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The Scandal of George III's Court
From Windsor to Weymouth, the shadow of scandal was never too far from the walls of the House of Hanover. Did a fearsome duke really commit murder or a royal mistress sell commissions to the highest bidders, and what was the truth behind George III's supposed secret marriage to a pretty Quaker?
With everything from illegitimate children to illegal marriages, dead valets, and equerries sneaking about the palace by candlelight, these eyebrow-raising tales from the reign of George III prove that the highest of births is no guarantee of good behavior. Prepare to meet some shocking ladies, some shameless gentlemen and some politicians who really should know better. Love, greed and ambition were the currency, and the stakes were high.
So tighten your stays, hoist up your breeches and prepare for a gallop through some of the most shocking royal scandals from the court of George III. You'll never look at a king in the same way again…
With everything from illegitimate children to illegal marriages, dead valets, and equerries sneaking about the palace by candlelight, these eyebrow-raising tales from the reign of George III prove that the highest of births is no guarantee of good behavior. Prepare to meet some shocking ladies, some shameless gentlemen and some politicians who really should know better. Love, greed and ambition were the currency, and the stakes were high.
So tighten your stays, hoist up your breeches and prepare for a gallop through some of the most shocking royal scandals from the court of George III. You'll never look at a king in the same way again…
- GenresNonfictionHistory
216 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2018
About the author
Catherine Curzon
59 books191 followersCatherine Curzon writes books about old Hollywood and even older royals. She writes WW2 sagas for Orion as Ellie Curzon.
Catherine’s work has been featured on the official website of BBC History Magazine, and in publications such as The Daily Telegraph, All About History, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Jane Austen’s Regency World. Further afield, she has appeared in the pages of publications including The Washington Post, Town & Country, Elle Australia, Der Bund, La Vanguardia and Metrópole.
She has spoken at venues including Kenwood House, Wellington College, the Royal Pavilion, the National Maritime Museum and Dr Johnson’s House. Her first play, Being Mr Wickham, premiered to sell-out audiences in 2019. It was streamed worldwide in 2021, followed by a nationwide tour of the UK.
Catherine holds a Master’s degree in Film and when not dodging the furies of the guillotine, can be found by following the distant sound of Dino. She lives in Yorkshire atop a ludicrously steep hill with a rakish gent, a relaxed cat, and an excitable dog.
Catherine’s work has been featured on the official website of BBC History Magazine, and in publications such as The Daily Telegraph, All About History, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Jane Austen’s Regency World. Further afield, she has appeared in the pages of publications including The Washington Post, Town & Country, Elle Australia, Der Bund, La Vanguardia and Metrópole.
She has spoken at venues including Kenwood House, Wellington College, the Royal Pavilion, the National Maritime Museum and Dr Johnson’s House. Her first play, Being Mr Wickham, premiered to sell-out audiences in 2019. It was streamed worldwide in 2021, followed by a nationwide tour of the UK.
Catherine holds a Master’s degree in Film and when not dodging the furies of the guillotine, can be found by following the distant sound of Dino. She lives in Yorkshire atop a ludicrously steep hill with a rakish gent, a relaxed cat, and an excitable dog.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 29, 2019
Well, this is an eye opener for sure! Whatever you originally thought of the Georgian Court will be completely shadowed by the reality of what went on within this scandalous family. And what a family, phew their exploits made me shattered just reading about them. If you think the Borgia’s were scandalous, wait until you meet the Georgians, this lot were in a league of their own.
I have been reading Catherine Curzon’s work for a few years now and I have loved every word she has written, but I am ashamed to say this is the first of her non-fiction books I have. What! How can that be? Definitely a lapse on my part, which will be rectified!
This reveals the scandals that went on though the court of King George III, and believe me this lot were a hoot. With ‘unsuitable’ marriage, a flurry of mistresses and illegitimate children popping up all over the show, secret marriages, heir sand the spares running around causing scandal at every turn plus a whiff of murder. This family was doing it all, you see this is what happens when TV hasn’t been invented yet, people get up to all sorts.
