[This note will be developed more fully later.]
1790
- 1790 Public Advertiser, April 26:
This evening Lord Courtenay gives a superb entertainment to all the leading people of fashion. His cards express “a Ball and Supper!” | The Duchess of Cumberland and Mrs. Fitzherbert have been resorted to, for the better arrangement and plan of his Lordship’s Fete.
- 1790 Public Advertiser, April 27:
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the two Dukes, went yesterday to the Queen’s Palace to pay the usual compliments. The evening was divided between the Masquerade and the Entertainment, at Lord Viscount Courtenay’s, in Grosvenor-square.
- 1790 Ann Robinson in a letter to her brother Frederick Robinson, Saltram 17 July:
Lord Courtenay’s Fête begins with a Masquerade on the 2d of next month, a Concert on the 3d and a Ball the 4th the only thing wanting will be company, many people have returned his ticket and note of invitation, he has offended a great many by the part he took in the contest for the county [election of two MPs]
- 1790 Public Advertiser, July 23:
Powderham-Castle, the hospitable seat of Lord Courtney, will be three days in gala, at the close of this month, on account of the birth-day of its noble owner. The celebration of his arrival at age was deferred last year, on account of the then recent death of his father. Lord C. is twenty-two on the 29th of July. All the neighbouring gentry in the county of Devon, &c. are invited to this fete, for which great preparations are making. | A treaty of marriage is concluded between the Hon. Miss Courtney, one of the sisters of Lord Courtney, and Mr. George Annesley, Lord Viscount Valentia.
- 1790 Public Advertiser, July 24:
The celebration of Lord Courtenay’s arrival at age, which was postponed last year on account of the recent death of his father, will be commemorated in the present, by three days gala, commencing on the 29th inst. when his Lordship will enter his twenty-third year. The festival will be held at Powderham Castle, and most of the gentry in Devonshire will participate of the fete. | What could induce Lord Courtenay to change his family livery? Old houses are generally tenacious in this respect; and we learn from Mr. Gibbon, that the house of Courtenay is one of the oldest in Europe. — Till very lately, the Royal Family of France acknowledged a tie of consanguinity with the Courtenays, and used to send a herald, or special messenger, to notify events in which the family were involved. This, we suppose, will now terminate for ever.
- 1790 Gloucester Journal, July 26:
Great preparations are making at Powderham Castle, the seat of Lord Courtenay, for a most magnificent entertainment during the assize week at Exeter. It is to last three days, and musicians are hired from all parts of the country.
- 1790 Public Advertiser, August 4, p.3:
Lord Courtney’s festival, to celebrate his birth-day, commenced on Friday last. On this occasion, and it being Assize time, all the neighbourhood of Powderham Castle in Devonshire, who were in the habits of politeness, had tickets. The first day concluded with a grand ball — the next gave to the Exeter gentry what many of them never saw before — a masquerade — and the third was to be celebrated by a grand concert.
- 1790 Kentish Gazette, August 6, p.3:
Lord Courtney’s festival, to celebrate his birth-day, commenced on Friday last. On this occasion, and it being assize time, all the neighbourhood of Powderham Castle, in Devonshire, who were in the habits of politeness, had tickets. The first day concluded with a grand ball — the next gave to the Exeter gentry what many of them never saw before — a Masquerade — and the third is to be celebrated by a grand concert. | Mara was offered 250l.; but thinking that another birth-day would not happen again, she asked 500l. — and got nothing. [Gertrud-Elisabeth Mara was an operatic singer.]
- 1790 Public Advertiser, August 6:
Lord Courtenay’s Gala. | Powderham Castle. | A festival, of three days, has been attendant on Lord Courtenay’s Birth-day, which was on the 30th of last month. | All the Devonshire families of consequence were invited; and as the entertainment was of the duration of three days, there were few who did not avail themselves, in that time, of a visit to Powderham Castle. | We are enabled, from a Gentleman who was a guest the first night, to say, that besides the immediate residents of the County, some distinguished families from a distance attended his Lordship’s Gala, as well as several Officers from the fleet in Torbay, who repaired thither under a press of sail, and returned with equal expedition, as though the signal to unmoor had been flying all the time! | The route towards the Castle, through gloomy avenues, at the hour when the guests were invited, was relieved by a scene like enchantment, on the near approach. — The gates of the castle being thrown open, the magnificent Illuminations of the Hall were past description; in every part it was, for a time, too profuse for the eye to endure. | The suite of rooms through the building were opened in a very decorated stile, and well appropriated for the purpose of Masqued Balls, which were continued each evening. | Among the characters on the first night, Mr. Jekyl was distinguished for very ably supporting a French Abbé: a Member of the National Assembly excited attention; and a French Postilion was well portrayed. — Lord Courtenay’s attention to his visitants was unremitted. — His Lordship, and his charming sisters, did not mask during the evening; but their dresses were fanciful and highly elegant — His Lordship was in a Vandyke habit, of brown satin, very, superbly embroidered: his sword-hilt was extremely rich in its ornaments; and a smart Spanish hat and feather made the tout ensemble. The refreshments were served on massy plate; and at supper, the display of curious dishes and rich wines exhibited a scene that hospitality could not surpass.
