally, as the Eoyal Family had
this season removed to Windsor immediately after
the birthday, and Mr. Eoberts was but seldom at
Kew. His health was in a very declining state,
supposed to have been brought on by his not obtain-
ing the consent of the friends of the lady he wished
to marry, one of the nieces of the great Garrick.
Though, as I have said, I was a good deal amongst
my friends, it only amounted to a small number of
hours altogether, and I was much at home, and
dull.
In July there was a Confirmation at Kingston,
for which dear Dr. Majendie examined and prepared
me, as did also Mr. Bellamy, our vicar. He laid
down maxims for my future conduct, gave me excel-
lent practical advice, and appeared satisfied with the
manner in which I had been taught my religious
duties, and pleased with the feeling I expressed. The
little party consisted of my mother, as protectress,
Miss Howlett, Miss Pigot, my cousin Charlotte, and
myself. About this time we had to go into mourning
for Prince Charles of Mecklenburgh, and my black
silk gown I was to wear new on this day of Confirma-
tion, and a Very pretty white cap, with my hair laid
a little in curl, as it was beginning to grow. In my
own conceit, I looked animated and well. MissPiirnt
\M» PRIVATE LIFE l\
had a cap like mine, n . who in-
had all eturn,
and sal in m; dition
appy family party, we had the compai
our kind friend Dr. Majeiidie, who,
the <lay's proceedings, gave us hi
mi well.
By some means Mr. Papendiek had heard of this
business, and rode over to Kingston
Windsor to meet us at the church door. On coming
out after the ceremony, he was again th<
congratulated me. This, of course, struck all my
friends, and from this time our marriage began to be
talked of as a certain thing.
A circumstance which occurred at Windsor about
this time aided the rumour, while it marked a new
era in the Royal household, which not onlyd<
ct due to those about th< alty,
I order, checked the harmony of the
community, and annulled all confident en them,
idation. the aflai flfer under to
In this yeai-. I 782, the Prince of W
and though do ; t\<}<>v tutors and
had QOl iligh-
. but had a • ii the I
Windsor, a hi e to their Majesties,
and a il'i town.
Tin: TIME OF (^UEEN CHARLOTTE L59
s<> thai h ill to some extent under the parental
eye. The attendants were not on board, but took
their meals in the King's establishment. General
Lake and Colonel Hulse had been attendants alter-
nately on the two elder Princes, from their infancy,
during their hours of recreation, and were now by
Royal Highness appointed equerries. These
gentlemen privately overlooked the domestic vices
and irregularities of their charge when young, and
managed the intrigue of the elder with Mrs. Eobinson,
the renowned ' Perdita,' while only a lad, by con-
ducting her from the ait at Kew through the garden
sate at the back of the house, to the Prince of Wales's
apartments. His Royal Highness was not fond of her,
and the affair soon ended ; but as the cost was very
great, his Majesty was called upon to pay it, and
apparently no inquiry was made. On coming to
Windsor for the season, the wife of one of General
Lake's grooms either accidentally caught the eye of
the Prince or was purposely placed in his way, and
his Royal Highness ordered her down to his apart-
ments, desiring that some appointment might be
made to keep her there. She was a tall slim person,
with rather a pretty face and dark eyes, but a great
slattern, and more low and vulgar than that class of
people usually are. Her husband was a dressed-up
horror, impertinent and disgusting ; but General Lake.
nevertheless, took him from the stables, and placed
\M» Pi.
mine ii: Mrs. Pohl, who in-
ni <>ur app
had all i our return,
gal in in; In addition
ir happy family part iad the company of
our kind friend Dr. Majendie, who, having witn<
the day's proceedings,
-n well.
By wme means Mr. Papendiek had heard of this
business, and rode over to Kingston I
Windsor to meet us at the church door. < >n coming
out after the ceremony, he was again there, and
congratulated me. This. <rf course, struck all my
friends, and from this time our marriage began to be
talked of as a certain thing.
A circumstance which occurred at Windsor aboul
this lime aided the rumour, while it marked a new
era in the Royal household, which not onlyd*
Cl due to those about th( dtv.
l>ut subverted order, checked the harmony of the
community, and annulled all confident bem.
adation, lie affair, we suffer und<
day. In thii he Prince <^' ^\
Lty, and though n<» 1 ndcr tu'
had n«' 1 isl 1 -
ment, bu1 had a u the CaStll
Windsor, a h<
>f rooms al the fQ \u town,
111!. TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 159
bo that he was still to some extent under the parental
eye. He attendants were not on board, but took
their meals in the King's establishment. General
Lake and Colonel Hulse had been attendants alter-
nately on the two elder Princes, from their infancy,
during their hours of recreation, and were now by
his Royal Highness appointed equerries. These
gentlemen privately overlooked the domestic vices
and irregularities of their charge when young, and
managed the intrigue of the elder with Mrs. Robinson,
the renowned ' Perdita,' while only a lad, by con-
ducting her from the ait at Kew through the garden
sate at the back of the house, to the Prince of Wales's
apartments. His Royal Highness was not fond of her,
and the affair soon ended ; but as the cost was very
great, his Majesty was called upon to pay it, and
apparently no inquiry was made. On coming to
Windsor for the season, the wife of one of General
Lake's grooms either accidentally caught the eye of
the Prince or was purposely placed in his way, and
his Royal Highness ordered her down to his apart-
ments, desiring that some appointment might be
made to keep her there. She was a tall slim person,
with rather a pretty face and dark eyes, but a great
shit tern, and more low and vulgar than that class of
people usually are. Her husband was a dressed-up
horror, impertinent and disgusting ; but General Lake,
nevertheless, took him from the stables, and placed
AMI l'KIYA 1\
him about tl < \; the dinner
hour tin- fellow ah int<» the dining
Mr. M:
Mr. K'aiii ed that all could not
. asked by what authority t! have
the honour of his company. He answered that he
had been a] I valet and hairdn the
Prince of Wales, and had l»
to join the an insult
•ould not he Buffered, and the gentL
that their dinners should be served to them on s
Lake and Eulse dined with the h
equerries. Mi-. Camus -aw Lake afterwards, who
told him the whole affair, hut he could not
in obtaining an interview with the Prince till the fol-
lowing moilling, when he met with no li"ii.
He then -aw the King, hut Q0 better SUC< aided
that interview. lie tin solicited an appoint-
in the Eas1 [ndies, to enable him to join his
brother and sister, Sir John and Lady D
thing equally respectable with the p ow held;
hut could obtain nothing. "En
tuation changed to one in I . having
I
he p he met with no I
BUCCeSfl than hi- i ion.
My fal n, and entreated
, he mighl he per-;
Till; Tl.Mi: OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 161
mitted to return with bis family to Strelitz, either on
pension, or with some appointment in the establish-
ment of the Prince Charles, now the reigning Duke ;
but the Queen objected upon the same plea as when
it was before proposed. My father now gave vent
to his feelings ; spoke of her Majesty's wish that he
should accompany her to England, of her suggesting
that he should marry, and, combating all his objec-
tions, eventually gaining his consent, saying that she
would be his friend always. He reminded her, too,
of the disappointment she had caused him about my
brother, adding that he hoped her Majesty would
give him credit for having faithfully fulfilled his part
of the compact by never quitting her or failing in
any one point of duty. The Queen acknowledged all
this, lamented the circumstance of Mills, but said she
could not interfere, as the King had not expressed
his disapprobation to her. She went on to say that
since it had been found necessary to exert great
economy in the civil list, perquisites would be less,
and they would in future take into their service
such persons as they could more generally employ ;
that they were compelled to suffer certain privations
themselves, and they would be obliged to make
-nine changes, which those who had hitherto been
in every way considered, and had lived like gentle-
men, would, Bhe feared, feel also. My lather then
spoke of me, telling the Queen thai he had
VOL. [. M
AM' PBIVA1 IN
arrao
family 1
pleted, and it a!
had the Mrs. Moi
now lived at Windsor, which took her husband I
ipton was callous upon the
he had lost his wife in the ; ►ring,
jusl a< he had taken a house in Gharlotfc
Punlico, and was Looking forward to comfort she
iell. poor thing, in alighting from a
brought on premature Labour and death in .
weeks. When not in attendance, he lived Becluded
in this neat little house with his only child, a daugh-
prhom he educated. We knew nothing
eedingfl till my lather came down t<> K
when he told ns the newfl \ . a- may l><
eatly distressed.
During his May tl, ind EofThams
with US. 1 v. Onduct the whole enter-
tainment, ;i- ,t first essay. .My cookery was first
ed Carp, secondly slic-
ed well, and I obtained much praise for I
excellent dial veil as for my additions,
This led t<» an invitation from both these families.
i the follow] ill the Rich-
mond coach alone, which set me down .it the * White
liar," Piccadilly. I walked from them
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE L65
Tottenham Court Eoad, and there got into a Hamp-
stead stage, which set me down at the Dresslers'
door. With these amiable people, together with my
brother and George Papendiek, I spent some happy
days. From thence I went with Miss Dressier to her
sister's, Mrs. Hoffham, who lived at Dock Head,
on the Surrey side of the river, opposite the * Iron
("bit os ' on Tower Hill. The house was good, and
stood pleasantly in a garden, with a full view of the
river. Here we stayed for about a week, and re-
turned to Kew by walking from the ' Iron Gates,' to
which we were ferried over, to Piccadilly, and then
taking a chance seat in one of the stages. Our
Sunday was passed in the usual mode of the citi-
zens of that period. We breakfasted early, walked,
after ferrying over, to the Savoy Church in the
Strand, then to Piccadilly, and went in a stage to
Kensington. There we took a bit of lunch and
ordered our dinner, and then walked a considerable
time in the Gardens. After dinner, back to Buck-
ingham Gate, and into the Park, which was filled
with company for the evening promenade. There
we saw the Count de Grasse, Eodney's prisoner, on
parole. He was a fine man of unusual height, aged,
with white hair, and a commanding presence. From
the Park we returned as we came.
After these two pleasant visits I returned to my
parents at Kew.
CO: i PRIVATE LIF1
CHAPTEB Vll.
—.Mr. Papendiek again on the
so>n.' Mp. Albert encourage! him Marriage arrange
ti«m of tlffflMMI
! wddenlj Arrange)
Uberl <li«l ii. it '.-. md Mr-. Papendiek go
lion Inner, not a success — Visit to th.
thr erening to the Prineei end Princesses — Pj
q the Prinee of Wales- Mr. Papendiekto Wind
tin- hoUM ill Clin:
party goes off well — Z< »tlany pails for India — Oread
MOM.
My father was bitterly disappointed at my no1
obtaining an appointment of any kind about the
lY'in. M«l was sorely perplexed and troubled
abont my future. Be could not bring himself to
like the idea of a marriage with Mr. Papendiek,
I hardly justified in forbidding it. as he n
good man, and at any rate in a respectable position.
The match was proposed under emba ; circum-
stances, but, as I dy fifteen y<
and even now on . surely one word to the
purp allesl d< firmness,
would have put a >top to tlie whole thing; hut this
and wh v inv mother, in
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 107
this case, acted in direct opposition to his injunctions
and wishes I never could define, unless it was imper-
ceptibly brought about by the ease she experienced
in Mr. Papendiek's company, who was a German, and
of the manner she was yet in her own mind accus-
tomed to, and one who paid her every attention for
the privilege of being now and then permitted to
pass an hour or two in friendly intercourse with us.
Mr. Papendiek understood from the first that I would
give him no encouragement unless my father's con-
sent and approbation could be gained ; but this he
always hoped he might in time get over. My father
said to us both that he never would destroy my
happiness, but in the present instance he did not
think it would be promoted, as Mr. Papendiek did
not settle comfortably or contentedly in this country,
and he, moreover, considered that his income was
too small, especially as there was no prospect of im-
provement in it. Besides, he had contracted an
engagement in Germany, which was only just broken
off by the father of the young woman, who did not
wish her to leave her own country. Under these
considerations, my father trusted that we should see
the undesir ability of a marriage, and that we should
at once give it up. It was after this conversation
with my father that I returned to Streatham for six
months, as I have already related. On my return
home I found to my surprise that Mr. Papendiek
IN
had been visitu >ur house as i nd I
in that was
introduced, all t<> and discomfort. I
k. I pined ; \ fell disn
mi, but 5
suddenly removed to Bath on po b, the
field ain left open, and no I
there should ha\ . by my mother. Of this lie
took advantage, as well as of the unhappy <••
mily.
ok Btrong measures to advance his -nit. and
Upon the Blight expression of mine that I had no
objection, provided my father would say the -
he appeared determined to carry it through. One
more obstacle arose in his brother, Gh apendiek,
being suddenly thrown on his hands; hut it wa
ttd I need hardly add that he at lasl prevailed.
Out- marriage was to take place as s he could
gel leave from Court, and my moth, mined to
all preparation- put there
might l>e no hurry :it the la
Mrs. Pohl promised hei to mamma, and
with her kind advice and help in\ was
put into Lr<x»d hands, so thai when required all
!y-
I i-it to my beloved
ttd wrote
ifter Sunday.
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE L69
November 10, on which day Mrs. Pohl was to take
me with her to the Sacrament at St. George'-, Ban-
over Square, as at that time she still lived in Maddox
Street, where I was born. On that Sunday mamma
and I proceeded thither in a hackney coach. My
mother, as a German, did not go up to the table, but
remained in the pew to give me her blessing. This
act of devotion gave me a feeling of peace and
serenity of mind that I must fail in describing. I
was quieted ; perturbation ceased. My book was a
comfort, as I now knew how to use it. Mrs. Pohl
gave me a Prayer-book, handsomely bound, just as
we entered her pew. Dear soul! she was a true
friend to me, and our affection ceased but with her
death.
A short description of the dresses prepared for
my wedding may be amusing, and will make my
daughters smile, as the mode of to-day is rather
different.
Purchased the preceding spring, as the high
fashion for walking in St. James's Park, in the morn-
ing, or rather at noon, and to vie with Madame
Huniber's two daughters (one of whom eloped with
Captain Fitzgerald of the Guards, and is at this
moment living at Hampton Court, as sempstress to
Queen Adelaide), I had two white dimity jackets and
petticoats, handsomely trimmed with muslin frills.
These, and a fawn-coloured silk of two summers'
1 i II ami PRIVATE 1. 11 r. ix
ped up ; my pi
with wl
ad made
they were then
I. and a
... shades of
with a !>]• bionable
trimming. Besides the» i, I had a new white
ing, to be made up rim ;
with api
white bat, a black bonnet, and a cap or two ap
priate for drees and for daily wear. The w
skin trimming of my cloak was put upon a new
white satin, and my muff was cleaned. Then r had
a pair of black satin shoes, with diamond-CUt
buckles, a present from Mr. Papendiek. For walk-
ing commonly, a pelu coat of Bath coating,
a black silk muff, and i Mack >ilk I
shaped bonnet. Everybody had also in th<<-
k silk cloak trimmed with la
The black <\\k and :i
done up, and ;t »wn madi quip-
nicnt ibr Btreatham, whither Bin etched d
the L2th. Mr. Kay met the to
Hill with the blnnd- . and we
.. finding M y believe, in the
chair in whicl I left him a year and a
halt" affo.
THE TIME OF QUEEN CIIARLOT IT 171
Nancy waited at tea. She was now parlourmaid,
housekeeper, and needlewoman, with a helper, in the
place of Mrs. James. There was no change of
masters, so I rubbed up all my elegancies and my
usefuls, and renewed my acquaintanceship with
friends. Elizabeth Barton was still there, so we
formed our parlour party with Mr. Fry for French
and English readings as before. We walked in the
sweet grounds, and ran riot with Mrs. Kay comme a
Vordinaire. Peggy Pitcher was on the eve of mar-
riage with the blind Lord Deerhurst, so there was no
visiting beyond morning calls to talk of nothings, and
to kiss affectionately, for she really was glad to see
me. All gone by at the Thrales' also. Their two
youngest girls and the two youngest Pitchers were
now pupils at Mrs. Kay's. We passed a day at Mrs.
Grove's, and had two gala evenings at Eussell House,
to take leave on the approaching weddings. The
topic of mine was introduced, as one truly interest-
ing, but much to my distress.
In our mornings of retirement I received salutary
lessons of conduct from dear Mrs. Kay and Miss Fry.
They lamented the affair as being irrevelant to the
intention of my father ; but now that it was to be, my
conduct, they said, must be that of duty to my hus-
band, with care and watchfulness. I must rise at a
given hour — never waver for ailments, of which
numberless would doubtless now occur ; I must fix
1 7 'J IN'
an ho
in illnea kept up ; I
•" punctuality, and the old rule must
rrow
ind many other
1 much good advice I I from I
mable women, and I ed to !><>
given Follow them. Mut oh, how hard it
I had to fight alone, win young I
fidence. I bood had young children, a
!1 income; and many difficulties iii my
mi arose. 1 cannot exculpate myself from
error, but I have prayed to be forgiven, and
rvently.
happily passed the time while I was yet in
that blessed abode. A. day or two before Christmas
I returned home, dining on the way with my dear
friend-, al Mr-. Langford's, on Ludgate Hill, where
<\i'>\. In the evening i'
I once more bade adieu to those
had alw i me. I was placed under
their Id, remained with
them until I wa en, and returned
I had iin been five
their I and now it was
•hem after — Mr.
though ed my eldesl daughter ;
visit. Those
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 173
years were years of happiness indeed. They did dgI
return ; they could not.
On Christmas Day, when Mrs. Pohl and her two
children dined with us, and my brother and sister
were also with us, we enjoyed our beef, mince pies,
and plum pudding, as usual. A good tea, muffins
heaped up, and German cake, with the delicious
punch, finished our day, and the Pohls went home in
a coach.
The next business was to send for our hairdresser,
Kead, the cavalier of the day, to contrive a head-
dress for me. My hair was growing fast, but was
not yet of a length to be like others. This he ma-
naged beautifully, and I now sat for the first time to
Zoffany for my portrait. I passed the day with them,
the Farrens met us at dinner, and in the evening
we all repaired to Drury Lane to see Miss Farren act.
I am ashamed to say I have forgotten in what.
After this day we devoted ourselves to arranging
all my things ready to be transported to the lodgings
that Mr. Papendiek had taken in Charlotte Street.
At the beginning of January my father came home
from Windsor, dull, absorbed, and no cheerfulness
about him. He looked at my things, and said lie
thought they would do, particularly admiring the
Manchester cotton. We walked together, but not to
Charlotte Street. He would not go there.
On Monday, January 13, as we were sitting down
17 I conn ami im;i\ \n: i.iii; in
irp ring >ell surprised us,
and in walked Mr. Papendiek. had that
morn I to him, ' I dare say you wish to I
! i until Baturday next, the birth-
Iding
was then fixed for the following Thursda I the
be 1 Uh, mamma and I and our
gentlemen pi I to Do the
Then to Birch's for our luncheon, and to
Willerton'e in Bond B and the little
feguard. We dined and Bpent r if the
Wednesday M r. l'apendiek fetched
hifl brother from Bampstead, and tin-re paid all ex-
Meanwhile, I went to OUT Lodgings with
mamma, deposited and arranged my posa mere,
ved our servant, settled all requisites with her.
and returned to my old quai pasi my
under the parental roof. A trying time I
for whether <>r not we ba i happy,
natura] instinct bin< m whom we
! all want- from im QO under all
circui under
baptism, wh< i in our
faith, who led ue to th< to mai. our
publi precept and
■\ work. Bl<
Liberally
THE TIME OF QUEEN CIIAKLOI L76
given, for my maintenance, for every indulgence and
advantage of society, for every intention of good to-
wards me, and for all affection shown to me with the
desire to lead and guide me in the path of right-
eousness. Once more I acknowledge every benefit
received, and thank you in grateful and loving
memory.
I dreaded the parting hour, and went off early
to my room. I was a favourite child of my father's,
and a companion to him, and I feel it now, as I did
then, a point of distress that he should not have been
happy in my marriage.
My sister was asleep. Georgy boy was sitting up
waiting for me. He had moved his little bedding on
to chairs in my room, as he would not leave me
while I was still at home.
The next morning, no sunshine. It was damp,
dull, and cheerless when I rose to quit my home,
January 16, 1783.
Mr. Kead dressed me well and becomingly. A
white jacket and petticoat, my satin cloak, and a
white hat, formed my bridal attire. At ten, the
party arrived. Finding my father did not come for-
ward, I went to him, when he handed me to my
uncle, saying, ' Louis, this is your affair ; you will
give my daughter to this man.' I was sensibly hurt,
but nothing could be said then. My father had
ordered no carriages, nor had he interested himself
; it. T,
>u well ; and
om then
(linnn i. he j>
Mr.
I
■
and
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 177
of pork; in the centre a pigeon pie. Then a com-
pany pudding, and mince pies. In the evening my
boy cousins arrived and Mrs. Pohl's two children.
Wedding cake was not then the custom in our rank,
but favours, so mamma took care to please the young
ones with these, and a few niceties also. She took
us home at ten, George Papendiek accompanying us
as an escort back for her. We then found ourselves
alone for the first time, and our conversation natu-
rally turned upon the events of the day. The mar-
riage service is very impressive, and in thinking of it
one could no.t help feeling affected. In our case we
had the distress of knowing that, though the marriage
was permitted, consent was not given, and we re-
solved that our conduct should be such that we
might hope to be forgiven in time, and that we might
secure God's blessing.
The next morning I rose with a composed mind,
which for some time before had not been the case.
At our breakfast we were annoyed by different people
calling for douceurs. Then followed Mr. Clay's
elegant prefimt of tea-board, waiter, bread-basket,
snuffer-tray, and four little stands, all alike ; a black
ground with a silver pattern. The tea-board is only
just now, fifty years after, worn out. Our dinner,
my first attempt, was a knuckle of veal in soup, with
parsley and butter, and a rice pudding. Too great a
falling off from the Windsor table, and a sort of
vol. i. N
178 \N!» i'i:i\ \ IN
maud followed. 1
k. in walked papa and mamma We
then had servants w] their
and mine ran out for muffins, and brought
them up hoi and : od London porter, and
broiled, supper ; with a
nil mixture of will
We played a cheerful pool at quad-
rille, and all pa->ed off well, thifl visit from my
beloved father making me very happy.
