Social England under the Regency, Vol. 1 (of 2)Ashton, John
History
Social England under the Regency, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Ashton, John
England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century; Regency -- England
The Hon. Grantley F. Berkeley[22] says "So madly in love with old
Blücher were the English populace, that, during a review, while one
mob was following the heels of the late Lord Londonderry, and another
the heels of Blücher, so that it was impossible for either hero even
to sneeze in private, both chanced to do the same thing. Blücher
was vociferously cheered for it, and Lord Londonderry hissed and
hooted--so much for the worth of popular worship.... Nothing could be
more remarkable than the perfect understanding that existed between
him and his admirers, considering that he knew not a word of what
was said to him, and they found his German quite as unintelligible
as their English. It was not then the fashion to bore remarkable
people for their autographs or photographs. His new friends, too,
were not aware that his signature was even more difficult to make out
than his remarks; they, therefore, rested content with the honour
of a grip from the old soldier, and talked of it ever after, in
the family circle, as the greatest honour that could have befallen
them.... The favour with which the Emperor was regarded was extended
to his uncouth Cossacks, which not even their filching and swallowing
the oil from the street lamps--gas then not having come into
use--affected in any material degree."
[Footnote 22: "My Life and Reminiscences," 1866, vol iii.
pp. 3 and 4.]
CHAPTER XV.
Royal festivities -- The Emperor of Russia, the King of Prussia,
and General Blücher at Oxford -- Banquet at Guildhall --
Departure of the Allied Sovereigns -- Signature of Treaty of
Peace -- Proclamation of Peace -- State Thanksgiving at St.
Paul's Cathedral.
But I have been doing precisely as they did in 1814, almost
neglecting the august potentates of Russia and Prussia, in the
all-absorbing Field Marshal. Let us see how they spent their time.
We know all about their first day in London. On the next (June 8th)
the Emperor of Russia had breakfasted by eight, and afterwards walked
in Kensington Gardens with his sister; then went to see Westminster
Hall and Abbey, and the British Museum. At one he held a _levée_ at
Cumberland House, which he used as his state apartments, and was
visited by the Prince Regent, who, afterwards, attended the _levée_
of the King of Prussia, at Clarence House. Between five and six
both sovereigns attended the Queen's Court, to be introduced to her
Majesty, and they all dined together with the Prince of Wales at
Carlton House.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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