- 1790 Public Advertiser, August 7:
Lord Courtenay’s Gala. | Further Particulars. | During the three days that the Gala continued at Powderham Castle, the Amusements were thus varied: A Masked Ball on the night, and none but Fancy Dresses admitted — This marked his Lordship’s birth-night, the 30th of last month. | Nn the second night. Saturday last, there was a very distinguished Concert; and, last Monday, a Ball. | The tickets were presented by Lord Courtenay to his particular friends, in certain proportions; and upon their being further circulated, the names of the Presenter and Accepter were written on them. This regulation kept the company as select as possible. | That this Festival was postponed a year beyond Lord Courtenay’s coming of age, is to be accounted for by reason of his father having at that time so recently died. | The dress Lord Courtenay assumed on the Masquerade night, was, as hath been already noticed, a Vandyke; and, as this was in all respects in imitation of the dress of a family picture, now at Mr. Cosway’s, we shall be so far particular in the description as to say that the exterior mantle was brown satin, with sleeves slashed. From parts of the dress, several wrought tassels descended. The stockings were of a colour similar to the mantle; and gold roses were in his shoes. | His Lordship’s hat and feather, and large lace ruff, corresponded with costume of Vandyke. | The extent of Powderham Castle received the addition of three temporary rooms, fitted up with great taste and fancy, and decorated with artificial flowers, wreaths, festoons, &c. and brilliantly lighted; but, without, a colonade of pillars, entwined with variegated lamps, was a spectacle magnificent beyond description; upwards of ten thousand lamps were employed in this illumination. | A Firework was intended on the first night, but it was not then played off, owing to the rain. | The tables which received the Desert were very fancifully embellished with various devices and figures — Friars, Nuns, Harlequins, Allegoric Forms, Music, the Family Coronet, Arms, Motto, &c. — all very striking and pretty. | The tables were well covered with confectionary, fruits and every sort of delicacy. A finer collation, in all respects, than each of the three evenings displayed, could not be produced. | Among the characters of the Masquerade Miss Priscilla Tomboy found a pretty good representative in Miss Bradford; who, in the course of the evening, changed into another character or two, and was highly humorous and keen through the night. — Death and the Devil were among the characters — the latter Dr. Farr — and he received a hit or two from Miss Priscilla — so did Death, to whom she said she would shew a trick or two before he got her under. — An Army Farrier was a good character. — Capt. Tendall represented very admirably a well-known Landlady at an inn. He afterwards changed to Jobson. — A Farmer was very humorous; so was a blunt Jack Tar.
- 1790 Times, August 7:
For The Times. | From Miss BiddyPurlingstream at Dairy-Hall, near Exeter, to Miss DianaPaleface, Hanover Square, London. | My Dear Di–, | “— never saw such a thing in our lives before, as a masquerade — nor so gentleman-like a man as Lord Courtney, — he gave us all tickets, — and so Papa, Mamma, Sister Bet, Brothers Bob and Joe, and your humble servant went. — Lord bless us what a fine humbled, jumbledy it was. | Well, what do you think were our dresses? — My Papa you know is a very great historian, and he was determined to shew it. He went as Adam — he could not go farther back — and my Mama of course was Eve. — There was a long dispute however, whether they were to represent the Father and Mother of Mankind before or after the Fall. Mama was for the innocent state, — Papa thought after the Fall would suit better, as there were no proper dresses to be had for the situation before sin, — and so my Papa’s advice was followed. | Well my dear, and so Papa, he got a coat and waistcoat made of mulberry leaves, and a pair of breeches made of fig-leaves, tacked on canvass, as it was not the fashion to have all of a suit. — Mama, — she was all fig-leaves from head to toe, and carried on her arm a basket of Eve apples; but on account of the leaves being withered by lying for a whole week in the house, both Ma and Pa made a very Autumnal appearance, — I cant say there was any temptation perceptible either in the one or the other. | Bob, who also is fond of reading, and always disputing with his brother which has gone furthest into history — he went as Valentine; — and Joey, to shew that Bob was not a better historian than himself, he went as Orson — and a pretty Valentine and Orson they were — Lord, my dear, if you had but seen them — Joey was all nasty hair pulled out of the cows tails, and plaistered on parchment, with a great cap made of old Jowler’s skin, who died about ten days ago — he howled like a dog, made a noise like a cow, or crowed as a cock, which he insisted was the real language that Orson spoke — Bob dressed himself as a Saxon officer, as he said Valentine lived about the time of the Heptarchy — I don’t rightly know what Heptarchy means — pray do you? Heptarchy, I suppose, is some great event — such as Noah’s flood, the great frost, or the alteration of the stile. | Sister and I went as two Diana’s, leading Spring and Fly, Bob’s greyhounds in crimson coloured ribbons; — we were dressed in blue riding habits, as you know Diana was always hunting — and we had our whips and bows and arrows. Both Spring and Fly were very troublesome, having broke from us and got into the supper-room, where they dragged some chickens off the table, and broke several plates. — Sister and I had two masks which resembled full moons, and we had a man painted under the eye — as you know there is always a Man in the Moon — I dare say we were good masks, for every body laughed at us. | As to the wit of the place — it is very insolent — one old curmudgeon said to us that we were old maids, and the dogs we led were apes — what an insolent lie!!! | — Poor Ma was terribly teazed about having so many fig-leaves — a Jew Rabbi told her that Eve had but one — and that one was all her representative ought to have — nor was Pa without his rubs — but poor Valentine and Orson led a wearisome life — they were hunted from post to pillar, and insomuch that Joey laid by his brutish dialect, and taking off his mask and coat, threw himself into a Mendoza attitude, and challenged the whole room. Colonel Hanger who was there as an East India recruiting Serjeant, accepted the challenge, and Bobby standing up as Joey’s second desired him to fling a hand full of knuckles in the Colonel’s eye, which he was about to do when the company interfered, and making Joey put on his coat and mask he became Orson again, and barked about the room until supper time, when his tongue and mouth became better engaged. | Never my dear Di, did I behold such a scene as this Masquerade was — nor can I see much pleasure in these outlandish dresses — and people making themselves frightful in order to entertain each other. I am sure some of the prettiest Faces in Devonshire were hid the greatest part of the evening, but it looked as if women were fond of hearing indecent language from men, and that they wore a mask to save a blush. | For my own part I must confess that when I seriously considered the entertainment, it appeared extremely dangerous to the virtuous part of our sex. I had whispers and not of the lowest notes that astonished me — they were not of the most delicate nature. At first I liked the place well enough, and as sister and I were in the habits of Chastity, we thought ourselves secure from insult — but Lord bless you they paid no more regard to our full moons than if we had been two Floras. | All the neighbourhood was in an uproar; for the people had never before seen a masquerade — and your Devonshire folks thought the masks were so many devils, and hooted them as they passed along. — Mama calls to tea, so adieu, and believe me | Your’s | Bridget Purling-stream.