I love the way this is written, the history side is backed up with sources which are easily accessible for everyone (Check out the bibliography for a list of research sites and books which can be accessed) and then there is the notes in the back which are very illuminating and gives further background to each of the chapters. The thing that I particularly love about this, and what kept me glued and turning the pages was Ms Curzon’s incredibly entertaining writing style, there is a real wit which at times had me giggling away into my cuppa – I did get a few odd looks from the family 😉 especially while reading the ‘Carry On Cumberland’ chapter, which is one of my favourite chapters. So good!
Another of my favourite chapters, has got to be ‘Perdita And Pickle’ which is all about two Drury Lane actresses; Mary Darny Robinson and Dora Jordan – anyone who knows me or follows my posts won’t be surprised that I became completely and utterly engaged with a chapter all about two women who in all essence were regular women forging a path for themselves. I loved this chapter and getting to know these two fascinating women, especially Dora, who knew that she wasn’t an absolute beauty until you saw her legs. She chose to wear breeches – yes, I know, scandalous and you will have to read the book to find out why, but I do I like this lass.
Overall, this is a brilliant! The writing – which is of no surprise given this is Ms Curzon we are talking about, is flawless. It’s fun, engaging, ridiculously addictive and thoroughly entertaining. It’s a history lesson, but not at all like yawning though an old school lesson where the teacher drones on and you fall asleep right at the good bit, no! This is something between Horrible Histories, Time Team (Don’t judge, I know what I’m on about) and a Lucy Worsley documentary (I know wrong era, but you get the drift). This one of those books which once you start, you won’t stop until you turn the last page. When that happens you’ll feel rather out of sorts and wondering where your next Georgian Scandal fix is coming from. Do you think we should start of a GA meeting? ‘Georgians Anonymous’ for all of us who are now addicted to this rather scandalous era of British history.
Scandalously brilliant and thoroughly recommended for everyone who just loves a romp through history.
I have been reading Catherine Curzon’s work for a few years now and I have loved every word she has written, but I am ashamed to say this is the first of her non-fiction books I have. What! How can that be? Definitely a lapse on my part, which will be rectified!
This reveals the scandals that went on though the court of King George III, and believe me this lot were a hoot. With ‘unsuitable’ marriage, a flurry of mistresses and illegitimate children popping up all over the show, secret marriages, heir sand the spares running around causing scandal at every turn plus a whiff of murder. This family was doing it all, you see this is what happens when TV hasn’t been invented yet, people get up to all sorts.
I love the way this is written, the history side is backed up with sources which are easily accessible for everyone (Check out the bibliography for a list of research sites and books which can be accessed) and then there is the notes in the back which are very illuminating and gives further background to each of the chapters. The thing that I particularly love about this, and what kept me glued and turning the pages was Ms Curzon’s incredibly entertaining writing style, there is a real wit which at times had me giggling away into my cuppa – I did get a few odd looks from the family 😉 especially while reading the ‘Carry On Cumberland’ chapter, which is one of my favourite chapters. So good!
Another of my favourite chapters, has got to be ‘Perdita And Pickle’ which is all about two Drury Lane actresses; Mary Darny Robinson and Dora Jordan – anyone who knows me or follows my posts won’t be surprised that I became completely and utterly engaged with a chapter all about two women who in all essence were regular women forging a path for themselves. I loved this chapter and getting to know these two fascinating women, especially Dora, who knew that she wasn’t an absolute beauty until you saw her legs. She chose to wear breeches – yes, I know, scandalous and you will have to read the book to find out why, but I do I like this lass.
