Paper 73

The Life of a Socialite, Mrs Calvert (1767-1859)

Contributed by Paul Cooper, Research Editor

Mrs Frances Calvert (1767-1859) was a society hostess in 19th century London. She attended balls, was a personal friend to several members of the royal family and was mother to a young family. She also kept a journal. Her journals were published, in a heavily edited form, in 1911 by Mrs Warrenne Blake under the title An Irish Beauty of the Regency. This paper investigates the life and opinions of Mrs Calvert, especially with respect to the Balls and similar social engagements that she wrote about. We've previously written about a ball held by Mrs Calvert in 1811, you might like to follow the link to read more.

Figure 1. Hon Mrs Calvert. Image from the 1911 An Irish Beauty of the Regency by Mrs Warrenne Blake.

If you'd like to read the (edited) journals for yourself they are available online courtesy of the Internet Archive. The original diaries are held in the archives of Princeton University Library and have been partially (at time of writing) digitised, you can read more here. I've primarily relied on the published text for this paper, the additional effort required to read Mrs Calvert's handwriting is something I've generally avoided.

Introduction to Mrs Calvert

Mrs Calvert (see Figure 1) was born Frances Pery, she was the second daughter of Edmund Sexton Pery, 1st Viscount Pery (1719-1806), a senior Irish politician. Edmund (sometimes spelled Edmond) Pery had married his second wife, Elizabeth Brownlow (c.1735-1821), in 1762. They had two daughters together, first Diana Jane Pery (c.1764-1839) and later Frances (1767-1859). Edmund had no surviving children from his first marriage and no male children, his title therefore became extinct on his death. Both daughters married well and both would inherit a fortune, both went on to become prominent socialites in London. Diana married her cousin, Thomas Knox, 1st Earl of Ranfurly (1754-1840) in 1785, she would become known in London as Mrs Knox (we've previously written of a ball hosted by Mrs Knox in 1808). Whereas Frances married Nicolson Calvert (1764-1841) (see Figure 2) in 1789 becoming Mrs Calvert in the process. Both of the sisters, and their respective families, lived much of their lives in England. Both husbands spent time as Members of Parliament in London, their families mixed with London's elite.

It was during a visit to Buxton in 1788 that Frances met Nicolson, he was the son of a brewer (his mother was from a banking family). They were married around six months later. Nicolson inherited his father's substantial property and investments in 1802, at which point he entered politics for a constituency in Hertfordshire. The couple were presented at Court in 1789, having previously met the King and Queen in Weymouth. The couple stayed in Brighton for a little while in 1793, it was there that they were presented to the Prince of Wales (1762-1830), they were thereafter to enjoy personal invitations to the Pavilion. It was from that time that they became friends with the prince's unofficial wife Mrs Fitzherbert (1756-1837). Frances and Nicolson had twelve children together, five of whom survived childhood. First came Felix Calvert (1790-1857), he entered the army and fought at the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, then came Isabella Calvert (1793-1862) who would go on to marry Sir James Strong (1786-1864) in 1810, then Lavinia Calvert (1799-1862 and often referred to as Fanny); all three would feature prominently in the journals.

The journals themselves cover a period of time between 1804 and 1840, whereas the published journals terminate their account in 1822. The journals include an introduction that recorded the major elements of Mrs Calvert's life prior to 1804. For example, she recorded of the year 1803 that:

At the beginning of March, I gave a great Assembly, the first I ever had at my house. It was much crowded, but people seemed pleased. I did not invite the Prince, on account of His Majesty's illness, but when I gave another in May the King being pronounced well, I invited his Royal Highness, and he came. He and Mrs Fitzherbert were the last people in the house (except my sister), and I was much surprised at their going away in the same carriage, but that, I found afterwards, they always did.
...
Shortly after the beginning of August I went on a visit to my sister at Brighton, taking Isabella and Edmond with me. There I remained nearly six weeks. During that time I was invited six or seven times to the Pavilion (the Prince of Wales). One of the nights there was a very pleasant ball; the other nights his band played. It is a prodigious fine band, as he has taken a great deal of pains with them, being passionately fond of music. He sung two nights himself, which he does very agreeably.
...
I had the pleasure of shewing Isabella to the Prince, who admired her extravagantly, and said she was the most beautiful creature he ever saw. I was sadly afraid my dear Isabella, your head would be turned, for though he did not say it in your hearing, yet his manner shewed he admired you. It is the custom on the Prince's birthday, to go to his house, and in the hall the porter gives you a book where you write down your name. While I was in the act of doing this (Felix and Isabella and Edmond were with me), the Prince came into the hall. With his usual condescending manner, he thanked us for the honor we did him. My sister and Lady Bridget Bouverie were also of the party. The Prince spoke in the kindest way to my children, and upon some rain coming on, insisted upon our waiting till his coach came to the door, and then put us all in it, and sent us home.

These passages offer an insight into the type of things that Mrs Calvert would write about. She provides glimpses into the personal lives of individuals, often those of the highest society. There's plenty of gossip, some news, and many family considerations. And yet what interested her isn't necessarily what would most interest us, she writes very little on some subjects and rather too much on others

What follows is a selection of quotations from Mrs Calvert's edited journals on subjects that pertain to dancing and similar activities. The information is presented in a broadly chronological fashion.