- 1790 Gloucester Journal, August 9:
London, Friday, Aug. 6. | Lord Courtenay’s Masquerade. | Above 600 characters were present at the Masquerade. Black Dominos were not admitted, from previous notice. Lord Courtenay appeared in an old English dress, ornamented with a profusion of lace, and purple. His Lordship was not masqued. Mr. Jekyll assumed the character of a French Abbe, and supported it with a great deal of adroitness. — There were two Devils, extremely characteristic. Besides these, the most striking masks were three costly Indians, a Persian, a Flower Girl, and a lovely Quaker. | The supper was served up in great magnificence and plenty. The buildings for the fete were in a style of princely grandeur. Four temporary rooms were erected, with a wide portico for a convenient passage to them. Each room was fifty feet long, 27 wide, and 26 in height; and all were beautifully decorated with festoons of flowers, variegated lamps, &c. &c. | The refreshments were served on massy plate; and at supper, the display of curious dishes and rich wines exhibited a scene that hospitality could not surpass.
- 1790 Western Flying Post, August 9:
Friday se’nnight being the birth-day of the Right Hon. Lord Visc. Courtenay, when his Lordship entered his 23d year, the same was celebrated at Powderham Castle, with the utmost magnificence and splendor. A grand gala was given to the Nobility, Gentry, &c. of the county, which continued Friday, Saturday, and Monday, in a style of elegance superior to any thing ever before seen in this part, and which, though we shall endeavour to give our readers a short description of, must fall infinitely beneath the lustre of the original. | Friday, — Masquerade and Supper. — At this first evening’s entertainment, it being particularly observed that no black Dominos were to be admitted, a greater number of characters appeared than could be expected; from whom the most enlivening sallies of wit, repartee, &c. continually flowing, served to keep up that glee and hilarity with which a Masquerade abounds: Among those characters, whose particular excellence attracted our attention, were, a Devonshire Farmer; a Frenchman; a French Postilion; a Sailor’s Lass; Priscilla Tomboy; an Indian Chief; a Mahometan; a Dutchman; an Old Woman; a Chinese Lady; a Hussar; Jobson; a Pilgrim; a female Quaker; Hay-makers; Fruit Girls; Sailors, &c. &c. the whole forming a most pleasing assemblage of motley characters excellently well supported. — About one o’clock the supper-rooms opened; the tables in which were spread in a most superb manner indeed, with all the delicacies that could be procured, viands, fruits, preserves, the choicest and best wines, &c. &c. in abundance. Along the centre of the tables were Chinese temples and other ornaments about two feet high, having medallions of the Royal Family, the Courtenay Arms, &c. displayed in a superlative style of elegance, placed on a beautiful ground work, ornamented with drawings of landscapes, figures, &c. formed with coloured sand, and producing a most charming effect. The rooms were decorated with festoons of coloured flowers, and laid out with much taste; in short the whole was truly characteristic of the liberality and magnificence of the noble host. After supper many very excellent songs were sung, concluding the evening with mirth and harmony. The company retired about five o’clock. | Saturday, — Concert and Supper. — This evening’s amusement consisted of a concert, principally instrumental music, in which several excellent pieces were played. His Lordship, who has a fine touch on the harpsichord, was accompanied in a duet by Mr. Jones on the pedal harp. Some other pieces were also gone through, in which his Lordship occasionally took part. — About twelve o’clock a number of cannon announced the fire works to be ready for exhibition; — a door was then opened which led to an inclosure in the park, from whence all the company could be gratified with a full view of the whole: — sky rockets — wheels — flower-pots — trees, &c. &c. were shown in abundance, much to the credit of the preparer, and highly pleasing to the company. — About two o’clock the supper-rooms opened, decorated in the same elegant manner as the preceding evening. — The company retired about four o’clock. | Monday, — Ball and Supper. — It were needless again to describe the magnificence of the rooms, which increased in elegance rather than diminished. This evening, after the company were served with refreshments, the ball commenced; in the course of which his Lordship danced with Lady Elizabeth Vaughan, Lady Mallet Vaughan, and Miss Bampfylde. The supper rooms opened about one o’clock, decorated as before: After supper several songs were sung, and all present seemed to enjoy the pleasures of conviviality. The company retired about five o’clock. — As the first evening produced an assemblage of characters to excite mirth, so the two latter exhibited beauty and elegance to gain admiration; there being present, each night, from 300 to 400 persons of the first distinction in this neighbourhood. The great politeness and liberality shewn by Lord Courtenay and his family, during the whole entertainment, were peculiarly admirable, infusing pleasure and happiness to all his guests. Nor was his Lordship’s attention confined solely to his own company, it also had an eye towards the amusement of the populace, who were assembled in the park, &c. in great numbers; to please whom, some prizes were rowed for at Starcross; wrestling, cudgel playing, &c. &c. were exhibited; a bullock was roasted whole; and liquor was distributed in abundance; thus bringing to view a true specimen of old English hospitality. The whole was conducted with a great deal of regularity and decorum, and much to the satisfaction of all ranks of spectators. | Another correspondent says, “At the masked ball the family of the Courtenay’s appeared unmasked, in number 14, and made a most elegant and beautiful appearance. Every thing was conducted with the greatest propriety and good order.” After mentioning the principal characters, he observes there was only one which was disapproved of, and that was a person who appeared in the character of Death, and he very wisely took himself off. He declares he has seen many masquerades in town, but never saw one better supported.