The next morning, the L8th, Kead came to di
and put <»n my very pretty and becoming cap,
for, in tl rs, Q0 head of my Bgewafl un
and dressing myself in my satin and all m\
proceeded to St. James's in sedan chairs. While
ring, the Queen desired t«> Bee me, and on enter-
ing her Majesty said, * 1 am glad I 0U ; how
you Look .' Well, my dear, your father has been
anxious to educate you well: yon will now ha\
opportunity to reward him. Von v young,
but I am mre you know your duty ; pi
strictly, and all will Lr<> right Sour mother was
alway- an industrious person, and I bope she has
taught you I aake no doubt that
on my iinpiii shall he your
conduct.' I began t-» feel in what light 1
and the lady m attendance, p<
my distn k my hand and led me to look at
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE L79
the jewels, or I think I should have fallen. Upon
which the Queen said, 'I will not keep you,' her
kind formula for closing an interview, and I backed
out. I had not courage to look at the company,
and retired upstairs. There my visitors came to pay
their compliments. Mr. Devaynes, the household
apothecary, brought me a silver cream jug ; Mr.
Kamus a pair of diamond-cut steel shoe buckles.
Mrs. Pohl dined and passed the day with us, and,
as she was in attendance, brought us many little
accounts of the dresses &c, which to this day amuse
me. We all have our little weaknesses. In the
evening at eight o'clock, when the younger Princes
and Princesses went home, the Prince of Wales
only attending the ball at St. James's, I went down
to see them. They were all so merry and so
friendly, and Lady Charlotte Finch bowed most
condescendingly. And so ended this gala day.
The next day, Sunday, Mr. Papendiek had to
attend the Prince of Wales, so my brother came to
take me to church. We went to the pages' pew in
Charlotte Street Chapel, and met my uncle and aunt
there. The latter was shocked at my appearance,
with my Quaker bonnet, Bath coating pelisse, and
black silk muff; but I always preferred dressing
quietly for church. When Mr. Papendiek returned
to dinner, he brought me, as a present from the
Prince of Wales, an enamelled watch and key, the
N 2
001
Plant a. d
ben a child, tin
>wn in a church, Mr. Butler
ing ati' at the
which, he introduce
striki • . A mere]
to !i the
count ght, unknown I iord-
ing to his usual habit, he * sning church.
It was the 7th <»f the month, and the 87th Psalm,
appointed for that even
pointedly his own case, that lie resolved <>n attending
to the voice of the Psalmist — to remain in thi>
country, to Bel his house in order, and to follow the
epts of the Almighty with m< Inity
than before. What wholesome line advice for a
young pei-son! I hope I have profited l>y it. At
it ha< been imprinted on my memo
The morning following, Mr. Papendiek went to
Windsor. Linen day. and 1 found plenty to repair,
which would keep my servant and myself empli
time. 1 now began to be alone, and. of
it liberty to make such arrangements as
would be for the comfoii of us all. G 'apendiek
I made him put all his own
things in his bedroom, which adj< ined the parlour.
■ iii whicl "tit I kepi for i
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE IM
and for evening use only, so that it should always be
tidy to show anyone into who might happen to call.
The dressing-room upstairs I arranged for Mr. Papen-
diek's own use, and moved all his music into it, so
that here he could practise undisturbed, which he
did for at least four hours every day, and receive his
friends, and feel quite independent. I established
If, with my little all, in our bedroom, placing
the bureau drawers between the windows, which, by
letting down the flap, served for writing and dressing
table. Our rooms were not over furnished, but with
a few good books, and some pretty ornamental things
neatly arranged, I began to feel quite at home ; and
although Gussy [Mrs. Papendiek's youngest daughter
and my mother. — Ed.] will scarcely give me credit
for it, I hoped something like gentility appeared.
Two of our rooms were furnished by her Majesty,
and a case of plate was also sent by her, which con-
tained cruets, salt-cellars, candlesticks, and spoons of
different sizes, silver forks not being then used. From
the Queen came also six large and six small knives
and forks, to which mamma added six more of each,
and a carving knife and fork. Our tea and coffee
set were of common Indian china, our dinner service
of earthenware, to which, for our rank, there was
nothing superior, Chelsea porcelain and fine India
china being only for the wealthy. Pewter and Delft
ware could also be had, but were inferior.
IN
A nt to Z the
\ morning in
cramped attitude
for mi . no doub
COnnl .! to my family. I readied
in time for dinner, whi< d to }»1
and the smiles returned. The B D t he
I had made were highly approved of, par-
tly that <>!* Mr. PapeD
Mild, and did, have his friends to j their
duetfl &C. with him.
Hi- hours of waiting were now changed. lie
to be in attendance at breakfast at nin
dinner at three, and to remain until the IV;
went into the Queen's Room, which was about
o'clock, as their Majesties dined at four. Our hours
now, therefore, eight o'clock breakfast, half-
one dinner.
We received our first invitation for Wednesday,
the 29th, an evening party -it lirfl. day's, where
net Mr. and Mr-. Sing, whose t<»wn house was
iii Eng Btn rden, the business being
carried on in Pall Mall, as I believe it -till is by his
Mr. EQng was all kind] I had
with them, under V care,
and now he pro-
1 a repetition of t! which would no
THE Tl.Mi: OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
doubt have come to pass, but to Kew we returned do
more till their home was broken up.
Then we began to sum up our accounts, which
we found had dipped low. The quarter's salary was
about 46/., and Mr. Papendiek had incautiously paid
the whole of Dressler's account for the wedding break-
fast, hackney coaches, licence, douceurs, &c, which
he certainly was not prepared for. We reminded
my father of his promise to furnish the 130/. for the
debt, but in a moment I saw that it was not forth-
coming. As I knew that Duberly, the army clothier,
had already asked Mr. Papendiek to get orders for
him from regiments, I proposed borrowing that sum
from him. He lent it willingly, but at a high rate of
interest. We paid away 100/., and reserved the 30/.
in case we should find ourselves without money. I
never had an allowance, so was somewhat helpless ;
but experience soon taught me the value of money
and the necessity of carefulness, and the sequel must
speak for me.
On February 3 our first party was to take place.
Mr. Papendiek had willingly agreed to it, provided
there was no bustle. I borrowed candlesticks for the
supper table from mamma, but where to get a coffee
pot I did not know. I went to our old fish shop in
Vigo Lane, and brought home two lobsters for three
shillings. When I got home there was a basket
directed to me from papa and mamma. With what
• PRIVATE LIFE in
>ui the
ind tat tin'
china, still is . and thirdly pot
We tlu-n 1
small pia d a trh
id Bupper in another parlour, ;i- it wa-
pulated in our agreemenl that, whenever we had
I
ipper we Bang trios and quartette, which
lompanied on the guitar, which instrument
Mr. Papendiek had given me sunn- time
this party, my third and last si:
Zoffany took place, and then he sailed for India,
lie was permitted t«> assume the. title of Sir -John
he thoughl it more appro-
priate than that of Baron, which had been conferred
upon him by the Emperor Joseph II. at Vh
Poor l.iny. with her little i_rirl>, Theresa and
vent down to Strand-of r de-
plate, and other valuables, with
her bank posing of the superfluous furniture,
and in Albemarle £ We .just
saw her, but i wretched to be am<
friends. Her loss was indeed great tome. Zoffany
ind then returned to
and, wl. 1 till his death in 1 810.
Ih- was buried .it Iv
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
We went to a party at the Lockleys', and often
went to the Palmans'. She was a German, and made
her little evenings interesting. She only received
four or six friends at a time, and the repast was only
a secondary consideration.
On Friday, February 14, was the concert for the
new Musical Fund, which always took place as early
as possible, in order to introduce to the public the
foreigners engaged for the season. Salomon was this
year the great star. He called upon us, and when
Mi*. Papendiek returned his visit, he was fortunate
enough to find him at home, and cordial friendship
seemed at once to rivet them. Crawford had the
Opera House then, and their Majesties patronised it.
Tickets, gratis, were always ready for the attendants
on the Eoyal Family, and Crawford gave us a box on
the tier immediately above the pit, and so near the
stage that everything was brought to view. For this
first grand occasion, Kead dressed mamma and myself
at St. James's in the afternoon, and there Mr. Papendiek
and his brother called for us. When we were seated,
my husband presented me with a beautiful opera
glass. Augusta now has it, ever in the same case.
Mr. Papendiek first went to see that Miss Planta,
and her party, a few boxes off, were all right, and
then joined his friend behind the scenes. The or-
chestra was, "as now, upon the stage, and in due
course the concert began. Salomon was to play
\m» PRIVATE i. in. in
and the brought on, a* it still i
tinues Chen be ap . introduced by
lick following. He wa<
but the
animation of hi* COUnt
ight the public
thai not the
smallest particle of his violin was hid I the
ti ' of hifl favourite concerto, by K COm-
ed rather mezzo-piano, and in< ■•
endo that drew down volun
Now came the solo; a repetition of the melod;
octave higher, which he played with an efl
fectly sublime. It was in the minor key, and the
cadence lit- Introduced was B long shake, with the
melody played under — something new, which put
er almost into fits. The adagio movement he
performed in such a manner that Fischer v
v, 1 1 will play it no more; he has outdone me.'
Then the rondo followed in the same key SB the first
ind Salomon introduced
tion that Struck Upon the ear in such a manner that
it waa difficult to keep quiet. Saving finished, he
•ned his instrument to the attendant, but retained
the how. which assisted I I fill how.
who had been permitted to -it. aow rose, and they
went off arm in arm. Such a d trcely
d. We were jumping from our
THE TIME OF QUEEN OHABLOG 187
seats. Schroeder played in the first act, and made
a most successful debut also. His graceful and sweet
manner of touching the pianoforte found its way
to the approbation of the public. Such, pupil of
Fischer, was also introduced, and his performance
was masterly in the extreme. A quartett finished
the first act, performed by Salomon, first violin ;
Borghi, of the Opera, second ; Watts, tenor ; and the
inimitable Duport, violoncello. Beauty after beauty
seemed to be the order of the evening. Now Mr.
Papendiek entered our box with Salomon. We soon
found the way to converse interestingly, and ever
after he was at home in our humble dwelling. The
Haverfields and Tunstalls, with Mr. Fiihling, were
in the pit just under us, and Mr. Fiihling and Bob
Tunstall came up to us and said many kind things.
So ended this delightful treat.
L88 C<> W PRIVATE LOT
[APTEB V1I1.
1 Tatori.* -lMavhru*-
liol! \ dii M D of til*- I '
r and cake liirth of Mr
intr <»f the Little girl Present from Mr. P
n't interest in turnery arraiiyeinente —
Drurv Lam — Oovent Garden— Hie King, Mrs. Siddone,
ild arrange]
I >
chaired Mr. (May— George, 1 1 1« - button-maker.
It was n^v Lent, and the Royal Family went to
Windsor oe Monday-, returning to town on Wednes-
iven at the < loveni < tarden
playhouse on Wednesdays, where the Linleys, father
and son, conducted, and led the orchestra on the
1 the three Miss Linleya Bang. It was the
performance, particularly for Handel's
music and that of other ancient masters, thai could
be in, ption falls far short of the reality.
The eld< Linley married Sheridan, and i
lost her power to friends could be
Bed. T ie public
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTI.
character, while the youngest remained single, and
continued to sing in the oratorios at Covent Garden
till they were given up for the Abbey performance-.
There were oratorios also at Drury Lane, where Miss
Harrop was the principal singer, and very good, and
Tenducci also- The playhouses then consisted of one
tier of boxes entirely round the house, so as to be quite
clear of the pit ; then two tiers above, on each side
only, as the first gallery joined the second tier of
boxes, termed ' green,' and the shilling gallery joined
the third tier. On oratorio nights the seats in the
pit had backs, and were covered, the price being
10s. Qd., the same as the boxes. The first gallery
was 5s., and the second 3<s. 6d. Their Majesties at-
tended the two houses alternately on the Wednesdays
and Fridays. There were tickets always for us, and
when we could walk there and back we never failed.
Now my black bonnet and cloak came into use for
the upper accommodation. For the pit one dressed
the same as for the boxes. When mamma joined us
we had a coach, which was far more comfortable.
To the Opera we also sometimes went. Late in the
season Vigononi and Allegranti were attractive in
the comic line, with Morigi the bass. The dancers
were perfection, Yestris, father and son, Simonet, and
Bacelli. Gardelle was ballet master, and Giardini
leader. At Drury Lane the tragic performers were
Henderson and Mrs. Yates ; comic, Mrs. Abington
IN
and Mrs both,
and great in her 01
t, both in tragedy and comedy, Wroughton
principally for the ' dedly
. written by Sheridan,
and brought out with gi mdour, the principal
Matt.M-i. busband, M
I Bannister, Mrs. Mi-
Barp The prices then wer<
and lv
All was lt< diiLf <»n moel happily, when 1 was sud-
denly BeLeed with the effects of matrimony, and I do
beliei r Buffered more than I did.
I waa more dead than alive, and, till towards evening,
I could seldom do anything. Mr, Papendiek nearly
patience, but at last was convinced that I did
ilioii to overcome the latitude and he
itisfied.
The parti.- were now 01 epl my am
which wafl impeded by the loss of her blot],
tain BrOUghton, in the Wist Indies. He had been
promoted to the rank of commander, and to ^-t his
■iy for ti Hip
I that h« bed himself, which brought
on fever, and he died after a few days' illness, Be
left .-ill he had to my mint : 'J. <»<»(>/. in the Funds,
5002., with plate mid oth< red up to her
THE TIME OF QUEEN OHARLCM L91
from the West Indies by dear Captain Broughton's
faithful servant. The Captain possessed every quality
that could make a man amiable in private life, and in
his public character he was meritorious, as his conduct
during Keppel's engagement with the Channel Fleet
proved.
As soon as Mr. Papendiek saw what a great suf-
ferer I was, he proposed taking me in the chaise with
my father and himself, on Easter Sunday, on their
way to Windsor Lodge, and depositing me with Mrs.
Blackman at Eton. The weather was peculiarly fine,
and I was indeed comfortable. The parlour opened
upon steps leading to the garden, and the fresh air
revived me. Here again I picked up much domestic
knowledge, which I have found very useful to me.
In my walks with my father we got as far as Slough,
and there found that the house Herschel now has
was to let. We were delighted with it, with its con-
venient arrangements, and very pretty garden of one
acre, at the end of which was a gravel walk, with a
row of high elms on each side. On the side next to
Windsor, from whence there was an imposing view
of the north side of the Castle, was a raised terrace,
with a few trees, just enough to break the scorching
rays of the sun without impeding the view. All our
family were so greatly pleased with the place, that,
although it was too far from Windsor for convenience,
my father decided upon taking it for three years.
IN
1 health. My brother I
put Into
and ! r had all his tiling rem
E irniture
• 1 and appro in the best manner }>< .--il>I^,
ril), nursing chair, and a ber thin
ful being -cut to me in town at ono
During the remainder <>f the Bummer
many ible days with Mi-. Pohl, :il her
little dwelling and at St. James's. My mother went
often with us t<> public amusements, and was, 1 Bhould
Bay, more happy than during any fonrn
her life, for she doted upon Mr. Papendiek. Schri
often breakfasted with us, and if T wen- pretty well
we had a little niusie in the way of ;i lesson. Dear
Salomon often and often called to plan
tainment or to practise. See me he :i' Ould,
which, ;i- Mr. Papendiek was often from home, the
d censorious, and all of ufi warm hearted, might
perhaps as well have been avoided. Sel I am sure
in Salomon's mind only rectitude the most
honourable, and sincerity the most pure, had p
Dear friend, we appi d, we !
uewell to thy memi
We now 1' what manima had lei'
THE TIMK OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 103
baby linen, and purchased the requisite additions,
with patterns to make from during the summer. We
then made arrangements with Ungerland, our land-
lord, to have our rooms cleaned during our absence
in the country, for it was settled that we were to
spend some weeks or months at my father's new
house. George Papendiek was to remain in town,
visiting us only occasionally, with this understanding,
that he was to go off upon the first contentious word,
so that we might keep friends. His temper was so
trying that it was necessary to make certain stipula-
tions.
Mr. Papendiek wished to make me a present on
my birthday, and being very much struck with the
colour, then perfectly new, called ' Emperor's eye,' a
most brilliant tint of, I should say, what is now-
termed ' knife steel,' he bought a gown of it and- had
it made up for the King's birthday, June 4. On
that day I went with Mrs. Palman, Miss Wadsworth,
and Miss Eves, to see the company, and spent a
happy day at St. James's, but I did not see the Queen,
as she wa3 not well. My brother always came home
to make his bow to the King, who was his godfather,
which added to my pleasure. To our surprise, Mrs.
Magnolley came to the Palace. She was the wife of
the page to Prince William, and kept an elegant
ladies' school at Grove House, Knightsbridge. Under
her care my sister was to be placed after the mid-
VOL. I. Q
AM' l i: I \ V IN
Bummer holidays Judge of mj bave
•ham p My fat] this
ordinary step TO8 that, as the ho
the high road from v. could alwaj
r, while • i he might i
through the summ< eight
in tip i, and I c to my
ould, of v be
politely to expn
blishmenl wa§ conducted upon d ool plan,
and consequently th< of the feeling
family, but in no other w:iy was there any inferl
The best masters attended, and in the li< »u-
thing was well regulated. Mrs. Magnolley was her-
self fascinating and clever, and possessed every re-
quisite qualification for the misfo iich a hi
Mv sister remained with her for about Beven \
We were asked i<> dim- at thi ust after
the King's birthday, by \ r it, and making
[uainted with her future surround
and I will g more account of ;i dun:.
days, We Bat down ten in Qumbei
soup and fish, there the top,
a ro.i at the bottom, at the two -ides ;, |,
lamb, boiled, and a loin, fried, and four appropriate
tables, all put on thi were
eaten with ;i broad bladed knife, best forks only
viands being remo
THE TIME OP QUEEN 0HARLO1 196
in their place came two gooseberry pics, at the top
and bottom, baked and boiled custard at each side.
Swiss and other cheese, radishes and butter.
For our summer dress, my father presented my
mother and myself with the most beautiful lemon-
coloured fine cambric muslins, with a white lace
pattern running over them, and a little glazed. He
met with them accidentally, and being of his favourite
colour we profited by his taste. They were pretty
in the extreme.
We now set off for Slough. A glass coach and
four horses for us, and the servants by the stage.
They would not drive a coach so far in those days
with a pair of horses, even if one changed half-way.
My father and Mr. Papendiek came down about a
week later, when the Eoyal Family moved, In this
pretty house I had two rooms, and a closet adjoining,
and all was beauty and delight, the only drawback
being the distance.
At the close of this session of Parliament the
King proposed the separate establishment of the
Prince of Wales, as he came of age in August. It
was decided that his Eoyal Highness should the fol-
lowing winter live in Carlton House, and that he
should retain the apartments in Windsor Castle, as
well as the house at Kew where he and the Duke of
York had been brought up. These were to be put in
order for him. Among other numerous appointments,
0 2
;iv\n: LIFE in
with ' irian,
and < sub-libra
to incr<
!i was 1 tor
that purpose. I took it for granted that to be
of tlh . bul found I liek's
ion. Xbung person li!. Tronted, and
I the holiday, and with
icident to our horse on the way, but rea<
London at last and made our pure
cloth for shirts, with cambric frills and ruffles,
and ordered a suit of clothes for State
The Prince's people were to have a uniform. Al-
though extremely costly and elegant, . uniform
it was ; another innovation upon the attendant
gentlemen. We lefl i pendiek in town, and
returned to Slough. I found by this
bat Mr. Papendiek did not i me to
any opinion opposite to his, and considered his
have d to my going to town an
diligence. It had been . and wa
to be repeated. I felt hurt ndiek
to run away wit' fflfidence, money,
and favour. Bow< iportunit;
urivd at pi nd the affair pa
1 and happy again.
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHABLOTTE L97
My brother was placed at Eton upon our arrival
in t lie remove under Dr. Langford. His tutor was
the Eev. S. Goodall, his dame Mrs. Hexter. On his
return after the vacation, he, at the age of eleven,
was moved to the upper school.
At the beginning of August, as the Queen hourly
expected to be confined, the pages were ordered
never to leave the house, so my father and Mr.
Papendiek took leave of us for the present. On the
7th the event took place, with a Princess, who about
the middle of September was christened Amelia. On
the day caudle and cake were given to the public at
Windsor only, another evident mark of economy. I
would not miss it, it was too good, so we ordered a
chaise and made a day of it, bringing plenty home,
as members of the family, which we distributed
among our friends.
At the end of October I was to leave Slough, and
it became necessary that I should once more ask my
father when he intended to fulfil his promise to pay
the 130Z. He gave me a part of it, and said that in
consideration of his having kept us on and ofi* for
five months, he thought he had amply done all we
could expect. Certainly the saving in housekeep-
ing was a great help, yet we were somewhat em-
barrassed. Nevertheless we reduced the debt to
Duberly as much as we could. Soon after our re-
turn home our landlord gave us notice to quit, which
ani> pan i in
I thought very unfeeling of him in my ;
lion ; bill
should be able to be moi
. at a quarter to ten
be night call, my
urn : a lii \ Mrs. Planta. The
informed the papa of the
it and
dinner he rode up on hoi I
if the little girl could see, when if by instinct,
opened her rye-, which wer» a1 thai early
declared to be fine. My father was always parti-
cularly fond of children, bo at every possible moment
that he had to spare he devoted himself to nursing
the sweet dolL
December L2, I sent but my card- of thanks,
as it was thru the custom to our Men
your room, baby being visible whether awah
p. ( laudle and chocolate with cake wa
Mils who took the trouble to
call laid their 2*. »'»'/. in the saucei
by the nurse. Papa was at borne, and gave m
my present '• okeen double-handled cupi
Tli inly arrived in town on the 22nd,
and Mr. Papendiek asked tl bad any
commands with i iristening of bis little
girl, t<» which sh< red, ' Have her named Char-
THE TIMi: OF QUEEN CHARLO'l 199
lotte Augusta : Princess Eoyal and Princess Augusta
shall be her godmothers, and Compton shall stand for
your old master, Prince Ernest.'
On New Year's Day there was always a Drawing
loom. The Poet Laureate wrote the poem, Wiede-
mann, then at the head of the King's band, composed
the- music, which was performed by the band, the
vocal parts being sung by the choristers of the Chapel
Eoyal, the bishops giving the blessing. This year it
was more than usually splendid. It was the first at
which the Prince of Wales appeared since he came
of age, and also the first which the Princess Eoyal
attended, as being introduced.