Anecdotes of 1805

We'll start by considering a few entries in the journal for the year 1805. First a representative example of many entries, this was dated for the 11th of February: We payed a good many visits yesterday. We got in at Lady Charlotte Lennox's. I cannot, somehow, like her, and I can't say why. Her sister, the Duchess of Bedford, was sitting with her. She is a pretty young woman, but I think there is a hauteur about her - a careless look of conscious superiority, of rank, which offends me, not but what she is civil enough in her manner, but she don't hit my fancy. We visited afterwards the Duchess of Athole. She is a very pleasing woman, without the least height in her manner. The Duke was married first to a cousin of my Mother's, and has several grown-up children. We saw only two to-day; Lady Amelia, and Lady Elizabeth, both very ugly. Lady Amelia seems good humored, but Lady Elizabeth looks very cross. In the evening, I wrote, played on the pianoforte, and read the Spectator till eleven, when I went to bed.. Mrs Calvert could be quite opinionated and, in the privacy of her private journals, really rather rude. We'll omit journal entries such as this one going forwards, it's included here only as an example of the type of thing she often wrote.

Figure 2. Nicolson Calvert, Frances' husband. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Moving forward to the 22nd of February we read of the Calvert's at Court:

Mr Calvert and I went to Court yesterday with Mr Knox and my sister. My dress (what signifies the dress of a woman of thirty-seven? but I will mention it, that many years hence my grandchildren, if I ever have any, may know the Costume of 1805) well! my dress was a crape petticoat, embroidered in stripes of purple velvet, trimmed with swan's-down - no ruffles, but two rows of very fine point, laid flat on the sleeves instead, my head without powder, hair turned up, in a bunch behind, with diamond comb, low on the forehead, in little curls, a wreath of diamonds with some purple velvet, and seven flat white feathers. This dress, some years ago, would have been too youthful for thirty-seven, but now there is little distinction in the dress of a woman of sixty and a girl of sixteen.

The Drawing-room was very full, and the crowd, getting up to the Queen (who stood with her back to the wall, instead of walking about), was intolerable. Her Majesty received me most graciously, and said it was a long time since she had the pleasure of seeing me.

I have not been at Court these two years. Four of the Princesses were there, Princess Augusta and Elizabeth spoke to me with great kindness, enquiring for my children, etc. The Princess of Wales was there, really looking handsome, but with a quantity of rouge. The Prince never went to the part of the room where she was. He shook me very cordially, twice, by the hand. The Duke of Cambridge also spoke very civilly to me. We returned home very much tired, at half past four. I went to dine with the Knox's, Mr Calvert to the House of Commons.

Personal anecdotes of a reception at a Court Drawing Room are always fascinating. We have investigated a similar gathering of May 1805, as attended by Lady Sarah Spencer (1787-1870), in a previous paper. You might like to follow the link to read more of the choreography involved in a Court presentation of the early 19th century.

The next event to consider is one that Mrs Calvert was not actually invited to, something she appeared a little bitter about. It was a grand entertainment give at the newly refurbished Royal Castle of Windsor, hosted by the King. She initially alluded to the upcoming event in a journal entry for the 25th of February 1805: I hear the King has borrowed a great deal of plate for his ball at Windsor tomorrow, and from people who are not invited there. I think that a comical circumstance. This little anecdote is fascinating in that it alludes to something that must have been common knowledge at the time but is not well documented: the need for hosts to borrow equipment when hosting a ball. In the case of this Royal ball, there was seating space allocated for 400 guests, borrowing or hiring of crockery was probably unavoidable. Mrs Calvert referred again to this ball in an entry dated 27th February 1805: I don't think Lady Limerick and Mary were much delighted with the ball at Windsor. They say it was magnificent, but so crowded, that they hardly got a seat all night. I think it was a mad freak of the King's having eighty Eton buys there. Poor things! They were shut up in a hot room to hear the Oratorio of Esther performed, and sent away without even being allowed a peep at the ball-room.. An extensive description of this same ball was published in the Kentish Weekly Post newspaper for the 1st of March 1805, it explained: One feature of the festivity was of a singular and very interesting description. The young gentlemen of Eton had been previously invited by the King to the supper, and accordingly his Majesty had ordered the library to be prepared for their reception. In this apartment they supped, to the number of more than eighty. A large quadrangular table, in form of a hollow square, with an aperture, and about the size of the room, was allotted for their accommodation, and they were attended by the Provost and some other officers..

There are many passing references to Assemblies, balls and other gatherings attended over the course of 1805. Mrs Calvert often played cards at these events, her journals sometimes mention her winnings and losses. Most of the references are a little too bland to be worth repeating.

Lady Lansdowne's masquerade, June 1806

Figure 3. Lady Lansdowne depicted c.1809. Image courtesy of the National Gallery of Ireland.