- 1790 Chester Chronicle, August 13:
False taste is ever at variance with nature. Lord Courtenay had for his Fete several hundred yards of artificial flowers in the height of summer! I “Yet hence the poor are cloath’d, the hungry fed!”
- 1790 The Gentleman’s Magazine, August 1790, p.759 | Country News:
Powderham Castle, July 30. Being the birth-day of Lord Viscount Courtenay, who, then entered the 23d year of his age, the same was observed with equal munificence and grandeur. In the morning, an ox roasted whole, and twenty hogsheads of ale and ten of cyder, were given to make joyful the hearts of the neighbouring populace. In the evening a masquerade-ball and illuminations the most brilliant drew the first families in Devonshire together; and temporary rooms were erected, and decorated in high style, for their reception. No dominos were admitted. Lord Courtenay appeared in an old English dress, ornamented with a profusion of lace and purple. — The refreshments were served in massy plate; and at supper the display of curious dishes and rich wines exhibited a scene which hospitality could not surpass.
- 1790 Derby Mercury, September 2:
A new piece of luxury has lately been introduced in in the balls given by certain great families. When the carpets of the Rooms appointed for dancing are removed, an artist is employed to ornament the floors with festoons of flowers, and other devices in common French chalk. This prevents the disagreeable impression which naked floors always make upon the eye, and at the same time is very commodious and agreeable to the dancers, as it prevents the foot from slipping. — No less than one hundred guineas was paid by Lord Courtenay, at Powderham, for this one article.
- 1796 Gabriel Christoph Benjamin Busch, Versuch eines Handbuchs der Erfindungen | Tanzkunst:
Im Jahr 1791 [probably 1790] bezahlte Lord Courtenay, auf zeinem Landsitz Powderham, einem Künstler 100 Guineen oder 600 Rthlr. dafür
In the year 1791 at Powderham, his country seat, lord Courtenay paid an artist 100 guineas or 600 Reichstahler for such [decorating a dance-floor with flowers, festoons and other designs in chalk — if the year was 1792, the artist may have been Robert Fulton].
1791-1793
- 1791 Kentish Gazette, August 9:
Friday the 29th ult. being the Birth-day of the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Courtney, it was celebrated at Powderham Castle in the most splendid manner. His Lordship gave a ball and supper on the occasion to about 200 of the principal Gentry of the city of Exeter and neighbourhood. The house was decorated in a very superb style; a large and most magnificent tent was erected in the Park for the entertainment of the company, and nothing seemed wanting to render the whole completely elegant. The weather proving, however, very unfavourable, and the guests being thereby prevented from visiting the tent, his Lordship, with his usual politeness, requested the company of each who was then present to a public breakfast on Wednesday last at two o’clock; and, and as every preparation was made to give satisfaction, we doubt not but his Lordship’s munificence gave unbounded pleasure to all his guests.
- 1791 Bath Chronicle, August 11:
Exeter, August 3. Friday being the birth-day of the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Courtenay, it was celebrated at Powderham Castle in the most splendid manner. His Lordship gave a ball and supper on the occasion to about 200 of the principal gentry of this city and neighbourhood.
