The Prince of Wales, the future George IV, visited Stowe for six days in August 1805 (15 to 20 August). The visit was recorded by Elizabeth and Harriet Wynne in their diaries.  

25 July 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 179. Harriet Wynne

Thursday, 25th. Nothing Heard from Lady Buckingham and had a note from her in answer to the one Betsey sent—She tells us all the news, and we are to sleep in the house—Saturday and Sunday there is to be Concerts Friday illumination and Monday a grand ball, to which the county will be asked and that is the only night they ask anyone, We are therefore too lucky and may thank our Stars—The P’s I fear have no chance of being inmates—

5 August 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 193. Elizabeth Fremantle [Wynne].

Wednesday, 21st August. Ld Braybrook’s Family, Berkeleys, Williams Wynne, Ld & Ly Grenville, & Fremantles, went away to day, we were left a party of about 25 at dinner. I have determined to go home on Friday as I want a little rest. I had a few lines from my husband who has received orders to join Sr Rob^t Calder off Ferrol. I went with Mrs. Wyndham and Miss Macnamara to call on Mrs. Bernard[1] at Finmore. She is a greater size than I am, which is saying a great deal. Music in the evening, I attempted to play a double lesson with Mrs. Jerningham, who cannot read music at all tolerably at sight.

9 August 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 187. Harriet Wynne.

Stowe, Friday, 9th, Mr. Tom Grenville came—and to my surprise and joy, Lord Temple and Lord George dame during dinner, My boy is quite tanned—He walked out with us in the evening but we did not stay very late on account of Lady Mary having a little sore throat—Lord G. has not spoken to Mr. Arundell since his return and I fear he has been set against him by his brother during his stay at Aylesbury—

15 August 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 187.  Elizabeth Fremantle [Wynne].

Thursday, 15th August. I walked through the rooms which are all finished & have a very splendid appearance, the appartment fitted up for the Duke of Clarence is very handsome in the Egyptian style, & quite a State Bed put up for him, which is extremely elegant. The Portico is quite an orange grove, being filled with orange trees in the finest blossom and green House plants. We had a sort of dinner at three o’clock as the Prince was not expected till eight, but he arrived much sooner than was expected & made his appearance soon after four o’clock when Ld Buckingham was alone ready to receive him. He brought with him the Duke of Clarence, Mr. Fox, Col^l. Calcraft and Major Bloomfield. The Duke & Dutchess of Bedford arrived a little before him. We all met at half past five in the State Gallery where we stood in a formal circle for an hour before dinner was announced-the going into dinner was no less formidable, the Band was playing in the Saloon above, & there was two rows of Servants in their full Liveries & valets de Chambre in dark blue Coats covered with Gold Lace. I contrived to get to the side Table where I sat more at my ease. The Princes table was layed for forty & we were about 18 more at a Side Table. Nothing could exceed the splendour & magnificence of the Dining room especially when the candles were lighted. We had music in the evening in the State Drawing room & my performance met with great success.

16 August 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 187.  Elizabeth Fremantle [Wynne].

Friday, 16th August. We breakfasted at eleven in the State drawing room where two tables were layed. The Prince walked afterwards with Ly Buckingham to the Flower Garden, & was drove by her in the Garden Chair, The Duke of Clarence with Lord Buckingham followed in another, they returned at two when all the equipages & Horses came round to the North Front, two Barousches & six, several with four Horses, besides Curricles. They all drove in the Park, I did not like to venture for fear of fatiguing myself. Dined at six & soon after nine, the Grotto being illuminated & the greatest concourse of people possible being assembled in the gardens, we all followed the Prince in Procession to the Grotto, among the shouts of the multitude, who crowded so much upon us we had some difficulty in reaching to the destined spot, which had the appearance of enchantment, the Grotto & surrounding scene being illuminated most brilliantly, the Bridge & Obelisk on the water had a charming effect. Several Maskers were pitched on the banks, & groupes of Morice Dancers, the Bands of the Pandeons, Savoyards, & of the Regiments who were on the water played in succession, & enlivened the scene, the crowd was so great, there being at least 10,000 people present that I remained in the Grotto, with Mrs. Berkeley, while the rest of the party walked quite round the water. On the Princes return to the Grotto the Fire works commenced & succeeded wonderfully well, the water rockets had a particular good effect & the whole went off with great éclat. I sat snug in the grotto by Charles Fox & had a good view of the whole. The Prince & Grandees, such as the Dutchess of Grafton, Ly Euston &c. supped in the Grotto, the Knyvetts sung Catches & Glees during the supper. I went to one of the marquees, & did not get home till one o’clock.

16 August 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 190. Harriet Wynne.

Friday, 16th. We breakfasted in the Music room Lord Althorpe is excessively pleasant as well as Major Bloomfield who made us pass a most delightful breakfast- We then sung and at one Lady B. drove the Prince in the garden chair round the park, Mr. and Mrs. Jerningham Ly. Mary, Mr. Arundell and I followed in Lady Temple’s barouche and six, We had excellent fun the whole way, and laughed much—We went in to dress, and afterwards prepared for our evening entertainment—At nine Mr. Arundell with Ly. Mary of one side and I of the other followed the Prince to the Grotto—The evening was beautiful, and luckily, it only threatened rain, which thank God never made its appearance—It was with great difficulty we got to the distant spot, but our trouble was greatly rewarded, for the Scene was something most magnificent—The Grotto, bridge Villas Marques formed a most enchanting coup d’oeil.