The only activity that we'll consider from 1806 is another event that Mrs Calvert didn't actually attend. It was a Masquerade party held by Lady Lansdowne (d.1833, see Figure 3), wife of John Petty, 2nd Marquess of Lansdowne (1765-1809). Mrs Calvert wrote in a journal entry dated 13th June 1806 that: I went for a few minutes to Lady Bridget Bouverie's yesterday evening. Her daughters were dressed for Lady Lansdowne's masquerade. Maria, in a Spanish dress of white and silver, and a large Spanish hat, really looked quite pretty, and little Emma as a fairy, which suited her diminutive figure, looked very well. But as I looked at them, I thought to myself, I will never take my girls to a masquerade. I think it an improper place for a young and delicate female. When a woman marries she may very well go, under the protection of her husband, but not without him while very young. At my age, (if it amused me) I should have no scruple in going, but if I die while you my Isabella and Lavinia are under thirty, take my advice, and never go to a masquerade without your husbands.. Masquerade Balls had seen a significant resurgence in popularity in London following the successful events hosted by Mrs Walker from around the year 1800 (which we've written about before in a previous paper), it's curious to discover that Mrs Walker held such a dim opinion of them. The Sun newspaper for the 14th of June 1806 wrote of this same event:

The Marchioness of Lansdowne entertained her friends on Thursday in a very magnificent style, at her house in Berkeley-square. A great number of the higher orders were invited on this occasion, all of whom of course came in masquerade attire. Many of the characters were novel, grotesque, and highly whimsical. They were in general supported with considerable humour. The beautiful lawn before the house was decorated in a very elegant and fanciful manner, and the whole formed a scene of Arcadian elegance. The mansion itself was also superbly illuminated, and beautifully embellished. The Prince of Wales and a large party of his friends supped together, and the repast consisted of every thing rare and luxurious that the season could afford. Dancing, music, &c. engaged the Company till a very late hour in the morning.

Upwards of one thousand cards being issued by the Marquis of Lansdowne, for the grand Masquerade, given by him, on Thursday night, at Lansdown House, Berkeley-square, it was suspected improper persons would endeavour to gain admittance, the Noble Marquis, in consequence, engaged Perry, the officer, to attend at the inside of the garden, to prevent admittance of any persons of that description, and a number of parish constables to attend in Berkeley-square. Soon after twelve o'clock, Perry was informed, five of the company had been robbed of their watches and purses. He immediately went in pursuit of the robbers, when he found in Berkeley-square, Bill Soanes the notorious pickpocket, and his gang stationed in a situation which enabled them to hustle and rob the company who were walking, their carriages not being able to draw up. The Officer, with the assistance of some of the patrole, who were in attendance, secured them.

Yesterday morning they were brought before Nicholas Bond, Esq. and Sir William Parsons, for examination. There were, besides Soanes, Dick Hillyard and Bill White. The Officers produced considerable sums in cash and Bank notes, which they found upon the villains; the watchers were well known at the office, being found upon them for several years past. Captain Horatio Townsend of the First Regiment of Foot Guards stated, that about Twelve o'clock on Monday night he walked from Dover-street to Lansdown-house, to the Masquerade, and between the end of Berkeley-street, and the gates of Lansdown-house, was hustled by a man, answering the description of the prisoner White, and robbed of a valuable gold watch. The robber made his escape by running between the carriages.
...
The Magistrates did not give any credit to the accounts they gave of themselves, and Mr Bond observed it was high time something was done to prevent these villains from committing these depredations upon the public; as there was not an assembly of the public any where, or any crowded streets, but those very fellows were to be found committing robberies. They were committed for further examination next Friday, when all those who were robbed are expected to attend.

Colonel and Miss Noel's Ball, July 1807

Figure 4. Sir Gerard Noel (1759-1838)

Colonel and Miss Noel's Ball, on Friday evening, may be classed among the most splendid entertainments of the fashionable season. The family residence is situated in Cavendish-square. It is as elegant as it is capacious; a range of six rooms was thrown open about ten o'clock; they exhibited all the taste and splendour for which Miss Noel has always been so peculiarly distinguished; at the entrance to the house, appeared an illuminated temporary arch. The hall and staircase were equally brilliant. Each apartment was lighted up with chandeliers, lustres, or Grecian lamps. The garden was illuminated by festoons of variegated lamps, interspersed among the trees and shrubs. There were several rooms set apart for supper. Four hundred were accommodated. The tables were decorated with the utmost magnificence; frame-work, plate, and china, were used. The entertainment was most sumptuous. Champaigne, Burgundy, and Claret, were the only wines introduced. Three Princes of the Blood Royal were present, namely: The Prince of Wales, Dukes of Cambridge and Gloucester, the French Princes, Prince Esterhazy, Duchesses of Gordon, Bedford, and Manchester; the Marquis and Marchioness of Stafford, &c. At half an hour past eleven the dancing commenced, with The Ridicule, by Earl Percy and Miss Noel. Among those that followed were:-

Lord Alexander Gordon ... Lady C. Levison Gower
Lord James Murray ... Miss Drummond
Mr Herbert ... Lady G. Cecil
Mr Anson ... Lady F. Pratt

The supper took place at half past two. During the time the company sat at table the Pandean band played in a fanciful kind of orchestra, erected in the garden. In another part two excellent musicians played occasionally the most favourite duets on the French horn, the effect of which was heightened by giving the sound a distant effect, after the manner of the celebrated Petrides. Dancing recommenced at half past three, and continued with unabated spirit until near seven in the morning. The parish beadles, instead of officers of the police, were appointed to preserve order among the servants, out of doors, where a highly ridiculous scene ensued, by their taking one of the company to the watch-house, instead of a saucy attendant.