- 1792 Evening Mail, May 4:
Lord Courtenay’s Ball and Supper. | This entertainment, which has for many days past excited the curiosity of the younger circle of fashion on account of the preparations making for it, was given on Friday night, and the splendor and taste with which it was conducted did not disappoint those expectations that had been formed of it. | The number of invitation cards issued was 400, and at 12 o’clock last night near 300 persons were assembled. For the accommodation of so large a company, Lord Courtney had two temporary rooms erected at the back of his house covered with painted-canvas — the one was used as the ball, the other as a supper-room. Besides these, there were three other on the ground floor opened as supper-rooms. | The ball began about eleven o’clock, in one of the temporary rooms of canvas, and continued till past two in the morning; but the coldness of the night, and there being no fires in any of the rooms, made it extremely uncomfortable. This was complained of both above and below, except in the faro table room, which was at extreme heat, while the one adjoining it was at the freezing point, which must account for about a dozen persons, among whom were Lady E. Luttrell, Lady Archer, and Miss Jeffries, not quitting it for the delicacies which Lord Courtney had prepared below. They sat till five in the morning. | The ball room was very prettily fitted up with hangings of roses in festoons, and was divided for the two sets of dancers by poles, with small bunches of roses twisted round them. | The company included the principal persons of fashion of both parties, to the number of 350, or upwards. The Prince of Wales was there in full dress, but did not dance, and was the only branch of the Royal Family present. | The Duchess of Gordon, from the trimmings on her head dress, and down her gown, of oak leaves, was not inaptly compared to the Maid of the Oaks, — while Mrs. Fitzherbert looked every inch a Great Sultana; she wore a very large turban cap of red tiffany, with a broad gold lace and tassels. As usual, the Prince’s portrait was next her heart. The pretty little Miss Sturt looked likewise an inmate of a Seraglio; she gave the retort courteous with as much archness as ever. | Lady Charlotte — — had something of the outward appearance of a Bishop in his lawn sleeves, but none of the inward and spiritual grace; her appearance was in every respect remarkable. Lord Henry Fitzgerald was the only Crop to be seen. | The Duchess of Rutland, in a sky-blue sattin dress, looked the Queen of May; her Grace was in every sense a divine subject for contemplation. — Lord Page was, as usual, the gay Lothario at her elbow. | Miss Courtney, sister to the noble host, — Lady Susan Gordon, who by the bye was most magnificently dressed, and Mrs. Fielding, were three of the prettiest women there. The Duke of Queensbury sighed as he passed them, and wished he had been a younger man. Lord Loughborough was as prim and as grave as a judge. Lord Courtenay was very attentive to his friends, and had something to say to every one. He might indeed be proud of his visitors, for we never saw a prettier assemblage. | Tea, ices, and all sorts of refreshments, were in abundance, and served in the most sumptuous manner. We never saw a sideboard better arranged or more elegantly furnished. | The supper rooms below were as handsome as taste and money could make them. The Prince supped under a marque in one of the rooms, and his table was served off plate. A dozen persons had the honour of being of his party, — among these were the Duchess of Gordon, Lord Loughborough, the Duke of Queensbury, and Mrs. Fitzherbert, at the further corner from the Prince. In the middle of the table, was a very beautiful pyramid, on a large gilt salver, on which was painted Lord Courtney’s arms. | The supper tables were covered with allegorical decorations, and every dainty the town could afford. Green peas, cherries, strawberries, grapes and pines, were almost as plentiful as if they were in season. In short, nothing could exceed the good arrangement and splendour of the whole. | The house was not cleared till six o’clock on Saturday morning.
- 1792 Times, May 4:
Lord Courtney’s Ball last night was most numerously attended by the fashionable circle of both sexes
- 1792 Times, May 7:
Lord Courtney’s Ball and Supper. | The lateness of the hour at which these entertainments generally commence, precluded us from speaking so fully of it as it deserves. It was the most splendid and best conducted entertainment we ever recollect to have seen. | The ball began about eleven o’clock in one of the temporary rooms of canvas and continued till past two in the morning [… as Evening Mail report, 4 May]
- 1792 Times, May 8:
Mrs. Crouch was not at Lord Courtney’s fete. A hint was given to a certain Personage, who laughed off the request with — “Two at a time there’s no mortal can bear!
- 1792 Chester Chronicle, May 11:
Lord Courtenay’s ball cost 6000 guineas. He had among other rarities 1000 peaches, at a guinea each — 1000 pottles of cherries, at five shillings each — 1000 pottles of strawberries, at five shillings each, and every other in the fame wise proportion. —Reader, contrast this with the wretched and starving condition of thousands, and ask your own heart, whether Providence ever intended there should be so shocking a disparity?
- 1792 Chester Chronicle, May 18:
A London paper of last week presents a picture of disparity in life shocking to the eye of humanity: — After the account of Lord Courtney’s ball, at which six thousand pounds were expended, 1000 guineas being given for a thousand peaches! — Almost immediately follows an account of a poor old man, who had been found dead in a garret, having perished for want of the common necessaries of life!
- 1792 Evening Mail, July 13:
Lord Courtenay is to give a grand masqued Ball at Powderham-castle, on the 29th of this month.
- 1792 Western Flying Post, July 30:
Exeter. | M. Trewman, Milliner, (from Mrs. Taniere’s, New Bond-street, London,) respectfully acquaints the ladies of this city and neighbourhood, that she has brought with her a genteel Assortment in every fashionable article of Millinery; also Dominos, Character and Fancy Dresses, &c. for the ensuing masqued ball at Lord Viscount Courtenay’s. | As she finds it impossible to get her shop (late in the occupation of Mr. Brown, hosier,) fitted for her reception by the present assizes, she is in the mean time accommodated with the front dining-room at Mr. Luke’s, grocer, opposite Gandy’s-Lane, High-street; and hopes, by attention to those ladies, whose commands she may be favoured with, to gain their countenance and support. | July 25, 1792.
- 1792 [Greenfield, Massachusetts] Recorder, 9 August 9:
[the ball in London in May] Lord Courtney’s ball cost 6000 guineas. He had among other rarities, 1000 peaches at a guinea each; 1000 pottles of cherries, at five shillings each; 1000 pottles of strawberries, at five shillings each; and other fruits in the same proportion. — Thus lords riot, while the people starve.
