Comments for Austenonly

Comment on George IV’s Coronation: The Herb-Woman’s Attendant’s Costume by Cathy Allen

Cathy Allen — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:43:13 +0000

Fascinating! I’d never heard of the King’s Herb-strewer before this (I knew it was needed), but then that’s why I come here, to learn and enjoy. Trust George IV to add more women to the post, given them beautiful gowns, and enliven the spectacle of his Coronation! I’m glad (sing it with me) “There’ll Always be an England…” Thanks, Julie,

Comment on A Video of the Coronation Robe by Chris

Chris — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:47:55 +0000

“Rather above the common size.” I think this sums up George IV very aptly

Comment on A Video of the Coronation Robe by Cathy Allen

Cathy Allen — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:50:44 +0000

LOL — Elton John. What a great comparison! I don’t know how you manage to keep coming up with these wonderful things, but thank you, Julie.

Comment on A Video of the Coronation Robe by Caitlin

Caitlin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:36:46 +0000

Like Elton John?? LOL!! Thanks Julie for this closer look at Geo’s finery.

Comment on George IVs Coronation, Part One: George’s Coronation Gown by Caitlin

Caitlin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:32:51 +0000

I had no idea that the border was so detailed, and the spots were roses. Had to laugh at the wig being glossed over!

Comment on George IVs Coronation, Part One: George’s Coronation Gown by Cathy Allen

Cathy Allen — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:49:10 +0000

LOL! It says that Cecil B. DeMille (early 20th century Hollywood movie maker) and P.T. Barnum (creator of the modestly-titled “Greatest Show on Earth” circus — to save anyone reading this from the need to look them up) knew human nature: it’s not just the English, we ALL like a good show! I’m sure I’d have enjoyed seeing it, too. I surely enjoy reading about it!

Comment on George IVs Coronation, Part One: George’s Coronation Gown by jfwakefield

jfwakefield — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:59:01 +0000

I’m glad you enjoyed it,Cathy. The figures are truly astonishing. The Coronation was popular, however, despite the general dislike of George. What that says about we English I’m not quite sure.

Comment on George IVs Coronation, Part One: George’s Coronation Gown by jfwakefield

jfwakefield — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:53:08 +0000

My pleasure. It was dark in the gallery, but, as you so rightly say, given the contents this was understandable.

Comment on George IVs Coronation, Part One: George’s Coronation Gown by Cathy Allen

Cathy Allen — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:01:50 +0000

£238,238 — Eye watering indeed; I’m stunned! Correct me if I’m wrong, but at that time, didn’t a butler make £50 a year? And the butler was the “Top of the Heap,” so to speak, in household service… If for no other reason, it’s no wonder that Jane Austen hated him!

They were not fashionable, contemporary clothes, but were extravagant costumes deliberately designed to give the onlooker the definite impression of watching the ancient customs of an ancient royal family. And, …that George desperately wanted to out shine Napoleon’s coronation… I’ve seen some of these pictures of the coronations before, but I had never considered this. What a showman George IV was! Considering this, and your previous postings about the Brighton Pavillion, Cecil B. DeMille and P.T. Barnum would have hired him in the blink of an eye!

Thank you, Julie. I particularly enjoy your very informative postings (especially the illustrations!) about costumes.

Comment on George IVs Coronation, Part One: George’s Coronation Gown by Charlotte Frost

Charlotte Frost — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:52:09 +0000

In the gallery the lighting was necessarily subdued, and until I saw your photograph I did not realise that the train was still a vibrant red. Thank you.