It's a curious postscript that a guest (or perhaps the servant of a guest) was taken into custody in mistake of being a saucy attendant.

Prince of Wales' Birthday Ball, August 1807

Figure 5. The Prince of Wales depicted in 1807

Next we come to a ball held in Brighton in honour of the Prince's Birthday (see Figure 5). Mrs Calvert wrote in her journal for the 13th of August 1807 that: Mr C, Felix and I went to the ball in honour of the Prince's birthday. It was an immense crowd and dreadfully hot. Lady Gage and I kept together. The Duke of Clarence was so drunk, Charles was obliged to lead him home. He took a loving fit for Mr Calvert, and told him he loved him drunk or sober in his heart. The house, lighted up, looked very pretty, but I was a good deal tired and not sorry when it was over.. It's another unusual and personal insight into an event: a drunk prince (and future King William IV (1765-1837)) making foolish statements, an over hot gathering, and a guest pleased to be home when it was over!

The report on the ball in The Oracle newspaper on the 15th of August 1807 was a little more discreet: The Ball at the Castle: Never were the rooms crowded equal to this occasion. All the Elegantes of the place expected that the Princes would be present, and scarcely one of them, consequently, neglected the Ball. From what I observed, eight hundred persons must have been there, for there was not space for an individual to pass; yet, though all seemed inconvenienced, all seemed happy. Neither of the Princes danced; but they all entered into conversation with those they knew, and potently contributed to the hilarity that prevailed. The Supper Rooms, at the particular command of the Prince, were thrown open by half-past eleven o'clock, and they were completely filled in less than ten minutes. Such a jostling for seats was never before seen at the Castle Rooms; and a supper more elegant, better got up, or consisting of greater variety, was never witnessed in this part of the world. All that the season could afford was there; in fact it was of such a description, that it might have been mentioned as the first of the kind, had it been given at the Pavilion. The Ladies were elegantly dressed; many superbly, with a profusion of diamonds, and never did they appear more lovely. The Devil among the Tailors was the first dance called, and All in good Humour we should suppose the last, as never was a company better satisfied with each other, or the entertainment. The Prince retired before one o'clock, his Royal Brothers not before three; and the Rooms were not deserted until nearly five..

Mrs Knox's Grand Ball & Supper, May 1808

The next event we'll consider is one that was hosted by Mrs Calvert's sister, Mrs Knox. It's also a ball that we've written about before in extensive detail, you might like to follow the link to read more. It's a particularly interesting event as three distinct accounts of it were printed in the London newspapers, this offers us an unusual opportunity to compare the accounts against each other and to consider how accurate the reporting appears to be. It's also interesting as the ball was given for Lady Sarah Spencer (1787-1870), someone we've written about before; it's unusual for grand balls to be hosted in honour of someone who wasn't a family member of the host, it's unclear why Lady Sarah was honoured in this way.

Figure 6. The Duke of Gloucester, Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Mrs Calvert wrote in her journal in an entry for the 18th of May 1808 that: I took my children to see my sister's supper tables and rooms laid out, as she was to have a ball at night. I went home and dressed, and then went with Mr C. to Grosvenor Street. It was a very smart, good ball, but what made it particularly pleasant to me was that I heard an excellent character of my Felix. Captain Ewart saw him go off in his transport, which happened to be the first, and led the way. He stood upon deck, throwing up his hat and cheering, and the people on shore gave them three cheers. I slept in Grosvenor Street last night, and did not get to bed till near four. My mother was there till past one. The ball was led off by Lady Sarah Spencer, to whom my sister, in fact, gave the ball. The Duke of Gloucester was there, but the Prince did not come..

First we read that Mrs Calvert took her children to see how their Aunt's house had been prepared for the ball. It's likely that the house would have looked quite different to usual, one of the newspapers (British Press, 19th of May 1808) wrote that The great hall and staircase were lighted by Roman and patent lamps, fixed upon bronze figures. Five rooms on the ground-floor were appropriated for supper. In the front parlour there was a horse-shoe table, set for 90 persons. The other rooms were arranged in the most effectual manner for the accommodation of the guests.. It's likely that there was as lot of activity during their visit as finishing touches were being applied. Mrs Calvert then went home to get dressed. Mrs Knox lived on Upper Grosvenor-street, it appears that the Calvert's had a room assigned to them there for the night. Most guests would return to their own homes following a ball, but as family of the hostess they were provided with accommodation. Next we hear that Mrs Calvert was gratified to hear a positive account of her son Felix from Captain Ewart, Felix had recently joined the Army.

The newspapers report that some of the guests didn't leave until after 6am. Whereas, we read that Mrs Calvert went to bed at around 4am, evidently there were still guests in the building at that time. Her 73 year old mother didn't get to bed until 1am. Finally we read that the King's nephew, the Duke of Gloucester (1743-1805), attended (see Figure 6).