- 1792 London chronicle #5613 | vol. 72, p. 144 | Thursday 9 August to Saturday 11 August 1792:
Lord Courtenay gave his postponed Fete, at Powderham Castle, Devonshire, on Monday evening last. | The entertainments were, a masquerade ball, and supper, to which all the persons of distinction in the neighbourhood were invited, as well as many from distant parts of the kingdom, the particular friends of the family. | The company began to assemble about ten, and at eleven became numerous; his Lordship and his charming sisters receiving the visitors as they arrived. The proportion of dominos was much less than at public entertainments of the same sort, and of the masks many were excellently supported. There were, a Sailor’s Lass, much distinguished for repartee and good personification; two Gentoo Lads, as the sons of Tippoo, given up for hostages; four Inhabitants of Otaheite; a Representative of Folly, curiously decorated with baubles; a Devonshire Market Woman; a Giant; a Hawker, and a Town Cryer. | At one the supper rooms were opened, and the eye as well as the palate was gratified, for the elegance of the arrangement equalled the plenty of the board. The choicest wines, and every delicacy that could be procured, were liberally afforded. | After supper the ball commenced, and the rooms were not entirely deserted by their festive guests, at six o’clock on Tuesday morning.
- 1792 Times, August 13:
Lord Courtenay gave his postponed Fete, at Powderham Castle, Devonshire, on Monday evening last. | The entertainments were a masquerade, ball, and supper, to which all the persons of distinction in the neighbourhood were invited, as well as many from distant parts of the kingdom, the particular friends of the family. | The company began to assemble about ten, and, at eleven, became numerous; his Lordship and his charming sisters received the visitors as they arrived. | At one the supper-rooms were opened, and the eye, as well as the palate, were gratified, for the elegance of the arrangement equalled the plenty of the board. The choicest wines, and every delicacy that could be procured, were liberally afforded. | After supper the ball commenced, and the rooms were not entirely deserted by their festive guests at six o’clock in the morning. | Miles Peter Andrews is partaking Lord Courtney’s rural festivities; and was neatly observed that the Wit had brought with him the true Attic Salt to Powderham!
- 1792 Bath Chronicle, August 16:
Monday last the anniversary of the birth-day of Lord Viscount Courtenay was celebrated at Powderham Castle, Devon, with singular magnificence and festivity. The evening commenced by a masquerade ball in a temporary building, (elegantly fitted up for the purpose, and richly ornamented by a profusion of splendid decorations) which was attended by upwards of 300 principal nobility, gentry, and fashionable personages, and exhibited a pleasing and characteristic groupe of diversified characters among which were, Highland chief, (his lordship) Tippoo Saib, and 2 sons as hostage princes; two Cherokee chiefs, with their squaws; Folly, (by a lady!) Watchman with his bell, a Quaker most Capital, a gigantic Door-keeper, Nuns and Friars, old Women and Ballad-singers, Fruit and Flower Girls, Shepherds and Shepherdesses, Devonshire Market-women, Farmers, &c. The ball was succeeded by a superb supper, consisting of the most costly and exquisite rarities.
- 1793 Times, March 10:
Lord Courtney’s ball and supper on Friday night was very fully attended, but it was not on the same large scale as the splendid entertainment of last season. Miss Courtney was, as she is in most places, the prettiest Lady in the Rooms.
- 1793 Lady Stafford (lady Margaret Beckford’s aunt) to her son lord Granville Leveson Gower, Whitehall (Westminster) 31 May:
[…] I think you will like to have an Acct. of a Ball at Mr. Byng’s last night. There were two or three and twenty Couple; […] But I will return to the Ball, which lasted till five in the Morning. The Dancing went on with great Spirit, the Ladies had plenty of Partners, and there was a famous good Supper. […] Lady J. Paget look’d vastly well; she goes this Night to a Ball at Lord Courtenay’s, to which our Excuse is to go, but as the Uxbridge family are to leave Town on Monday, Lady Uxbridge consents to Lady J. going to two Balls de suite.
1794-1800
1801
- 1801 Morning Post, May 25:
Fashionable Arrangements For The Week. | Friday. | Viscount Courtenay’s Ball, Grosvenor-square. | Viscountess Dudley and Ward’s Music. | Mrs. Cornwallis’s Rout, Hill-street.
- 1801 Morning Post, June 1:
Lord Courtenay’s Ball. | His Lordship’s youngest sister coming of age on Friday last, the Ball was given in honour of the day. The whole circle of friends were invited; the company, when assembled, could not be less than five hundred personages; among whom were | The Prince of Wales. | Prince of Orange. | Prince William of Gloucester. | Dukes — Somerset, Orleans, De Monpensier. | Duchesses — Beaufort, Bolton, Montrose, Somerset, Devonshire. Dowagers Leeds and Rutland. | […] The Ball-room was rather antique for so fashionable a man as his Lordship, not having been fitted up for some years. It was lighted with three lustres affixed to the walls, and a superb chandelier. The dances commenced at eleven o’clock, and the supper at one, for two hundred persons. In the study, or alcove, a single oval table for 40; in the parlour, a horse-shoe, for 60; and in the front, or dining room, two double tables for 80. The first room was served with plate, at the head of which table sat his Lordship, the Prince of Orange, and many of the Nobility. The supper was very elegant, abundance of frame work being introduced. The company was so very numerous that they were divided into two sets. When the first party returned to the Ball-room, the tables were replenished, and two hundred more took their seats. Upwards of four hundred were amply provided for by his Lordship. In the early part of the evening his Lordship sat on a throne under a canopy of rich silk, and there received the congratulations of his visitants, while his fair sisters were charming their male friends with the elegance of their attitudes in dancing.