In the evening was our christening. We as-
sembled at six. The Queen sent word that she could
spare no one to act as proxies for the Princesses,
that my mother and my aunt must represent them.
Somewhat of a disappointment, for all our best was
prettily set out. I had had my white lustring
made up, new cap, Kead to dress me, and sweet
baby so prettily dressed. However, Schrader in his
canonicals arrived, and the ceremony proceeded. I
was also churched. Our first refreshment, tea, coffee,
muffins, &c. The canonicals off, cards and music.
Then our second repast, christening cake, caudle
cups, egg wine, mountain and tent wine in decanters,
German relishes of 'Metwurst,' anchovies, &c, and
their appendages, mulled beer, and a bowl of punch.
JVATE i. in: in
The party CO AD chap-
lain
grandpapa and mamma, my brother an* Mrs,
1 Mr. iliniiuiiiann.
Tl
( d had I , rogly
i fine ami accura
f paintings thai the most critical judges were
i to distinguish th< a the
d miniature painter. Ea
introduction to us, Mr. Papendiek emp]
him t(» paint his portrait in miniature, and had ;
aa a bracelet clasp, having a corresponding one made
with his hair and Cypher, and 1; ited the pair
to me <>n this christening day. We thought it only
kind to invite this stranger, who had tab dmir-
able a likeness of my husband, and had the whole
finished ofl with so much ta
Mr. Taprndick was frequently absent of an <•-
I this time, for the Prince of Wal ill at
the Q riton Bouse do1 b
.;. for him, and often railed upon him t<.
him an hour or two practice, as hi- Royal Highness
! him to Qiardini After the Queen's parties
Prince's began, and i three
ould have a quartetl party, and
sometimes quite a grand concert.
on January I
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLCfl 201
gaged US. I dressed myself, putting on the pretty
christening cap, the dark satin, as on the preceding
year, and in our sedan baby and I went to St.
James's. There the Queen called for me, greatly ap-
proved my account of nursery improvement, my close
attention to the duties of a mother, thought the little
girl had already grown much, and all seemed right.
The Princesses were delighted with her, and the
whole was agreeable. I then returned to my father's
apartment, where friends came up at all hours from
three to ten o'clock. On the Queen's birthday a
turkey with many other good tilings was always put
upon the table at three o'clock to remain till five.
On the King's birthday a goose and peas, with various
etceteras, also at three o'clock. Then tea and coffee,
cakes, wines, and niceties, according to the season.
Among others Mrs. Magnolley visited us, after seeing
the company. She lamented that my sister would
probably be the only one from the Royal household
that would be placed under her tuition, and from her
she expected not much credit. Poor little Sophia,
then only eight years old, already showed that pecu-
liar morose manner ever and anon attached to her.
She had pretty things, learned to dance, to do easy
needlework, had encouraging books, but all seemed
disregarded. She never expressed any regret a!
leaving home, but appeared apathetic in everything.
Until Easter this year, 1784, their Majesties were
AMi PRIVATE LIFE IN
- at Windsor than usual. I
either Tuea , inlay, v, tied to I
hunt, at which the Prince of Wa
ml. Tiiai Bport had been rei
his Royal I of the m
i Buckingham House with I
him to
the nobility generally. Bl
lament that nothing under the parental
could afford either pleasure or i irk of filial
gratitude. No expression was manifested t-
the endeavour their Majesties were niakii iow
the Prime favour, and by every possible nn
draw him to that affection which should bind ev<
family in unity. Tarty feeling ran very high at I
time, and every rank of the nobilit \ lied
the Prince. The standard of \
raised very high, and the Royal victim drank the
noxious draught to the very dr<
The al Fund concert \\
and at I i Hous< re. I did not go. Abel
introduced the great star on the violonoell iill.
He mad
the public during his life He was an Irishman, and
his playing Studied, practised, and finished, both
in a tnd bravura, but in h\> style the
pathos. T 11 enthusiasm,
THE TIME OF . TE
Duport sublime. ihed will
quintett, wliich Salomon led, and then Duport made
his bow on quitting England. Crosdill each
the Prin- s, 1 would have most of the
private conce o had the Opera and leading
public music meetings. Therefore for Duport nothing
remained, erformer as he was. This concert
iutrodui nd most successfully did
he in_ himself with the public. He was a man
who never visited among his own rank or th<
a higher position, but went only where he was sure
of being well paid. He succeeded in getting extensive
teaching at a guinea a 1 all others, Schroeder
included, receiving only half that sum ; and dementi
taug" n hour- day. Fischer brought
\rd another scholar of the King's band. Kellner,
who played with his master and Such a trio oboe
concerto, very fine and spirited, and much admired
for its nove'
Drury Lane the most brilliant star that per-
r appeared, shone forth fchif
Siddons.1 T -he played to the public, it was
1 Walpole in one of his letters thus refc: - iddons : ' I have
been two days in town and seen as. She pleased me beyond
my expectation, but not up to the admiration of the ton, two or three of
whom were in the same box with me. . . . Mr. Crawford asked me if 1
did not think her the best actress I ever saw ? 1 said, u By no means ;
we old folks were apt to be prejudiced in favour of our first impressions.*'
She is a good figure, handsome enough, though neither nose nor chin
according to the Greek standard, beyond which both advance a good
IN
her line ; but
. which
equall; and
ould not permit her many
. bul the;
apted them. Tl nary I Ban her in ■ The
Penitent,' with Palmer aa Lothario. [1
!. Mrs. Vale- and Sender*
' harden, as did Mrs. A.bington after her
inimitable acting in 'The School for Scandal' at
Drury Lane, where she had been engaged for many
9. She certainly was the first in her lie
genteel comedy; and although she ma] have
!. she lias never been excelled
rd a1 the h< the nobility, and was la
to by ladies for the fas! iaon. Drury
. being brought into repute by Garrick and the
1 1
I had u«ed red powdar. Bat rota \- oleil and good, tmt I
• the <ii<l
to the familiar, l>*i t I
ipiftaL li ri with little
nil un-
it limit both
Ij pleased.'
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 205
elder Sheridan, was always considered the leading
theatre, and had the most renowned company. This
comedy of 'The School for Scandal' was written by
Brinsley Sheridan, in order, if possible, to support the
establishment upon the same high standing as before
the retirement of Garrick from the stage. It suc-
ceeded, and the first night of its representation the
society of litterati engaged nearly the whole of the
lower circle of boxes as a compliment to the author.
When the curtain drew up, the litterati stood up,
which was the signal for the house to do the same,
and Sheridan led on those who were to appear first
with a speech of introduction, then made his bow
and retired amidst deafening plaudits. We went to
Co vent Garden to see Mrs. Yates as Lady Macbeth,
and Henderson as Shylock the Jew. That and
Macbeth were his two finest characters, and in
neither of them has he ever had a rival, nor has
Miss Young as Portia. Mamma, Mrs. Pohl, and
George Papendiek accompanied us, and we were all
much gratified with our three nights' amusement,
and baby at home was as happy asleep as we were
awake.
The King was a very great admirer of Henderson,
and also of Mrs. Siddons, who was about this time
appointed to teach the two youngest Princesses to
read and enunciate. Mrs. Siddons was always anxious
to act with Henderson, as she considered him one of
i by the
bad with
when -lie met his
of plays
an<l ; and I hope I may
Be, the King,
d, for Benderson, and the i
Siddons ; bed to have him play at I
rlf. Then Mrs, Siddons took her
turn, and with the warmest praise, - 1 am an
enthi cried the King, * quite an en-
thusiast ; T think there wai r any player in
my time ellenl — nol Oarridk himself; I own
Then coming close to me, who was silent, he
siid. 'What? what:-' meaning, what Bay ;
Bui I >till said nothing; 1 could not concur whi
thought bo differently, and to enter into an argument
quite impossible ; for every little tbii
King listened to with ai that made
insignificancy. And, in-
. but (<>v that I should have talked to him with
much fluency, as well as ease. Prom pk
rent to play-, and complained of tl
want od modern Comedies, and of the
treme immorality of most of the old
• And tin mend them : but
tin; time of queen ohaklotte 207
it is not possible. Do you think it is? — what?
what?'— Ed.]1
The oratorios were drooping a little. Mrs.
Sheridan was missed, although Miss Linley outdid
herself. Salomon often took his two o'clock meal
witli us, after a practice at home, and sometimes with
the Prince; for he was generally engaged for the
private concerts, Giardini having' the Opera, and
Cramer the established concerts. At the Queen's
House, the fondness for the ancient masters kept him
aloof, much to the annoyance of Abel and Fischer.
My father and mother doted on baby, so every
line afternoon we went to St. James's, either carrying
1 In another part of Miss Burney's Diary she says : ' Mrs. Schwellen-!-
berg told me Mrs. Siddons had been ordered to the Lodge to read a play,
and desired I would receive her in my room. ... I received her by the
Queen's commands, and was perfectly well inclined to reap some pleasure
from the meeting.
' But now that we came so near, I was much disappointed in my
expectations. ... I found. her the heroine of a tragedy — sublime,
elevated, and solemn. In face and person, truly noble and commanding ;
in manners, quiet and stiff; in voice, deep and dragging; and in convert
sation, formal, sententious, calm, and dry. I expected her to have been
all that is interesting; the delicacy and sweetness with which she seizes
every opportunity to strike and to captivate on the stage had persuaded
me that her mind was formed with that peculiar susceptibility which,
in different modes, must give equal powers to attract and to delight in
common life. But I was very much mistaken. As a stranger, I must
have admired her noble appearance and beautiful countenance, and now
regretted that nothing in her conversation kept pace with their promise ;
and as a celebrated actress, I had still only to do the same.
' Whether fame and success have spoiled her, or whether she only
possesses the skill of representing and embellishing materials with
which she is furnished by others, I know not; but still I remain
disappointed.'
IN
Ulldcr I:
. laid in grandmamma's
in her bl I lia<l
with i! 1 we
«1 aa
I think, in
. and w<
- attempt btain a lodging to
suit turnpike,
where it then was, just at the turn in: I
from the Pimlico Etoad, and where tl •
bop >till is thai was imed for
Chelsea buns. Being much 0U1 6f ornamental re-
pair, we were able to this house for one
"/., and thither we moved in April. The hack
pretty, as Li i down a few -
len. Tl .union n
the front parlour being entirely for M: diek,
t.> l»e used only on great i lining
I met with a prop
proved of infinite use in our litl She
ted in m:i cashing,
preparing our meals, with m mce, but nui
tired me, and 1 the maid with re!
Wi ! and p a day with
,ie up from K'«\\ :
tin: TIMi: OJ QUEEN CHARLOl 209
at their house in Covenl Garden during thecont
election between Charles Fox, Lord Hood, and 8b
Cecil Wrey. Several of the nobility almosl ruined
their property in canvassing for the Fox and Holland
party, and it will be remembered thai the celebrated
Duchess of Devonshire, during the .six weeks, was
indefatigable in her exertions on their behalf. Many
anecdotes are related of her, both for and against her
female delicacy. It was principally to her greal
charms of person that she owed her success in can-
vassing. She was very beautiful, and Tier manner
was so engaging, so sprightly, and withal so gentle
and polite, that all who came in contact with her at
once became subservient to her influence.
[Miss Burney says of the Duchess : ' I did not find
so much beauty in her as I expected, notwithstanding
the variations of accounts ; but I found far more of
manner, politeness, and gentle quiet. She seems by
nature to possess the highest animal spirits, but she
appeared to me not happy. I thought she looked
oppressed within, though there is a native cheerful-
about her which I fancy scarce ever deserts her.'
Later on, she says: 'I now saw how her fame for
personal charms had been obtained ; the expression
of her smiles is so very sweet, and has an ingenuous*
ness and openness so singular, that, taken in those
moments, not the most rigid critic con Id deny the
justice of her personal celebrity. She was quite gay,
VOL. I. P
COUKT \M> PRn \ I.N
charming; indeed, thai last epithet
her.1 — Ed.
public ferment, that prh
indi vidua
Char! the half of their forti
and to the detriment
be at the M--\
a, which ;ill quite
Entertained indeed we
. if it may 1 •< 'I»-d. Fighting, drumming,
tning, singing, marrowboning,hootin| thing,
&c, \. m the whole time
coming in that of the Trine. • of W
with dress liverie-. f OX- tails, ribbons, llowv
The High Bailiff made no return on account of
the illegal votes predominant on I'. nd I
know not how that was settled : but when tl
met, ;t petition waa pre by Bood and \\
However, Foa was to be chaired, which took place
early in May, 'The procession was conducted in the
following manner i hands of muc
all kinds, emblenw of every insignia of a fox, twelve
carriage* of commoners and . with their
Liveries and every possible tion, twenty
emen, dressed in blue ad double brass
butt fld shorts of bufl with
buttons, -ilk sU ckings, dj yellow
old shoe and knee buckles, buff Woodstock gl
THE TIME OP QUEEN CHARLOTTE '1 1 1
and cocked hats ; the horses handsomely caparisoned,
and ornamented with fox-tails and heads, flowers,
&c., and bufl'and blue ribbons. These made a dash-
ing appearance. Then came Fox in a decorated
chair, with a good brass band preceding him, and
immediately following the chair were twenty-four
gentlemen of the Prince of Wales's household, of
whom George Papendiek was one and my cousin
Hugh, page of presence, was another, in the same
dress, Quentin bringing up the rear on a beautiful
horse, strikingly ornamented with appropriate designs.
Then six of the carriages of the nobility in State
costume. The Devonshires last, with four footmen
behind, two at each door, and a groom at the head
of each of the six horses, the five other carriages
having each their complement of attendants. Last of
all came the State carriage of the Prince, with the
full equipment of horses, men, dress, &c. The pro-
cession of course began from the hustings, St. Paul's,
Covent Garden, from whence it went three times
round the square or market, down King Street and
Bedford Street, just round Mrs. Clay's corner into the
Strand. At the corner of Cockspur Street and Pall
Mall, all the barrels for refreshment were put ready
by the brothers Harry and Sam House, the great
spirit merchants of the day, the former of whom had
expended on the election 25,000/. and the latter
15,000/. Then on went the procession to the court-
P 2
212 i;t ami pi; IN
yard of Carlton which it went round I
and hifl : the win
ben down Tall Mall, U]
■a platform had
wall in Piccadilly, within the
■ the Pi
and whither they had arrived in private carri
throu rould not permit
ve the : himself,
although he had allowed his Duel: e his
trself. After b] wel-
come the day"- BportS ended there. At the pnblic-
housee it finished with the needful.
This election brought Mr. Clay to town again,
and with him a button, which he had for some time
been perfecting, and now introduced. It wae
gentlemen's mourning attire, and, improving by w
• year-. He also had greatly impi
snuff-boxes, which were now made to open with
miniatures being introduced or settinj
hair; bo by his button and hist I fortune
rapidly accumulated. My father's friendlx
quaintance with this worthy and ingenious man
commenced in aj n'l business, who
added l.i lLs and orna-
Brom Mr. ('lay's manu&cl now
ement certainly to the snuff-box
king snuff being one of her weakm u did
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLO'I 213
the King to the button, for in his youth one of his
favourite occupations had been turning and button-
making. Of a German in Long Acre he had learned
how to make the loop and attach it to the button ;
so upon this occasion he said to Mr. Clay, 'Send me
several sets of buttons, for as I am called George the
button-maker, I must give a lift to our trade.'
During the election, and on the day of the chair-
ing, we were invited to Mr. Clay's corner house, but
I had had enough of that sport at dear Mrs. Meyer's,
and we declined, particularly as our gentlemen were
at Windsor. Here ended our pleasant friendship.
A farewell leave-taking was all we ever again saw of
dear Mr. Clay, for on quitting London after this last
visit to the metropolis he remained in Birmingham,
and his son dying at an early age, he lived in retire-
ment.
At Ladyday 1784, George Papendiek received his
first payment, 25/. I proposed that now that he was
well stocked with clothes he should keep this salary
for running expenses, and save as much as he could,
so as not to be any expense to us when we went
away for the summer — he living with us when in
town as before. Our income was now 196/. a year,
and this assistance from George Papendiek would be
a great boon to us.
21 ! >; in \\i> PRIVATE I in: i\
CHAPTEB l\
Mart — Grand concert -
«0.*i ;t t ii »ii ant!
family Mr*. raj»eii(li.'k t
Mr. Papendiek appointed • i
—Hall on t
— A "brill i anemaon— Kami ner
Oaxlton H Mili.'k
id them— Mr. Papeo I
Present from the Qn
Dusnra the Easter recess, Salomon was makL
effort t<> introduce with McU
ringers ever heard in this <>r any other count
In the opinion of some, Mrs. Bheridan but-
•<l her in feminim in a Few of Handel's
Bublir atalani may have, in one or
instances, equalled her in fri but I
Bcarcely admit that it w as perfect in
le, and had Dishing compass of \
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 215
clear from the upper treble D to the third leger
line A, and that without effort, and pure. Higher
and lower notes she could produce by trick or
management. She knew the properties of every
instrument, so that when singing a duet with an
instrument she was always perfectly in tune, being
careful never to touch the imperfect tones of it. She
played an accompaniment upon the pianoforte, or-
gan, harp, or guitar in excellent style. Salomon
engaged the Pantheon for four private concerts, and
succeeded in getting the Prince of Wales, the Duke
and Duchess of Devonshire, the Bessboroughs, &c. to
patronise them, and had the Prince's side very
elegantly fitted up ; the King's being, as it was,
opposite, and the parterre for the general company.
When Salomon brought this wonderful woman for-
ward, there was perfect silence. She was not hand-
some ; had projecting teeth, a German face with a
determined expression, though not ill-natured or
repulsive. On the contrary, her countenance was
animated. Her eyes were black and excessively
beautiful She was rather above the common height,
and upon this occasion was dressed in black velvet,
with a magnificent diamond tiara, and looked more
like a queen than a singer. She tried her voice in a
sort of prelude, a new idea among us. Then the
tutti or symphony of the air commenced, and led up
in crescendo to a high note, upon which Mara began.
\\'n PRIVATE I. Hi: IX
-. then I
in it ran d«i\\ n an
i and s]
hoi admir< ben
I hi -ii. as I offended mj
a, by marrying. >* [uitting his
dominions he prill
u . The necklace I do nol in it imp
singing.' The E>rince engaged her
I went to hear her everywhere that sh<
went always under the protection of her hi
band, who was engaged also where bd
hestral violoncello, and had he been in the least
ttleman, they would have been received illy,
8 ladylike and Qg« Ugh
s naturally aware of hei
ring and friend Hid
always willing to give advic
A female singer was requii i the Kin.
<•(•]• i.'iit music, and when M
pronunciation of English
>uld doI be sufficiently good for Band<
poi them portioi
Messial . f in an ancient
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 21 7
style on the pianoforte in such a manner thai they
were enraptured ; and her rendering of the sublime
words was so pathetic and the foreign accent so
slight that they were unanimous in her praise, and at
once requested the King to engage her for the next
concert. This was done. She pleased, surprised,
and gratified, and when, at the conclusion, she sang
' The Prince, unable to conceal his pain,' out of
' Alexander's Feast,' the King rose, and expressed his
great delight, saying that he perceived she was
capable of undertaking anything that might be
required of her. After this, her success was
assured.
On their Majesties' return to town after Easter,
an account of the private rehearsals at the Abbey
was presented to them, the long-expected music
meeting being now determined upon. It was to be
for the benefit of the Royal Society of Musicians, and
as a commemoration of the death of Handel, twenty-
five years before, and was in every respect to be
done on a magnificent scale. The performances were
to last for three days, and the music was to be of
an ancient stamp, either oratorios or select ions from
them, and other sacred pieces. The tickets for the
public rehearsal were fixed at half-a-gninea each,
and it was to take place in the daytime; morning
dress, hats and bonnets. For the evening perform-
ances, the tickets were to be a guinea; no reserved
001 IN
. the nai
and the I which you
which \\. same
char;: 38 as that in which Bhe appeared at
which had a bodice
to lit. which in the l<»wcr point, wh< •
off, and was trimmed do* . the
:oat underneath being trimmed to >ond,
and the stomacher being covered with The
of the gown thai denoted the ia the
equired for the back breadth which was [aid
in deep double plaits between the shoulders, and
only once confined about an inch below the original
lack, and hung loose from there. TheQ train
about three yards in Length, and was held up
• of honour; those of the Court attendants
two yards long and could be looped up ele-
gantly. The was close to the arm, with rows
of lace from the top, terminating in th:
ruffles at the elbow. The material v. or silver
gauze or silk tissue for the dress in Bummer, and for
the winter the tissue in satin. The headdi
p with Court lappets, and jewels, hut not in
profusion. The three elder Prin<
silk frocks, with cuff turned over the bottom
of th< . and simple th do jewels ; and as
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 219
they, with the exception of the Princess Royal, had
Dot yet been introduced at Court, they wore no
lappets. Their trains were about one yard on the
ground, which was then considered a walking length.
They, with Lady Charlotte Finch, sat on one side
of their Majesties' box, the Princes on the other,
each with a multitude of attendants. The King,
his sons, and gentlemen attendants were in the
Windsor uniform ; dark blue, with red cuffs and
collars, and gold-laced button-holes. The noble di-
rectors, the bishops, and the prebends were placed
immediately under the Koyal Family, so that the
Kinn could converse with them when he wished.
The ladies all wore hoops, but that of the Queen was
much smaller than the Court hoop, and those of the
Princesses only of a size to lift the dress from cling-
ing. The principal lady singers were in silk dresses,
the men in bags and swords ; the ladies of the com-
pany in silk or India gold muslins, the men in
evening dress without bags and swords.
The King, with his usual kindness, asked Mr.
