In October 1820 the trial of Queen Caroline drew towards a close and the political tensions of the nation reached a fever pitch. For over two months, normal parliamentary business had been paralysed by the daily spectacle of Caroline’s procession to the House of Lords. As George IV and Prime Minister Lord Liverpool became increasingly nervous about the verdict, Caroline’s supporters grew ever more vocal.
To read more about the ritualistic acts of political theatre which culminated in a dazzling array of satirical prints, “the vox populi at its most resonant and effectual”, read the new piece by Ian Haywood (University of Roehampton) on the Romantic Illustrations Network.
Click here to read more about this fascinating topic (and chortle over the ridiculous, the rude, and sometimes downright risqué satirical prints).