Fitzherbert, Maria Anne, 1756-1837; George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830
The next day brought out another satirical print, indicative of the
Prince's intimacy with the Lades. It is called 'Birds of a Feather
Flock Together; Diversions of Brighton.' Sir John Lade and the
Prince are on the box of an open carriage, in which are seated Mrs.
Fitzherbert and a lady (Miss Snow). Sir John is lashing one of the four
horses, and says to the Prince, 'There, B----t it, don't you see?
that's the Cut.' Miss Snow observes to Mrs. Fitzherbert, 'Did Noodle
bring your physic this morning?' To which she replies, 'Oh, yes, he
calls regularly every morning.'
We read in the _Sussex Weekly Advertiser_ (February 28, 1803) that
'The Prince's Pavilion at Brighton is undergoing other considerable
alterations and improvement, under the direction of Mr. Holland, the
architect; and is ordered to be got ready for the residence of his
Royal Highness, at an early part of the ensuing season.'
On October 14, 1800, just before Weltje died, the Prince took from him
a lease of the Pavilion for ninety-nine years at a rent, annually,
of £1,150, and on April 18, 1803, he went to Brighton to see how the
alterations were getting on. 'His Royal Highness slept at the house,
late Weltje's, adjoining the Pavilion, the repairs and alterations of
which are not yet completed. The Prince, after minutely inspecting the
works going on, returned to town on Thursday.'
In this extravagance he was somewhat justified, for on February 16 the
Chancellor of the Exchequer brought before the House of Commons the
following message from the King:
'GEORGE R.
'His Majesty having taken into consideration the period which has
elapsed since the adoption of those arrangements which were deemed,
by the wisdom of Parliament, to be necessary for the discharge of
the incumbrances of the Prince of Wales; and, having adverted to the
progress which has been made in carrying them into effect, recommends
the present situation of the Prince to the attention of this House.
'Notwithstanding the reluctance and regret which his Majesty must
feel in suggesting any addition to the burthens of his people, he is
induced to resort, in this instance, to the experienced liberality and
attachment of his faithful Commons, in the persuasion that they will
be disposed to take such measures, as may be calculated to promote the
comfort, and support the dignity of so distinguished a branch of his
Royal Family.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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