Papendiek what part was assigned to him. When lie
only bowed in answer, ' Oh,' said his Majesty, ■ we
must have Papendiek's flute, so I shall desire thai he
takes the high leading parts in the " Te Deum " and
in the Dead March in " Saul." '
Miss Burney's account of the whole performance
is so excellent, that I will not repeat it, but refer my
OVATE I
it.1 M\
little
as amoE . but
part in this mei meetinj
had I heon,
mmand
of profei lira alike
Alas, poor me I all this time 1 was in my bed,
to th< disappointment of Mr. Papendi
Id, and was covered with blotches like
. so I missed this magnificent entertain-
ment at Westminster Abbey. I think I had ;
bad but one servant
■ be nurse, my ■ place * v. inecure. As
Mr. Papendiek liked to be able to ask any friend, who
might happen to call, to sit down to dinner with
always had o I thing at the top, with
- up at the bottom, and all | 'iery,
;eneral arrangement and order fell
to my lot, with all sup' oking, Dr. Khrone
had poor bab; Bd, but Bhe did not mind it. and
at this time we put her We made
her four whit ad two coloured one-, with
1 It
-• published
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOT1 E 22]
the skirts full and three tucks and a hem ; the
bodies plain, cut cross-ways, and the sleeves plain,
with a cuff turned up. These, with converting of
underclothing, nurse, T, and a workwoman finished
off in a week. The rest of her attire was, long
cotton or thread mitts, without fingers, tied round
the arm high above the elbow, a double muslin
handkerchief crossed and tied behind in a bow, or
if cold a silk pelerine, with the same coloured bonnet,
close front, high caul, with a bow in front. Baby's
was blue, and very pretty did she look.
On the King's birthday we went to St. James's,
and grandpapa took her in to see the Queen, who
desired that I should be called. She said, ' You
look ill, but your baby does you credit.' Then she
desired Princess Amelia to be brought in, who was
three months and three weeks older, but the Queen
was struck that my babe appeared more lively, and
more intelligent than the Princess. Her Majesty
also admired her cap and frocks, and wished me to
make one of each for Princess Amelia, the cap only
being finally determined upon, which I did not
much lament. Her Royal Highness's nurses, Mesdames
Cheveley and Williams, were very angry with the
Queen's remarks, when the same lady who had seen
me the first after my marriage, perceiving it, said in
the kindest way, c Her Majesty is gracious in en-
couraging a young woman in exemplary duties ; and
I PRIVATE LIFE IN
iking thi ell.' Then
my nu: . and the Queei
mi] d to p
and then our visit wa
- usual, bu1 1 kept quiet, being -till
ik.
I lurk to me and to many, it
pr< is Parliamenl wa than usual,
that there should Ik- two more A
lit off faster than I Id be print
both for the i two, and the performaj
which promised t<» be as grand as those of the former
lion.
With My. Papendiek, I went t<» the first of t!
rehearsals, and with my ' Bmpero . and petti-
.! trimmed to match, a new Bummer white- silk
ik, a pi p with ties under the chin, and
td'a inimitable ch 1 really looked Intel i
I WBA alone in the middle aisle with my book and
my . but knowing all the royalties, and
ir attendant-, the directors, &C, I BOOH m.!
friem
To describe the sight is quite impossibL
Princefi and I'lin- more than beautiful.
They were animal b, affable, and Lr<><>d
natured. The I | that day in light preen
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 223
and silver, with ornaments of emeralds and rubies;
the Princesses in lilac and silver, with pearls.
The overture in 'Esther' was the first piece, in
which Crosdill and Cervetto were first violoncellos in
unison, Mara (the husband) and another as seconds
to them, and in the obbligato part my old dancing
master, Villeneuve, one of the principal double basses.
The second piece was the ' Dettingen Te Deum,' the
whole assembly rising with the first words, 'We
praise Thee, 0 God.' These are too well known for
me to attempt to describe them. Suffice it to say
that they were performed to perfection. In the
second act came the Dead March in ' Saul.' To
endeavour to represent the funeral as coming from a
distance, it began pianissimo, gradually increasing in
loudness as the procession was supposed to come
nearer. It was at first proposed to have minute
guns really fired, but this was given up, as it was
feared that they could not possibly be a success,
and Kellner undertook to play the double drums.
This he did so exquisitely as to cause a vibration in
the pianoforte, and the sound was like an echo more
than the firing of a gun. When the funeral was
supposed to be in sight, it being that of a king, the
whole company rose, and the orchestra worked up
to a fortissimo, and so grand was the illusion that
handkerchiefs were in requisition. Then, as it ap-
peared to pass on, we wTere all seated again, and the
i ruv\
F the
dr. The
formano
could be call one
tribute of j>i >f whom my
i their instri lepended
, the effect. Most of the company
ed hom( '.. which b
d by their Majesties, th(
last performance of thi had the
jure and gratification of attending, as t:
Mr. Papendiek walked to the
Abbey with me, and falling in with Mara and her
and, he said to her, k Von look very smart in
ilk, bul how loosely it is put on ! " To
which >lic answered, what □
do this day- it nniM h;r.
her voi< >r in thai fine
anthem, which was performed, ' < I sing unto the
Lord,' Bhe bad firsl four then had t«. take
\enth line, and hold it for four bars, while
alls in. above which her voice sow
distinctly. I itemenl
than n d it."
It w .
THE TIME OF QUEEN 0HARLOT1 E 225
executed. We lieard Mr. Kennedy, a remarkably
fine counter-tenor, in ' Worship the Lord in the
beauty of holiness ; ' and also in the Coronation
Anthem, which began when the King stepped
from his carriage, and was so arranged that as he
entered his box the words ' God save the King '
were sung. We had a splendid selection of
music, and thus ended my supreme delight for this
season.
Now we quickly prepared for going to Slough.
Baby's crib was taken this time in addition to the
pianoforte, and a little more luggage. One coach
took mamma, baby, nurse, myself, and one servant,
and we called for my sister at Mrs. Magnolley's on
the way. In her pretty pink bonnet, covered with a
small-leafed India muslin, and pelerine the same, I
thought she looked something brighter. My brother
was ready to receive us, glad enough to board again
at home. The garden and fresh air made my baby
thrive vastly, and adding to her little wardrobe one
coloured and two white frocks, we considered our-
selves arranged for the summer. My gowns rubbed
on well. Straw bonnets being introduced for the
first time this year under the name of ' Dunstables,' I
got one — price eight shillings. It was trimmed with
a wide sash ribbon tied round the crown with an
even bow in front. The hair was dressed full in
front, with the curls still pinned, so the strings of the
vol. i. Q
AM) l'KIVA IN
hat v. the two curls, and tied
>lv under the chin.
Tl the neighbouring fami
and with my increased intimacy with tin mily,
!ly manner, I found
our arrival, had a d t<> him !
guineas. Be consulted my father about it, who,
thinking it would fo nvenience, persuaded
him to buy it. Mr. Papendiek had the stable
ed the mare, broke her in. and found
that Bhe was without fault ; so my father, my hus-
band, and my brother rode her backwards and
forwards to Windsor and Eton as required, and it
was a great convenience, and the plan answered well.
S«» quiet, tractable and easy was this mare that Mr.
Papendiek put me mi her back, and three
I took a ride of eleven miles. Often after
I used to have a ride before breakfast with
Mr. Papendiek; and a most pleasant amusement I
found it.
We Invited my Unfile and aunt to stay with
but the latter, bearing of an alarm of thieves that we
had. would i pt a bed fOT fear Of my uncle
getting into i I at night
>ned in the hall, near the garden and house
One night poor Rover barked sadly, and we
al] up. but could see no one from the upper
THE TIME OF QUEEN OHARLOTTBJ 227
windows, so my father and Mr. Papendiek fired into
the air. The following morning we found fool marks
along the garden path, and that the stable door had
been tried, but fortunately without success. We,
however, added further safeguards, and had no more
alarms.
We always went to the Ascot, Egham, and
Maidenhead Races. This year the Pitts and Daven-
ports, of the Crown Inn, proposed to join us to the
latter, and that we should afterwards dine at Marlow.
October was rather late for such an excursion, but
as we found it would please, we consented. Our
party consisted of nine, so two carriages were in re-
quisition. The day was fine, the scene almost gayer
than usual, and the dinner excellent and not profuse.
Altogether a charming party, although, unfortu-
nately, poor Mr. Papendiek could not be with us.
My father and Mr. Pitt called for the bill. None
was brought ; and then we found that we had dined
at Mr. Davenport's expense — as a small return, he
said, for the preference we had always shown his
house. We appreciated his kind civility ; we were
happy and grateful.
[At this point there is another break in the
memoirs, but I cannot find that any event of interest
occurred in the private life of Mrs. Papendiek during
the interval that elapsed before we can again take up
the narrative a few months later. In the way of
Q2
i;i' \\i» !'i:i\- \ti: i n i; in
public affain othing took place that in any
country
at pes and he
! I'm ' Their fathers,
1 Bolland, and I atham, had been rival-.
and the tnied on i th a n<
appn equality, but t!
of hie ao place in th<
t i 1 1 i_r a^ landmarks to connect the thread of
Mr. hipendiek was mad*
early in the year L785, and where we resume Mrs,
Papendiek's discourse we find hei bing the
perquisitefl attached to the appointment, which e
to have been considerable. Linen iA* different kinds
for the house, coals, any leavinge «»r meals served to
the Princess in her own rooms, with the candles
allowed for them, besides two tallow candles a night,
and wood. Tw<> bo1 also allowed
on every royal birthday, and on the annive
nation, and "ii New ^ i
salary also was slightly raised. To
ime in Mrs. Papendiek'fl own words. — E
These additioi >ur income of 220/. \,
eptable, and we felt happy and thankful for
them.
On the King*! birthday. L785, my father led bis
little grandchild in to the Queen, who was delighted
THE TIME OF QUEEN CH \i:i.<>i 229
with her. Her Majesty recommended leading strings
— a band round the waist, with a loop on each side,
of a length to hold, so as to support the child in case
she should stumble, and I immediately attended to
this advice.
This day we saw the company, and at night the
ball, when the Princess Eoyal danced for the first
time. She was always shy, and under restraint with
the Queen, and after making her courtesy, while re-
treating the four steps, off came her Eoyal Highness's
shoe. Shoes were then worn with diamond buckles,
and no sandals. The master of the ceremonies in-
stantly replaced it, her partner, the Prince of Wales,
holding her hand by way of support, and in the
most graceful manner, giving the effect of retaining
it, in order to lead her back to her place ; so the
accident caused as little bustle as possible, and by
many was unperceived. The Princess was never
elegant in exhibition, although her figure was good
and imposing. Timidity, with a want of affectionate
confidence in the Queen's commands and wishes, al-
ways brought her Eoyal Highness forward as ill at
ease, while out of the Queen's presence she was a
different being. The Prince, on the contrary, showed
an elegance indescribable in everything that he did be-
fore the public, whether in dancing, music, or what
not. It was a brilliant Court. The dresses were
very showy, as steel embroidery was introduced this
OOUBT ami PRIVATE I. Ill IN
ii. My puce satin,
for this fourth year, I had trimmed with i
ich front, the white being taken off,
match, and
buckles on bl
The Pi season had public d.
Papend I the h<
hold, attended in their uniforms. The two librarians
tioned in the library ards, and
insert in s book the name of each individual who was
ated, with his rank. This was the iir>t introduc-
tion of that form, for hitherto at the Drawing room-,
and at the Kin-'- I 'he simple introductions
had been considered sufficient. In those days the
Court was confined to the nobility, and a few of the
gentry who were well known.
At this time Mi-, lliinneniann made an offer of
Mi— Wadsworth, which, after much
sideration. and several disagreeable circumstai
!. Mi-. Papendiek obtained the Bang's
permission for the marriage to take place, but, when
it did, the allowance from the Kit
He, however, promised a continuance of his patron-
and as all poor I liinncmann- friends were
iuous in recommending his miniature painting,
lie never failed in business, and from his careful
habit* he realised more than could have U» '
THE UMB OF QUEEN OHARLCM 28]
pected under the painful occurrences that ensued.
Miss Wads worth's friends were against the match,
but were eventually prevailed upon to allow it to
proceed.
The new Musical Fund concert next engaged us.
An oboe player, of the name of Kamm, arrived, who
was equal to Fischer in concerto and orchestral play-
ing, but not so great in the different styles of ancient
music. This Kamm had travelled with Mr. Papen-
diek and Wendling, so it will be easily imagined how
constantly he was at our house, enjoying a practice,
and talking of old times. Schwestre, a fine bassoon
player, also came to this country, and both were to
appear at the Fund concert. Kamm played a duet
concerto with Fischer, who introduced the octave
shake in his cadence. The effect drew down ap-
plause scarcely ever equalled, and Fischer was ex-
tremely gay to have succeeded in this new trickery;
Schwestre also astonished the public, for no performer
had before been able to do so much with the bassoon
as he did. Abel, as he sat, expressed in dumb show
every sign of approbation. A quartett, led by
Salomon, supported by Kamm, Kellner, and Schwestre,
pleased beyond description. In the second act, Cer-
vetto and Crosdill played a duet, and the former inad-
vertently put in a few notes that had not been decided
upon, as I have already described his doing once
ami PRIVATE LIFE IN
•nt this time, though he made ei
till would D< !, and I
again.
Tli [dons in * Venice I
d ' and ;i Daughter/ and also Mrs.
m, who made h< - in the ' Romp.1 I met
irda at Bdppner's, to whom
I'haha. as beim ted the
oomic ac1 the day.
Boppner had been in the Chapel School at
and represented that he had neither p
of voice nor sufficiently good health to follow the
□ of music; that drawing and portrait-
painting were the bent of hia mind, and in that line
he Imped for patronage and encouragement. Mr.
. the friend of uo one who might possibly inter-
fere with his success, pronounced poor Bftppm
thep of a t.-dcnt too inferior for royal notice,
and he lefl Windsor with blighted hopes. Be had
previously taken the lik< ie 6ve Print
in crayons, upon a petition he presented to the King,
and during that time we had heroine intimate with
him and hia wife, she was a spirited, handsome
woman, and being acquainted with Mr. Giflard, the
tutor I Belgrave, they were introduced thr<
him to Lord I nor, who took him by the hand.
The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Fork, bU the
Whig nobility, and most of the leading people of the
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
day sat to him, :nul in two years he had overcome
all difficulty.
Mrs. Billington appeared this season under the
protection of his Eoyal Highness the Duke of Cum-
berland, brother of the King, which fact, added to
her being an Englishwoman, handsome, and a fine
singer, shook Mara's position a little, who, however,
never wavered in her own mind. She felt her supe-
riority to be such that no real disadvantage could
ensue, and, much to the credit of both of them, no
enmity ever subsisted between these two talented
creatures. They were often engaged at the same
concerts, when they previously arranged together
what they should sing, so that neither should depre-
ciate the other, or render any special point inferior
by comparison. Mrs. Billington was the daughter of
Mrs. Weichsel, a German, and a good singer, who
was engaged at Eanelagh and Vauxhall, which places
of amusement were in those days the mode, and con-
sidered quite in good style. Bach was intimate in
the family, and improved the mother's knowledge of
music, and taught the little girl the pianoforte. She,
at the early age of six years, played a duet with
Bach in public. She had a genius for music, but
never cultivated it enough to feel the beauties of it.
Mara had studied the science with industry and
perseverance, so that besides the great volume and
sweetness of her voice she possessed the knowledge
\M» PRIVATE I. ill l\
and ' ber pei
at a . and often at the ' !
Billing^
Iton douse, the ami
•lit- a** Prince
only nail pal ti, at which lie
d the violoncello in a qua trio.
ilomon led, all was right, and gentlemanly
I ; hut v irdini o] l
•ad. or when there \
with whom the Prince took a part in gl< . then
much disorder took place. Quentin wa f the
Leading associates, and this improper company j
rally dined or came in to wine. Mr. Papendiek.
seeing how things were, told his Royal Highness that
he held himself responsible to the Queen for his
character, more especially ;i- he I as
attendant upon her Majesty's daughters; that he
Would, with the same pleasure afl he had always felt,
die Prince's commands w\ ening
pent in music, but that when he wa<
asked to join a sel to which he could never bring
himself to belong, he musl forbear to obey. The
Trine.' with feeling at i I, ' I ;im glad that
li bafl an bonesl man in ]
Then turning hack to bis dow habitual manner of
, he added, k When I am King, you shall be
THE TIME OF QUEEN CIIARLOTTi: *J:;"»
my sergeant trumpeter, a good sinecure.' After
this, there were several pleasant evenings at Carlton
House, with Salomon and others to assist in the
music.
This was quite a musical season, and our friends
were often with us at dinner, or in the evening
Schwestre was full of spirits, and would come into
our kitchen to assist in making his favourite liver
dumplings, sauerkraut, dumplings of bread, stock-
fish pie, and other dishes. Vegetables, dressed in
various ways, and different sorts of grains were also
in great repute.
We had taken a house at Windsor, so as to be
more convenient for Mr. Papendiek's attendance at
Court, and now gave notice to our landlord to quit
our house at Pimlico on the day which completed
our year's tenancy. The answer was, that as no
agreement had been made, at the time we took the
house, about giving notice to leave, we were bound
by law to keep it till Michaelmas. We felt our want
of experience, and no redress could we obtain. So
we determined to stay on in town till we could let
the house, and put a man and his wife into the other
one, to take care of it and clean it. A married pair
were recommended to us by Mrs. Delavaux. The
woman being a black, few would employ them, so
we got them cheap, and most excellent and trust-
worthy did we find them.
I PRIVATE I. Hi IN
it that a man, named Iamardi,
woul the artillery ground
hich tl \pi-il :?.">.
Bttnnemanii ; window foi i the
ome days, and a
hard enough to produce dloon
tlation failed for the present. In the summer,
at, which w.: lish,
implished, and i ads were
doI deprived of their gratification, bul we had then
London.
A of concerts was established at the
Banover Square Booms, from Easter to the end of
something after the plan of those once
held by Bach and Abel for the nobility, but in
addition now the Prince of Wales was to be at the
They Boon found that the subscrib
by introducing friends for the night, could not sup-
port the intention, BO th. obliged to admit the
gentr uner led, and his pai bed, with
I :m! the t ! Went to the
first two I toe night 1 bite silk, the
beautiful IV
. and a hal of the with a wide
brim, called a balloon hat, worn low down on one
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
side, and high up on the other. Kead dressed me,
and the effect was very becoming.
We decided, after all, to move to Windsor at
once, and to leave our house in town in charge of
the cook, with George Papendiek. Therefore, about
the second week in May, a post-chaise took me, with
the nurse and baby, and several small things, down.
We found Mr. Papendiek, and Blacky and her hus-
band, there to receive us ; our luggage soon after
arrived, and in a day or two we were settled. It
was a pretty little house, with a passage running
right through, there being a parlour on each side.
In our living room we placed our pianoforte, and our
furniture all fitted in as if made for the room. In
those days the chairs were always arranged in a row
along the walls, and carpets were not fitted to the
rooms, but made up in a square, with a border
round, and placed in the centre. Mr. Papendiek
picked up a few articles cheap at a sale, and we were
soon very comfortable. The drawing-room was to
be upstairs, but this we could not afford to furnish
at present. Mr. Papendiek's dressing-room was one
floor higher, near our bedroom, and here I arranged
all his books, music, and everything for study and
practice. It had a good window, a fireplace, a
pretty bit of carpet, and all comfortable about him.
We also had a good garden and outhouses.
The Delavauxs called, and other Slough friends,
IN
and 1 und li<>\ 3 and
We l rather bi Mr.
k had to be at the Lodge by nine. By
idy for
from that hour till two being the visiting time. At
dined, unless coinp
I, and then it aerally made three
v edlework and t. on between the
hours for walking — that requisite for health being
lated by the and the weather ; babj
about in her go-cart. Once she fell with it, but no
barm can happen to a child it' on even ground.
The go-cart was originally of Italian invention.
On Sunday. May 'J 'J. ITS"., after eating a slice or
two of melon at dessert, I did not feel very well.
. we walked in the Home Park aftei
and did not return till eight o'clock, and at hall
nine or thereabouts my baby was born. Dr. Wil-
mott was with me, but no nurse, and Mr. Tapmdiek
at ..I:. him three guineas for l utive
kindnc^. lie then rushed oil' to t; e, but it
ten before he reached hi md the family
already seated at supper. A look from the
Queen made him ask the lady in waitii plain
to h( ty. when opportunity permitted, the
i his inexactitude, winch she did at once,
1 omething of what was -aid. cried
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
out, 'What? what? What's thai > ' Upon being
told, lie said, 'Poor little Papendiek ! I saw her at
eight o'clock. She has been quick. I will name
the little stranger Elizabeth Mary, if the Queen
has no objection, and her Majesty will appoint a
godfather,' which was Prince Ernest again. On the
morrow the Eoyal Family and attendants moved to
London.
It was now the time for the three Abbey perfor-
mances, with the three rehearsals. No alterations
were made in the arrangements, which were precisely
the same as those of the year before. Marchesi, a
most exquisite tenor singer, supplanted Perchierotti
this season, who returned to the Continent. He was
placed between Mara and Billington, the latter being
this year also engaged at the Ancient Concerts. All
this enchanting excellence I lost. Mr. Papendiek tried
to console me by telling me that the extreme bril-
liancy of the first year surpassed these performances ;
but for sublimity, science, and excellence, every one
of them was perfect.
After the King's birthday, my father and family
came down to Slough, where the poor horse and lad
were ready to receive them. Mr. Papendiek thought
that Mr. Pitt, in whose care she had been left, might
have done more for the animal, but his health had
been very indifferent, and, no doubt, he had left it
to his people. My father settled with Mr. Papendiek
\Nh n:l\ \ IN
him with papa and my brother,
I \ .ind Qol well, and l»al
well,
and n d from
. though we did
:i our power, as time went on, to
My first visitor waa Madame Mara,
ped to dine with us, taking only a little white
Boup and cold chicken, a
it in the evening. Little < Charlotte,
then eighteen months old, was brought down for her
e, bul not looking pleased, having jusl awak<
from her morning sleep, Madame took up my guitar,
and played to her. With this she was delighted, and
when Mara added singing to it the little thing waa
ready to spring from her nurse'a -Av\n>. She showed
for music from the very first, and talent for it
very soon. Her nurse had r music,
with a fine voice, and had been urged to
Sadlci'- Wells but had prudently declined. Mara,
after this, made that unfortunate via fcford
when she d offered i
indignity, 1" would not sing in the
choiH d while tli< To
that she never did su
chorus, it w and deprived others of the
merit. To tl • that in
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 24 I
a sacred edifice she always did stand while they
were sung, but that in a theatre or playhouse, she
could not feel that any command to that effect
ought to be given. The outrage was dreadful. She
stood up with her music in her hand, and the or-
chestra performed their part amidst the most unbe-
coming yells. She stood during the sacred choruses,
but the scene was shameful, and her voice could
not be heard. She stopped at Windsor on her
way back, but the King would not allow her to
sing. She therefore, immediately upon her arrival
in town, called a meeting of the directors of
the Ancient Concerts, but they, not wishing to
lose her, would not consider the circumstance as
being in any way connected with their regula-
tions— a very proper decision, which was submitted
to the King. He, however, rather cooled towards
Mara, and it must ever be lamented that any dis-
affection should have fallen upon such matchless
excellence.
