The Coronation of George IV: An Extravagant, Controversial Affair

King George IV in his coronation robes by Sir Thomas Lawrence, 1821. From Wikimedia Commons

Probably the most unpopular of all Coronations was that of George IV. One writer remarked that “the King made up in pageantry what he lacked in popularity.” And there must have been something in that because it cost £238,000. Its unpopularity, however, was the outcome of George's lengthy and much publicised estrangement with his wife, Caroline, and she was actually refused admittance to the Abbey during the ceremony.

Both houses for some time previous had been inundated with petitions on behalf of the Queen. The opening speech had recommended that a suitable provision should be made for her instead of that which she had enjoyed as Princess of Wales; but she had expressed her firm determination to accept no settlement While her name was omitted from the liturgy. Not deterred by this declaration, £50.000 was voted to her for life and, after some demur, the pressure of poverty prevailed and she accepted it. But by doing so she lost much of that popularity which her previous rejection had procured for her.

The Coronation, which her arrival in London had delayed, had to be solemnised at any cost, for George IV valued the pomp of royalty more than even its power and he could not feel that he was “Every Inch a King” until his head had been surmounted by the crown. The day fixed for the Coronation pageant was July 19, 1821 and here Caroline had determined to take her final stand. On June 25 she lodged her claim to be crowned, like her royal predecessors, and her claim was ably supported by her law advisers, Messrs. Brougham and Denman. But after a long antiquarian and historical exploration, it was found that the coronation of a king did not necessarily imply that of his consort, and that since the reign of Henry VIII, only six out of 13 consorts had been crowned. On the strength of these precedents, her claim, as a right, was rejected.

George IV's train carried by eight sons of peers and the Master of the Robes. From Wikimedia Commons

Caroline then wrote to Lord Sidmouth, stating her determination to be present at the ceremony, and desiring that a suitable place should be provided for her accommodation. When this was refused, she made a similar application to the Duke of Norfolk as Earl-Marshal of England, but with the same result. Rejected in these appeals, she now tried one that savoured of downright insanity: she requested the Archbishop of Canterbury to crown her alone the following week while the Abbey of Westminster was in preparation for the final ceremony, which could be done without further national expense. But to her letter containing such a singular request, the astonished primate returned the following brief reply: “The Archbishop of Canterbury has the honour to acknowledge with all humility the receipt of Her Majesty's communication. Her Majesty is undoubtedly aware that the Archbishop cannot stir a single step in the subject matter of it without the commands of the King.”

The Coronation took place, with unwonted splendour and magnificence, on July 19. The Queen resolved to be present, or to make a scene by seeking admittance in the eyes of the people. It is said that the more prudent of her friends endeavoured to dissuade her, but it is to be apprehended that most of those who surrounded her and who were making use of her merely for party or factious purposes, without any regard to the shock her feelings might sustain, strongly urged her to go down to the Abbey.

She went and stopping before the Abbey door, was there refused admittance by the door-keepers and military officers on guard. She then wandered round the Abbey walls, in a vain search for some other entrance, and, having thus exhibited her humiliation, she retired through the dense multitude, applauded by some, but hissed and hooted and called foul names by others.  

King George IV's crowning at the Abbey. From Wikimedia Commons

Here is an account of the Coronation from the Annual Register, 1821:

Soon after, four o'clock it was ascertained that her Majesty's coach was making ready, and the crowd, both in South Audley Street and in Hill Street, became very great.

Soon after five o'clock the gate was thrown open, and a shout was raised, "The. Queen!" "The

Queen!" The Queen immediately appeared in her coach of state, drawn by six bays. Lady Hood and Lady Ann Hamilton sat opposite to her Majesty. Lord Hood followed in his own carriage. Her Majesty looked well, and acknowledged with great dignity and composure the congratulations of the people on each side of her coach. They made their way through the crowded streets and arrived at last at the place where the tickets were received. Lord Hood demanded admission for the Queen.

The Door-keeper said that his instructions were to admit no persons without a peer's ticket.

Lord Hood: "Did you ever hear of a queen being asked for a ticket before? This is your Queen."

The Door-keeper said that his orders were general, and without any exceptions. He had never been in a similar situation before and could  say nothing as to the propriety or impropriety of refusing- her Majesty admission.

Lord Hood: "I present to you your Queen; do you refuse her admission?"

Her Majesty added that she was his Queen, and desired to be permitted to pass.

Queen Caroline and Lord Hood being refused entrance at the Abbey by the doorman. Artist impression from Wikimedia Commons

The Door-keeper admitted that his orders were peremptory — and said, however reluctant he might be he could not suffer her Majesty to pass without a ticket.

Lord Hood: "I have a ticket."

Door-keeper: "Upon presenting it, I will permit you to pass."

Lord Hood then took from his pocket one ticket for the Abbey for a Mr. Wellington, which he tendered to the Door-keeper."

The Door-keeper said that would admit but one individual. Lord Hood then asked her Majesty if she would enter alone.

Her Majesty hesitated— upon which Lord Hood asked whether there had not been some preparation made for her Majesty's reception.

The Door-keeper answered in the negative.  

Lord Hood: "Then I am to understand you refuse your Queen admittance to Westminster Abbey?"

The Door-keeper said he was ready to admit her Majesty with a ticket, but not without.

After a short consultation with her Majesty, whether she would go into the, Abbey alone or not — her Majesty declined— and it was resolved that she should return to her carriage.

As she was quitting, the spot, some persons in the doorway burst into a vulgar laugh of derision. Her Majesty looked at them contemptuously; and turning about, passed through a group of fashionable women who were going to the Abbey with tickets, but who did not take the slightest notice of her. She was followed by a crowd to the platform, some of whom were approving and some disapproving of her conduct.

On entering her carriage, there was considerable disapprobation, intermingled with cries of "Shame, shame," "Off, off"; while other parts of the populace repeated the cries of "The Queen,the Queen" with great enthusiasm.

A few weeks later Caroline died.

Coronation Banquet of George IV, unknown artist. Royal Collection

George IV's Coronation Banquet

Some most disorderly and disgraceful proceedings took place at the Coronation festivities of George IV. A scene followed the king's departure which seems almost incredible. After the service of the second course, the numerous attendants, singers, and even ladies and gentlemen, began to press round the royal table, as if prepared for a scramble to possess its contents.

The crowd of spectators pressed nearer and nearer. For a moment only covetous eyes were cast on the spoils, as if each were afraid to begin the plunder: but, at last, a rude hand having been thrust through the first ranks, and a golden fork having been seized, this operated as a signal to all, and was followed by a general snatch.

In a short time all the small portable articles were transferred to the pockets of the multitude. The Lord High Chamberlain, hearing the attack, hastened to the rescue, and with the greatest difficulty, saved the more important articles of plate and had them conveyed to Carlton Garden. Then followed a scene unparalleled in the annals of coronations. The crowds in the galleries had beheld with envy the operations at the banquet. They were very hungry and very thirsty, and seeing now that Westminister Hall was ' liberty hall,' they rushed down different stairs and passages, and attacked the viands and wines. A raging thirst was first to be satisfied, and in a few minutes every bottle on the table was emptied. A fresh supply was soon obtained from the cellarettea.

Sources

The Coronation of George IV. Voice. Feb. 16, 1952. [Read here] 

An Unpopular Coronation. Mirror. May 8, 1937. [Read here] 

George IV's Coronation Banquet.  The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser. July 1, 1902. [Read here]