A Ball Fatality, July 1808

Figure 7. A Scotch Reel, 1776.

Our next event is once again something that Mrs Calvert did not attend herself. It was a remarkable event written about in newspapers across the nation however due to a singular event. Nicolson's brother Walter Calvert (1772-1842) wrote to them with the news, thereafter Mrs Calvert wrote the following in her journal for the 7th of July 1808: Yesterday morning we received a letter from Walter, stating a melancholy event. Poor Tom Calvert (son to Mr and Mrs Thomas Calvert) dropped down dead on Monday night, or rather, Tuesday morning, while dancing a reel at Lady Campbell's ball. Baillie was sent for directly, who said he was dead actually before he fell. He added that it might be a satisfaction for his family to know that he could not have lived a year, his frame and constitution were so delicate. He was just twenty. I saw him, poor boy, apparently in perfect health at Lady Spencer's breakfast. How much to be pitied his poor parents are to have him brought home a corpse to them!. It's unclear how the deceased was related to the Calverts, I suspect his father may have been a cousin of Nicolson's. The ball itself was hosted by Lady Elizabeth Campbell, wife of Major General Dugald Campbell of Auchinbreck (1742-1809).

A reel was an energetic dance, typically performed towards the end of a ball by anyone who still had the energy to do so. We've written more of the Reel elsewhere. In this case it proved fatal! A physician was sent for (Matthew Baillie (1761-1823)) but there was nothing to be done. Evidently Mrs Calvert had last seen Tom alive at the Dejeune hosted by Lady Spencer (1762-1831) on the 2nd of July 1808 (we've written about that event in another paper).

This happening was highly unusual, sufficiently so that numerous newspapers commented upon it. For example, The Oracle newspaper for the 8th of July 1808 wrote: Melancholy Event - Lady Campbell gave an elegant Ball on Monday night, at her house in Wimpole-street. No pains or expense were spared to render the entertainment worthy of the numerous and distinguished persons who were invited and attended. The dancing commenced at an early hour. An elegant supper followed. Harmony and pleasure prevailed, until an event happened in the Ball-rooom, which banished all the happiness and comfort from the scene in a moment; it was no less than the sudden death of one of the dancers (Mr Calvert), who actually dropped down dead from the excessive exertion he used on the occasion. Mr Calvert burst a blood-vessel in going down a reel. The utmost terror and distress was depicted in the countenance of every one of the guests; as for Lady Campbell herself, she fainted from the fright. This melancholy event broke up the assembly. Most of the company departed in tears. Mr Calvert was a young man, only 23 years of age; he was much respected in a very extensive circle of friends..

Isabella Calvert's debut, 1809-10

Next we come to a series of journal entries pertaining to the 16 year old Isabella Calvert (1793-1862, see Figure 8) beginning to attend balls, and of related issues.

Figure 8. A bust of Isabella, Lady Stronge. Image courtesy of turtlebunbury.com.

In an entry dated for September the 5th 1809 the narrative continued as they had been invited to a ball at Hatfield House, Mrs Calvert had bespoke for Isabella a very pretty muslin dress with fine lace let into it. I am going there as I don't like to disappoint her. Otherwise, alas! I am not in the humor for a ball.. All went well as the narrative continues that Isabella: looked very well, and danced very well, and really was very much admired. I never saw anyone so happy as she was in my life, and indeed I was very much gratified and pleased..

Then disaster! In an entry from December 1809 we read of two of Mrs Knox's sons escorting the family to a ball at Hertford. Unfortunately Isabella's figure did not look well, and her neck was more uncovered than she or I liked. It fretted me all the time, and so it did her, and made her stoop in order to hide her nakedness.. Such things are quickly forgotten. Isabella was presented to the Queen at Court on January the 19th of 1810: We were dressing, I think, all the morning. Isabella had a white satin gown, a petticoat of crape and beads, and seven white ostrich feathers in her head. She looked very handsome and yet, upon the whole, my expectations were disappointed. I was dressed in a yellow satin gown, the petticoat white and silver, my diamonds were new set, and looked very brilliant. We had quite a levee to see us, and maidservants without end. For the time of the year it was a full Court. ... Isabella liked the drawing room very much. She heard around a good many praises of her beauty, which I dare say gratified her, and her manners were very good and very composed, but she did not hold herself well..

The story continues in an entry dated for February the 27th 1810: Last night we went to a children's ball at Lady Darnley's, Isabella was extremely admired. The Prince of Wales, Dukes of Cumberland and Gloucester and the Persian Ambassador were there. I had so many compliments paid me about Isabella that I came home quite conceited. Lord Darnley said she was by far the handsomest girl in the room.. Then in an entry for the 23rd of March 1810: On Wednesday night we went to a grand ball at the Duchess of Dorset's. We supped, but left directly after supper, Isabella hates dancing, and did not like it near so well as an Assembly. No one ever was more admired than Isabella. It is far beyond my most sanguine expectations..