Crowds of spectators had come within the ropes. Music was heard in every part and of every kind and really the sensations, which this same inspired was something quite sublime. The Pandeans, Savoyards and Morris dancers greatly enlivened the spot. The band was in the middle of the water and indeed I was thunderstruck with surprise finding everything so totally surpassing my greatest expectations. I was surprised to find among the crowd, General Poulett and John, I spoke to them for some time, then lost sight of them, but I sent Lord George to search them and then we walked completely round with them.

John looked beautiful, and I got him in the grotto, to his utter astonishment, for every body turned round to see who he was. We remained in the grotto until the Prince got up from Supper when we took the round again and went home among the Shouts of the populace at two in the morning. The Knyvetts sung remarkably well in the grotto during supper and the fireworks succeeded very well indeed they were magnificent. I did really spend a most delightful evening, cet Arundell etoit fort drole. The gardens were crowded to near four o’clock, and every body seemed in high spirits. The Prince was delighted and I think the amusement was calculated to render him so. The Vases before the house were illuminated.

17 August 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 188. Elizabeth Fremantle [Wynne].

Saturday, 17th August. The whole Party excepting ten went after breakfast to the Duke of Grafton’s where there was a Cub Hunt & dinner. I stayed quietly at home with Ly Temple, Adml & Mrs. Berkeley and Ly Carisford, we had a comfortable dinner at four and did not dress till afterwards. The Prince & party returned at eight and dancing was preferred to music in the evening. The Duke of Clarence danced with Ly Mary & with the Dutchess of Bedford, who dances delightfully & is very pleasing. A grand supper at half past eleven after which the Knyvetts sung.

17 August 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 190. Harriet Wynne.

Saturday, 17th August. After breakfast, Lady Mary, Miss, Mr., Mrs. Jerningham and I set out in Lady Temple’s barouche for Wakefield lodge.[2] We were followed by a great many, being in all 5 barouches, besides Cavaliers and the Princes’ Landau. The road was crowded with spectators, and the Duchess of Grafton with three Lady Fitzroy’s joined our party. The hounds were then turned out, and the Prince mounted his charger, and ils allerent a la chasse. The sport was nothing, but the scene was delicious and the grounds really lovely. At four o’clock, after being quite broiled in the Sun, we adjourned to the lodge, which is rather an ugly house, but delightfully situated, and commanding a true romantic prospect. All the Lady Fitzroy’s both the Ducchess and Lady Euston’s daughters are ugly, but very good humoured. We sat down to a cold dinner at half past four, qui fut assez bien servie, mais pas d’argenterie. Although it was Saturday, I eat meat, but pauvre Arundell quoiqu’il mourait de faim ne mangea qu’un peu de pain et fromage—he looked quite starved. I made Mr. Calcraft promise to ask the Prince to let us dance in the evening, which he did. After our repast we ladies walked out on the lawn and the Duchess of Bedford who is a most charming little woman made us laugh a great deal. Lady Henry Fitzroy’s little girl was brought to be admired she is a nice child enough. At about eight we took our leave, and really our journey home was delicious, our barouche was followed by Cavaliers, on horseback, which consisted of Mr. Arundell, Lord George, Mr. Jerningham, Major Young, and Mr. Hervey. Lady Mary and I sung to the amusement of the spectators Ld. George played a thousand pranks, and he with Lord Ebrington had a match at groussing. We no sooner arrived than we all departed to make our toilet. We then adjourned in the Saloon, and I danced with Lord George and Mr. Arundell and at about twelve we sat down to a dinner supper, being by Everdino, I did not find it either long- or tedious. We had glees and Lord Buckingham was taken ill and obliged to leave the table. Ldy. Mary sung Nanny very well, and pretended having heard what my neighbour told me which rendered me uneasy. He certainly is a drole de Corps, to make me his confidante, and I do sincerely pity him. After supper, Ldy. Mary contrived so well as to get most of my secrets out, and she is rather surprised at what I know on the subject.

18 August 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 188. Elizabeth Fremantle [Wynne].

Sunday, 15th August. The Duke of Clarence with the Duke of Bedford went to see Westiar’s farm. The Prince se vit forcé to attend Prayers in the Chapel in the House, after breakfast—he walked the greatest part of the day. Dinner as usual at six in the Music room, & in the evening music. The Prince was in high glee, & rather more merry than a Prince ought to be. Doctor Crotch who had come from Oxford for the Occasion, played some stop Organ Concerto which had no effect at all, & the Prince quizzed him to me the whole time he was playing unmercifully, he was more gracious when I performed & overpowered me with praises & compliments, & afterwards made himself very agreeable, tho’ his wit borders upon vulgarity. Lady Mary sung several Duets & Terzettos very well & really has a wonderful fine voice. The Knyvetts gave us abundance of Glees, & we did not go to Supper till twelve.