Our half-crown visitors, for caudle and cake,
were few this time. I was churched on the Sunday
four weeks after baby's birth, and on Wednesday,
June 22, she was christened. Miss Planta and Miss
Kevin stood for the Princesses, and my father for
the Prince. The former brought me fifteen guineas
as a present from the Queen, and my father gave me
vol. I. 11
>f instrun ad piano-
.vliirli I toll' lllillL'
ii id Triii
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 243
CHAPTER X.
An unpleasant surprise — Dr. and Miss Herschel — Stag and hare-hunt-
ing— The King's hunters — The Pohls — Lace — Price of provisions- -
The Queen's birthday — Weather-bound in London — Drury Lane —
Dr. Herschel and his telescope— History of Dr. Herschel — The
Astronomer Royal — Discovery of the planet Georgium Sidus or Uranus
— Death of Mr. Pitt — Horn, organist of St. George's Chapel — David,
the tenor — Debts of the Prince of Wales — He declares himself a bank-
rupt— Presents on coming of age — Attempt on the King's life-
Thoughtful kindness of the Spanish Ambassador — Sunday schools —
Baron Ilordenberg — He leaves England — Illness of Princess Eliza-
beth— Birth of Mrs. Papendiek's third child, Frederick — Seriously
ill — Presents — Loss of 15/. — Inoculation — Re-arrangement of the
royal household — The Duke of York in Germany — Mr. Magnolley
associated with Mr. Papendiek — Mr. Brown — Lady Charlotte Finch —
Death of Prince Octavius — Mrs. Harris — Princess Elizabeth ordered
to ride — Review on Ashford Common — The ' Messiah ' — The Marquis
of Carmarthen — Alterations in fashion — The Eton Montem — Dr»
Herschel and Mrs. Pitt.
A holiday we now had to Slough, and little Char-
lotte's delight was unbounded. Could we have
remained there for a few days what a mutual com-
fort it would have been ! but servants then, as now,
would not assist beyond their engagements.
Our house in town had been let this last quarter,
so that, at last, was off our hands, and George Papen-
diek became our inmate again at Windsor.
Then I had a surprise — an unpleasant one, I must
b a
i ri:iv\ ix
admit, as I did i
Mr. with the
from Hanover. He
. :iii<l Badly <>j>-
his journey, but w<
did what Id for him. The children inten
him, and ippy with us, and at Slough ;
and also with old Delavaux, who took him often to
garden, where they pla] and an
1 drank a tankard quit
fashion. But at lasl his real dee lit, which
was that we would take care of his youn
Carl. It was rather hard to expect h
kblished himself, and married, with two
children, to provide lor hifl two younger brothers ; and
my lather made up his mind to speak to old Mr.
Papendiek upon the subject. This he did. and it
>p for the present <>n M arl's coming.
Iffy husband contrived to pay the exp of his
father's travel, and sent presents to his mother and
(terwards married a Mr. Schmidt.
Mr. Papendiek got Li ence for a few day-.
and took his father to London, Bhowed him the
Sights, and took him to the theatre to
: ' which v
•t performance, and w him -ale on 1 ■
1 Lrted. They
did meet once again when Mr. Papendiek .went
THE TIME OF QUEEN 0HABLO1
to Hanover with the Princess Eoyal in 1796 or IT'.'T.
The <>kl gentleman wrote to us afterwards, expressing
himself as having been much pleased with his visit,
and sending little presents to the children. These
farewells are very painful, and I was glad afterwards
that poor old Mr. Papendiek had had the gratifica-
tion of seeing his son once more.
Time was now verging on towards autumn, and
nothing particular occurred. As it was my father's
last summer at Slough we exchanged visits as often
as we could. The poor horse was sold for 3Z. 10s.,
and my dear, neat and pretty bridle and stirrup for
1/. 10$. We had all made the acquaintance this
summer of Dr. and Miss Herschel, who were then
living on Datchet Common, and it was finally settled
that he should take the house at Slough when my
father's three years' lease was up, so at next Ladyday
he established himself in this pretty place, much to
my satisfaction.
My father and mother now returned to St.
James's, leaving my brother to board with us at 25/.
a year, which, as we were so mutually fond, was an
arrangement that gave us the greatest delight.
Hunting was now carried on with great spirit,
the Prince of Wales coming down, even when settled
in London for the winter, on Tuesdays and Satur-
days for the stag, and Mondays and Thursdays for
hare-hunting. Mr. Papendiek was foremost in the
:l\.\li: LIFE IN
throng, and was often desired by the King to rid<
hunters to try I in at
r animal
k with its blood by the yeomen pri(
ni did Mr. Papendiek miss tin ction.
!• a run of thirty
with the same number of miles
turn. This the Ku
but he Bometimefl returned in hi
My children often went to the Lodge, which
them fed at home there. I still <■< mtinued to
aps for Princess Amelia, and had the
jure to retain tin »od opinion.
My dcai- friends, the Pohla, were just aow in
me trouble, as, owing at difficult^
business, thej not able to meet their liabilities,
and their and property in trade we:
Mr. Pohl had returned from the continent, having
arranged to enter into a partnership in the lace
trade, but as yet there had not been time for any
lucrative returns, though it would doubtless be a
essfu] venture in the end, a- the price of laee
v high in those day-. Imitation lares had
:i invented, and I dinary dress and
Common many shill 3 aid. while a
drawing-rooi ould not be bou than
7n/. Mi>. Told entreated that all might be kept
quiet till after the birthday, but Cobb, the principal
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLO'J 247
creditor, would not ; so she, with her son and
daughter, took refuge under the hospitable roof of
Mrs. Miiller, whose husband was page to Prince
Edward. Mrs. Pohl had also free access to my
father's apartments, and mamma did all she could
for her and her children.
In mentioning these prices, I should add that
although most articles of dress were considerably
more expensive in the days I am writing of than
they are now, a good thing once purchased became
an article of property, and such things as lace were
handed down from one generation to another as
heirlooms. Fashion, too, was not then exigeant in
the matter of continual change. A silk gown would
go on for years, a little furbished up with new
trimmings — and a young woman was rather compli-
mented than otherwise when she exhibited care of
her possessions, and might, with no discredit to her-
self, appear time after time in the same attire.
There was, perhaps, quite as much time and thought
expended upon dress then as there is now, but as
long as it did not interfere with more serious duties
this was considered a proper and useful employment
for women, and the neatest and smartest appearance
produced on the smallest amount of expenditure
was a matter of comment and praise. While I am
speaking of expenditure it may be interesting if I
mention the prices of provisions and other necessities
ivaii: i.iri: i\
of life in th( i ml with
I pound : a fowl, nine;
to a shilli Barters loaf, fourpence ;
pound ; othi about the Ban
j much more expen-
d, and upwards. For
ordim mce ;
penny ; and other things in pro-
1 should >av that as a rule ordinary every-
ier, and luzuriefl decidedly
r ; but people w atenf without them,
were not despised for living economically.
I and my I > ; 1 1 > i tppear on the birth
in the Queen's dressing-room, so dress had now to
ttended to. Boope were no longer worn, but a
bair petticoat, quilted in line glazed Btuif, which
had almosl the same appearance, and was much
convenient, having n<> whalebone, and a pad
Bdded at the bottom of the waist behind, resem
bling <>ur present iournures, In front of the i
from the t<>p of the bodice to the collar bon<
ilver, called a 'titonier,' which suppo
a double handkerchief of muslin, crape, o
d or more square, worn over the gown,
trimmed or plain. My puce satin more
nd, with a white rehief
trimmed with narrow blonde, with I Q the
and smart. My
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 249
babes were in clean white frocks, and blue satin
sashes; Charlotte and Princess Amelia being both in
caps of my make. These two kept pretty fair pace
with each other in improvement, and were fond of
each other in their play.
We had come up to town to stay with my parents
a few days before the birthday this year, 1786, and
now, as a very severe frost had set in, we, as well as
the Royal Family, were weather-bound in London.
This annoyed my mother, as we overcrowded her
rooms, and I was sorry to so inconvenience her by
our protracted visit ; but it could not very well be
helped, as I feared my young baby might take cold
on the journey, being, as she always was, so fragile.
My brother had been obliged to return to Eton, and
remained for the time with Ins dame, and my sister
also returned to school at Mrs. Magnolley's, which,
being so near at hand, she was able to do, in spite of
the weather. Beyond the regret at inconveniencing
my mother, I naturally had none at this extension of
my pleasant holiday.
While we were still in town, we saw Mrs. Siddons
twice, and Miss Farren's debut as the leader in gen-
teel comedy at Drury Lane. She appeared iirsi as
Lady Teazle. An address, penned by herself, was
read to the audience by the deputy manager, to
express that she had undertaken to follow Mrs.
Abington by the encouragement of the manager, and
I l'KIYAli; lifi: IX
ing in her own abilities ; th.
If for this ardui
and • hoped for their indulge
add that her su<
J had mad-
impn summer, by her actin
;' Ac-id. taller than
A.bington, and had a remarkably good figure,
I a most expree intenance, which
illumined by virtue, and peculiar amiability.
Mrs. Siddons, and Mrs. Jordan filled the house
every night t<» an overflow, whili rden,
Mrs. Abington and Miss Young, with I. fcuick,
and Munden equally divided the public opinion, 1
mu-t not omit to name the two Palmer-. Smith, and
King, at Drury Lane. Indeed, the in its
zenith, although Garrick had retired from it. Their
encouragement to it. by appear-
ing every w< me or ii
About the middle of February the
and ai Mr.-. Deluc was «_' < ► i i » «_r to Windsor in the
h. -he very goodnaturedly took charj
Eliza and her aurae, and I returned about
later with ( Jharlo now to
out word 'in her unr-cry pict
and the amusement Of letter-, picture-, pencils, and
rtaiuing to her than
THE TIME OF QUEEH CHARLOTTE 25]
and she picked up much information by that
means.
Dr. Herschel took possession of the house tit
Slough at Lady Day, 178G. His first step, to the
grief of every one who knew the sweet spot, was to
cut down every tree, so that there should be no
impediment to his observations of the heavenly
bodies. Then he erected in the centre of his garden
his wonderful twenty-feet telescope. Every move-
ment of this ponderous machine was easily accom-
plished by two persons, even when the mirror was in
the tube, the interior of which measured five feet in
circumference. The gallery for spectators held six
people, and Dr. Herschel had a seat which was
moved up and down at pleasure by himself. At
the bottom of the erection were two small rooms,
one for Miss Herschel to write down the observa-
tions as they were made by her brother, the other
for the man who assisted in the movements when
required. Company and friends were never denied
admittance to view this extraordinary piece of
mechanism, nor in the evening to look at the moon
and planets, either through the large telescope, or
another of ten feet, also fixed in the garden.
The stabling had been converted into a small
dwelling-house, where Miss Herschel had her apart-
ments and study contiguous to the smaller telescope.
The stable yard was now a pretty garden, on one
\.\h PRIVATE LIFE
, bich were buildings for <• n the
the mii: ich was
on witli a preparation
temp hundred d< \ bich
ild not be Left till
finished. T relieved each
while the
■!ill actually at work. I
mirrors, both of ten feet, and of fh
all over the continent, many of them to Catharine,
enowned Empress of Russia, and by this traffic,
Dr. Bersche] established his fame as one of the
greatest mechanists of bis day, and also set himself
se in pecuniary mar
Bis story Is an interesting and most curious one.
He had conic to this country a few years before
rter from a military hand in EanOVer, his native
. having, by .1 circuitous route, reached Calais,
and from thence , and landed at Dover, with
only a French crown piece in his pocket Be was
. and possessed a natural
polite nature. He
worked I tip to London by music, cither as a
writer, or a performer on a pockel instrument of the
r or lyre construct* a accompaniment to
In London, he fortunately met with
in, who. just then L'<>in,Lr to Bath to settle, took
■liel witli him, and made him conductor of the
THE T!Mi: OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
concerts at the Subscription Rooms, the Pump-room,
the public gardens, and leader of the orchestra at tli<i
playhouse. He was also engaged as organist at one
of the principal churches, and divided the teaching
with Miss Guest. A vacancy for a violoncello player
occurring in the band, he sent for his brother Alex-
ander from Hanover, who at once came over, and
with him his sister, who afterwards lived with the
Doctor. Miss Caroline Herschel was by no means
prepossessing, but a most excellent, kind-hearted
creature, and though not a young woman of brilliant
talents, yet one of unremitting perseverance, and of
natural cleverness.
The Doctor, who was always at work, now exer-
cised his ingenuity upon making opera-glasses, which
were eagerly sought after from their excellence, and
which, therefore, greatly aided his coffers. This led
on to his trying the telescope, and when he had
completed one of five feet, he ran about the streets
at night making his observations, and at a proper
moment took it to Dr. Maskelyne, the Astronomer
Koyal at Greenwich, who so greatly approved of it
that, with every encouragement from this great man,
Dr. Herschel returned to Bath, and there worked at
a ten-feet telescope. He was then introduced to Sir
Joseph Banks, who took him, with his telescopes,
to the Royal' Society, of which he soon became a
member.
\M» PRIVATE I. Hi: l\
ith, and, find
in the • filled u]
■i final i
all t!
painful,
eling had no part in
I >r. He]
lie new settled liii: union, and
li Hank- lie Kin point,
him aomer at Windsor, with a trifling salary
able him to pi >r his
owd occasional amusement. The King,
, being JUSI at this time much harassed by
public business, and als<» deeply wounded by the
conduct of the Prince of Wales, paid no attention to
'resident's proposal, and Dr. Berschel remained
for the present unnoticed by Royalty. IHot so by
I Society, and through the and
- the I k>ctor Boon became ind intro-
I to men of Learning m Datchel he came
Slough.
in the year L781, <>n May -I . ihat he
dum
Sidus,' bo call' hi- Majesty K I III.
sometimes also called - the Herschel,1 and by
me\ ' I MS.' her l : i i - .
inic mountain in the moon
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLO I
and, continuing his researches with unremitting zeal,
he added much valuable information to the existing
knowledge of the planetary system, and of the
heavenly bodies generally.
Dr. Herschel showed every kind of attention
to Mr. and Mrs. Pitt. The former being in a
declining state of health, the Doctor passed many
hours with him in his well-chosen library, and
avowed that he derived much instruction from
his remarks, and great pleasure from his society
and conversation. At the end of the summer, this
excellent man died, leaving the property to his widow
until her death, when it was to revert to their
son, Paul Adee Pitt, my brother's Eton friend and
companion.
I was only in town for a very short time this
year, and missed the Musical Fund concert, but no
new leading stars appeared upon that occasion. Mr.
Horn, a pianoforte player, was brought into notice
by publishing a set of sonatas, of which the second
particularly attracted the notice of Abel. It was
chromatic, the melody of the adagio pretty, and the
whole sonata of a superior cast. The Marquis of
Stafford, while travelling in Germany, met with tins
Horn, and, engaging him as his valet, brought him
to England. He then married the housemaid, whose
situation soon caused my Lord to dismiss the pair.
Horn immediately made music his study, and by
001 KT \M> ri;i\ ati: LIFE IN
him in
duced him ultimately taught
wife remained just
whi . I'm Horn i
TOUght
up bis children well. II
ii"'. r." in W try
Lane, and -
on I Ion boan
I made another Bhort visit to town, in order
ml the A.bbey concert. David, the ten
the novelty this year, and fine indeed he w
The Bolo,'Thy rebuke hath broken his heart,1 v.
saw flowed. Ii Mrs,
Kennedy waa also very and Mara, d<
Mara, and Mrs. Billington maintained their power
and might in all th(
After the King's birthday, which I attended
I. I returned hoi
At the end of thh
solicited that the sum stipulated for the repairs of
ton House should be paid to him, and I
that it • ly, and would 1 1 to
the commie ccounts. This
his Royal 1 1 ild not listen to ; it was repi
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLCM 257
sented that the screen alone had cost more than the
Crown had allowed for the whole, and he wished to
have the disposal of any money lie could lay his
hands on. The King was aware of his son's debts,
of the house fitted up for Mrs. Fitzherbert, of the
hunting seat purchased in Hampshire, where, in the
family of Gascoigne, the Prince had a seraglio, the
brother of the females being raised from groom to
the head of the stud stables, and at his death buried
with the honours of the Eoyal liveries, and his sisters
being afterwards taken into the Queen's household as
assistant dressers. Of these, and many other extra-
vagances, was the King aware, and as the Crown would
not pay his debts, the Prince threw up his establish-
ment, declared himself a bankrupt, and all the
appointments null and void.
Mr. Powell, my cousin Hugh, and George Papen-
diek were now thrown out of employment, and on
our hands again. When the accounts were looked
over, the old pages, Lockley and Sontague, brought
theirs correct to a mite. They now begged to retire
on pensions; the former returned to his native
country, Germany, and, dying soon after, the
Prince educated and provided for his son, who is
now practising as a surgeon in London. Du Pache,
Choie, and Mills were now the attendants, and Welt ze.
the maitre d'hotel, who fitted up the .Pavilion for
his master, and a house in the adjoining buildings
vol. I. S
• im;i\ \ in
i Lord, and Bulse a B
! of tlif Prince, and
id evening p
ription.
followin i Dr. I torai
of the Q Ingland' show arly the
i rince of W
dary embarrassments and his relations with
King and Queen, at about the time of which
Papendiek Is here writing: — * 'I
m Charlotte began life very amply provided
for. Parliament liim 100,000/. as an outfit,
and 50,000/. annually by w Income. Three
months after the birth of his younge aelia,
in November L788, he took his seal in the Souse
of Peers, joined the opposition, gave himself up
to the leading <>f the oppositioi . wheth<
politics or vices, was praised by the people for his
spirit, and estranged from the King, who did not
the principles of those who called themselvi
friends, and who held in horror the ricea and
follies for which th. distinguished. . . . The
Prince of Wi rwhelmed with debt
ic comfort of the Queen was even more
disturbed than tl osort, by the solicitations
■lied friends of the Prince of Wales,
Till; TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
to induce the King to pa}7 the debts of his eldesl son.
Her Majesty's confidence is said to have been fully
placed at this time upon Mr. Pitt. A conversation
is spoken of as having passed between the Queen and
the minister, in which he is reported as having said :
" I much fear, your Majesty, that the Prince, in his
Avild moments, may allow expressions to escape him
that may be injurious to the Crown." " There is little
fear of that," was the alleged reply of the Queen.
" He is too well aware of the consequences of such a
course of conduct to himself. As regards that point,
therefore, I can rely upon him." Mr. Pitt inquired if
her Majesty was aware of the intimacy which then
existed between Mrs. Fitzherbert and the heir-
apparent, and that reports of an intended marriage
were current? "He is now so much embarrassed,"
added the minister, " that at the suggestion of his
friend Sheridan he borrows large amounts from a
Jew who resides in town, and gives his bonds for
much larger amounts than he receives." In the
family dissensions caused by this unhappy subject
neither sire nor son behaved with fairness and can-
dour. In 1784 the Prince had been required to send
in an exact account of his debts, with a view to their
liquidation. The King had, at least, intimated that
he would discharge the Prince's liabilities if this
account was rendered. The account ivtu rendered ;
but after having been kept for months it was re-
s 2
COt IN
turn owing
)L, and be could
id. Efifl
in Holland, and h<
idividu.-il,
i to his leaving
\ 11 thai h(
Mieiit
and remain unknown, until he could appear in a
his rani
On my birthday this year, 1786, I
and my father presented me with a round silver
waiter, bearing my initials, and I was Lucky en<
il other kind p mem-
brances from friends and relations
We attended the Egharti and Maidenhead ra
nial this year, and mixed with our friends in the
neighbourhood pleasantly My mothei with
tiring the ftrst month of my t
Windsor, and occupied the |
the end of oui- <lr:i .- ML
< Mi Ai, b terrible fright in
attempt made upon the ! mad woman,
named M Nicholson, II
Up to town to h'>ld :i Mid JUSl BJ he
stepping from his t* Si.
his woman bent before him
petition, when suddenly, without any i
CHE TIME OF QUEEN OHARLCH
she drew a knife from her bosom with her left hand,
and made a plunge forward, aiming at the King's
heart. Be, however, was fortunately not in the
least hurt, and the woman was seized by the atten-
dants. His Majesty at once returned to Windsor
without holding the levee, so that he might be with
the Queen before any rumour of the attack could
reach her. The Marquis del Campo, the Spanish
ambassador, was quicker still, having started off
post haste to Windsor the moment after the occur-
rence, with the kind and thoughtful intention of
engaging the Queen in conversation until the King
himself should appear, and thus keeping any possible
report of the affair from her Majesty's ears. In this
laudable desire he succeeded, and only retired when
the King himself came in briskly and cheerfully with
the words, ' Here I am, safe and well, and no harm
done ; but I have had a narrow escape ! ' and then
he related the whole story to her. The Queen and
Princesses were all greatly agitated, to say nothing
of the attendants of both sexes ; for his Majesty was
so greatly and deservedly beloved that any evil
coming near to him was felt by all as members of
one happy family. But the King's extreme gaiety
and cheerfulness was infectious, and soon all around
him recovered their wonted spirits. On the follow-
ing Sunday, the Terrace, which was always gay ami
bright, was more than crowded — all the King's
i\ \n: i. n i: in
their d<
thankfulness for iful delii this
phich bis Majesty bad
given to the lord in
; mI banded by bim prh i
I til*' K'l!
: rimmer' blishing
Bunds in many pan- of England came to
. and ber M >f it.
and being much struck with the excellence and advis-
abilit] ch a plan, desired that the same might
he instituted at Windsor. The Queen i! I ber-
I v in tlu' Bcheme, and being so thoroughly
imbued as she was with the >f religion in all
it- beari] rurious that the benefit
religious education should be extended to all with
whom she came ill contact. Her Majesty had
al interviews with Mr-. Trimmer, and b
much impressed with that lady's clear understanding
and sound judgment, requested her to write a work
mi education, which she did. and it has e\er since
;i considered an authority upon that question,
•thing i particular moment occui
cither to ns or in the world around US. We were
iih Sirs. Pitt, at Upton, enjoying the
homely I ■ with wine, in the
dear, brick-floored parlour, she. poor woman,
plained much of the dtriness of ber Life, and we did
mi: TIME of queen charlotte
our best to cheer her, as did also Dr. Herschel, who
often walked over to her house with his sister of an
evening, and as often induced her to join his snug
dinner at Slough.