By June of 1810 Isabella had found a beau in Sir James Stronge (1786-1864). A few short weeks later a proposal was received. In an entry dated for the 12th of July 1810 we find: It has flurried me so, I scarce know what I am doing. His fortune, though a good one, is not so large as I could wish, but if Isabella is satisfied, I must be so.. A few days later: We went to Town on Friday and spent all that day in consultation with the Knox's. They gave Sir James the most excellent character, and as Isabella seems to have a decided preference for him, we determined at length to give our consent. His fortune is more considerable than I thought. Mr C and I like him extremely, he seems a most amiable young man, and I really think they will be a very happy couple.. They were married on September the 5th 1810, Isabella became Lady Stronge at the age of 17.

Figure 9. Lady Emily Lamb at age 16 (in 1803, left) and as Lady Cowper at age 23 (in 1810, right). Both images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Waltzing, 1811

A brief passage in a journal entry for the 12th of May 1811 reveals a new style of dancing was being enjoyed in London. Mrs Calvert wrote: All the ladies in London are gone mad over waltzing; Lady Cowper, Lady Boringdon, and in short too many to enumerate. I think it will end by their all losing their characters, it introduces so much freedom with the men. I hear some of the husbands are beginning not to like it. Some one the other day asked the Prince of Wales at the Antient Music whether he did not think some girl pretty. Girl! answered he, Girls are not to my taste. I don't like lamb; but mutton dressed like lamb!.

Waltzing was a form of couple dancing that had been growing in popularity in England from around the year 1800, or thereabouts. Whereas waltz music had been popular from about 1790. We've written about the Regency Waltz in another paper, you might like to follow the link to read more. There was a particular controversy around the Waltz that played out in the letter columns of the London newspapers in 1811, with advocates both for and against the dance sharing their opinions. It comes as no great surprise to learn that Mrs Calvert was against the waltz. What is a surprise is that, in her words, all the ladies in London were enthusiastically waltzing in 1811. In particular she named Lady Cowper (1787-1869) and Lady Boringdon (1786-1871) as devotees.

The second half of the passage includes the most famous sentence in the whole of the journals. The statement, attributed to the Prince of Wales (regarding mutton dressed as lamb) is thought to be the origin of that same phrase. There are no known literary antecedents for the phrase. Curiously Lady Cowper (see Figure 9, right) was born Lady Emily Lamb (see Figure 9, left), a name that she kept until her 1805 marriage to Earl Cowper (1778-1837). It's possible, though not certain, that Mrs Calvert, and/or the Prince of Wales, was making an indirect reference to Lady Cowper/Lamb herself with the statement. The implication could have been that the Prince was rather more fond of Lady Cowper since her marriage and since she had taken up waltzing. Her waltzing, Mrs Calvert was perhaps implying, was making herself a target for the Prince's famously roving eye. The Prince may instead have been referring to Lady Cowper's sister-in-law Lady Caroline Lamb (1785-1828) (who famously became Lord Byron's mistress in 1812), or indeed to nobody specific at all.

The Queen's Birthday Ball, 1813

The Prince Regent (previously referred to as the Prince of Wales) hosted a ball in 1813 dedicated to his Mother, Queen Charlotte. It was an especially high profile event that we've investigated in some detail in another paper. Mrs Calvert found herself with an invitation that she couldn't avoid. She wrote in her journal in an entry dated January 24th 1813: Mr C and I have had an invitation from the Regent to a Ball on the 5th at Carlton House. This will oblige us to go to Court on the 4th, to the celebration of the Queen's birthday. I grudge the expense, though I like being asked. Princess Charlotte is, I hear, to be presented at the Birthday to the Queen, and everybody is to be presented to her at the Ball. I am told that her conversation is very superior to that of most girls her age. The Dowager Duchess of Leeds is appointed her governess in the place of Lady De Clifford, and it seems that the Princess is very indignant at having a governess. She says that if she is reckoned at eighteen by her people old enough to reign, she is certainly old enough at seventeen to do without a governess.. Princess Charlotte (see Figure 10) was the Regent's daughter, it was expected that in the fullness of time she would become the monarch. Rumour had it that the Princess was to be formally presented at Court as part of this event, everyone was expected to be there.

Figure 10. Princess Charlotte of Wales depicted in 1814. Image courtesy of the Royal Collection Trust.

A few days later Mrs Calvert wrote about having attended at Court:

Yesterday was the birthday, and I went to Court. It was my own birthday also, being forty-five years old. May I grow better every day now as I get older!!! I am not yet satisfied with myself.

My dress at Court was a white satin petticoat with a beautiful patent net drapery (gold Brussels and fringe) gown, and train of green velvet, ornamented with gold; head dress seven white ostrich feathers, and diamonds. It does not sound like a grandmother of forty-five, but I really look wonderfully young. I set out from this at a little after two, but the crowd was so immense that I did not get in until near four, and when I did get in, it was a service of difficulty getting up to the Queen. She received me with her usual graciousness. The Regent stood at her left hand, and shook me, as usual, kindly by the hand. I then spoke to Princess Elizabeth, Mary, and Sophia of Gloucester, who were all very civil, and afterwards I spoke to the Dukes of Cambridge, and Clarence. The Princess of Wales was at Court, but not Princess Charlotte. It is said she would not appear, as her mother was not allowed to present her.