Overall, this is a brilliant! The writing – which is of no surprise given this is Ms Curzon we are talking about, is flawless. It’s fun, engaging, ridiculously addictive and thoroughly entertaining. It’s a history lesson, but not at all like yawning though an old school lesson where the teacher drones on and you fall asleep right at the good bit, no! This is something between Horrible Histories, Time Team (Don’t judge, I know what I’m on about) and a Lucy Worsley documentary (I know wrong era, but you get the drift). This one of those books which once you start, you won’t stop until you turn the last page. When that happens you’ll feel rather out of sorts and wondering where your next Georgian Scandal fix is coming from. Do you think we should start of a GA meeting? ‘Georgians Anonymous’ for all of us who are now addicted to this rather scandalous era of British history.
Scandalously brilliant and thoroughly recommended for everyone who just loves a romp through history.
December 25, 2020
This is an e-book with very extensive footnotes. Is it one of those where you can simply click on the footnote to see what's behind it? No. If there is one you have to navigate to the end of the book, leaf through the exact spot of that particular note and then navigate back to the right page in the chapter you were reading. I probably missed some really fascinating additional info because after three chapters I just couldn't be bothered with that any longer.
Now for the actual contents...the scandals were a bit repetitive and almost always boiled down to 'someone has sex with someone they shouldn't have' but I guess that's more the fault of the Georgians who had all these scandals...but I also couldn't quite get in the writing style. The author clearly wants to be humourous and sometimes I did grin but mostly it just fell flat for me.
Now for the actual contents...the scandals were a bit repetitive and almost always boiled down to 'someone has sex with someone they shouldn't have' but I guess that's more the fault of the Georgians who had all these scandals...but I also couldn't quite get in the writing style. The author clearly wants to be humourous and sometimes I did grin but mostly it just fell flat for me.
December 31, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Curzon's writing style lends itself to tales of scandal and misbehaviour, and she accurately discusses the events and responses of not just the king but the public to royal misbehaviour. Definitely an interesting addition to the library of those interested in royal history or the Georgian era.
April 7, 2019
Curzon left us with the final words of wisdom, “No man, no king could hope to contain the raging passions and hidden secrets of the royal court but George III was not the first to try and do so. Nor, of course, would he be the last.” This reviewer can add, of which we have regular proof. The intrigues were not completely unique to the Georgian era. Now the gossip-mongers can use telephoto lenses to snap photos and social media to spread rumors and create villains.
The Hanoverians did not like their heirs and so could be said of the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Windsors. Victoria did not like her son the future Edward VII. Edward was indulgent but not sure of his son Eddy (who died before coming to the throne) and George V could not abide by his eldest son Edward VIII. Although the present Queen had a warm relationship with her father, it is well-known that she was not close to her heir, Charles, Prince of Wales. Despite the distrust between heirs, the Royal Family always maintains its rights and decisions are made for the good of ‘the firm’ as evidenced in George III’s attempt to preserve the family via legislation.
George, not able to control his wayward children, attempted to secure the future by passing the Royal Marriage Act. Curzon went to great lengths to describe the reason for and the impact of this law. Trouble in deed stemmed from the legislation as multiple members ran aground with it and some multiple times. Not only were the Catholics barred (The Hanoverians had come from Germany to rule Britain because of the Act of Settlement in 1701 which sent the succession to the German clan when William III of Orange and later Queen Anne died without issue) as being distrusted as rulers that the minor branch became monarchs. This minor branch had to be preserved at all costs not only against religious threat but by dilution by succession.
I had just read about trials of ‘criminal conversation’ in a source [an article in History Today] about alienation of affection law cases, so it was with great interest to read about Caroline Matilda in Denmark—which prompted George III to enact the Royal Marriage Act of 1772. Caroline’s case was also of great interest as having lived in Denmark, I had read extensively on the royal family via Huset Glucksborg by Bo Bramsen and enjoyed the difference between the reporting in English and Danish sources. For the record, Caroline comes off more sympathetically in various Danish accounts as her husband was not respected.