The time was when the master sparkled with grandeur superior to the servant; but those times have changed. Lord Courtenay’s liveries on Friday night were faced with embroidery at ten guineas a yard, and each suit could not cost less than 50l. This equals his hammer-cloth, the price of which was 500 guineas.
- 1801 Ipswich Journal, June 6:
Lord Courtenay’s youngest sister coming of age on Friday last, a ball was given in honour of the day to 500 persons. The servants liveries were faced with embroidery at 10 guineas, a yard; the price of each suit could not be less than 50£. This equals his Lordship’s hammer-cloth, which was 500 guineas.
- 1801 Morning Post, August 11:
Lord Courtney is preparing for a Masquerade, on a very grand scale, to be given at Powderham Castle, on the 19th instant.
- 1801 Morning Post, August 15:
A waggon full of masquerade dresses has arrived at Exeter, for the accommodation of the visitors to the Grand Gala, at Powderham Castle, on the 17th. instant.
- 1801 Morning Post, August 25:
The Fashionable World. | No. CCCXLVI. | Viscount Courtenay’s Masquerade. | Lord Courtenay’s Masquerade, on the 19th inst. was in the accustomed taste and magnificence of the hospitable owner of Powderham Castle. | The characters present were naturally and classically dressed, and many of them superbly attired. Lord Courtenay appeared in several beautiful and appropriate dresses during the evening; his lovely sisters endeavoured in vain to disguise themselves — their beauty and sweetness of manners beamed and betrayed them through the thin concealment of an assumed appearance. | Most of the fashion and rank of the county were present. The best characters were a Mrs. Guzzle and a Drunken Parson, a Doctor, admirably supported; an Old Cloathsman, an ancient Lady and Gentleman of fashion, a Lawyer and a D—I on his back; a group of fascinating Gypsies; an excellent Fidler at a fair, with a rustic lottery, in which, if we may judge from some of the tickets, much wit was displayed; his old Wife, a Quaker, some lovely Fruit-women, Nuns, Shepherdesses, Ariels, a Carter, Indians, a Madman, &c. &c. | A temporary room was erected, representing a long and beautiful bower, into which the visitors entered through an arched alcove: the roof was composed of jessamine, roses, and honeysuckles, and the sides of the rarest shrubs. The effect was truly enchanting. | The supper in the different rooms was elegantly arranged, of which three hundred persons partook. At three o’clock, country dances commenced, and about five the company retired highly delighted with the splendid hospitalities of the evening. | As usual, in so large an assemblage of people, there was much of the solemn shew of, domino dullness; perhaps the prevailing inactivity might be traced to the intense heat of the weather — a cause which, however, was attended by a rich compensation in the bewitching display of disencumbered beauty — for most of the many lovely women who graced this fête, withdrew their masks at an early period of the evening. | The entertainment did the highest honour to the noble spirit of the donor, which, in taste, richness, and hospitality, has been rarely equalled.
- 1801 Morning Chronicle, August 26:
Lord Courtenay’s masquerade, on the 19th inst. was in the accustomed taste of the owner of Powderham Castle. | Lord Courtenay appeared in several beautiful and appropriate dresses during the evening: his lovely sisters endeavoured in vain to disguise themselves; their beauty and sweetness of manners betrayed them through the thin concealment of an assumed appearance. | Most of the fashion and rank of the county were present. | As usual, in a large assemblage of people, there was much of the solemn shew of domino dullness; perhaps the prevailing inactivity might be traced to the intense heat of the weather — a cause which, however, was attended by a rich compensation in the bewitching display of disencumbered beauty — for most of the many lovely women who graced this fête withdrew their masks at an early period of the evening. | The entertainment in taste, richness, and hospitality, has been rarely equalled.
- 1801 Bath Chronicle, August 27:
Lord Courtenay gave his promised masquerade ball and supper on Wednesday evening, at Powderham-castle. All the leading families in the neighbourhood were present. The rooms were decorated with great taste, but the supper fell far short of the noble donor’s usual luxuriant display on such occasions.
- 1801 Exeter Flying Post, August 27:
Wednesday evening last the Right Honorable Lord Viscount Courtenay gave a grand Masquerade at Powderham to about 500 persons. The rooms opened at nine o’clock, soon after which they were filled with a motley groupe of characters, whose comic abilities were exerted, to the high entertainment of all who were present. Among the many whose humour and dress particularly attracted attention, were, a Medical Doctor — an Old Maid — a Vicar and Moses — Mr. Guzzle a Landlord — a Jew Pedlar — an Old Fidler — a Company of Gipsies — a Groupe of Ariels — a Beggar Girl — a Couple of Fortune-Tellers — three South-Sea Warriors — an Indian Chief — a Don Quixote — a German Doctor — an Attorney with the Devil on his Back — besides Flower and Fruit-girls, Clowns, Farmers, Spaniards, Old Women, Sailors with their Lasses, &c. &c. — The supper was announced at two o’clock, when the company were shewn into an arched alcove, formed for the occasion, and enclosed from the gardens by a plantation of firs, adorned with festoons of flowers, &c. and lighted by chandeliers suspended from the top branches. — The tables were spread with a genteel cold collation, red and white wines, and every thing necessary for the refreshment of the guests. — After supper the company returned to the masqeurade rooms, where dancing commenced, which continued, with uninterrupted gaiety till after six o’clock in the morning; when the warm rays of Phoebus gave the unwelcome signal for separation. — During the whole evening, refreshments were served [???] erected for the purpose; and with tea and coffee. The polite attention shewed by Lord Courtenay, and his amiable Sisters, to each individual, the anxious endeavours of his Lordship to encrease the mirth of the assembly, — to join the merry dance, and thus dispense pleasure and entertainment to all his guests, rendered this fete particularly charming; and we may add, that his Lordship’s wishes were not unsuccessful; every one seemed to relish the delights of the evening, and to depart highly gratified by his Lordship’s hospitality, and his unwearied kindness and attention to all around him.
