Ever wondered what a Georgian Ball of the eighteenth century was actually like? Luckily for us, these celebrations were often excitedly described in the news of the day, so we can get a good idea of what they were like to attend. As it turns out, when the subjects of George III partied, they put on some definitely dazzling Georgian celebrations.
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| Photo by Karl Hedin on Unsplash |
In one ball, hosted by the Earl and Countess of Northumberland for George III's birthday in June 1764, around 1500 'persons of the first distinction' talked, danced and drank in the warm summer evening. An eye-witness reported that there were 'grand illuminations' in the garden, consisting of '10,000 lamps' with 400 more lamps hanging on the balustrades near the steps, 'which had a most beautiful effect'. The Northumberlands also put on musical entertainment - no less than two bands. One played in the great gallery of their home, which was 'illuminated with an astonishing degree of splendour' while the other band entertained guests in the garden.
They danced until late, too. The Lord Mayor hosted a ball at the Mansion House in London in 1768, with dancing continuing until midnight, 'when a very grand supper was served up'. After eating, guests went into the ballroom and continued dancing until 5am the next morning. Many of London's aristocracy were present for the celebrations, including the Dukes and Duchesses of Portland, Richmond, Bolton, Queensbury, Manchester and Northumberland. Two years later, the Lord Mayor hosted another ball, showing off his new chandeliers in his Egyptian Hall. There were many 'loyal and patriotic toasts' sipped on the blast of a trumpet, although on this occasion the dancing continued until 4.30am. However there were 600 dishes served, and awkwardly, the tables were not long enough to seat everyone.
Georgian balls could certainly serve up vast amounts of food. In 1770 an entertainment given by Sir Watkins Williams Wynn on his coming of age served 30 bullocks, 30 hogs, 50 calves, 80 sheep, 18 lambs and 70 pies. Guests ate guinea fowl, turkey, chickens, duck, rabbit, carp and pike. There was also lobster, crab and trout along with hundreds of shrimps, 60 barrels of pickled oysters and rock oysters. Among other foods, they also enjoyed pork pies, ham, plum pudding, apple pie, tarts and rice pudding. Those celebrating with Wynn also munched through 18,000 eggs, 6,000 asparagus and 200 French beans, washed down with wine, brandy, rum and ale. The party was hosted in Wyn's park at Wynnstay in North Wales and it was estimated that 15,000 people celebrated there with the 21-year old aristocrat.
In Surrey, Lord Stanley put on a ball as an excuse to celebrate his upcoming marriage to Lady Betty Hamilton. Held in 1774, it was a feast for the eyes, as guests played games and watched lavish entertainments. It was also theatrical. There were actors dressed as shepherds and shepherdesses 'who skipped about, kicking at the tambourines, which were pendant from the trees'. Perhaps distastefully, there were 'many persons habited as peasants' who also amused the attendees with their dances and 'other amusements'. Guests then danced, in rooms 'peculiarly ornamental and rich', with lamps glowing in different colours. Gold fringe hung off of drapery and gold fringe. In the centre of the main room, a man appeared dressed as an 'ancient Druid... with a bough of mistletoe', accompanied with 'a group of fauns... in picturesque habits of tiger skins ornamented with oak leaves'. They entertained the guests with a pantomime-style dance routine which included the figure of Cupid, relevant to the party's theme of marriage and love. Reports stated that 300 of the nobility were present at Stanley's marriage celebrations.
But what about a royal ball? Dances and dinners were often held to celebrate royal birthdays, with the king and queen present. One ball hosted at St James' Palace in 1764 celebrated Queen Charlotte's birthday. Described as 'very splendid and numerous', the royal couple entered the room just before 9pm, and the ball was opened by the Duke of Gloucester and the Princess Louisa Ann. Those present danced various minuets until past 11pm, when George and Charlotte went to bed. However the rest of the guests continued to dance until around 1am the next morning. In 1771, another ball was held to celebrate the queen's birthday at St James', and it seems to have had a British-industry theme, as it was noted that 'the ladies made a most brilliant appearance... dressed mostly in our manufactures'. A celebration for the king's birthday the following year was noted for the female nobility's dress and jewels, 'distinguished by a profusion of diamonds', with those worn by Lady Villiers believed to have cost £70,000.
Balls were also given, and received, in acts of diplomacy. In 1768 'a very grand entertainment' was hosted by George and Charlotte at Buckingham Palace for the King of Denmark. 170 people were invited, and the event began at 7.30pm, with dancing starting at 9pm. This time, the king and queen celebrated until around 4.30am, and the eye-witness report states that the King of Denmark left at the same time.
Not to be outdone, the King of Denmark hosted a similar ball in return, at the Haymarket Theatre, inviting 'the greatest number of nobility and gentry ever assembled together upon any occasion of the like nature', around 2,500 guests. This ball had its own characters to entertain those present, including a conjurer, a methodist preacher, a chimney sweep and a boar with a bull's head, 'all supported with great humour'.
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