Contrary to expectations, the Princess was not presented. There was an ongoing dispute between the Prince Regent, his estranged wife the Princess of Wales and their increasingly adult daughter Princess Charlotte. Issues of such importance as the succession of the British monarchy were involved, thus the nation would gossip and speculate over everything involved. You can read more about this family drama, conducted as it was on a public stage, in our paper that investigates the associated ball more fully.

A few days later in a journal entry dated for February 8th 1813 Mrs Calvert wrote about the ball:

Mr C and I went at ten o'clock to the Regent's ball. I was dressed in white satin, very beautifully done with gold - feathers and diamonds on my head. Nothing could be more superb than the fete. The Queen, Princess Elizabeth, Mary, Sophia of Gloucester, and Princess Charlotte were there, and all the Royal Dukes, except Gloucester, were present. Nobody knows why he did not go. Princess Mary led off the ball. Princess Charlotte is a good-humoured, white, fat girl, like the Royal Family, but there dont seem much grace or dignity about her. She gives me more the idea of a boarding-school girl than a Princess. Nobody was presented to her. We all went up to the Queen, who sat in a great chair, and were very graciously received. I afterwards went and talked some time with Princess Elizabeth, who was very civil and asked me about all my children, putting me in mind of my having taken Felix to Windsor Terrace eighteen years ago. I enquired after Princess Augusta, and she told me she was very well, but they made it a rule never all to leave Windsor at a time, so she and Princess Sophia remained there. She said she should tell her I enquired about her, and she was sure she would be quite delighted to hear about me. The Prince was very gracious in his manner, and upon the whole I should have spent a pleasant evening had I felt well, but my head, back, and every part of me ached, and I felt completely ill. We supped at about half past one. The Queen and Royal Family, and a few of the Nobility supped in the Conservatory. I went afterwards to look at it. It was beautiful. The Russian Ambassadress, Countess Lieven, was there. She is not very pretty, but I thought her dress remarkably so. It was black velvet up to her throat, and long sleeves, and a ruff like Mary, Queen of Scots, with a great many diamond chains, etc. I had ordered my carriage at half past two, but could not get it until nearly five. I never was so tired in my life. I really felt ill all Saturday.

Once again Mrs Calvert offered some frank opinions. What I find particularly interesting is the end of the narrative where we learn that she ordered her carriage for 2:30am, but due to the crush of people, couldn't get to it until nearly 5:00am. This must have been a common experience for ball goers in the early 19th century.

The Ballroom Adventures of Francesca Calvert, 1813-1820

Mrs Calvert attended a Brighton Ball hosted by the Prince Regent in August 1813, she did so in the role of chaperone to her 14 year old daughter Lavinia Calvert (who was now known as Fanny, which was actually her middle name). Fanny was proving to be something of a surprise success. Mrs Calvert wrote (in an entry of uncertain date):

Figure 11. The Prince of Orange depicted in 1816. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Last night there was a fine ball. The Prince having been so good as to invite Fanny, I took her. She was promoted to great honour, for she led off the Ball with the young Prince of Orange. He is a very fine young man, nearly twenty one, remarkably gentlemanlike and pleasing in his manners. Why the Duke of Clarence fixed upon Fanny to introduce to his Serene Highness I know not, but you may suppose she was much pleased. The Prince deputed the Duke of Clarence to act as master of the ceremonies, which he did most actively, getting all the ladies partners. He introduced (the next set) to Fanny a young Russian, with whom she chattered French at a great rate. The set after Major Howard asked her himself. He is one of Lord Carlisle's sons - a very handsome gentlemanlike young man. He is one of the Prince's Equerries. We came away at the end of that set, being nearly four and I told the Prince I was afraid to let her stay any longer. The Duke of Clarence took her under one arm and me under the other to supper, and sat between us. He took such care of her, giving her everything he thought she would like to eat. The young Prince of Orange sat at the other side of me at supper, and I was very happy to talk to him about Felix, who he knows very well, and saw in perfect health, thank God, the day he sailed. ... Fan looked really very well. Her figure appeared to great advantage, her manners very modest and quite composed. At first she looked rather pale, and trembled from head to foot, but that soon went off, and she enjoyed everything very much. The Prince at parting shook her very kindly by the hand, and hoped she had been amused.

The ball was hosted by the Prince of Wales and yet it was his brother (the future King William IV) who acted as master of the ceremonies. For some reason Fanny was selected to open the ball with a foreign dignitary, the young Prince of Orange (1792-1849) (who would briefly become engaged to Princess Charlotte of Wales, before going on to become King of the Netherlands, see Figure 11). The date of the ball isn't entirely certain, I suspect it to have been the same ball that was described in The Star newspaper for the 27th of August 1813 (which was held back on the 25th); if that is correct, whoever wrote about the ball was confused as to Fanny's identity as the lady who led off the first dance was named as Miss Fitzclarence. The name Fitzclarence implies an illegitimate child of the Duke of Clarence; that is, the author assumed Fanny Calvert to have been the daughter of the Duke of Clarence himself. She must have been receiving significant attention from the Duke!