Just before the hunting season began, Baron
Hordenberg engaged the house at Old Windsor that
Iluddlestone afterwards lived in, in order to enjoy
the sports of the field, and also to be near the King.
He was Hanoverian Minister, and much in request at
the Lodge. His wife was a fine woman — rather of
suspicious material from her inelegant manner, her
repugnance to restraint and her want of real respect
to Royalty. With her husband she attended the
Queen's evening parties, and after the Prince of
Wales had seen her, he attended the hunt more
regularly, and was often at the Lodge. On one of
the days, the stag making a home chase, the Prince
concluded he would not be missed, and popped in to
see the Baroness. Her husband soon discovered the
delinquent, and before night the Hordenbergs, with
their suite, were on the road to Harwich, leaving the
Prince to tell his own tale. The Baron resigned his
appointment, and upon arriving at home he lived in
retirement, never again mixing with a Court. The
Prince did not show himself at the Lodge for some
time, at least not till New Year's Day.
The winter set in unfriendly, the weather being
damp and chilly, so we could not get out much,
AND PRIVATE LIFE IN
1, and all fell <!•
* troub
i with the dulness, and with the babi<
and did not make the
chun
if in the i fainting fit,
when
came down to Windsor with a small ■ order
of dn the Queen and IV had
>me time, but Mr,
oiling to weather the storm, and took the
Bhorl leaa ious house in St. James's Place.
Vigilant as ever, be ith a little Bashing-paint,
and other domestic assiduities, made it a \«
le, and here Mis. Pohl began to get bei
• a tin.
Before < Ihristmae the Family removed t<>
town >ly t<> their usual custom, bu1 after the
Day d returned to
Windsor, which they continued to d<
ount of the pL
tin* hmi! The two elder Prhu i
being uow both Introduced, alwa
their M Princ< ilth now
it ber
i intended, and
Tin: 1 1 M I : OF QUEEH CHARLOl
through the whole of the season her Royal Bigh-
w;ts confined to her own apartments. She had
srofulous abscess on the left side, which was
many weeks coming to a state to admit of its being
lanced, and at her present age, nearly seventeen,
this naturally weakened her considerably. She was
born fat, and through every illness, of which she had
many, she never lost flesh. Her good humour never
forsook her, but her spirits now were low, and when-
ever she saw those whom she knew felt for her and
loved her, she invariably shed torrents of tears.
This proved her weak condition.
i On the Monday previous to the Queen's birthday
(January 18) the Royal family went to town, but
fortunately for me, the Princess Royal, having a
slight feverish cold, was left at Windsor with her
lady-in-waiting, and poor, disappointed Miss Planta.
Poor, but not disappointed Mr. Papendiek, being at
home, was able in the middle of the cold frosty night
of the 19th to fetch Dr. Wilmott to me from Eton.
At half- past nine on the morning of January 20, IT ST,
dear angelic Frederick was born. When Mr. Papen-
diek went at ten o'clock to the Lodge, the Princess
Royal sent a carriage for my other two children, who
remained with her Royal Highness the greater part
of the day. I was in great danger all that day and
through the night, but towards morning sleep
assisted the doctor's skill, and I rallied.
ANH PRIVATE I. in: in
( ho (lurching and ba
. This time yal Family had n
moog ou
grandmamma stand
i by the nai
Henry. My Eat! guineas, and my
from Mr. Papendiek were a bo)
>n, with purple glass inside ; four
! Bait cellars, gilt inside; and four Bilver Bp
My mothi the boy, as Long
Bhould wear them.
Mr. Papendiek now took Lodgings at the 1
Clarke, tl footman, in Eaton Street, Pimlico.
They were rather more expensive, but convenient to
. which was all he had to think
of, as in- attendance would no Longer be required
at Carlton Bouse. We thought it better thai
Papendiek should now settle in town.
to be more among his friends. \*<»>v fellow, he
an affectionate Leave of me, and we never m<
3 then came with ut
She told us thai ad had lent her a hou
Hart Street, BXoomsbury, for one year, while her
;• Btrand-of-the l being repa
she wis! 0 to her when
to do, but it from our 1" afford
any conveniens
Just l • Mr. Papendiek cam<
THE TIME OF QUEEN CIIARLOI 267
the bureau in my room for the L5Z. reserved for the
rent of the Christmas half-year. Alas, it was gone!
and no trace of it could ever be found. No stranger
had been in the room. Nurse was the only one who
knew of the money being there, and she appeared in
every respect to answer to the excellent character
iceived with her. We never recovered it, and it
was indeed a sad loss.
About a month after, Mr. Papendiek took Char-
lotte up to stay with her grandmother, but finding
that there was small-pox in the next apartment, he
brought her back again, and a few days after the
three little dears were inoculated by Dr. Mingay.
They were all very sick and ill, but recovered
nicely.
In April, Princess Amelia, the King's aunt, died,
leaving her estate of Gunnersbury and all her other
property to her brother-in-law, the Prince of Hesse -
Cassel. After his agent had settled all the affairs and
had paid legacies &c. the estate was sold, and sub-
sequently bought by Mr. Copland, the great master
builder of the day, who paid 10,000/. for it. This lie
divided into three parts, reserving for himself land
that he still called the Park, with the fine cedar trees
and the sheet of water. The house he fitted up with
great taste, and ornamented it with elegant articles
of vertu, collected by him in Italy in his summer
excursions. Mr. Copland died in 1834, and his
<X>n;r am> PRIVATE UFE IN
schild, who, how<
ed in I v
The early part ofth
in tli- .Id. Th(
1 *ri it- <»w divi< '. hich
litional attendants to wait upon
holding appoint-
in. The apart:
d. Lady ( Charlotte Finch had a house found
for her u
apartmei - Planta had
. and most of the other lad
1 in Buckingham House. On account of the
conduct of the Prince of Wales, the King kept the
Duke of Y<>rk abroad, bul unfortunately with no
good result, for upon the death of the Greal 1
ri.-k of Prussia, his Royal Highness left Berlin and
was established at Hanover, where he played the
ime as his Etoyal brother did in England.
Prince William Henry, our presenl B .rite this
in L836), was established I the
he at present lives, which has
our olarged and repaired both substan-
tially and ornamentally. I nt to
cruise about our settlements in the Western II
sphere ; the Trim ent to the I 'ni\.
Mid the three younger Princes to th
!i None of them had an\
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
in attendance upon them, with the exception of
Prince William, who having entered the navy at the
usual early age, had the youngest son of Dr. Majendie
to be with him as tutor.
The Queen availed herself of this opportunity to
insure the services of Mr. Magnolley (page to Prince
William) to assist in the wait upon the three elder
Princesses, to relieve Mr. Papendiek. He desire*!
that he might share the perquisites, and this was
arranged to his satisfaction, rooms also being pro-
vided for him at St. James's, at Kew, and at Windsor.
He was to board with the other pages. The perqui-
sites of the Board of Green Cloth we kept wholly —
tablecloths, napkins, store candles, and pitcher wine.
The perquisites to be shared were those used in the
Princesses' own room, — wax candles, the night wax
mortars, and the remains of any meal served to them
separately, with wine, or whatever it might be. Mr.
Papendiek observed the same rule with my father ;
whatever remained untouched he took, but anything
that had been tasted he allowed the page's man to take.
Not so with Magnolley. He grasped .all he could.
Mr. Brown, who had remained sole page, after
Powell's dismissal, to the three younger Princes, was
now established in the nursery under Lady Charlotte
Finch, and in this situation he became all in all to
her. He retained his rooms in the Prince's house at
Kew, also at Buckingham House, and one was found
\\h PRIVATE LIFE IN
for him
Burned i Pinch incn
attending to the
(•due her daughters decreased, and thn
ittle girl was introd
li, the Pru Her
i hard to obtain permission to educate
rand-daughters, the three Miss Fieldings, with the
younger Prin< martially, if not wholly; hut there
the Queen v. Table. The King had fir
their father in the navy afl high i ould, the
:i had made Mrs. Fielding bedchai man,
and more could not he considered. Miss Pinch came
only by invitation. She was perfectly a lady, much
liked, and \. ervedly e
These arrangementfl having beer formed, all i
working satisfactorily, when ;i catastrophe occurred
which threw ;i gloom over the Royal Family not
to be overcome; the death <»f 1 rince Octavius from
inoculation, lie, with Princess Sophia, was taken to
for the benefit of the air. and t«. : tantly
under tip f the surgeon, Pennel Hawkins, who
in our house. Princess Sophia did well, hut
this dear child and most interesting I BUp-
I to h:i\ lit eold just when the eruption
should have con the King having taken him
into the L':in!- in the evening, towards Bunset.
Only tw« did thi- angel
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHABLOI H 7 1
died apparently from suffocation which nothing could
relieve.
For children under seven years of age, no mourn-
ing is worn at Court.
The dear child's coffin was taken in a coach to
Westminster Abbey, where he was interred. At
the door stood Mrs. Harris, his Eoyal Highness's
wet nurse, who entreated to be allowed to enter,
which was granted. The King was touched by the
circumstance, and desired that she might be written
to, and told how much his Majesty approved her
dutiful attention.
The Eoyal Family went down to Windsor, and
public business was suspended, the Easter recess
being prolonged. The Easter Monday hunt, the last
meet of the season, did not take place, for upon this
occasion there was always a large assembly of com-
pany to meet the Queen and others, and at the spot
where the stag was turned out, this sweet little
Prince used to appear dressed in the appropriate
uniform, with all the correct paraphernalia of long
whip &c, the King calling out, ' Turn out the little
huntsman also.' Oh ! it was a severe visitation.
The King was devoted to all his children, and this
one seemed in some respects to be the flower of the
flock. He was a lovely child, of a sweet disposition,
and showed every promise of future goodness. A
portrait was painted of him by Gainsborough, who
RT AND l'i:i\ \ IN
i who
broken in for her. The Duke of M was
King, the Ear] Har-
courl tli-
Round Tower. Both oble-
came down to attend, and Mr. Papendiek was
only to try the horses, but was to ride with
This was Battering, and was kept up
through a greal pari of the summer. It afforded
amusement to the King, and was productive of much
benefit to the Princess Elizabeth's health.
Public <l;i\ resumed at Court, the tl
rider Pri moving alwayfl with tl
Queen. The King, for whom every one thought
much, appeared to b led, and patiently \-
into his usual habits, but the theatre 1 Family
did not again The '
new on Aahford Common leral G<
wort! di \ . To in tacle
be had tent d in the form oi
for the 1 and Princi
occupying tl ition. The Delav;
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOT
took a coach and insisted upon my accompanying
them, which with Mr. Papendiek's consent 1 did ; and
much gratified indeed I was. It was the first review
I had seen, and by this indulgent arrangement of the
general's, we did see the whole without the slightest
impediment or inconvenience.
The Abbey concerts now again drew general
attention, and as I had not been in town during the
winter, Mr. Papendiek wished me to go, which I did,
with great satisfaction to myself. Charlotte went to
St. James's, but the two babies I took with me to
Eaton Street. I wished to hear the ' Messiah,' which
was to be opened by Mara, and I need hardly say
that the performance was exquisite. The * Comfort
ye my people ' was as perfect a performance as could
possibly be heard, and when the quick part came,
' Every valley shall be exalted,' every person stood,
following the example of those in the Royal box, and
Mara's manner of singing it, with the ancient trill,
was equally fine, or even more so, than the Adagio.
The Princes being all far away, the Queen took her
five daughters, the three elder being accompanied by
the Ladies Elizabeth and Caroline Waldegrave, and
the two younger by Lady Charlotte Finch and Miss
Goldsworthy. The maids of honour, and other
ladies in attendance, arranged at the back of the
two Royal boxes, made a brilliant appearance. The
Prince of Wales was present in his own State box,
vol. i. T
i ri:iv\ in
with 1 :it up
to bim in turn, and paid all proper attention.
•it and hand-
Mai-«|i. rmarthen, who the
i
i- happy with I
to pi himself. She \ lurviving
child of the Bar] of Hold* . a handsome woman,
nt and accomplished, and
did not live lo r this unhappy affair,
h-avi! daughter only. Lady M;i orne,
who was broughl up by her grandmoth<
Holdernesse, and turned out a fine, amiable y<
woman.
A little change in drees occurred about now.
The great cushion was abolished, and the hair was
frizzed tight, so as to Bupport a round cap with a
ribbon round. One curl just behind t] and a
ad one down upon the neck even with the chig-
non. Jeeve was now over the point of the
elbow, with a double frill of whit
At I returned
Windsor in a • Leaving Charlotte in town,
in time to be present at the Eton tiontem. I
liking
ii form, was m<
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOG 275
fying. Their Majesties not attending this year, Mr.
Papendiek was obliged to remain in town, and 1
therefore went alone with my nurse and babies. The
crowd alarmed me, but our postboy soon brought
us to a snug spot, from whence we saw the whole
comfortably, and being the first Montem I had seen,
I was very much pleased.
Dr. Herschel was begged to go over to Windsor
whenever any appearance in the heavens was likely
to interest the King. This he willingly undertook to
do, and a ten feet telescope was placed so as to be
always ready, but whenever anything very particu-
larly beautiful or unusual was to be seen, he would
send down a twenty feet telescope without making the
slightest trouble. The King was gratified, and the
whole family pleased with the astronomer royal. Sir
Joseph Banks was flattered at the appointment, and
the Eoyal Society also.
Among friends it was soon discovered that an
earthly star attracted the attention of Dr. Herschel.
An offer was made to Widow Pitt, and accepted.
They were to live at Upton, and Miss Herschel at
Slough, which was to remain the house of business.
All at once it struck Mrs. Pitt that the Doctor would
be principally at the latter place, and that Miss Her-
schel would be mistress of the concern, and consi-
dering the matter in all its bearings, she determined
upon giving it up. Dr. Herschel expressed his
T 2
ipointment, but said thai his pursuit I
relinquish ; that be must ha instant a
taut, and : trained hifl
efficient i indefatigable, and t
ould ii,
prom
5 and hoiin did we
in th
time in rambles and joyous merri-
it.
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE *J77
CHAPTER XI.
St. George's Chapel at Windsor — Painted windows — New College, Oxford
— West — Fashion set by the Prince of Wales — Grand pianoforte —
Art and science — Rodgers — Lady Mexborough — Miss Haines — House-
breaking and robbery — Hart Street — Mrs. Pitt and Dr. Herschel
again engaged — Epidemic fever at Eton — Precautions against infec-
tion— Death of a canary bird— Mr. Papendiek takes to a wig — Mr.
Lang, assistant surgeon of St. Bartholomew's Hospital — Mrs. Albert's
great strictness — Mrs. Papendiek gives a dance — The supper — Visit
from Salomon — A private concert — Charlotte writes a letter — Mr.
and Mrs. Duberly — Approaching death of Mrs. Pohl — ' Back Stairs ' —
Fashions for evening dress — Fashionable work — Mrs. Hiinnemann —
Mrs. Duberly — Hoppner and Mrs. Hoppner — Charlotte's portrait —
Signs of the King's serious illness — Mrs. Magnolley — Dr. Heberden —
The Princess Royal's rooms refurnished — Dr. Herschel marries Mrs.
Pitt— Troubles at St. James's — Ramberg — Drawing of the Papendiek
children — House at Kensington — The ZofFanys — Charlotte goes to
school — The King tries wine — Death of Miss Laverocke — Miss Pascal,
now Mrs. Theilcke — The party for Cheltenham.
Another branch of art and science had, a short time
before this, been brought to the King's notice.
St. George's Chapel at Windsor was being, by his
Majesty's command, repaired and beautified, and it
was suggested that the windows should be painted.
Mr. Jarvis . was introduced, and shortly after lie
began his work. He took the large house at the
bottom of Peascod Street, with a fine garden and
IN
outln rhich li-
mil having only and
;u- low*
Be had just completed the window of V l
. of which tl Nativity,1
The ■ B
upon for Wind
ainting the alta he * Last
Supper,1 and he had led himself at Windsor,
in Park Street.
Mr. l-'onv.-t. who assisted Jarvis, was a pleasant
man, and his wife a friendly woman who received
eeably in their small abode. II*' i
musical, and, with Mr. Papendiek's assistance,
brought his Bute-playing to such perfection that he
often performed a duet concerto with him at the
King1
The Wests were Americans, originally Quak<
i i ld< • ion, Ralph, was delightful Be had a
fine, tall figure, with an i countenanoe, and
invariably sal to his father for the portrait of St.
.John. B -as -imply elegant, which was
striking amid the I turled hair, and
the Prino
people, for his
! Highni
THE TIMK OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 279
done. Ralph and I were sworn friends. He came
in and out of our house at pleasure, and his society
was always agreeable to us all.
No presents marked my birthday this year, but
towards autumn a surprise awaited me. A foreman
of Bautebart's, the original pianoforte maker, in-
vented a new instrument, which he termed a grand
pianoforte. It was the shape of a harpsichord, but
with brass tubes. A superb instrument, but a little
hard in the touch. Frisker was the man's name, and
he sent it down to the Lodge on speculation, but
there, ancient music bearing the palm, the organ and
harpsichord were not to be superseded.
This new grand pianoforte, therefore, reached
our dwelling, and Frisker took ours of Goner in
exchange, with 25/. addition. Schroeder was de-
lighted with it, and was of use to the maker. He at
once taught me three of his concertos, to set both off;
then his sonatas, and three difficult ones of Haydn's
just published, with violin and violoncello accom-
paniments.
Art and science thus hovering round us, com-
bined with the new instrument, attracted others, and
we became the centre of a charming coterie. Eod-
gers asked Mr. Papendiek to take up his son, a boy
of twelve, with a most beautiful voice, and a won-
derful intonation and genius for music. He attracted
notice as one of the leading choir boys at the
i PRIVATE i. in: in
. and was I public
ough us he w
invil lid I h
him the opportu
ill OUT littl' . and in return
kepi all our instruments in tune, which he did
admirably.
Be tch little Charlotte her not
-. but this did
although he was clever, his temper wa sh and
iborn, and he could n<>( conciliate
the poor child in her task. In other thii did
well. She could stitch a pocket. id prettily.
and now began to write.
.My mother passed now and then BOme time with
. and we had OUT parlies to the races Egham,
and Maidenhead, a- usual, with a picnic
dim
One of these days, when we were amusing our-
tborough, who \
fishing with a par; rod brought us
fruit. Then, finding we were old friends, expres
her pl<
i member of on,- of the old established
families of Windsor, and her father compelled her
►ugh by holding
Loaded pistol to her, i her or himself, should
shi in her refusal. Tl tnonstrai
THE TIME OF QUEEN OHARLCH 281
settled the point, hut T do not think she eventually
regretted it. Another of our musical friends, Miss
Haines, married Colonel Egerton, who became Earl
of Bridgewater.
The Royal Family going for a week or two to
town, on account of some foreigners, we took the
opportunity of paying a long-promised visit to Mrs.
Zoffany. Her house in Hart Street was at the corner
of Church Passage, and one watchman's box was
close to her front door, a second being stationed up
the passage. It was a comfort to feel so well pro-
tected, for just after the war housebreaking and
robbery of every description were very prevalent.
Just after I left, having stayed a week in every
comfort of friend ship, Mrs. Watkins arrived from
India, and by Mr. Zoffany's desire, made his wife's
abode her home pro tempore. She was protected on
the voyage by Maddison, the great stockbroker, who
managed all Zoffany 's affairs, and of whom Zoffany
painted such an admirable portrait that it was
engraved .
In those days, when London was very different to
what it now is, Hart Street was very desirable, both
as to light and air, but the approaches were bad,
through Monmouth Street and St. Giles's. I always
avoided dark streets in going or returning from St.
James's, when possible, and never met with the
least unpleasantness.
282 COURT AND PRIVATE LIFE IN
A few days after our return home, Mrs. Pitt
called to tell us that the offer from Dr. Herschel
had been renewed, and again accepted, under the
following arrangement. There were to be two esta-
blishments, one at Upton and one at Slough ; two
maidservants in each, and one footman to go back-
wards and forwards, with accommodation at both
places, and Miss Herschel to have apartments over
the workshops. A tube was arranged for the Doctor
to communicate with her, direct from his post of
observation, so she was able to write minutes of
his proceedings without being exposed to the open
air.
Sir Joseph Banks and ourselves were the only
friends entrusted with the secret of their engage-
ment. All preparations were begun, and spring,
when the mourning was to end, and the marriage to
take place, was anxiously anticipated.
At Christmas my brother and Paul Adee Pitt
were to leave Eton, but in November an epidemic
fever broke out, first in the College and then spread
through Eton and a part of Windsor, which caused
the dispersion of as many of the scholars as were
able to leave. My brother was one who had it
severely, and my nursery-maid also, who, as she
would not be attended by Dr. Mingay, was removed
to her friends and died after four weeks' illness.
We nursed my brother at home, and through Dr.
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTi:
Mingay's excellent precautions, the infection did not
spread, and all the rest of us escaped. The doors
of all the rooms were kept wide open to create a
thorough draught, and small fires kept burning in
each sleeping room. Twice a day a large pan of
vinegar, boiled with certain spices, was placed on
each of the three landings of the staircase.
My father and mother principally nursed my
brother, assisted by us and an excellent maid, sent
by Dr. Heath, who remained with me afterwards.
He was bled twice, and fed with port wine, spiced,
with a rusk softened in it, sometimes a little diluted
with water, and, as he began to recover, meat and
chicken panadas. At the end of six weeks he rose
up better than he had been for some time before
falling ill.
The doctor pronounced it nervous fever, bordering
on typhus, but fortunately it did not amount to that
dreadful illness, though it was bad enough, and many
died in both towns. The school having broken up
at the commencement of the epidemic, did not re-
assemble till after the Christmas vacation.
Two more events in this year distressed me ; the
one was the death of my canary bird, which we had
cherished among us from the time of my marriage.
On returning to the parlour after a few days of
indisposition (Milly, the servant, having always taken
charge of it during my absence), I called to my
I\
little favourit jumping up
usual at the sound i
into ;' . ami. t< a the poor little
thing Lying on iti tin- 1>< f the
think
it mi; the food,
• being quil the apertun
little fluttering innocent ! I trust
els momentary
hut they could nnt bring it back to imprisonment.