19 August 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 189.: Elizabeth Fremantle [Wynne]

Monday, 19th Aug. The Prince Duke of Clarence Ld & Ly Buckingham & Dutchess of Bedford went to Tusmore to pay Mr. Fermor a visit (he is Mrs. Fitzherbert’s uncle) they only returned to dinner & did not dress till afterwards for the Ball. We had a violent thunder storm & incessant rain all the evening, which proved unlucky for those that came to the Ball. The North Front of the House & Colonades were illuminated & looked beautiful. As I was going with Miss Macnamara in one of the Colonades to see the Illumination, we met the Duke of Clarence who insisted on going with us, & after drinking tea in the Hall with us would go to the other Colonade. He was as jocon & drole as the Prince was on Sunday night. The Ball room was extremely crowded no less than 420. Among the Company were Dutchess of Grafton, several Ladies Fitzroys, Ld Ly Euston, Ld & Ly Carington, Ld & Ly Mahon, Ld & Ly Boston, Ly Bridgwater, Ld & Ly Hamden, Sir Sydney Smith &c. I spyed out among my country neighbours Mrs. De Salis, covered with Diamonds in a flappitty Cap, Mrs. Wright & allles amis des voisinage. The Prince danced the first dance with the Dutchess of Bedford, he dances very gracefully & with dignity but he only went down about a dozen couples as he sprained his knee. There were about 50 couples, dancing was kept up till four o’clock when the supper rooms were thrown open, & were particularly well arranged, all the tables served upon plate & equally magnificent. In the music room two tables for the Princes party, in the Library six of about 25 each, two in the Grenville room, a long one in the Dining Room & one in the Antiroom. I belonged to Ly Mary’s party which consisted of the Pouletts in the Library—& contrived to get away before the supper was over, & slipped unperceived to my nest. There was no more dancing but the party did not break up till six.

19 August 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 192. Harriet Wynne.

Monday, 19th August. The Prince and some of the party went to Insmore[3] whilst others went out hunting, and Lady Mary drove me in the garden. Mair, and Mr. Jerningham and his wife, followed us in Ldy. Temple’s. We overtook the huntsmen but did not see much of their sport. Before our drive, Lady Mary and I had taken a long nap on her bed. After dressing very smart, we went to dinner as usual by Everard who is quite charmant, he did not speak as much as usual, for Miss Berkeley was of the other side. The back part of the house was illuminated and looked quite beautiful, Major Bloomfield, Lady Mary and I went to see it from the Colonade. We began dancing at ten, as General Poulett was not come I begun with Major Bloomfield.

The Prince opened the ball with the Duchess of Bedford, and the Duke of Clarence and Lady Mary followed. I was surprised in turning round with a quizzical young man to find no more or less but Johnny metamorphosed in the oddest way with a long pigtail. I soon discovered Mary and sung, and to my joy the Papa was booted and could not dance. I thought the first dance intolerably long, we made a Second set and then it was very pleasant. We reposed sometime and John engaged me for the supper dance. I danced with Mr. Arundell in the second set composed of Six couples and enjoyed it much. We returned acquaintance with Miss Beaver who had often been at Irnham and he thinks her a very nice girl. We had a long conversation between the sets and I was so tired that I could not foot away with éclat. My dances with John were quite ridiculous—for in the middle of Sir Roger (which we danced snugly, in a corner of the room), Lord George armed with a pair of Scissors cut off my partners tail this caused great mirth among us, and we laughed for a long while. We went to supper at four, six tables were laid out in the Library, the Prince sat with his party in the Music room, and the Grenville room was likewise turned into a supper one. Covers were laid for 400, and all the county was present. The Miss Lowndes’s were dressed very well and Robert made strong love to Miss Louren who in my opinion is far from pretty. John was quite odd during supper and reminded me of my fatal promise. We had great fun about it and I refered the cause to Mr. Jerningham. We did not sit long, and made a set for dancing reels, which was deemed a crime by Ldy. B. We returned to the dancing room and walked up and down for a considerable time and then sat upon the sopha until the Pouletts went, John promised to call on Saturday, and was je suis sure d’une humeur amoureuse. Lady Mary, Mr. Arundell, Major Talbot and I sat near the window laughing till past six, when exhausted with fatigue we retired to rest after having spent a most harmonious evening.

20 August 1805

Wynne Diaries III, page 193. Elizabeth Fremantle [Wynne].

Stowe, Tuesday, 20th. We all met to breakfast at twelve o’clock. Everything was cleared away & there was no appearance of a Ball the night before. The Prince after breakfast examined a German Legion & then took a most graceful leave of Ld & Ly Buckingham & the party. Ld Buckingham kissed his hand & went on one knee. We all saw him to his Landau in which he sett out with the Duke of Clarence, Mr. Fox, Maj^r Bloomfield & Mr. Calcraft, in a heavy rain which did not discontinue the whole day. The Duke & Dutchess of Bedford likewise took their departure & Sir John Warren who is a pleasant, good natured, agreable man. L^d B. appeared dreadfully tired, the rest of the party not in the least & danced again in the evening, about fourteen cupoles. I went to bed before supper being rather fagged.