They were invited back again a few days later, the journal entry for the 27th of August 1813 reports:

Yesterday I got my message, as usual, to go to the Pavilion, but about eight I got another message from the Prince to beg I would bring Fanny. I accordingly did, and there was a very pleasant impromptu dance. Fanny danced with Major Howard, the Duke of Clarence and Captain Jansen, a gallant young Irish officer, who has lost an arm in service of his country. The Prince danced a few couple himself with Lady Mildmay, but almost directly sprained his ankle, and seemed to be in a good deal of pain for some time, but it went off. Fanny looked remarkably well. I think people seem to like her, and think her pretty. I went away with her directly after supper, as I was afraid to let her stay longer.

Later that same day Mrs Calvert wrote of a different newspaper report of the ball from a few days earlier: I saw in the papers to-day an account of the Prince's ball. They say it was opened by the Hereditary Prince of Orange and the lovely Miss Calvert, which amused Fan very much.. Some weeks later Fanny was taken to a ball hosted by her aunt Mrs Knox, the journal recorded (for December 18th 1813): Yesterday I took Fanny to my sister's, where there was a very nice ball. There were three sets of Country Dances, and waltzing, the former of which Fanny partook, but of course not the latter. Then for the 18th of January 1814: I took Fanny to my sister's dance. I am quite surprised to find how she is admired..

Moving forwards to 1815 we find an entry of uncertain date from April: Fanny and I went at night to a very pleasant party at Mrs Robinson's. There was a good deal of waltzing.. Then in an entry for the 12th of May 1815: We went at night to a ball at my sister's. Fanny liked it very much, and danced until four in the morning, and looked really extremely well.. A year later still we find the first reference in the journals to Quadrille dancing, in an entry for the 12th of May 1816 : On Monday night Fanny and I went to a small party at Lady Francis Douglas's, on Tuesday to a ball at Mrs Gage's. There was but one set of country dances, the rest was waltzing and quadrille.. And some time later: On Friday we went to a great Assembly at Lady Cardigan's. I hear that Fanny is reckoned very pretty. I really think she looks so, and she is very lady-like..

There were disappointments too of course. Mrs Calvert was upset by a Hertford ball at which Fanny was paid little attention. Mr Brand, one of the stewards on the occasion, failed to introduce any partners to her. The undated journal entry recorded: There we sat solitary. Captain Byron whispered to Walter that it was a crying shame to see her, the prettiest girl in the room, sitting by, and did he not think she would stand up with him? Walter advised him to try, and accordingly she did. But not in a hurry shall I forgive Mr Brand or Lord Cranbourne (who even danced with one of the Caswalls), for not asking her, and I came home completely disgruntled, and she looked so particularly well..

Moving forwards again, a rumour circulated that Lord Weymouth (1797-1837) may seek to marry Fanny in 1818. In a journal entry dated April 10th 1818 Mrs Calvert wrote: Last night we went to a ball at Lady Grey Egerton's. She has a fine house in Grafton Street, but it was too full and too hot for dancing. There was a fine supper, which is now not a usual thing. Mr Foley amused me by telling me that Lord Weymouth told him, that it is reported that he is to be married to Fanny! Perhaps that is why he did not ask her to dance at the last Almack's. It is very tiresome that a young man cannot dance often with a girl without people's thinking of matrimony..

The mystery of Fanny leading off the Prince's ball back in 1814 was solved five years later. In a journal entry for the 25th of January 1819 Mrs Calvert wrote: We went to the Pavilion last night; it was much in the style of last Sunday's party. Fan and I stayed to supper. Sir B Bloomfield told me that the Regent admires Fanny very much, and had been reminded of his giving her a ball a few years ago. I never knew before for certain that it was given for her, but this accounts for the Duke of Clarence making her lead off with the Prince of Orange.. The informant was Sir Benjamin Bloomfield (1768-1846), the Regent's private secretary.

By 1819 Fanny was a proficient quadrille dancer, she evidently enjoyed them. It was recorded of a ball for the 15th of October 1819 that: Fanny danced two quadrilles, one with Mr Throckmorton and the other with Captain Rowley.. And of a ball for the 16th of December 1819: Fanny danced two quadrilles with M. de Poligny and Mr Waldegrave. And then of a ball on the 13th of April 1820: Fanny danced the first quadrille with the Duke, and the second with Comte de Bassewitz.

Fanny was still a young lady in 1820 but we'll leave her story there. Fanny never chose to marry, though she evidently enjoyed her dancing days. Indeed, we'll leave the entirety of the investigation at this point.

Conclusion

Mrs Calvert, and her family, lived a privileged life. She interacted with the highest of society, held strong opinions, was politically active and brought up a large family at the same time. We've read of balls that she attended and those that she was not invited to, also anecdotes of what happened at these events. We've seen two of her daughters be introduced to society. We've read of visits to Court and to Brighton. We've also found references to both Waltzing and Quadrille dancing alongside the Country Dances. And yet we've only touched upon the fuller content of the journals, they are well worth a read if you'd like to know more. It's especially interesting to read the private insights into events otherwise known only from public newspaper based reportage. If you have anything else to add then do please Contact Us as we'd love to know more.