The other event, though of a wry different kind,
• trouble to me. Mr. Papendiek
had long threatened to wear a wig; as his head was
bald at the top. and he complained of the '-old.
now, in spite of all my remonstrances, he v,
mined, and did carry his threat into ;tioii.
were not then what they are n<' ering
made to imitate the hair, lait real frightful
Mr. Papendiek looked older, his One forehead
hidden, and his beat fttly diminished l>y this
horrid wig. 1 said it even lessened my love for him,
hut he was inexorable, and time reconciled us,
though I continued Ion it. For two
or three mornings, not feeling the cold as I
forgot his hat 1 had to step back for it
to the amusement of ue all.
My brother and Pitt \ w both
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHABLCX1
their respective callings. Willi the former, who
was then sixteen, I lost my companion, and the 261.
allowed me for his board ; in Paul Adee, an open-
hearted friendly acquaintance, who had endeared
himself to us in every social tie.
My brother having determined upon the medical
profession, my father asked the advice of his friends
upon the subject of his training, not wishing again
to apply to the Queen, when Mr. Meyer, who was
my brother's godfather, recommended his being ar-
ticled to an assistant surgeon of a hospital, surgery
being the branch of the profession that he preferred.
The surgeons about the Court were eminent men,
but aged, and not in general practice, so it was
judged best to bring my brother into active business.
Mr. Lang, assistant surgeon of St. Bartholomew's
Hospital, and surgeon of Christ's Hospital, was the
one preferred, and my brother was introduced to
him, approved, and all finally settled. He was a
clever man, a member of the Literati Society, and
eminent in his profession, though not a great operator.
He was an intimate friend of Mr. Meyer's, and of
that party — Hay ley, Cowper, &c. He was a rich
man and a gentleman, so all appeared favourable.
The premium was high, but it included the pay-
ment to Mr. Lang, and to the hospital for the use of
instruments, admission to the library, the attendance
at lectures, at the visits of medical men, at operations,
COli;r ami ri:i\ \ in
and in fart, all nm
up
list
tli. . Blick, i
iog under bi urably.
My brothe
pT >n, and
- much liked b
department, and his pr< ipid. The i
placing him had I but no doubt t
fell of an advantageous result.
His friend Pitt was near him in the hou idy,
as lie had been apprenticed to bis uncle, Mr. Baldwin,
a wholesale chemist, but their happy meel
no more during their leisure time. Mr. Baldwin v
rigid, and my mother allowed few indulgent pri-
vileges to her children. That of cultivating friend-
ships and forming acquaintances >h>
hibited. Perhaps it was for a wise pur] it
made us dependent upon our own i
up our time, and may have given my brother that
habit of Study whieh now iy accelerated bis
improvement, and in tl F situations be I.
been thrown into through life, this may bav<
Btituted a bappine
en a blank. When we were in town, I
ildren to amuse him at 1
THE TIMi: OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
meals, and during the early part of the evening be
would join us in our games of cribbage, picquet,
whist, quadrille, or backgammon, retiring early to
study for the next day's attendance.
Before the departure of my brother and young
Pitt, it was proposed to give an evening party as a
sort of farewell. A dance was the wished-for merri-
ment, but where was the room ?
Our large kitchen was put into requisition, and
with argand lamps, laurel boughs, and other pretty
decorations, a most complete chamber for dancing it
made. The approach to it was through our common
parlour, where tea and refreshments were served, the
front parlour and side room being appropriated to
the supper, which was all prepared at home, accord-
ing to the custom of that time, and the drawing-
room being reserved for cards. New Year's Day,
1788, was fixed upon for the entertainment, as the
Eoyal Family intending to go up to London only just
for the drawing-room, Mr. Papendiek was able to
obtain leave of absence.
The Misses White and Stone were invited the
previous week to assist me in the preparations. The
rooms were lighted with wax candles, and the pas-
sages &c. with lamps. The supper consisted of an
epergne on each table with pickles and preserves,
wet and dry: Then, placed neatly and prettily on
the table, were cold roasted poultry and game ; the
• IM;I\ \ IN
bed with lob
and p potted i . hard-boiled in P
support
ili whipped cream round ;
. and such
! and prepared - no cutting ;
Bruits and dried, blan<
and red. jellies all colours ; the
much attended to, a round i bam,
and salads on the mde tables. Mulled beer, n<
and puncb were the warm ; cold,
wines of different sorts, including home-made w
and curranl and raspberry water &c. We
a part of the Freemasons' hand from thai tavern.
Mr. Papendiek and Salomon dined at I>r.
BerscheTs and joined us at the bour appointed. I
led off the dance opening the ball with young
Pitt out of compliment to him, and we kept it up
till about four o'clock in the morning. Our guests
numbered about one hundred and Si
lined on with as, and during his
bad qua morning, selecting I
of the K required, the
lerally of our little | < hir
firieni aused and gratified. One of the
minor canoi Gibbons, who had ma
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOl
lady of fortune, came now to settle at Windsor, and
took a house in Park Street. They made their ddbut
in (lie society of Windsor at a private concert given
at this time. The glee party, four in number, were
there with Kodgers to accompany. We took Salomon
with us, which was a great favour, and I with him
and Mr. Gore, who played the bass, performed two
sonatas of Haydn and one of Schroeder. I also took
a second to Rodgers in singing, in which I could
always succeed with musicians.
This concert brought me many visitors and invi-
tations, but I at once declined the card parties on
the plea of my little family and the uncertainty of
Mr. Papendiek's presence. These two evenings were
a subject of sarcasm with the Delavauxs for many a
day — the ' Kitchen dance,' and the ' Minor Canon
concert.'
The Royal Family, with their attendants, left Wind-
sor a few days before the birthday, for the season,
and little Charlotte went with her papa, on a visit
to her grandparents at St. James's. In the hurry of
departure she took up her little box of toys, but left
the key. I sent it by the first conveyance, but in
the meantime she wrote me a letter for it. It was
of her own inditing and was simple and natural, the
description correct, and the words very fairly spelt,
the letters being formed some like printing, others to
imitate writing. This was in January 1788, and she
VOL. I. U
IN
was only four old the end of th<
Mi-. Papendiek had given up
I bad tli
md much Less in price than
Clarke*.-, and the 1 and attenl
Mi-. Papendiek told me of Dub
ma uli the daughter of iral in I
army, then living with her widowed mothei
his family approved of the match, but he nevertl
led with it and married, taking a priva
dwelling-house in Soho Square, and extensive
arises in Dean street for his busim irmy cloth-
ihg. We had paid our debt to him. and Mr. Papen-
diek had procured for him another regiment, and
now he \va> anxious to introduce hi- wile to
and to renew our friendship upon the old ea
footing.
They also I the large room in I
I folden Square, to let out for danc<
or routs, and began by institute ubscription
series of twelve alt . which \
to com onal quartett, with ion
to amateun to perform if th< ,1 it. &
the oighti be devoted to dancing, and
for thee a band
0 violin-, violoncello, tabor and pipe, the tl
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 291
fashion. The room was small, but they must
two cotillons and about twenty couple for the count iv
dance.
As Mr. Papendiek wished to keep up the connec-
tion, we took tickets, intending to go when we
could.
The spare room at St. James's was fitted up for
my brother. His bed was put into a recess with
curtains neatly hung over it, so that it had all the
appearance of a study, where he could receive his
friends, and occupy himself without causing any in-
convenience to mamma.
I went up to town for a week, taking up my
quarters at Gates's, and was present at the first of
Duberly's subscription nights. I ran in to Mrs. Pohl
to speak about a bonnet, and to see how she was. I
had heard that she was indifferent, but little did I ex-
pect to find my dear friend on her deathbed. She
was supported on her bed taking stock of what re-
mained of her once flourishing and elegant business
when I went in. She hoped to recover, and was
cheerful. I stayed with her some time, but we never
met again. She wished her daughter to continue
the business, and was glad that I required a few
things.
My white bonnet of the previous summer was
to be trimmed with the now fashionable colour of
orange, in compliment to the marriage of the
u 2
litary P ' Eollan
I [olland.
I j i iberly, whq
timed my ••all •
)i up
show this proud
in that they were the private entrance to the
well as to ours,
afforded her any
T! of Duberly*fl evenings m
aning at eight and ending .-it tv
it went off very well. I danced with Duberly and
Salomon. Iffy dress was the p tin, with the
trims roze bandkerchiei as b<
of it being fastened in front by three white
satin broad .-traps buckled with rted buckles. The
last addition was a gauze apron as long as the gown,
which met behind at th< and was finished off
with two equal bows and end- lying upon the bustle,
and a large nosegay of artificial flow< n to me
by Princt beth, and tied up by her lor the
Mi,. Headdress t! . but Eead's atten-
dance being suspended in favour of Mi-. Theilc
thought I wj ingly finished.
tlemen at that time w;
cloth coat, lined with silk or satin according to the
season, v slightly embroi-
Tin: TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
dered, black satin shorts, white silk stockings, and
shoes with buckles, lace ruffles and shirt frill, a
smaller bag, and the sword without a knot. Mr.
Papendiek's colours were a very dark dead brown,
with light blue lining, the waistcoat being worked by
me with a rose pattern.
My dress was particularly admired, as being of
the last fashion, and Miss Strong immediately bor-
rowed the nosegay, which I lent with pleasure.
At that time everybody made flowers, as the
fashionable work for the season. Prince Ernest had
written to Mr. Papendiek to procure for him the
proper instruments for the work, which for a com-
plete full blown rose with buds, leaves, wire, and
silk, cost about twelve guineas. These commissions
from the Prince were always to be paid for by the
Queen. This one she rather cavilled at, and as Mr.
Papendiek had some difficulty with it, and also in
procuring the instruments for Princess Elizabeth, my
nosegay was given as an acknowledgment of all his
trouble.
I finished my week in town by calling upon my
friends. I saw Mrs. Htinnemann, who had just given
birth to her eldest son, Bladen, and was looking ill
and quiet. Mrs. Wadsworth told me that the hus-
band allowed all requisites cheerfully, but the con-
versation always turning upon the saving of expenses
was a little depressing. As I had at that time never
CO I IN
seen .M not kin upon p
Pohl. I paid my bill, and b) with my
.1 with I ; : hut though thai
ould n<»t have borne it
I sit in the W »ach at illy, and
- driving down to St. James's, I
poned i .1 ii until the
following thoroughly the
company drawing-room through the
Kin- chamber. Thi allures;
hut I was only twenty-two, and had led a n
• home. Besides, I was anxioui p up and
improve in my acquired accomplishments, and to
retain my well-bred manner. NTor was Mr. Papen-
diek og that as we could derive no
from money or appointment, we could
only he received into good society by these mi
and to form connection- or acquaintance bekra
walk in life, that he would D DSenf to.
I found my babies well. I Loved my children.
and it was a trial to me when I hail t«. leave them;
hut SS Mr. Tapendiek was during the winl.
in town than at home, he naturally wished me
could i
to move our whole family. I always tried to make
iueh regulations that when I from my
•thing hut my per
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
care, and, thank God for His merciful providence, no
harm ever did happen to these sweet beings. If I
erred in the conduct I pursued, I sincerely repent,
and humbly trust for forgiveness.
I went to London once more to attend a musical
night of these pleasant subscription meetings. This
time I wore the puce satin again, with puce
straps instead of white, and my watch and bracelets
made the difference from dancing attire, and looked
equally well. Mr. Duberly was there, but not his
lady, who seemed to be no longer inquired after.
She had not from the first made herself agreeable to
her husband's friends, and now her desire appeared
to be to show that she did not wish for their society.
We met no more, and within a few years she in-
trigued with old General Gunning.
On Mr. Duberly taking her to her mother she
said, * You must approve my daughter having made
choice of a gentleman, for really those friends to
whom you introduced her, as well as your own
family, move in a very different society from what
she has been accustomed to, and she was not happy.'
To this he answered, ' My family are worthy, friendly
people, and my wealth that you looked after for your
daughter has been appropriated to her advantage,
both present and future.' They were soon divorced,
but Duberly remained in Soho Square, and our
friendship continued unbroken.
I PRIVATE LIFE IN
Bdppner comn
of my little I
i 1 Mr
mded by a mob u
book
- amount . which
he li • takes from B This,
i little de] »me con
Mil Upon cli
dentl]
in future to fetch your little girl,
is more than I can manage. I have tried to
whip her, but could not.' Mr. Papendiek said, 'She
i> nut much accustomed to that;1 and when he
lifted her up to klSS them, she >aid tO Mi". Hopp-
• Sou are good to me, and I like the painting
room ; * I mt to Mrs. Qoppi 1, * You are
to me, and 1 only wished to look o
the wind.
Mr. Papendiek called irds to kno¥
result would be, and Bdppner told him that,
much as he the portrait had been
admired for it simplicity and the
remarkably beautiful ey< could not finish it
for t Mr. Papendiek then
•d to have it the end of the
ii, which was done, in the unfinished
THE TIME OF QUEEN 0HARLO1 297
which it now hangs in my daughter's drawing-
room.1
This spring, 1788, the King began to show signs
of serious illness. Dr. Baker alone attended him,
and gave it as his opinion that the bile did not How
properly, and as his Majesty would not consent to
take any medicine likely to be beneficial to him, he
was u j) and down in his condition — better and worse,
but did not rally. All eyes were upon him, and
party feeling ran high.
Among others observed, Mrs. Magnolley came
under the lash of the Queen for receiving at her
house such men as Fox, Sheridan, Whitbread, &c.
When her Majesty spoke to the husband about it
he answered spiritedly for his wife, but added that
as the lease of her house was up, and her sister on
the point of being married, she intended to leave
Kensington Gore and retire with her mother to
Camberwell.
My sister, who was now between twelve and
thirteen, was by this change thrown out of her
education. For the present she went home, and 1
hoped my mother would fit up the unused room at
St. James's for her. But no — this was to remain a
lumber and store-room, and a bed wTas put up for my
sister in the maid's room.
At Easter' the Eoyal Family were at Windsor as
1 The picture is now in my possession. — En.
Ian to i
ordered down, and at in ( "hurdi I
and i all adjoined the Kin-j
i through, bo that lu4 could have
moment. I
highly disapproi
1 Dr.
Monro. He considered the case alarming, and this
itdtioner said, - 1! lough for
him to do, but there must h< illation.'
Th
much as possible from the public, to ha
the m— ion. and direct their hopes to the
Bummer business, to change of air, and othei
The King was aware of the probability of his
malady, but was unconscious of its having already
mad irides. Dr. Monro retired, and w;i
!i called in.
In 1 1 1 i . when most things were regulfl
with something like order and justice, it was the rule
that all palace-, houses, and apartments furnished by
the Lord Chamberlain's <>flh i
either newly fitted up, replenished, or put t<> rights;
and on removing the old Furniture, it was always
I to the household wished to pnr-
- any pari of it.
Tl Came down to take the
Prina m Eh >; tnmands with reference '•> i
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
nishing her two rooms and closet at the Upper Lodge,
and Mr. Papendiek sent over a man to measure how
the whole of the old would suit our drawing room.
There was a sofa which fitted into the end of the
room as if it had been made for the place, twelve;
chairs, two pier card-tables, a pembroke table to
match, the curtains (four), as if they had been
planned to the windows, the pattern something like
my high bed, of a warm dark red damask, lined with
white. The whole to be cleaned, finished, and put
up for 25/., ready money — a very fair-priced bar-
gain. But where the sum came from I can only
guess. Old Delavaux, I imagine, as he was always
ready to advance money on heavy interest.
There was no carpet, but this we did not mind,
for, as Mr. Papendiek observed, our little entertain-
ments were always music, when the carpet, if we had
one, would be taken up. The Princess sent, in
addition, a work-table as a present from herself.
The recess ended, all returned to town, but I
remained stationary at Windsor. Dr. Herschel now
married the Widow Pitt. Mr. Baldwin gave her away,
her son was present, and Sir Joseph Banks acted as
the friend of the Doctor. Miss Herschel received them
at Slough, which was the honoured house for the
reception of the newly-married pair, and where
they spent their honeymoon. About six wreeks
after, cards were sent round dated Upton, so there.
IN
in May,
;i the
rd, where 1 put on my whit
I >r. Berschel and his
! into tlu'
well-known tent, win and wine were presented.
I hoped
e walked back again, and I w
fatigued as might have been expect
me time after my father called, when
down at Windsor during his wait, and told me that
thing not going on well at St. James's, ju
I dreaded would be the case. I entreated him Dot to
disturb the arrangements of my brother, which
proceeds ctorily, but to send mj
school, her education being far from completed. Be
wished me to ta! but thai was ai
• under any circum I I pro]
Ltham or M ich's. The latter was I
upon, and d r placed there. I d my
mother in making the arrangements, and in prepar
dre i innia thanked me, and
all was right.
About this time Ban
at Barn highly p
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 301
for genius and talent as a draughtsman. 'Hie Queen
gave permission for the six Princesses to sit to him,
and asked us to accommodate him while at Windsor.
We gave him the two small rooms at the end of the
drawing-room, and he mealed at the Lodge. In town
he had a room at the Queen's House. He expressed
himself as being extremely pleased at our attention
to him, which was upon German principles — his
pipe, the garden, a little English beer, and his
coffee.
A few weeks finished his work for the Queen, and
as a remembrance to us he left us the drawing of our
sweet children which now hangs in the Arbutlmot's
parlour.1 Although a performance not generally
appreciated, yet it is a pleasurable recollection to
me.
My father at this time took a house in Kensing-
ton, thinking that the air would be better for my
brother than at St. James's, during the fine summer
months, and less confined for a boy who had always
lived in the country. The Kensington stages were
then only sixpence all the way to the Bank, and my
brother used to go daily by them to his work.
I was invited, according to his wish, to spend a
few days with him, which I gladly did, and of an
evening we sat or walked in those sweet gardens of
1 This picture is now in the possession of Colonel II. T. Arbuthnot,
Royal Artillery, second son of the late Mr. Arbuthnot, of the Treasury,
IN
man, wl xnmenl a large pre-
mium for i Be I:
of u our families
during the time thai my father had thismosl pl<
On my way home I called upon Mrs. Zoflany and
invited 1 i ty with me, with her two little girls,
Theresa and Cecilia, then, I should e
and l I Id. In a few ived, and
at oi suited me about sending her daughfc
school, for they were now evidently losing tin* I
Btrenuoualy recommended Btreatham, but again Mrs,
b'fl establishment found favour od account of its
ible position, and with her th<
d in due course. They were to be my little
and I begged M ch t<> lose no opportunity
of bringing them forward in all point- ance.
They appeared t" !»•• amiable, but, : they
rred j« »i i ii i »i_r in all the don
and cared little 6 aplishmi
My little < lhai I dow to Mrs.
five we did not
lly rule. I paid the quart . one
guinea, and I e did d chool
Bad at home. SO that t! di<-
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 303
turbed, and Mrs. Roach said she even in that way
got on too rapidly for the others.
Thus matters stood when the order for Chelten-
ham arrived. Privately it had been long known who
were to be in attendance, and now the order came
out.
Earl Fauconberg lent his house to the Eoyal
party, which had now been got ready by the different
offices for their reception.
The King was no better. Wine had been recom-
mended in very small quantities to assist digestion,
but as his Majesty had never taken it he doubted its
efficacy. The Prince of Wales sent a few bottles of
the finest Madeira, so he said, that the island had
ever produced, and proposed tasting it with the King
when the family dined at four o'clock. The King
thanked his Eoyal Highness, but said that he hoped
for the credit of his gentleman of the wine cellar,
and for the pleasure of those who partook of such
indulgences, that the best was always provided. For
himself it would be his last trial, as he was sure it
did him more harm than good.
An occurrence took place this spring which
made another change in the Eoyal household. Miss
Laverocke, who with her sister had been appointed
assistant dressers to the Queen on her first coming to
England, was suddenly taken seriously ill, and after
a few weeks died.
IN
Bl I Mr. I
of W
i the
TriiK
for h< dutifully
and aflectioi but pro-
ng held I
• liked her, though s ! qualified for it.
well, waa active and very punctual ;
ively, pretty I . without
ing,
i doubt the King intended to do a kind
thia faithful adherent by placing her with tl
Yet I fear thai the emoluments of the place wen
than in her previous situation, and I am Mire the
comforts were considerably ilso her rank or
ion, (<>v n»»\\ f the
Misses Bchwellenberg and Bagedorn.
Ahout seven or eight years previous to the time
<>f which I am wiitii :d had married Mr.
Theilcke, a friend of her brother's, and had no*
and a daught
Mrs. Theilcke in her
apartments at tl which i
gratif ■, who had patiently borne much
1 must me her
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 305
spirited feeling of duty. When she was expecting
her confinement the first time, she determined to
remain at her post till the last possible moment.
When this moment had come, she put the Queen to
bed as usual at Windsor, at twelve o'clock or later,
then went off alone in a postchaise to her rooms at
St. James's, and by changing horses at Hounslow,
the same conveyance took her sister back to Windsor
in time for the Queen's rising at seven o'clock. Early
in the morning she was safely delivered of a son.
When the sister died, no one applied for the
vacant appointment ; no one was proposed. The
Ladies of the Bedchamber would not give up their
own ' ladies' woman,' then the term, and had no one
to recommend. At last a farmer's daughter, named
Sandys, servant to Miss Waldegrave, was engaged.
She was a pretty-looking, prepossessing young
woman, but she was not fit for the post, as she could
neither dress hair nor make new apparel. Mrs.
Theilcke, however, endeavoured to train her to the
duties of her new situation, and to initiate her into
the etiquette of her higher station.
The party for Cheltenham was thus formed.
Their Majesties, the three elder Princesses, one Lady
of the Queen's Bedchamber, and one of the Prin-
cesses' ; Lady Elizabeth Waldegrave, Misses Burney,
Planta, Sandys, Mackenthum, Turner, and Willes;
three equerries, that two might always be in
vol. i. X
the first time instituted; Messrs. ECamu Ernst,
my fath< endiek.
. was
d — his i imand, but he wished to find his
own way thither and be independent. When the
q heard this • Then we shall bave
that woman there — his woman, for it is said she is
not ' a pretty woman, bul 1
and quite an Italian in appearai
Poor Mr. Papendieh wa
ifi I was \< ■! my confinement, but
Mrs. Zofiany promised she would remain with me.
and very kindly did. She brought me the silver
VI n ornamentally, which
now has in her amateur theatrical wardrol-
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE 307
CHAPTEK XII.