The Succession to the Crown Act of 2013 repealed the Royal Marriages Act of 1772. In modern times, only the first six candidates in line to the throne need to ask permission to marry. This law also allows royals who marry Catholics to maintain their position in the line of succession and, more importantly, girls are allowed to supersede their younger brothers.
Curzon did a good job trying to keep the characters straight for the reader which can be confusing because of the naming patterns. An example would be Charlotte, Princess Royal who became Queen of Wurttemberg. She is often referred to as Queen Charlotte. She was the daughter of George III, named after her mother, Queen Charlotte, and shared a name with her niece and many relatives on the continent. Throw in the male names which often combined the same ones in different orders or combinations (Frederick Auguste, Auguste Frederick, Ernest August, Ernest Frederick---you get the idea) and the successive use of the titles such as Duke of Sussex, or Duke of York and it is easy for bewilderment to reign. Curzon did not overly state the title of the proper person, but she did often enough to keep extreme confusion at bay.
Another comment on the structure of the writing itself, is to commend the extensive bibliography which completed the book and showcased the excellent use of the primary sources. On note of note, was the fact that George III granted mercy to three people who had tried to take his life throughout his reign. He realized that they were mentally ill and had compassion for their behavior. Curzon’s inclusion of that gave a human touch to George’s understanding of his own affliction.
A stylistic comment emerges after having recently listened to the book, Inferno, by Dan Brown, this reviewer quickly placed the cadence and style of writing to parts of Brown’s work. Robert Langdon, the celebrated professor of Brown’s creation, often gave lectures to his students and/or other illustrious audience members. The style of his delivery seemed very similar to the entire style of Catherine Curzon. Entertaining and educational if not entirely reverent.
The Hanoverians did not like their heirs and so could be said of the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Windsors. Victoria did not like her son the future Edward VII. Edward was indulgent but not sure of his son Eddy (who died before coming to the throne) and George V could not abide by his eldest son Edward VIII. Although the present Queen had a warm relationship with her father, it is well-known that she was not close to her heir, Charles, Prince of Wales. Despite the distrust between heirs, the Royal Family always maintains its rights and decisions are made for the good of ‘the firm’ as evidenced in George III’s attempt to preserve the family via legislation.
George, not able to control his wayward children, attempted to secure the future by passing the Royal Marriage Act. Curzon went to great lengths to describe the reason for and the impact of this law. Trouble in deed stemmed from the legislation as multiple members ran aground with it and some multiple times. Not only were the Catholics barred (The Hanoverians had come from Germany to rule Britain because of the Act of Settlement in 1701 which sent the succession to the German clan when William III of Orange and later Queen Anne died without issue) as being distrusted as rulers that the minor branch became monarchs. This minor branch had to be preserved at all costs not only against religious threat but by dilution by succession.
I had just read about trials of ‘criminal conversation’ in a source [an article in History Today] about alienation of affection law cases, so it was with great interest to read about Caroline Matilda in Denmark—which prompted George III to enact the Royal Marriage Act of 1772. Caroline’s case was also of great interest as having lived in Denmark, I had read extensively on the royal family via Huset Glucksborg by Bo Bramsen and enjoyed the difference between the reporting in English and Danish sources. For the record, Caroline comes off more sympathetically in various Danish accounts as her husband was not respected.
The Succession to the Crown Act of 2013 repealed the Royal Marriages Act of 1772. In modern times, only the first six candidates in line to the throne need to ask permission to marry. This law also allows royals who marry Catholics to maintain their position in the line of succession and, more importantly, girls are allowed to supersede their younger brothers.
Curzon did a good job trying to keep the characters straight for the reader which can be confusing because of the naming patterns. An example would be Charlotte, Princess Royal who became Queen of Wurttemberg. She is often referred to as Queen Charlotte. She was the daughter of George III, named after her mother, Queen Charlotte, and shared a name with her niece and many relatives on the continent. Throw in the male names which often combined the same ones in different orders or combinations (Frederick Auguste, Auguste Frederick, Ernest August, Ernest Frederick---you get the idea) and the successive use of the titles such as Duke of Sussex, or Duke of York and it is easy for bewilderment to reign. Curzon did not overly state the title of the proper person, but she did often enough to keep extreme confusion at bay.