- 1801 Morning Post, September 9:
We are told, that a Lady, who sustained the character of an old maid at Powderham Castle masquerade, found it much more difficult than she at first imagined, and fell off greatly in the course of the night.
1802-1803
- 1802 Courier and Evening Gazette, February 10:
The Hon. Colonel Vaughan [husband of William’s sister Lucy], and a party, are going on a visit to Lord Courteney, of Powderham Castle.
- 1802 Daily Advertiser and Oracle, August 21:
Lord Courtenay is going to enliven the vicinity of Powderham Castle, and to attract a large party of Fashionables from town, by giving a splendid Fete at that magnificent Palace.
- 1803 Star, January 3:
Powderham Castle, will, in a few days, present a scene of much gaiety and festivity; its owner, Lord Courtenay, having for some days been employed in making preparations for the reception of a numerous company of fashionables.
- 1803 Daily Advertiser and Oracle, January 4:
New Year’s Gift from Lord Courtenay, dated Powderham Castle, January 1, 1803, To-morrow.
- 1803 True Briton, January 4:
Lord Courtenay, it seems, is making great preparations for a magnificent Gala at Powderham Castle. We do not hear that his Lordship has sent an invitation to Counsellor Tonkin [a few days earlier there had been a dispute between William and Warwick Hele Tonkin at the first meeting of the Exeter Harmonic Society].
1808
- 1808 Daily Advertiser, Oracle, and True Briton, January 7:
Viscount Courtenay gave a grand fete on New Year’s day, at his seat, Powderham Castle, Devonshire. Mr. Beckford was not there. The Hon. Miss Courtenay [William’s unmarried sister Caroline-Eustatia] wore a superb dress on the occasion.
- 1808 Morning Post, January 8:
Powderham Castle was a scene of much festivity on New Year’s day, when Lord Courtenay invited the whole of the Nobility and Gentry of the neighbourhood, to partake of the banquet.
- Powderham castle | guidebook, 2006, p.18. William’s delayed coming-of-age ball in August 1790:
The ball was held in three marquees made of green and pink silk, as there was no room large enough in the Castle for the lavish celebrations. William gave all the 600 guests a peach, an extremely expensive and exotic present, and a very generous gesture.
- 1836 Richard Polwhele, Reminiscences, in Prose and Verse, 1836 | vol. 1, pp. 42-43. From June 1784 to 1793/1794 Polwhele was curate at Kenton, a neighbouring parish of Powderham.
I was very sensible of Mr. Champernowne’s kindness to me at a masquerade, where I was paying my respects to the present [Earl] Courtenay. It was a splendid masquerade indeed ; and the whole scenery, from Powderham to Exeter, beyond description magnificent—illuminated as was the river Exe through its whole extent, from yachts and barges, and all the variety of fireworks. But to return to Champernowne. My neighbours, Messrs. (Prebendary) and (Archdeacon) Andrew, had agreed with me to go unmasked, as being more decorous in clergymen. With me, the unpleasant consequence was, that several of my subscribers to my “History of Devonshire,” taking advantage of my “open countenance,” attacked me most unmercifully about my book; — which Champernowne perceiving, interposed in my favour, and stood by me till released by a Turkish Ambassador (Lord Courtenay), whose protection from such impertinence was not less powerful. Mr. Templar took me from Powderham to my own house at Kenton, in his carriage. I shall never forget the dawn of that day, the park, the plantations gradually opening upon us, the morning star fading in the east, the horizon one fine flush of crimson and of gold, the dewdrops on the trees and shrubs fresh and sparkling, and every breeze wafting “life and fragrance,” and the lark mounting high. Such were more than enough to call forth strains, responsive to “his trembling thrilling ecstacy.”
- 1878 William Pitt Lennox, Fashion then and now, vol. 1, p. 102:
Extravagant as are some of the fêtes given in our day, they are not to be compared to those of bygone times; for a ball given by Lord Courtenay towards the end of the last century cost six hundred guineas. He had among other rarities, a thousand peaches at a guinea each; a thousand pottles of cherries at five shillings each, a thousand pottles of strawberries at five shillings each, and every other article in the same proportion. The ball took place on the 5th of May, and the continent was not then as now–open for the exportation of foreign fruit.
Image
- Admission ticket drawn by William Craig Marshall and engraved by Richard Turner Austin. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1983-U-1912 . © The Trustees of the British Museum
Page history
- 2023 March 12: first published online.
- 2023 August 12: 1878, William Pitt Lennox added.
- 2024 January 2: several entries added.
- 2024 January 4: several entries added.
- 2024 March 7: 1790, Gentleman’s Magazine added.
- 2025 May 13: 1790, Kentish Gazette 6 August added.
William Courtenay (1768-1835) 