The organ-loft — The organist at Windsor— Birth of Mrs. Papendiek's
fourth child, George — The Royal party return from Cheltenham —
Influenza — Salomon — Christening of the child — Presents — Music —
The Queen's illness — Some account of the Cheltenham visit — Dr.
Ilurd — The china manufactory at Worcester — The glove manufactory
— Fashions in gloves — Mrs. Papendiek's visit to the Queen — Visits
to various ladies — Evening parties — New music of the day — The
Misses Stowe — The Cheshires — Terrible poisoning catastrophe — Lady
Fauconberg — The last of the Cheshire family — Mrs. Jervois — The
Misses Stowe play before the Queen — Dreary performance — Mr.
Papendiek relates to the Queen the Stowes' history — The Queen's
approval of Mrs. Stowe — Mrs. Jervois gives a grand drum —
Refreshments.
From Easter this year, we had been given two seats
in St. George's Chapel, and having friends ' at Court'
we also got access to the organ-loft, and as we con-
stantly availed ourselves of this indulgence, we every
quarter gave certain douceurs, which, however, we
did not grudge.
The organist at this time was old Webb, a man
between sixty and seventy years of age. He had a
wen which hung from the nostril ; small at first, but
it increased so rapidly as to be a great inconvenience
to the poor man, besides being very distressing to
behold. He was in good health, and was therefore
808 D lMJIVA
COuld but l:i n<l. M ' and Tl;
I that
1 with pro
ban a v.
old Wchl) d blood.
:i, net wishing I
thing that could be
: teacher of the choir
should go on for tl nt alon< . unending
the Prebends to consider him for his addil
visibility, hut to hold out no promise of his ulti-
mately succeeding to the situation.
duly 22, 1 788, my son ( I was bon
than three weeks after my own birthday,
when I was t went v-tlirce. All went well, hut I was
still barely convalescent when the Royal part]
turned from Cheltenham.
Mr. Papendiek greeted us with joy, hut i
unfortunately he communicated to
from which many of the party had been, and
Buffering. Ih are that he
affected by it, hut scarcely was he home before it
If.
He was soon in hi
and myself were obj( pity. rrhe :
SO high that the milk curdled on hifl lips, which
were Mistered. Dr. Ming.'n medicuj
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
hour, and at last said, ' If there is no change in
twenty-four hours a physician must come from the
Lodge. No one else in Windsor can assist me.' Pro
vidence, ever merciful, now blessed us with recovery,
but what we suffered those three days I shudder even
now to think of. My husband also recovered well
and quickly, thank God.
Mr. Salomon called to introduce Mrs. and the
Misses Stowe, whom we had long expected at Wind-
sor. He was sensibly affected when he saw the state
I was in, lying on the sofa in the drawing-room, and
said he would call again on his return from Sir
William Younges, whom he was going to visit at
Formosa, near Maidenhead.
This formidable epidemic now began to give
way. Princess Elizabeth had it badly, and one of
the equerries and several others more or less
seriously.
Mr. Papendiek returned home on recovery, and we
settled together about the christening. On the Sun-
day within the month I went in a sedan to our parish
church to be churched, and settled with the curate,
Mr. Grape, to come down on the Tuesday following at
six o'clock to christen baby. This was done, and he
received the names of George Ernest. Mr. Ernst and
my father stood as proxies for the King and Prince
Ernest, and brought me ten guineas. Miss Planta
stood for the Queen, with ten guineas more. She
810 coi in
brought with her m . who
still lovi
V7< I Madame de Lafitte and her daugh
and i .ho brought with them Mr-. Kenni-
the Hebrew B
:k in w! I him. sin- was a most
I plain woman.
We also had Salmon, Bale, am
with Etcx >mpany them, as I was still too
. to do anything. I made in the room at
end, to show the uew >il\
present from ( Cheltenham.
The visit to Cheltenham did not prove the
that was hoped for, and a few da : the arrival
of the Royal party the Queen fell ill and kept her
room. The a iffliction and constant anxiety she
in was probably the cause, and from this time
ilt 1 1 wac niformly good. The
dropsy, which had been floating in her constitution
since the birth of* Prince Alfred, now made its deposit,
d her at times much Buffering. All
ted with ( Cheltenham are too well kn
for u them h not
myself, and could on them at
hand.
•m Cheltenham a visit was made to W<
whm-c their Maj< id the b
dante were to be d at the palace. < ta
nil. TIME OF QUEEN CHAKLOTTE 31]
their arrival, this venerable man was led by two
clergymen to meet his Sovereign in the accustomed
manner, but so overcome was he on seeing and bear-
ing the King that, as soon as it could be managed, he
was conducted back to his study.
Through the communication of the Queen's lady,
the Bishop submitted to her Majesty his earnest wish
that she would command everything for her own and
the King's comfort and convenience. Everyone in
his household were ready to do their best with duty
and respect ; the clergymen were at their posts to
receive and to attend to every command that their
Majesties would permit them to execute.
The Bishop himself found that he was quite
unequal to doing much himself, as he so ardently
wished, but the duty of reading prayers night and
morning the dear old man did go through.
The Queen, with her usual consideration and kind
discernment, often sat with the Bishop, and her
Majesty always allowed the clergymen to attend
when their Prelate was present. In short, Mr. Papen-
diek told me that the magnificence, the respect, and
the attention shown to them all could not possibly
have been surpassed.
The Bishop had all those brought to him thai
he had known when he lived at Kew as tutor to
the four elder Princes. The pages and Miss Planta
were the only five, and the latter introduced Miss
Barney, to whom be ws
itinue
■ . Burd, how ha
kind admonitions while at Kew, and
pattern - indefal
while he had the power, and I tr; lid in
nefit by Ids judicious and aff
I think he was never ma tainly
he had no family.
Th< lock their mealfl in the
ffd'fl room, to the extreme deligl
and to the great distress of Miss bfackenthum, who
was an educated young woman, and daughter of the
Controller of the Eousehold in Eanover — a pi
-n tO attend a Princess J and she certainly |
mow had to mix
with.
The Cathedral had been beautified for this visit,
and the Etoyal pew most appropriately and elegantly
up. The Bishop conducted their Majesti
the clergymen showed the lad their
on on.' equerries on the other
and th< their respective pit
public .lowed to till nj) ;>
remaining vacant
but every p
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOI 318
son, in whatever 'capacity, receiving emolument from
the Cathedral, was to be present on this Sunday
unless prevented by illness. Another Bishop was
asked over to preach. I am ashamed to say I
cannot recollect which ; indeed, I think and hope I
never heard. The Bishop of Worcester himself read
the Communion Service, and gave the Blessing. The
service was imposing, and the impression it made
was long remembered by many.
Mr. Papendiek was of a very affectionate and
tender-hearted nature, and the parting scene from
this palace was almost too much for him. He had
known Dr. Hurd from his early days, and was next
door to him when with Prince Ernest of Mecklen-
burgh. The Bishop remained at Kew until the Prince
of Wales was of age, and the three other Princes
went abroad. He then retired to his diocese, and
there remained.
While at Worcester the Eoyalties visited the
china manufactory sufficiently often to see the dif-
ferent modes of process by which the delicate finish
was then attained. Now they make their china
stronger and more durable, and the patterns are still
elegant. Purchases were of course made to some
extent.
The glove manufactory also engaged their atten-
tion, and to receive commands for present supplies
and for future accommodation, the head of the firm
814 i ran \n. 1.11 1: in
upon t] Be was a
Quaker, and Baid that if
him in hi aid thei being
The
ini, and lia\
be then
I lil't 111} off.1 'I
en for the beautiful light with
ili white insides, and
»oth inside, but ofth(
I always had for myself and children,
them tied high over the elbow, to pn -
arm in I womanhood. taker de-
spaired of success in preparing the white kid to make
up tl b side inwai to produce the n
aide wearable Ee did partly fail, but Hill, the
i in Pall Mall, and now of Efc
d in all three. Th< >k an a!'
. and spoke in the highest praise of th<
humility, judgment, and trindni
Upon the return of the Royal Family to Wind
en appointed b day immediate
christening far u Her M
kindly. d from the
pale look of the little boy, that he would l>e
delict is sorry that Papendiek had given us
the inlln.
dick, we have all been far from well.
THE TIMK OF QUEEN CHARLOl 315
was too warm ibr Cheltenham.' Poor Queen ! she
looked broken-hearted.
I then called upon Miss Planta, who said I must
call upon Miss Sandys too; the Queen expected it.
This I did, and went to Miss Mackenthum also, but
we had received her from her first coming to England.
Miss Burney's rooms were at the corner of that story,
so to her I went last. She was all politeness as usual,
and said she would soon call to tell me of all the new
regulations which were then being formed . After these
visits I went to Mrs. Stowe, and found her in a two-
roomed lodging, dark and dreary beyond description.
She returned my visit the same evening, and we
found them a most agreeable, intelligent family. We
mutually expressed our pleasure at this beginning of
acquaintance, which we hoped would ripen into
friendship ultimately. She wished her girls to have
the opportunity of sometimes playing upon our grand
pianoforte that they might keep up their touch, their
own instrument being only a small one. This I readily
granted, and told her that I was always at dinner
with my children from half-past one to three o'clock.
and it was important that I should take this unin-
terruptedly ; that I drank tea at six, and in the evening
took a trifle ; so they would always know when to
find me at leisure.
My mother and brother came down one day to
see baby, and went back the same evening. None
i ri;iv.\ i\
of my (ami!;, my
r, and do old friends but Mrs. Zoffany, who, in
bringing her little girls I ;. again i few
ham medals struck in honour of
Mr. Papendiefe bad
ma had, had a pretty and
• k.
We now organised tw( og parties to intro-
Mrs. Roach and our tin
to both, also the II< , and Chi
a brother of the minister of Windsor,
son of tin- Prebend.
Be was a handsome, delightful man, and an
cedent divine, benevolent and universally kind. He
took lessons on the violoncello from Crosdil] when-
opportunity offered, and every day from Henry
sbach, and lie really was an excellent ]>!.■
With Forrest's Bute, and Salomon, who had just re-
turned, we were complete without any of the I
However, those who begged we allowed to eoiiie —
four Gri< Pick, and Kellner, so we had quite a
grand concert ; and the night more of the
band WOUld Miller and i nd horn, !»e-
tlready mentioned, and Et
pany and till
The new ! -V was that
i buch, M d, and Hulmandel. Scarlatti
and Handel's music was still i bionabl
Till: TIME OF QUEEN OHABLOTTB 317
solo performances. Not expecting such a band, and
I may say not prepared for it, we did not know what
was best to play, but the performances were princi-
pally trios or sonatas with obbligato accompaniments,
in which the Miss Stowes took a part.
They were aged sixteen and fourteen. The elder
girl took the leading portions, the younger sister
those more cantabile and easier, and I must say their
playing was exquisite. In those days amateurs had
not risen to such a pitch of excellence — at least it was
very rare, and this was really quite unusual, especi-
ally for such young girls.
It was the same Miss Stowe who sat on Bach's
knee and played to the Queen when six years old.
Among our guests were some of the Prebends,
Eichard and William Eoberts, sons of the Provost of
Eton, Mr. Hopkins, and the Miss Guards and their
younger sister Mrs. Graham of Turnhara Green, the
Lowrys, an Irish family who took the house at the
corner of Hart Street to educate their sons at Eton,
the young men being very prepossessing, and the
family fairly agreeable, and some others.
The Siowes were soon sought after, as they took
their entertainment with them. They chiefly played
at parties Hulmandel's lessons — the fine octave one
and others, and several sonatas that were very inte-
resting, where the accompaniment was not obbligato.
Mr. Papendiek often played with them, taking the
violii
would join l Ho.
So
from ould play
to tl.
ould bring her i
time thai mand, but requi
, mighl have a t
haelmae amily of
took the lt<>i, r Bridge,
cupied by the ly. On the
death of Mr. Cheshire, the barge master and
bant, More, had purchased the premises. Join-
ing to the dwelling house, he built a neat and ap
priate house for himself, his wife and daughter,
intending to let the large one, which was now I
Mr. Jervois. Ih* (More) opened a band*
which led to the wharf by the river, v.
(1 stabling for all his horses. Having a part
of the King's coal business, he raised over the \
the Royal arms, handsomely emblazoned. Much to
credit, he did not, I lir, Bpoil th<
suite of rooms in the house now let, nor di
convenience* The drive to the door also rema
unaltered, with the same double gates, only
there wa >wn upon the lamps instead of Mr.
Chesl The principal r<
rooms and a billiard-room, opened upon a
THE TIME OF QUEEN niAiM.m
lawn which ran down to the river's edge, encircled
by shrubbed walks. On the Eton side of the river,
just opposite, were the extensive premises of Piper.
the boat builder, who, for the accommodation of the
Etonians, combined every business and pleasure that
related to water.
The Cheshires had been people of immense
wealth, and Mr. and Mrs. Cheshire were considered one
of the finest couples of their day. According to the
habits of the leading gentry of that time, they drove
their coach and six ; four in hand, and a postboy
on the leaders. They had one son and four daugh-
ters, fine and very pleasing women. The Earl Fau-
conberg, while at Eton, became enamoured of Jane,
the eldest, and when of age made her an offer of
marriage, to which her father incautiously gave his
consent, and received the young earl at his house.
As soon as the family on his side were apprised of
this, they immediately broke off the match, and
married the young man to another lady. The title
came to him while still a minor.
Mr. Cheshire was of strong government prin-
ciples, and took a lead and an interest in county
business, and in all meetings, committees, and other
occasions where he might be useful.
In those days the Guards never left London, but
for the officers of any other regiments who were
quartered at Windsor, there was always a seat at
IN
Mr. * iiis billiard r
it was o
A' . fell a
imprud
and i
. and tli- victim i.
the i
I in in!';. OUIlg
then devoted her employe
both ornamental and useful Bhe took the air
in the shrubbed walks, with !
early in the morning or at dusk.
When we came to Windsor in L786, the Bplen-
had alread; I with I mire family ;
onger any carriage, few Bervai
Mise Cheshirea were nevertheless to be
given hours, on the walks and at the loungi
bop, showily dressed, but I should
elude in very different style to heretofoi
When 1 asked Miss Delavaux where the fourth
! had never by any chai
me in her op the who]
d it, adding that when ( Saptain < I
found how i
I ,i 1 from Alias I telavaua the particu]
rophe that ;
l»\' winch All". ( ncsl 1 1 re ii*
THE TIME OF QUEEN CIIAi; 32]
At a county meeting held at the M ;m.'
Salt Hill ls one of the three-and-twei.
from the poison taken at the dinner which was
always given on that occasion. Nineteen died, many
of them even before they could reach their homes,
and the cause could not be ascertained.
One circumstance that they endeavoured to
impress, was that one of the victims, a commissioner
of roads, had, upon delivering up his accounts, taken
two glasses of wine with the other gentlemen, but
had not dined with them or eaten in the house.
After long investigation, therefore, it was concluded
that the cause of this most appalling catastrophe
must have been from drawing the Madeira too
near the finings, as they could not trace it to
anything else.
Of course the house was done for, and the land-
lord dying soon after, they could scarcely find
buyers for his goods, stock, &c. Mrs. Partridge,
the widow, and her three daughters took a house
at Hammersmith, on the high road, and opened
a school for young ladies, which was very pro-
sperous.
The widow, on her death-bed, said that as she
considered it right to disclose the secret of the poison-
ing now that it could no longer hurt any individual,
and was at the time purely accidental, she would
confess that it arose from the turtle having been left
vol. i. Y
CO!
in the
cook, n
should do it i nidi tin..
would be pre c dainties. H<
not k
heated the turtle soup up again wit!
from the pan.
( >n the alarm of illnei ind
• ■liar, th i the kitchen, *
at cue glano
lng the turtle, the pan was covered with
verdigris. When ahi
he was not aware of harm, so sin him.
One or two other dishes were imptf with the
!i, but I did I
whether the pans v. >pper
tinned and worn. Such risks do we run !
I cannot quit y mind Ifn
the tim<
good of the ll\ m to
r of the death of man]
The
<>aten
in the I cknowle<
THE TIME \ 0HARLO1
dined freely, before he went in with his accounts,
upon the dishes as they came out from the dining-
room.
It was undoubtedly a terrible calamity, and many
were still living, at the time of which I am writing,
who had been connected by ties of relationship or
of friendship with those who were so suddenly, and
in such an awful manner, removed from all who
held them dear.
After the death of Mr. Cheshire, the family took
a house in the suburbs with a good garden, and
although they lived in complete retirement, there
was in the establishment the appearance of a dis-
tinguished family. Earl Fauconberg's regiment was
at length ordered to take the Windsor duty. The
lady he had married had died within two or three
years, and on his arrival at Windsor he asked if the
Cheshires would receive him. They did, and the
offer of marriage to the daughter was again made,
and accepted. Whether Mrs. Cheshire lived long
enough to witness the wedding, I do not recollect,
but at any rate she had the assurance that it really
would take place this time.
When Lady Fauconberg was presented at Court.
I was in the King's presence chamber, especially to
see her pass. I had an interest in her from their
having been 'so long opposite neighbours, and always
friendly in their way of speaking to me and my
y -2
children. I
Li-:
with
■
Trim
man: Wombwell. He • lUghf
up at with th(
invited to spend the summ
them. She Lengthened her visit ov<
it, when it
i her ladyship's plao
. of course, hurled B
own in a mann< with
ad.
Daily
I
lire <li. her
mother, and about a writing
I III t lie
THE TIME OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE
with the observation attached, thai 'she was tin-
last member of that once distinguished family.*
The Jervois's engaged the house for three
on their arrival from Armagh in Ireland, for the
purpose of educating their son at Eton, after which
he was to go to one of the universities, to study
for the Established Protestant Church, as it was the
mutual wish of all concerned that lie should be a
clergyman. The two daughters were interesting,
clever young women, and the mother all that was
amiable. Mr. Jervois was perfectly a gentleman, and
a musical amateur.
He soon found us out, and calling by chance, took
me over to the ladies to introduce us to each other.
The house was charmingly fitted up, and with taste.
The drawing and dining-rooms remained as before,
but the billiard-room was now appropriated to
music, and was delightful.
Mrs. Jervois expressed a desire to be on friendly
terms with us as neighbours, and said she would feel
grateful to anyone who would indulge the mu.
follies of her husband, who having been thrown
out of his employment by the arrangements for their
son, now made music his chief amusement, and
almost occupation. She told me all her household
arrangements, and hours of meals, &c, to induce me
to feel that we should give them greater pleasure by
coming than by staying away. We proposed another
and I
all tl
She
Hul-
lip and
luding i
difficult. Tl
in our rank, but I
profusion.
Tl
the K
I thought their muslin frocks would do— but
. lint,
de and
. ltli a satin < bib Bhap
letting out or t rhey
handk< laid qui
w well placed 1"
Mr LOO for
THE TIME OF QUEEN OHABLOI 327
our pianoforte to be the girla made such a
point of it. Her Majesty consented, and also that
Eodgers should be permitted to tune; his first intro-
duction at Court.
The evening arrived. The Queen spoke to the
mother in the music-room with her usual affability.
After the first overture, the equerry, Major Price,
handed Miss Stowe to the instrument. The Queen
had a chair placed to her right, and spoke encou-
ragingly to her.
Then Miss Stowe, without thinking, although
we had endeavoured so thoroughly to instruct
her, sat down before she was commanded to do
so, to the horror of her mother, who wisely stood
still. The Major quickly rushed up, but the
Queen feelingly said, ' Let her sit ; they are ready
to begin.'
We had fixed upon the lovely lesson of Kozebuch
in G. Every movement is so perfect. George and
Henry Griesbach did justice to their sweet accom-
paniment, but Miss Stowe they thought rather flip-
pant, and she did not make the impression expected.
The younger sister, Bell, in the first act, played that
enchanting lesson of Mozart with only a violin
accompaniment, and this performance, too, was
rather tedious, though well executed by the mild
player.
In the second act Miss Stowe played the second
Buital
allow
The King
jbach pulled in, but
ow to maki
mata of
flute. Mr. Papendiek 1
and the card pal
the pari himself.
be laid down h<
brought, am! iriation movement U
uted. Poor things, this brightened up I
artial t<
itli tin:.
particula md he I
whol< irith which
mucl
mother 1.
vim! sh< I for her future
THE TIME OF I
intentions. " This conversation was halm to the mind
of Mrs. Stowe when Mr. Papendiek repeated it to
her. Miss Planta also, who had been permitted by
the Queen to stand by Mrs. Stowe in the music-room,
with Miss Burney, extolled the young ladies, so the
accounts spread were highly in their favour, and the
visit therefore proved most gratifying.
Mrs. Jervois now proposed giving the large enter-
tainment that she had talked of, and I suggested that
our instrument had better go direct to their house
from the Lodge. She asked me to go over and dine,
which I did, and found cards ready to go out for a
general invitation — the invitation specifying no en
tertainment, merely to a grand drum. The night
arrived ; everybody came. Mrs. Batty and Susan
Canon, meeting me in the cloak-room, said, ' My
dear, what a pity you do not play cards ; we should
wish to visit you.' I answered, ' My trumps are at
home ; we may name them as we please.'
I went through the parties with my muslin, vary-
ing the capes. This night they were purple, with a
bandeau in my hair of that becoming colour. In the
large drawing-room, adjoining the dining-parlour,
there were eight card-tables ; middle room for com-
pany unoccupied ; music-room, of course, for music.
Miss Stowe opened the concert ; her sister also played,
and all the performances were excellent, both in-
strumental and vocal, professional and amateur.
A tray with compart
impartm<
b, in pint decani
hut water in a ha
silver top, hinged, pounded and lump si
for t:
teur, which Mr. Papendiek joined on r
from the Lodge, finished this comple
entertain! ith which I belie;
atified. I made
sandwiches and b and then '
home to my little nuralixi
ilomon, during the autumn, came down
twin I, hia | with
CharL as a brother. Be
slept at our
in OUT rank i 1 with a It D<
THE 'I : II \i;i.<>!
when
of accommod ind endeavouring to pie
unconscionable race of people.
Tli us ended our pi and am
some tin:
KM» OP TIIK FIRST VOLUME.
S it H
rRINTKD BY
erornewooDK AND ' ET square
y
u
Papendiek, C.L.H. (Mrs.)
Court and private life
in the times of Queen
Charlotte - Volume 1
DA
.A3*
P36
■
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