The Court of St James's
Posted by Laura W on January 07, 1998 at 00:14:58:
In response to Could someone please explain this St. James business?, written by Lisa S. on January 05, 1998 at 12:53:06
] But the Bingley sisters looked down their considerable noses at such a suggestion.
I think what appalled the Bingley sisters was the notion that *they* needed, or heaven forbid would benefit from, an introduction to Court (or anywhere else!) by a country bumpkin like Sir William.
As to what one did there, during the Regency the "Drawing Rooms" were held by Queen Charlotte, who was a staid and domestic lady and she kept things very formal. She required ladies to wear hoops in the style of the 18th century, and dress designers continued to raise the waists with a very silly-looking result. I'm pretty sure it was the mid-teens before she allowed ladies to attend court without wearing hoops.
All one really did at court during this time was stand around (one could not sit in the presence of the monarch) and make small talk. Perhaps if you were lucky, or had some specific business, the royals would talk to you. (The Queen required her sons to attend, especially the Prince of Wales when his father was incapacitated.)
Posting followups to old messages is disabled; instead go to the main index and post a new message which mentions this one.
