Gossip in the First Decade of Victoria's ReignAshton, John
History
Gossip in the First Decade of Victoria's Reign
Ashton, John
Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 19th century
“These, however, were not the only persons who joined the throng.
Every cab, coach, or omnibus which had been left disengaged, appeared
to be driving to the same point, full of passengers. Fulham, Putney,
Mile End and Brixton alike contributed their vehicles to carry the
people to the Parks, and thousands from the very extremity of the
City were to be seen flocking towards the Fair. All seemed bent on
the same object, that of procuring amusement, and work seemed to have
been suspended, as if by common consent. While the East-end thrust
forth her less aristocratic workmen, the West-end was not altogether
idle in furnishing its quota to the throng, and we noticed many
really elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen alight from their
carriages to view the enlivening scene; and many of them, who were,
apparently, strangers to such exhibitions, were, evidently, not a
little amused at the grotesque imitations of those amusements in
which the aristocracy delight.
“Carriages of every description were admitted into the Parks, and the
splendid carriage of an aristocrat was not unfrequently followed by
the tilted waggon of some remover of furniture, with its load of men,
women and children, who had come to ‘see the fun.’ All seemed,
alike, bent on amusement; all, alike, appeared to throw aside those
restraints which rank, fashion, or station had placed upon them, and
to enter fully into the enjoyment of the busy scene in which they
were actors. The delightful locality of the Fair, the bright
sunbeams playing upon the many-coloured tents, the joyous laughter of
the people, untouched by debauchery, and unseduced by the gross
pleasures of the appetite; the gay dresses of the women, all in their
best; joined in making the scene one which must live long in the
recollection of those who witnessed it. All appeared to remember
that this was the day of the Coronation of a Queen, so youthful, so
beautiful, so pure, and all appeared to be determined that no act of
insubordination or of disorder on their part should sully the bright
opening of a reign so hopeful, and from which so much happiness is to
be expected.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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