Another comment on the structure of the writing itself, is to commend the extensive bibliography which completed the book and showcased the excellent use of the primary sources. On note of note, was the fact that George III granted mercy to three people who had tried to take his life throughout his reign. He realized that they were mentally ill and had compassion for their behavior. Curzon’s inclusion of that gave a human touch to George’s understanding of his own affliction.
A stylistic comment emerges after having recently listened to the book, Inferno, by Dan Brown, this reviewer quickly placed the cadence and style of writing to parts of Brown’s work. Robert Langdon, the celebrated professor of Brown’s creation, often gave lectures to his students and/or other illustrious audience members. The style of his delivery seemed very similar to the entire style of Catherine Curzon. Entertaining and educational if not entirely reverent.
August 27, 2019
I love the Georgian period, and I have read about George III's daughters and about "Perdita" (Mary Robinson, briefly mistress to George IV when he was Prince of Wales), so it was interesting to pick up a book which added to the stories.
There's a strong element of tabloid fascination about this book, shown by the occasional one-short-sentence paragraph that rather breaks up the narrative, but it is about the kind of scandals that tabloids have always been fascinated by. We have adultery, secret marriages, blackmailing mistresses, and even murder.
Through all this, the two absolutely blameless characters were the King and Queen. George was uxorious and pious, dutiful as our Queen is, and his wife was of the same mould. Their only mistake was expecting everyone else to be as virtuous.
The trouble is, no-one else in the family was as good. Poor George and Charlotte.
This book is fun, fascinating and tells history with a light touch. It's undemanding and good for those who don't like history too "heavy".
There's a strong element of tabloid fascination about this book, shown by the occasional one-short-sentence paragraph that rather breaks up the narrative, but it is about the kind of scandals that tabloids have always been fascinated by. We have adultery, secret marriages, blackmailing mistresses, and even murder.
Through all this, the two absolutely blameless characters were the King and Queen. George was uxorious and pious, dutiful as our Queen is, and his wife was of the same mould. Their only mistake was expecting everyone else to be as virtuous.
The trouble is, no-one else in the family was as good. Poor George and Charlotte.
This book is fun, fascinating and tells history with a light touch. It's undemanding and good for those who don't like history too "heavy".
May 31, 2020
A mildly entertaining and witty look at some of the scandals that rocked the court of George 3rd. Sadly only the illegal marriages of his brothers and sons and babies born to out of wedlock to some of his daughters get covered here, so it got very repetitive.
October 19, 2022
So. Much. Scandal!!!
Move over Lady Whistledown, Chatherine Curzon is the REAL gossipmonger of 18th century London.
Move over Lady Whistledown, Chatherine Curzon is the REAL gossipmonger of 18th century London.
February 2, 2024
‘The Georgians revelled in scandal. It greased the wheels of society and kept the coffee houses and salons in business, and what was juicier than a royal scandal.’?
Really enjoying reading about he Georgian era!
Once again, another history book adding even more books to my TBR.
Filled with scandalous stories during the reign of George III.
I have a few more books by Catherine Curzon and I can’t wait to get to them!
Really enjoying reading about he Georgian era!
Once again, another history book adding even more books to my TBR.
Filled with scandalous stories during the reign of George III.
I have a few more books by Catherine Curzon and I can’t wait to get to them!
March 19, 2020
This book had a lot of promise but from my perspective it fell flat.
Illegal marriages, illegitimate children and a permanently apoplectic George III. It all felt very, very repetitive. I couldn't finish this one.
Illegal marriages, illegitimate children and a permanently apoplectic George III. It all felt very, very repetitive. I couldn't finish this one.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews