Social Victorians/Timeline/1897

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Sometime in 1897

The year 1897 was the year of Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

January 1897

18 January 1897, Wednesday

The following account of the Warwickshire Hunt Ball is from what was then the Leamington Courier, a local paper:

The Earl and Countess of Warwick have arrived once more at Warwick Castle, and have this week entertained a large and distinguished house party numbering over 60 persons. Lord and Lady Warwick and their guests attended the Warwickshire Hunt Ball at the County Hall on Wednesday evening, and also a grand meet of the Warwickshire Hounds in the Castle Park the following morning. Among those included in the house party were:— The Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, the Marchioness of Ormonde and Lady Beatrice Butler, the Marquis of Waterford, Count Larische, Viscount and Lady Georgina Curzon, Earl and Countess Cairns, the Earl of Chesterfield, the Earl of Essex, Viscount and Viscountess Chelsea, Lord and Lady Algernon Gordon Lennox, Mr. and Lady Angela Forbes, Lady Norreys, Lord Willoughby de Broke and the Hon. Misses Verney, Lord Kenyon, Lord Brackley, Lord Lovat, the Hon. Algernon and Mrs. Bourke, Captain the Hon. Hedworth Lambton, the Hon. Cyril Ward, the Hon. Sidney Greville, Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest, the Hon. R. Molyneux, Captain G. Milner, Mr. H. Milner, Mrs. J. Menzies and Miss Muriel Wilson, Major Orr-Ewing, Mr. J. F. Laycock, Miss Naylor, Captain Haig, Lord Vernon, and Lady B. Butler. Owing to the accommodation at the Castle being wholly inadequate for the large party entertained, the juvenile portion hare been quartered at the Warwick Arms Hotel, and Park House, in Bridge-End, has been recognised as the bachelors' quarters.

The following account is from the Gentlewoman:

ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPA, January 18.

The Warwickshire Hunt Club Ball was held in the Shire Hall, Warwick, on Wednesday, a brilliant company of about four hundred being present. Hunting has this season been a great social success in this county, and no one interested in the chase has done more than the Countess of Warwick. A distinguished house-party has been entertained at Warwick Castle for the annual ball and for hunting.

The guests were the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, the Marchioness of Ormonde, Lady Beatrice Butler, Viscount Chelsea, Viscountess Chelsea, Viscount Curzon, Viscountess Curzon, Lord and Lady Algernon Gordon Lennox, Mr. and Lady Angela Forbes, the Hon. A. Bourke, the Hon. Mrs. A. Bourke, Mrs. Menzies, Miss Wilson, Lady Norreys, Countess [/] Cairns, Lord Willoughby de Brooke, and the Hon. Misses Verney, Miss Naylor, the Marquis of Waterford, Earl Cairns, Lord Kenyon, Lord Brackley, Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest, Captain the Hon. H. Lambton, Mr. Laycock, Captain G. Milner, Earl of Chesterfield, Lord Lovat, Earl of Essex, the Hon. Cyril Ward, Mr. H. Milner, Major Orr Ewing, Captain Haig, and Captain the Hon. Molyneux.

The Countess of Warwick wore a lovely pearl-grey satin gown, which had "angel" sleeves falling to the ground, a green sash, and bodice veiled with chiffon; and she wore a superb coronet of pearls and diamonds; the Duchess of Marlborough was in pale green satin, with pink roses and a most lovely tiara of pearls and diamonds; Lady Algernon Gordon Lennox had on a black tulle gown, with silver embroidery and bunches of violets arranged all round the skirt, sleeves, and bodice, and a diamond tiara; Lady Angela Forbes looked lovely in pink veiled with chiffon and shaded roses on the shoulder; Lady Cairns came in white, and the Hon. Misses Verney also in plain white gowns.

Lady Norreys wore white and green, and beautiful diamonds; Miss Muriel Wilson was in pale green and pink, and Lady Beatrice Butler in blue, while the Hon. Mrs Algernon Bourke chose pale pink satin; Lady Eva Dugdale looked her very best in rich white satin trimmed with silver passementerie, and her tiara and rivière of diamonds were perhaps the most beautiful in the room; Lady Mordaunt came in white tulle and diamonds, and brought her daughter, who was in a simple white frock. With Lord Hertford came the Ladies Victoria and Edith Seymour, the former in white with a flounce of lilies of the valley to the skirt, and the latter in plain white.

Mrs. W. Mackay Low had magnificent diamonds, and her elegant gown was of pink satin, with lovely Brussels lace and silver embroidery; Mrs. Dennis Granville looked well in white with yellow velvet sleeves; Lady Mary Dashwood had a most becoming pale grey gown and diamonds, and Miss Dashwood looked lovely in white, with bunches of white flowers upon her dress; Mrs. Brinkley's gown was a pretty flowered silk with green velvet sleeves; and Mrs. Thursby Pelham wore yellow satin with pink and diamonds.

Lady Clonmel was very pleasing in a pretty figured brocade; Mrs. Ireland Blyth wore pink, and Mrs. Wykeham Musgrave white; with Major and Mrs. Armstrong came Miss Armstrong, Miss Orde, Mrs. and Miss Arbuthnot, Mr. Walter and Mr. C. Armstrong, Captain Dewar, and Mr. Ernest St. Quintin. Mrs. Armstrong wore black satin, the bodice being trimmed with white lace; Miss Armstrong looked extremely pretty in white satin and pink roses; and Miss Orde's gown of white satin had a lovely bodice made with a pink embroidered zouave; Mrs. Arbuthnot was in grey satin and diamonds, and Miss Arbuthnot in white satin with white ostrich plumes.

Mrs. Sampson Lloyd wore black embroidered with steel; Miss Lloyd looked charming in white satin, with a hem of pink rose-buds to the skirt, the bodice having a berthe of the same pink roses; Miss Gwendoline Lloyd was equally pretty in white satin, with panels of violets to the skirt, and their sister, a débutante, was in white with lilies. With the party from the Priory came Lady Guendolen Little and Miss Chaplin; Lady Guendolen looked lovely in white, with a pretty sash of brocade tied at the side, and diamonds; and Miss Chaplin was in white, with lilies and white plumes in her hair.

(Continued on page xiv.) [/]

A large party was brought by Mr. Brooke Robinson, M.P., from Barford House, including Lady Hickman and the two Misses Hickman, of Wightwick; Mr., Mrs., and Grazebrook of Thewford, and Mr. John Brooke Robinson. Lady Hickman had a gown of dark green velvet, trimmed with passementerie and old cream lace, and a tiara of stars of diamonds; Miss Hickman wore black and white striped silk, with bodice made with white chiffon, and geraniums shading from pale pink to red, and diamonds, and Miss Lilian Hickman looked well in white satin, with a lovely bodice of white tulle over white satin, the sleeves made with dainty little flounces.

Mrs. Grazebrook wore pink and white brocade, with pink chiffon and pink flowers, and a butterfly of diamonds and aigrette in her hair; Miss Grazebrook had a simple white satin gown, with neck and shoulders trimmed with chiffon and geraniums; the Hon. Mrs. Albert Brassey (Heythrop) wore grey satin and diamonds; Lady Anne Murray had on a black and white striped silk, with beautiful Brussels lace, and was accompanied by Miss Murray, who looked very charming also; Miss Chance wore black velvet and diamonds.

Lady Ernest Seymour wore white tulle; Mrs. Henry Allfrey, a smart mauve and green gown; and Miss Allfrey (Alveston) was in black; Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Reginald Rankin brought Miss Master and Mr. Edward Rankin; Mrs. Rankin looked well in white satin, with a bodice trimmed, and front of skirt draped with lovely Brussels lace, and stars, rivière and head ornament of diamonds; Miss Master wore pale yellow satin and lace.

Mrs. W. R. Verney came in pale blue, with a pink and blue brocaded front; Mrs. Paule [?] looked well in apricot satin and violets; Mrs. Chesshrye Molyneux in black and silver, and Miss Lefroy in white satin; Miss Cook wore a light blue moiré skirt lined with pink, the bodice of blue moiré having rose-like sleeves of pale blue and pink chiffon. Very smart looked Mrs. Shaw, of Leamington, in silver-grey satin, with the hem of the skirt outlined with shaded blush roses, white chiffon sleeves, and silver waistbelt; Mrs. Fosbery came in black and silver, and Miss Fowler (Stratford) in white, with handsome lace.

Possibly related to the large house party invited for earlier in the month and associated with the Warwickshire Hunt Club Ball is this party at Warwick Castle for the Warwick Dispensary ball, although which Wednesday the ball is to take place is not clear:

The Earl and Countess of Warwick will entertain a large house party at Warwick Castle for the Warwick Dispensary ball on Wednesday night. Amongst the guests now staying at the Castle are Lord and Lady Algernon Gordon-Lennox, Lord Kenyon, Sir Donald Mackensie [Mackenzie?] Wallace, Hon. Mrs. Algernon Bourke, Hon. Sidney Greville, Hon. J. Ward, M. and Madame von Audré [André?], Captain and Mrs. Laurence Drummond, Mr. Weston Jarvis, Mr. J. Knowles, Miss Naylor, and Mr. and Mrs. Moreton Frewen.

30 January 1897, Saturday

The Queen reports

A successful BAL POUDRÉ was given recently by MRS. JOHN LANE SHRUBB, at BOLDRE GRANGE, Lymington, Hants. There were over 140 guests, and dancing was kept up with spirit until nearly 4 a.m. The flowers were lovely both in the house and conservatory, and the general effect of the ladies' poudré and the gentlemen in uniform and hunt coats was particularly pleasing, and added brilliancy to the scene. The band of the Royal Marine Light infantry played with their usual skill and perfection. The house party included Capt. and Mrs Hughes Onslow, Mr Philip Crossley, Mr Bontram, Mr Ross Johnson, Mr and Mrs Breverley Shrubb, Mr Somerset Hughes Onslow. The hostess looked particularly well in dark green velvet and white satin, trimmed with Genoese guipure antique, and carried a bouquet of Solfetaire roses. Her two daughters were dressed alike, in white satin with jewelled lace, and carried bouquets of pink carnations.

February 1897

1897 February, Muriel Wilson was part of a group who visited Dublin Castle to visit the Lord Lieutenant and Countess Cadogan:

The following, among other guests, have arrived at Dublin Castle on a visit to the Lord Lieutenant and Countess Cadogan: — The Earl and Countess of Arran, the Countess of Dunraven and the Ladies Wyndham-Quin, the Earl of Portarlington, Viscount and Viscountess Duncannon, Lady Rossmore, Sir Richard and Lady Magdelen / William Bulkeley, Colonel the Hon. Charles and Miss Chrichton, Mrs. Menzies and Miss Muriel Wilson, Mr. Mildmay, M.P., and Miss Mildmay, the Hon. Thomas Egerton, and Mr. Portman. On Tuesday night their Excellencies gave a dinner, followed by a ball in St. Patrick’s Hall, and to-day there will be another dinner and ball. Lord and Lady Cadogan and their guests intended to be present at Lady Roberts’s ball at the royal Hospital last night.

7 February 1897, Sunday

Probably the second week of February: "… in addition to his own concerts [Dolmetsch] took part in William Poel's Twelfth Night production at the Hall of the Middle Temple, where the play had been performed in 1601. A very distinguished audience were gathered together, among them Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, sitting as a Bencher of the Inn, Princess Louise and the Duke of Teck."

10 February 1897, Wednesday

The Duchess of Devonshire's second reception for the season, at Devonshire House, Picadilly.

End of February 1897

The fun at the end of last week was at Melton where … and Lady Huntington was to entertain Mrs. Hwfa Williams, Mrs. Stanley Wilson and Miss Muriel Wilson, Lord Stavordale, and Mr. Marjoribanks.

Hard to tell if there was one or several parties, including at least one ball:

… Lady Dudley stayed with lady Gerard for the Hunt Ball. Everyone said it was the smartest country ball they had seen for a long time. It was, indeed, quite like a very smart London one, only much cheerier and brighter-looking on account of al the men’s red coats. All the hunting world had parties for it, and all the women wore their best frocks and their diamonds too. … The two prettiest girls in the room were Miss Enid Wilson in white and Miss Muriel Wilson in white and silver with a soft blue sash.

March 1897

Sometime in March 1897, Wynn Westcott resigned from the Golden Dawn.

Sometime in March 1897, Wynn Westcott of the Golden Dawn wrote Frederick Gardner, telling him to ask Florence Farr to "choose a gentleman adept friend" to act as intermediary -- but not W. A. Ayton.

April 1897

16 April 1897, Friday

Good Friday

18 April 1897, Sunday

Easter Sunday

May 1897

Some William Rothenstein drawings made in May 1897 are now at Jesses, Haslemere.

3 May 1897, Monday

"Inaugural performance of the New Century Theatre, a rival to the independent, established by William Archer, Elizabeth Robins, H. W. Massingham, and Alfred Sutro, on order to promote experimental drama."

On Monday 3 or 10 May 1897, a dance in London for 450 people to benefit the Italian Hospital. Benoist catered.

Under the patronage of the King and Queen of Italy, the Prince and Princess of Naples, the Duke and Duchess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the Marchioness of Lorne, the Duchess of Teck, the Duke and Duchess of Aosta, General Ferrero, and many others, a most successful dance was held on Monday, of last week, at the Institute of Painters in Water Colours, Piccadilly, in aid of the Italian Hospital, at Queen's-square. The guests, who were received by Mme. Ortelei, Lady Seymour, Mrs. Hoffnung-Goldsmith, and Mme. Allatini, included the Duke and Duchess San Germano di Calabrito, General Ferrero, Marchioness Caesar di Sain, Lady Carew, Lady Colin Campbell, Count di Casa Valencia, Lady Jessel, Count di Vaglio, Mr. S. Hoffnung-Goldsmith, Sir Joseph Sebag Montefiore, Count Herschell, Sir Halliday and Lady Macartney, Comm. John Ortelei, Signor and Signorina Bebigani, Signor Strazza, the Messrs. Simmons, Count Sielern, Count Hadik, Mr. and Mrs. Silverston. Many handsome gowns were worn. Mme. Ortelei was most becomingly attired in grey, Lady Seymour in black, Lady Colin Campbell also in black, and Miss Hoffnung-Goldsmith in white, Mme. de Rinn was in pale blue, and Mme. Allatini in grey brocade. Benoist catered, as usual, perfectly, and some 450 guests supped at the myriad flower-decked little tables.

4 May 1897, Tuesday, beginning at 4:20 p.m.

A disastrous fire in Paris broke out in a charity bazaar run and frequented by celebrities and aristocrats that killed and seriously injured many people. The fire had started in the cinematograph next door, whose ether supply for the light flame seems to have exploded, killing and injuring people in that as well. The Sheffield Independent published eye-witness accounts the next day.

5 May 1897, Wednesday

Florence Farr called a meeting of the Golden Dawn (or the Inner Order?), which was held at 62 Oakley Square.

6 May 1897, Thursday

About the Golden Dawn: H. C. Morris got Edward Berridge's "pamphlet" with the footnote about Annie Horniman and the handwritten "doggerrel."

8 May 1897, Saturday

I believe the big funerals in Paris after the fire on Tuesday must have been held on Saturday 8 May, rather than on 15 May, when the story about them appeared in the Illustrated Police News.

9 May 1897, Sunday

Annie Horniman was living at H. I. Montague Mansions, Portman Square, London.

15 May 1897, Saturday

1897 May 15–17, Muriel Wilson was at a weekend house party at Warwick Castle: "The most interesting Saturday-to-Monday house party this year was at Warwick Castle, where Mr Balfour was the fellow-guests with Lord Rosebery and Mr Asquith. Miss Muriel Wilson and Mr Buckle, editor of ‘The Times’ have been among the guests."

Same house-party at Warwick Castle:

The Countess of Warwick entertained the following distinguished house party at Warwick Castle at the end of last week: — The Portuguese Minister, the Earl of Rosebery, Earl of Crewe, Lady Randolph Churchill, Lord and Lady Algernon Gordon Lennox, the Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, the Right Hon. H. and Mrs. Asquith, the Hon. H. Lady Feodorowna Sturt, Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Maguire, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Grenfell, Mr. and Mrs. J. Menzies, Miss Muriel Wilson, Lord Kenyon, Lady Gerard, Major-General Arthur Ellis, the Hon. John Baring, the Hon. Sidney Greville, Major Wynn Finch, Mr. Buckle (the “Times”), Mr. Cecil Grenfell, Mr. Warrender, and Mr. T. Byard. The distinguished guests arrived at the Castle on Saturday afternoon. The Earl of Rosebery reached Warwick at four o’clock, and was driven to the Castle by Lady Warwick in her carriage and pair. Mr. Arthur Balfour come down to Leamington by the Zulu express, and rode on this bicycle to the Castle. He looked bronzed and healthy, although he has only recently recovered from an illness. On Sunday morning a number of the guests attended Divine service at St. Mary’s Church. Lord Warwick was present with the Corporation, as Mayor of the borough; and Lady Warwick was accompanied by Lord Rosebery. Lord Crewe, Mrs. Asquith, Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Rochefort Maguire, Lord Algernon Gordon Lennox, Miss Muriel Wilson, Lady Marjorie Greville, and Miss Hamilton. The Rev. A. C. Irvine, M.A., was the preacher. Lord Rosebery was at once recognized as he left the church with the Castle party. The appearance of the Countess of Warwick at the meeting of the Birmingham Lifeboat Saturday Committee, held at the Council House, Birmingham last week, caused a big flutter among the ladies present. Her ladyship was attired in a striking costume of navy blue serge, faced with military braid, with lappels of the bodice trimmed with yellow silk. The Countess had travelled from London to preside at the meeting, and had to rush away before the proceedings were over in order to get to Warwick, where she was to preside over another gathering. The pupils of Warwick School of Art have been invited by the Countess of Warwick to prepare designs for the cover of the handbook of the Education Section of the Victorian Era Exhibition, of which her ladyship is president.

The Earl and Countess of Warwick will, as stated in last week’s “Courier” entertain all the day and Sunday School children at the Castle on the 1st of June. They number about two thousand five hundred. On the 3rd of June the leading burgesses of the town, to the number of about thousand are invited to a garden party. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of London, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Birmingham, the Mayors and Mayoresses of Coventry, Stratford, Leamington, and Sutton Coldfield, will be amongst the guests. The next day the farm tenantry on the estates of the Earl and Countess in Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Somersetshire, Northamptonshire, and Essex, will be entertained, being conveyed to and from Warwick by special trains.

Among those who lunched with the Countess of Warwick at the Castle on Wednesday were the Bishop of Worcester, the Hon. T. A. Brassey the Rev. M. Hare, the Rev. Dr. Newman Hall, the Rev. W. J. and Mrs. Mathams, and the Directors of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society.

25 May 1897, Tuesday

Arthur Sullivan's ballet Victoria and Merrie England opened at the Alhambra Theatre, Leicester Square; Sullivan conducted at least the first performance.

Mrs. Oppenheim hosted a "flower ball," which meant that women's costumes represented a flower:

THE WORLD OF WOMEN.

MRS. OPPENHEIM’S FLOWER BALL.

NOW leafy June, the sweet month of roses, has set in right jubilantly in London, it is nice to dwell in imagination on the delicious Flower Ball Mrs. Henry Oppenheim gave on May 25 at her beautiful townhouse in Bruton Street. Is it not captivating to the fancy to learn that the balcony of the magnificent ball-room was arched with evergreens, studded with lovely flowers; that the handsome hostess looked radiant in a Poppy dress with bodice of basket-work in gold embroidery; that Lilian, Duchess of Marlborough, was appropriately attired in lily costume; and that roses garlanded the Duchess of Leeds’s superb brocade and tulle dress; while Mrs. Asquith, the wife of the ex-Home Secretary, also chose English roses? I am glad to know that the dear old Shamrock of Erin was not forgotten by an Irish beauty.

27 May 1897, Thursday

Thursday, 27 May 1897, 2:30 p.m. On Friday, 28 May 1897, in "Court Circular" the London Times reported on the funeral of Sir Wollaston Franks:

The funeral of Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks, F.R.S., president of the Society of Antiquaries, took place yesterday at Kensal-green Cemetery. The service was held at St. Andrew's Church, Ashley-place, the Rev. H. E. Hall, nephew of Sir Augustus Franks, officiating. The chief mourners were Miss Franks, a sister, Mrs. Nesbitt, a sister, the Misses Hall, nieces, Mr. Frederick Franks and Mr. Amyard Hall, nephews, Mr. T. L. Murray Browne, and Mr. C. H. Read, F.R.S. A large number of the members of the Society of Antiquaries and the Royal Society and others attended, among them being Sir E. J. Poynter, P.R.A., Sir Clements Markham (president of the Royal Geographical Society), Sir John Evans, the Bishop of Stepney, Sir Henry Howorth, M.P., Sir J. C. Robinson, Sir Frederic W. Burton, Sir E. Maunde Thompson (librarian, British Museum), the Earl of Crawford, Viscount Dillon, Professor R. K. Douglas, Mr. J. Luard Pattisson, C.B., Mr. B. V. Head, Mr. E. Freshfield, LL.D. (treasurer of the Society of Antiquaries), Mr. Stanley Leighton, M.P., Mr. J. Leighton, Mr. W. Foster (secretary, Hakluyt Society), Mr. E. A. Bond, C.B., Mr. F. G. Hilton Price (director of the Society of Antiquaries), Mr. F. A. Eason (secretary of the Royal Academy), Mr. Philip [Col. 1a/Col. 2b] Norman, Mr. Willis Bund, Mr. H. O. [?] Maxwell Lyte, C.B., Mr. H. B. Wheatley, Mr. C. Purdon Clarke, Mr. W. de G. Birch, and Dr. Hicks. Assembled at the graveside were also Major-General Sir John Donnelly, head of the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, Mr. Everard Green (Herald's College), Mr. Charles Welch (Guildhall library), and Mr. T. Armstrong (Science and Art Department).

On Friday, 28 May 1897, in "The Queen's Reign" the London Times reported the following "masonic service":

A masonic service was held yesterday, at evensong, in the Collegiate Church of St. Saviour, Southwark, to celebrate the record reign of her Majesty and to assist the restoration fund of the church. By special dispensation of the Grand Master the brethren were permitted to attend the service in full masonic attire, and a very impressive scene was thus witnessed by the congregation. Among those present were Lord Lathom (pro-Grand Master), Lord Llangattock, Lord Connemara, Lord Harlech, Mr. Justice Bruce, and also the following brethren:— Mr. W. L. Jackson, M.P., Sir Offley Wakeman, Mr. Causton, M.P., Mr. H. Bancroft, Mr. E. Terry, Mr. Lionel Brough, Colonel A. B. Cook, Mr. R. Eve, Mr. R. Loveland Loveland (president of the Board of General Purposes), the Rev. Dr. Currie, Mr. Letchworth (grand secretary), and Mr. W. Lake (assistant grand secretary). Before the service the following voluntaries were rendered by organ and orchestra:— "Largo" (Handel), "Idyll" (Battison Haynes), and "occasional" Overture (Handel). Immediately preceding the service a procession was formed, in which the grand officers walked from the Ladye Chapel down the north, to the west end, thence up the nave to the reserved seats under the tower and the east end of the nave. The provincial grand officers proceeded from the parochial offices, and occupied the reserved seats at the east end of the nave. Clerical brethren included in the foregoing procession retired to the vestry on the north side of the choir, and joined the procession of the choir, clergy, and chapter to the choir seats and stalls. Clerical brethren with robes — not grand officers or provincial grand officers — after entering the church proceeded to the north choir aisle, where they waited and joined in the last-mentioned procession. The service was intoned by Archdeacon Sinclair (P.G.C.) and Canon Thompson. The opening hymn was "O Jerusalem the blissful," and the proper psalms followed. The special lessons (Haggai ii., 4 to 10 and 1. Cor. iii., 9 to 18) were read by the Rev. Dr. Childe and the Archdeacon of Essex. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were sung to music by Gadsby in C and the anthem was "Lift up your heads" (Handel). The sermon was preached by the Very Rev. Dr. Hole, Dean of Rochester, grand chaplain, from Acts viii., 26, "Sirs, ye are brethren." The financial results of the service were a contribution towards the £7,000 required of about £2,340, including £1,000 from Lord Llangattock, £600 from Mr. Alfred Bevan, over £400 subscribed by the committee, and £320 collected at the service.

June 1897

1 June 1897, Tuesday

The Dowager Duchess of Marlborough and Lady Sarah Wilson hosted a dinner party and dance:

The Dowager Duchess of Marlborough and Lady Sarah Wilson entertained at dinner yesterday evening, at her Grace’s house in Grosvenor-square, the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, the Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry and Lady Helen Stewart, the Earl and Countess of Derby and Lady Isabel Stanley, the Earl of Chesterfield, the Earl of Stradbroke, the Earl of Essex, Lady Georgiana Curzon, the Ladies Margaret and Victoria Innes-Ker, Lady Lilian S. Churchill, Viscount Chrichton, Lord and Lady Wolverton, Lady Gerard, Lord Trevor, Lord Elcho, Sir Samuel and Lady Sophie Scott, Sir Edward and Lady Colebrooke, Lady de Trafford, the Hon. Dudley Marjoribanks, the Hon. Charles Willoughby, the Hon. Claud Willoughby, the Hon. John Baring, the Hon. Seymour Fortescue, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Grenfell, Mr. and Mrs. J. Menzies, and Miss Muriel Wilson, Captain Ricardo, and Mr. Wilfred Wilson. There was a dance afterwards.

2 June 1897, Wednesday

Derby Day at Epsom Downs, so the Luise Friederike Auguste Montagu, Duchess of Devonshire, hosted a ball at Devonshire House that night?

Reception at the Foreign Office

It would require a very graphic pen indeed, to describe the glories of Wednesday evening's reception at the Foreign Office, which far exceeded in brilliancy any function of the kind that has taken place there for many years. The fact that Levée dress was de rigueur in honour of the Diamond Jubilee, added to the gorgeous gowns worn by many of the ladies, accounts for the scene being almost as imposing as a Queen's ball; whilst the staircase, always a unique feature at the Foreign Office, seemed, if possible, gayer with bright blooms than in former years.

To attempt a description of all the lovely dresses would be a hopeless task; it must suffice to chronicle those that most readily occur to one. First and foremost, of course, one thinks of the Princess of Wales, who looked splendid in grey satin and many diamonds. Then the Duchess of Portland was magnificent in black and silver, with her usual touch of bright pink carnations; the Duchess of Marlborough looked equally well, if a little fragile, in yellow; Lady Londonderry was magnificently dressed in white brocade, and with her came Lady Helen Stewart, also in white; the Duchess of Roxburghe, in black and silver, brought Lady Margaret Ker, in white, adorned with pale pink roses; the Duchess of Cleveland wore a splendid robe of black and white brocaded velvet, with wonderful jewels. Lady Cadogan looked stately in pale blue satin — a colour also affected by Lady Tweedmouth; Lady Headfort, in black, brought Lady Beatrix Taylour, in pale blue; Lady Lansdowne chaperoned Lady Beatrice Fitzmaurice, who wore pink; and Lady Hothfield, in black, brought Miss Tufton, in white. Lady Pirbright and Lady Stratheden both wore splendid jewels, and looked most imposing; Lady Kilmorey was tall and stately as ever in black and silver; Lady George Hamilton appeared in pearl-grey satin, a colour in which Mrs. Percy Wyndham (who brought her niece) also looked well; the Dowager Lady Mayo was present in black, as well as both her daughters and her daughter-in-law, pretty Mrs. Algernon Bourke, all in white.

Lady Castletown, en route to Lady Duncannon's ball, looked well in black and many diamonds, and both Lady Aline Beaumont and Mrs. Baillie of Dochfour wore "fenders" of the most imposing description. Mrs. Bischoffsheim was there splendidly dressed in black and diamonds. Mrs. Lowther brought her daughter, and other notabilities, too numerous to be mentioned, were to be met with at every turn. One of the sensations of the evening was the appearance of a large contingent of Indians, arrived already for the Jubilee, who made a brave show as they marched through the rooms to supper.

5 June 1897, Saturday

1897 June 5?, Mrs. Oppenheim's fancy-dress "flower ball": women came dressed as flowers or decorated with particular flowers:

Of course you want to know all about Mrs. Oppenheim’s ball, which was undoubtedly very successful. It would very difficult to say who looked best, or who was the best-dressed person there. The hostess herself looked about twenty-five in a poppy gown with golden basket bodice, and Miss Oppenheim, as a harebell, looked very handsome. Lady De Grey, in red roses, looked magnificent, and Lady Kilmorey, as La France rose, was very artistic. Mrs. Walker, as a pansy, Lady Sarah Wilson, as tiger tulip, Lady Newtown-Butler, as an iris, all wore short dresses, and gave one the impression that they had left part of their costume behind. Miss Brassey’s gown was a heap of roses; Lady Lilian Churchill's was covered with forget-me-nots (and was very pretty); Lady Norah Churchill, with a little hat on her head and her short skirt, looked like a little Dresden Shepherdess. Lady Beatrice Butler, as a pimpernel, was lovely; Lady Vivian’s daughters, as violet and sweet peas, were very fresh and pretty. Miss Norah Bourke and Mrs. Lindsay both looked well. Lilian Duchess of Marlborough wore a white satin dress covered with large lilies, and Mrs. Jack Leslie's gown, with a tall flower growing out of a red velvet flower-pot, was very original. Miss Muriel Wilson, as a dandelion, wore, I think, the whole the most successful gown there, and she looked very handsome.

A week later, in the reporting of the Duchess of Devonshire's 2 July 1897 fancy-dress ball, is a story that brings Mrs. Oppenheim's ball to show what Louisa Duchess of Devonshire did not do:

Mrs. Oppenheim, wife of the well-known financier, gave a flower party, of which great things were expected, and fairly fulfilled. Every lady personated a flower, and got herself up so far as possible to resemble one, or so decked her dress, with [Col. 1C–2A] simulated blossoms as clearly indicate her preference. Society talked flowers for a fall which was a great extension of the proverbial nine days' wonder. When all was said and done the great world discarded flowers, and decided to have no more of them for personal adornment, and as few as possible for tables and reception rooms. So ungrateful can the pampered world become for nature's prodigality.

6 June 1897, Sunday

Whit Sunday

11 June 1897, Friday

Muriel Wilson attended a house party at Chatsworth House, the country house of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire (details on 12 June 1897 and on the page reporting gossip about the Duchess of Devonshire's 2 July fancy-dress ball). On Saturday, 12 June, the fact that people were talking about the Duchess of Devonshire's upcoming ball was part of the story in the newspaper.

12 June 1897, Saturday

The Duchess of Albany's Bazaar at the Imperial Institute

The Gentlewoman reported on the Duchess of Albany's Bazaar at the Imperial Institute:

A visit to the Duchess of Albany's bazaar at the Imperial Institute on its opening day was quite as interesting to the student of the latest modes as to those of more philanthropic and less frivolous intentions. The Princess of Wales, who opened the sale, was, it need scarcely be said, better draped than anyone else, in black and white striped silk, with a toque of mauve flowers. The Duchess of Albany wore purple and white foulard, trimmed with black lace, and a bonnet adorned with violets, having white tulle strings. At her stall one saw Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein in blue and white, and Princess Pauline of Würtemberg in white and green. The Duchess of Marlborough, also in pale green with white lace, was assisted by Mrs. Algernon Bourke, in a blue and while foulard, with a hat covered in "blues"; Lady Ormonde, in striped grey silk, and Lady Hastings, in black, each bringing a daughter. Lady Romney and Lady Kintore were both amongst the sellers, so was Lady Maitland, who wore pink and white; Lady Jane Taylor (who was assisted at the refreshment stall by her daughters, as well as Lady May Waldegrave) wore black with a coloured bonnet; Lady Miller looked pretty in pale mauve silk; Mrs. Cazalet was accompanied by quite a family of small children; Mrs. Halford was assisted by her daughter in white, and her daughter-in-law in lilac; Mrs. Adrian Hope and Mrs. Charles Pelham Clinton both wore apricot chiné silk, the former having as well a smart little grass-green velvet bolero; and Miss Florence Hamilton Russell looked pretty in grass-lawn and a flowery hat; Mrs. Kendal, in black and gold, with a bonnet profusely decked with roses, was amongst the theatrical celebrities, who also included Miss Mary Moore, in black and blue, and Miss Brandram in black and white.

Two parties took place on this day; according to newspaper reports, costumes at the Duchess of Devonshire's 2 July 1897 fancy-dress ball were discussed. People at the house party at Chatsworth House, the country house of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, were talking about the upcoming party:

The house party at Chatsworth this week included the Earl and Countess of Mar and Kellie, Lord Charles Montagu, Lord and Lady Gosford, Lord Elcho, the Right Hon. Arthur James Balfour, M.P., Count Mensdorf, of the Austrian Embassy; Miss Muriel Wilson (Tranby Croft), and Mrs. Menzies.

The Daily Mail says it is impossible not to talk about the Duchess of Devonshire's grand ball, for people will discuss scarcely anything else, and although each woman can keep the secret of her own intentions fairly well, she invariably betrays the confidences of her dearest friends; while the men, who are less hopeful of making a sensation, frankly discuss the difficulties in their way, and ask for advice or practical assistance from each of their lady friends. Lady de Grey is going as Zenobia, and is getting her dress from Doucet, I hear, while Worth also is making a great many costumes; but the greatest number are being made in England. The Duchess of Portland, the Duchess of Hamilton, Lady Mar and Kellie, and Miss Muriel Wilson are all going to the costumier in Soho-square, and Alias has also been summoned to Marlborough House for a consultation.

As to what the different people will wear people seem to change their minds every day, but according to the present report the Duke of Marlborough will be dressed as Louis Seize, and the Duke of Devonshire will probably represent a portrait of Charles V., while Lady Gosford, who was to have been Minerva, has now half decided to be a lady of his Court. Mr. Caryl Craven, who is so clever in such matters, is helping the Duchess of Leeds with her dress; in fact, everyone seems pressed into the service, and the result will be one of the most brilliant sights that ever was seen.

Father Adderley (the Hon and Rev J Adderley), who always brings his religion up to date, has already denounced the ball from his pulpit, in imitation of an American divine; but he is probably very far wrong in estimating the cost of any one dress at £2,000! It is certain, however, that the ball, what with one thing and another, will run into enormous sums of money, and some ladies are actually having their jewels altered and reset to suit the costume of a single night. There is a Venetian quadrille, a poudré quadrille, two Empire quadrilles, and last, not least, some of the beauties will be dancing an Oriental measure in Eastern dress with floating scarves, and this will be the prettiest and most picturesque feature of the night.

The Reading Mercury mentions talk at a ball hosted by Queen Victoria on the same day about what people intend to wear:

The Marchioness of Londonderry and her sister-in-law Lady Aline Beaumont, intend to wear Polish costumes at the Duchess of Devonshire’s fancy ball. The Duke has almost decided to wear a dress copied from a Titian painting of Charles the Fifth. Lady Gosford, his step-daughter, will personate a lady of his court. The Princess of Wales has not yet chosen her dress. This ball is making a great sensation in aristocratic circles.

19 June 1897, Saturday

On Monday, 21 June 1897, the Pall Mall Gazette reported a dinner party at the Savoy Hotel hosted by Madame Melba:

Mdme. Melba entertained a large party at dinner on Saturday evening at the Savoy Hotel. The tables were most equisitely [sic] decorated with the rarest flowers, and the menus bore the combined flags of England and Australia. The guests included Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon Mason, M. Bemberg, Mr. Caryl Craven, Mr. Theodore Byard, Miss Ada Crossley, Mr. J. M. Bruce (Melbourne), Mr. Leo Stern, the Misses Donaldson (Australia), and Mr. Landon Ronald. Following the dinner was music, in which the distinguished hostess took part, to the delight of her guests.

The British Australasian has more detail:

Madame Melba entertained a large party of friends at dinner on Saturday evening at the Savoy Hotel. The distinguished singer received the guests in her own salon, and from there the party passed to the grand dining hall, where tables were specially reserved and decorated for the party, which included several of her compatriots. An exquisite array of flowers lent particular beauty to a scene which was much enhanced by a novel and exceedingly pretty scheme of illumination. The menu cards were embellished with the flags of England and Australia, most effectively embossed in gold and colours, and each guest took away a card, which during the evening was made doubly interesting by the addition of the diva's autograph. The dinner was as follows:—

Fantaisies Muscovite.
Poule au Pat.
Veloute à la Reine.
Truite à la d'Orleans.
Volaille à la Diva.
Baron d'Agneau de lait à la Broche.
Petits pots à la Francaise [sic].
Pommes noissettes.
Mousse d'Ecrevisses Rossini.
Cailles Rôties aux Feuilles de Vigne.
Salade Rachel.
Aubergines au Gratin.
Peches Glacées Vanille.
Friandises. Fruits.
Vins.
Hochheimer. Bollinger, 1889.
Cantenac Brown 1884.
Café Turc. Liqueurs.

The guests included M. Bemberg, the composer, Baronet Von Zedlitz, Miss Ada Crossley, Mr. Theodore Byard, Miss Dora Mitchell (sister of the hostess), Mr. Landon Ronald, Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon Mason — the latter being a niece of Dr. O'Hara, of Melbourne — Miss Agnes Murphy, Mr. Caryl Craven, Mr. J. M. Bruce of Melbourne, Misses Donaldson, Madame Guy d'Hardelot (the composer), Mr. Charles Ellis (the diva's American manager), Mr. Leo Stern, and other well-known people. A feature of the dinner was an ice-boat of beautiful design, with the word "Melba" in frozen letters graduating from stem to stern. After the dinner the guests returned to Madame Melba's roems [sic], where the pleasure of the evening was crowned by the hostess herself singing with all the purity of tone and perfection of phrasing which have won her the distinction of "prima donna of the world." Miss Ada Crossley's lovely voice was also heard, and Mr. Theodore Byard contributed two songs, and Mr. Stern a 'cello solo. The game of American Post, with the gifted hostess as Postal Director, closed an evening of unique enjoyment.

"American Post" — or, in the U.S., "Post Office" — is still a kissing game played at parties, often among teenagers.

20 June 1897, Sunday

Accession Day: the official Jubilee Hymn, music by Arthur Sullivan and lyrics by William Waltham How, Bishop of Wakefield, was "used in all churches and chapels"; Sullivan's tune is called Bishopgarth and "was later offered in The Methodist Hymnal as an alternative for the Harvest hymn by William Chatterton Dix To Thee, O Lord, Our Hearts We Raise" (Richards 406). Queen Victoria "attended a Thanksgiving service at St George's Chapel, Windsor, at which ... Sullivan's ... hymn ... [was] performed."

Later that day, perhaps, Alfred Austin (appointed Poet Laureate after William Morris had turned it down) presented his "Victoria," composed for the occasion, to Victoria.

21 June 1897, Monday

The events of this day were in London. First the Queen, who was still at Windsor, took the train to Paddington Station.

She "hosted a State Banquet at in the State Supper Room at Buckingham Palace"; Mr. J. Sommer, Bandmaster, conducted the Band of Royal Engineers.

A reception followed in the Ballroom for guests who had been invited to the Diamond Jubilee celebration, most of them the usual crowd and heads of state from Europe and the Empire.

22 June 1897, Tuesday

Diamond Jubilee Day; a "thanksgiving service" was held in St. Paul's Cathedral in honor of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Murphy describes the procession to St. Paul's:

The procession which took place on 22 June was the culmination of the patriotic fervour that inspired the nation in that summer of 1897. The Queen, accompanied by 50,000 troops, was driven through the streets of London for the thanksgiving service outside St Paul's Cathedral, where she was greeted by her family, headed by the Prince and Princess of Wales. The crowds turned out in their thousands. Every window overlooking the six-mile route, every inch of space available on the streets, was filled with cheering, flag-waving subjects, the majority of whom had never known another sovereign.

Mackenzie-Rogan describes the procession and service like this:

The procession [from Buckingham Palace to St. Paul's] was led by the great imperial warrior Field Marshal Lord Roberts and included Canadian Mounties, Jamaica Artillery, Royal Nigerian Constabulary, the Cape Mounted Rifles, the New South Wales Lancers, Trinidad Light Horse, and New Zealand Mounted Troops, along with a variety of Indian troops. The service took place on the steps of St. Paul's, with the Queen remaining seated in her carriage. The choir contained many of the most famous musicians of the day joining in singing: Sir Arthur Sullivan, Sir Walter Parratt, Dr Hubert Parry, Dr Frederick Bridge, Alberto Randegger, Dr A. H. Mann, Barton McGuckin, John E. West, and Joseph Bennett. Sir / George Martin conducted his Jubilee Te Deum, and this was followed by the intoning of the Lord's Prayer, the singing of All People that On Earth Do Dwell to the familiar tune The Old Hundredth and then the first verse of the national anthem. Then the Archbishop of Canterbury on an impulse called for three cheers for the Queen. They could be heard in Trafalgar Square. The service was accompanied throughout by the military bands of the Royal Artillery and the Royal School of Military Music, Kneller Hall.

Sir George Martin was organist at St. Paul's and knighted in 1897. About 15,000 people were in the congregation, but Queen Victoria did not leave her carriage, so some ceremony took place on the steps, including a Te Deum written by Prince Albert before his death.

The Queen's carriage then went to Mansion House for a ceremony with the Lord Mayor of the City of London. She was then driven around the city, taking her, essentially, to the people, so they could see her.

She then was driven back to Windsor. According to the Classical Reviewer,

In the evening, a torchlight procession of boys from Eton School sang for Queen Victoria in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle and the boys created formations on the ground including the letters ‘V.R’. They were accompanied by the band and drums of the Coldstream Guards, performing a number of songs including ‘Auld Lang Syne” and “God Save The Queen”. Afterwards the boys gave Queen Victoria three cheers.

Later that evening was called "Jubilee Night."

26 June 1897, Saturday

There was apparently a regular celebration of Arthur Collins' birthday, 26 June, by Bret Harte, George Du Maurier, Arthur Sullivan, Alfred Cellier, Arthur Blunt, and John Hare (Nissen, Axel. Brent Harte: Prince and Pauper: 239. [1]). Choosing 1885–1902 as the dates because those apparently are the dates of the close relationship between Harte and Collins, ending in Harte's death in 1902.

28 June 1897, Monday

Queen Victoria hosted an enormous garden party at Buckingham Palace, with many royals and foreign dignitaries in attendance because they were in London for the Diamond Jubilee. Many of the dignitaries, especially from South Asia, seem likely to have been at the Duchess of Devonshire's fancy-dress ball on 2 July 1897. The Morning Post covered the garden party with a great deal of detail about the guests who were invited and who attended.

End of June 1897

A few days before 2 July 1897:

A few days before the Devonshire House Ball, Joseph Chamberlain had given a party at which the crush had been so great that Princess Louise, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria who was married to the Marquis of Lorne, had been overcome and had nearly fallen underfoot. So dense was the crowd at this party that it had been impossible to clear a path for the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Prince was so angry that he left the party without even being received, much to the shame and embarrassment of his hostess.

July 1897

2 July 1897, Friday

The Duchess of Devonshire's fancy-dress ball. Earlier in the day, the derby at Epsom Downs.

6 July 1897, Tuesday

Just 4 days after the 2 July fancy-dress ball, Louisa, Duchess of Devonshire and Spencer, Duke of Devonshire hosted a garden party at Devonshire House. No royals are reported as having been present; the list of people who attended is specific and arranged like other kinds of similar parties — including those hosted by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and Alexandra, Princess of Wales — with the list generally organized by rank, with immediate families listed together, especially parents and a daughter, though adult children with their own titles are listed by them and their general rank. The list of South-Asian dignitaries is specific and useful to know who was in London from South Asia.

DEVONSHIRE HOUSE.

The Duchess of Devonshire gave a garden party yesterday afternoon at Devonshire House, when a distinguished company assembled. The band of the Scots Guards, under the bâton of Mr. Dunkerton, performed a spirited selection of music throughout the afternoon. The company arrived in quick succession from four till nearly seven o'clock by the two side entrances to the grounds, as well as the principal entrance in Piccadilly, and the presence of our Indian and Colonial visitors in their picturesque and varied uniforms testified to the far-reaching popularity of the Duke of Devonshire and the hostess. The Maharajah of Kapurthala, the Thakur Sahib of Gondal and the Maharanee, the Maharajah Sir Pertab Singh, Thakur Hari Singh, Kumar Dhopal Singh, Rajah Khetri Singh, Rajah Agit Singh, Raj Kuman Umaid of Shapura, Bijey Singh, Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and Miss and the Messrs. Jejeebhoy, and the Maha Mudalayar of Kandy, besides the officers of the Imperial Service Troops and the Officers of the Native Cavalry Corps were present. Among those who attended were:

Dona Solomon Dias Bandaranaike and Miss Amy Dias Bandaranaike, Senathi Rajah, Deir Senathi Rajah, Don and Donna F. de Zea Bermudez, Prince and Princess Edward of Saxe-Weimar, the Princess Sophia Dhuleep Singh and Countess of Selkirk, the Austrian Ambassador and Countess Deym and Countess Isabella Deym, the French Ambassador and Baroness de Courcel and Mesdlles. de Courcel, the United States Ambassador, the Spanish Ambassador, Countess Casa Valencia and Madlle. and Madlle. Consuelo de Alcala Galiano, the Turkish Ambassador and Madame Anthopoulos, the Belgian Minister, the Chinese Minister, the Japanese Minister and Madame Kato, the Brazilian Minister, the Portuguese Minister, the Netherlands Minister and Baroness de Goltstein, Madame de Staal, Count Hermann Hatzfeldt, Count Albert Mensdorff, Count Costa (Secretary Netherlands Legation), M. Boulatzeel, M. and Madame Geoffray, Count Alexander Munster, the Duke of Hamilton and the Ladies Douglas-Hamilton, the Duchess of Buccleuch, the Duchess of Newcastle, the Duchess of Montrose and Lady Helen Graham, the Duchess of Portland, the Duke of Fife, the Duchess of Roxburghe and Ladies Margaret and Victoria Innes-Ker, the Duchess of Cleveland, the Duchess of Buckingham and Chandos and Lord Egerton of Tatton, the Duke of Grafton, Cardinal Vaughan, the Marchioness of Tweeddale, the Marchioness of Headfort, the Dowager Marchioness of Londonderry, Georgiana Marchioness of Downshire, the Earl of Clarendon and Lady Edith Viiliers, the Earl and Countess of Mayo, the Countess of Carnarvon, the Earl and Countess of St. Germans, the Countess of Belmore and Ladies Corry, the Countess of Lichfield and Lady Bertha Anson and Miss Mills, the Countess of Caledon, the Earl and Countess of Dunraven aud Lady A. Wyndham-Quin, Evelyn Countess Bathurst and Lady Evelyn Bathurst, Countess Cadogan, the Countess of Derby and Lady Isabel Stanley, the Earl and Countess of Coventry and Lady Anne Coventry, the Countess of Gosford, the Earl and Countess of Cork, Earl and Countess Annesley, the Countess of Kintore and Ladies Keith-Falconer, the Earl of Kenmare, the Countess of Strafford and Misses Egerton, the Countess of Yarborough, the Earl and Countess of Listowel and Lady Beatrice Hare, the Countess of Lathom and Ladies Wilbraham, the Countess of Ancaster and Ladies Willoughby, the Earl and Countess of Ellesmere and Ladies Mabel and Catherine Egerton, the Countess d'Hautpoul and Mrs. Iznaga, the Countess of Galloway and Miss Stewart, Victoria Countess of Yarborough and Mr. Richardson, the Dowager Countess of Mayo and Lady Florence Bourke, the Dowager Countess of Harewood and Lady Mary Lascelles, Countess Manvers and Lady Mary Pierrepont, the Countess of Enniskillen and Lady Florence Cole, the Earl of Leven and Melville, Viscount Gort, Viscountess Raincliffe and Lady Mildred Denison, Viscount and Viscountess Halifax, Viscountess Boyne and the Hon. Maud and the Hon. Florence Hamilton Russell, Viscountess Portman and the Hon. Mary Portman, Viscountess Helmsley, Viscount and Viscountess Cross and the Hon. Miss Cross, Viscount and Viscountess Knutsford, the Master of the Rolls and Lady Esher, Lord and Lady Morris and Miss Morris, Lady Helen Grimston and Miss Mackintosh, Lady Rossmore, Lady Reay, Lady Moreton, Emily Lady Ampthill and the Hon. Romola Russell, Lady Florence Duncombe, Lady Templemore and the Hon. Hilda Chichester, Lady and the Misses Walrond, Lady Mabel Howard, Lady Evelyn Macdonald, Lord and Lady Thring, Lord and Lady Alington, Lord and Lady Blythswood, Lord Dynevor, Lady Margaret Graham, Lord and Lady Hopetoun, Lady Harris and the Misses Maxwell, Lord Stanmore and Miss Gordon, Lady Ardilaun, Helen Lady Forbes and Miss Forbes, Lord and Lady Rothschild, Lady Mary Trefusis and Miss Adela Trefusis, Lady Sykes, Lord and Lady Muncaster, Lord Morpeth, Lord Lawrence, Lord Hencage, Chief Justice Way (South Australia), Mary Lady Vivian, Lord and Lady Inchiquin and the Hon. Miss O'Brien, Lady Stratheden and the Hon. Miss Campbell, Lady Belper and the Hon. Norah and the Hon. Lilian Strutt, Lady Lawrence and the Hon. Anna Lawrence and Miss Deichman, Lady Lilian Yorke and Miss Pelly, Lady Fanny Lambart and Miss Lambart, Lady Arthur Hill and Miss Hill, Lord Barnard and Lady Louisa Cecil, Lord and Lady Pirbright, Lady Lurgan, Lady Elizabeth Williamson and Mr. Williamson, Lady Calthorpe and Hon. Misses Calthorpe, Lady Muriel Boyle, Lady Constance Leslie, Lord and Lady Wantage, Lord and Lady Connemara, Lord and Lady John Cecil, Lady Cynthia Graham, Lady Heneage and Hon. Margaret Heneage, Lady Halsbury and Hon. Evelyn Giffard, Lord and Lady Roberts, Lord Shand, Lord and Lady Ashbourne and the Hon. Violet Gibson, Lord and Lady Saltoun, Lady Herschell, Lady Lysons, Lord James and Miss James, Lady Tweedmouth, Lady Castletown, Lady Eustace Cecil and Miss Cecil, Lady Burton, Lord and Lady Hillingdon and Hon. Miss Mills, Lady Ventry and the Hon. Miss de Moleyns, Lady Prinsep, Lady Victoria Russell, the Hon. Mrs. Eliot and Miss Evelyn Eliot, the Hon. Charles and Mrs. Ramsay, the Hon. FitzRoy and Mrs. Stewart, the Hon. F. Gavan and Miss Duffy, the Hon. D. K. Congden and Mrs.Congden (Western Australia), the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Elliot, the Hon. Mrs. Mallet, the Hon. Percy and Mrs. Wyndham and Miss Wyndham, the Hon. J. B. Whyte and Miss Whyte, the Hon. Mrs. R. Moreton and Miss E. Moreton, Captain the Hon. Arthur and Mrs. Somerset, the Hon. Mrs. Anstruther and the Hon. Miss Hanbury Tracy, the Hon. Mrs. and Miss Haig, Captain the Hon. A. Bagot, the Hon. Mrs. E. Talbot, the Hon. H. Littleton, the Hon. G. and Mrs. Keppel, the Hon. Mrs. W. Farquhar, the Right Hon. R. W. Hanbury, M.P., and Mrs. Hanbury, the Right Hon. Sir William and Lady Marriott, the Right Hon. Ian Hamilton, the Right Hon. Sir John and Lady Lubbock, the Right Hon. Sir Mountstuart and Lady Grant-Duff and Miss Grant-Duff, the Right Hon. Sir Wilfrid and Lady Laurier, the Right Hon. Sir H. and Lady de Villiers, the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and Miss Faudel-Phillips, the Right Hon. Lord Justice Lopes and the Misses Lopes, the Attorney-General and the Misses Webster, the Right Hon. Sir Richard Paget and Lady and the Misses Paget, Baron and Baroness d'Erlanger, Sir John and Lady Barron and Miss Barron, Sir Henry and Lady Meysey-Thompson, Sir Waiter Peace, Sir Wilfrid Lawson and Miss Josephine Lawson, Sir Thomas and Lady Sutherland, Sir James and the Hon. Lady Miller, Sir Reginald and Lady Anson, Sir John and Lady Bramston, Sir Gordon and Lady Sprigg, Sir Charles and Lady Jessel, Sir George and Lady Petre, Sir James and Lady Mackenzie and Miss Mackenzie, Sir George and Lady Allen, Sir William and Lady Whiteway and Miss Whiteway, Mr. and Lady Moyra Cavendish, Mr. and Lady Aline Beaumont, Mr. and Lady Angela Forbes, Sir Cecil Clementi and Lady Smith, Sir E. M. Nelson, Sir Edward and Lady Hertslet, Sir John Donnelly and Lady and the Misses Donnelly, Sir Frederick and Lady Wigan, Sir Henry Doulton, Sir W. J. Farrer, Sir C. and Lady Douglas Fox, Sir M. W. Collett, Sir George Hayter and Lady Chubb, Sir Richard and Miss Temple, Sir George Arthur, Sir Edward Birkbeck and Miss Jolliffe, Sir Edward and Lady Carbutt, Sir Bartle Frere, Sir William and Lady Quayle Jones, Sir Courtenay and Lady Ilbert and Miss Ilbert, Sir George Young, Sir Arthur Sullivan, Sir Weetman and Lady Pearson, Sir W. and Lady Percival, Sir Frederick and Miss Sanders, Sir Augustus and Lady Adderley, Sir David Gamble, Sir Lewis and Lady M'lver, Sir Frederick Young and Miss Young, Admiral and Lady Edith Adeane and Lady Ida Dalzell, Sir Oswald and the Misses Moseley, Sir Henry and Lady Meysey-Thompson, Mr. Alfred de Rothschild, Mr. L. de Rothschild, Mrs. C. Wilson and Miss Wilson, Madame von André, Mr. W. Ganz, Mr. Frederick Fitch, Mr. and Lady Evelyn Mason, Mr. Algernon Peel, Colonel and the Hon. Mrs. Herbert, Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar Buller, Mr. and Mrs. George Cawston, Mr. Buckle, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Daw, Mr. James Judd, Mr. Wootton Isaacson, M.P., and Mrs. Isaacson, General and Mrs. Pemberton, Mrs. Graham Murray, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur James, Mr. L. Harcourt, Mrs. Ashurst Morris, Mrs. John Delacour, Dr. and Mrs. Wrench, Mr. Sidney Buxton, M.P., Colonel and the Hon. Mrs. Neeld, M. and Madame Van Raalte, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sandeman, Mr. Frederick Dutton, Mr. Blyth, Mrs. Buxton and Miss Buxton, Canon and Mrs. Wiiberforce and Miss Wiiberforce, Mr. Kimber, M.P., Mr. Rochfort Maguire, M.P., and Mrs. Maguire, Mr. F. Morgan Harvey, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Boys, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Stoneham, Mr. H. S. Ashbee, Mr. C. A. Prescott, Mrs. Baker, Mr. Hugh Leonard, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Homewood Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. Paddon, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Beebe, Mr. T. N. Christie, Mr. T. R. Dewar, Mr. H. M. Simons, Mr. J. Matthey, Mr. J. Mackrell, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Briscoe, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Adler, Mr. and Mrs. James R. Bluff, Mr. N. L. Cohen, Mr. William Paterson, Mr. D. M. Fox, Mr. J. Gordon Smith, Mr. Alfred Huth, Miss Harris, Mr. M. P. Grace, Mr. T. W. Aldwinckle, Mr. M. G. Hale. Mr. T. G. Jackson, Mr. Cornelius Hanbury, Mr. A. M'Ilwraith, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Russell, Mrs. Arthur Wilson and Miss Muriel Wilson, Mr. Y. Nakai, Mr. A. d'A. Seneviratne (Colombo), Surgeon-General Ryerson (Canada), Mrs. Gurdon, Mrs. Molesworth, Mr. Bagot Molesworth, Dr. and Mrs. Broadbent, Mr. Christopher Sykes, Captain Harrison, Mrs. Mackenzie and Miss Maud Mackenzie, Mr. Rankin, M.P., and Mrs. Rankin, Mr. Seton Karr, M.P., and Mrs. Seton Karr, Mr. and Mrs. W. Bridgeman, Miss Quain, Mrs. and Miss Walter, Mr. Herbert Praed, Colonel Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gossett, Mr. and Miss Lowther, Mrs. Macdonald, Mr. and Mrs. Beck, Mr. Alfred Duncombe, Colonel and Mrs. Bevington, M. L. Albu, Mrs. Freeman Murray and Miss Newton, Mr. William Murray, Colonel and Mrs. lnnes, Mrs. Ronalds, Mrs. and Miss Gully, Mr. Guy Pym, M.P., and Mrs. Pym, Mr. Hamilton Aïdé, Colonel and Mrs. Fludyer, Major Symon, Colonel Nisbet, Major Drummond, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Dawson, Dr. and Mrs. Maclagan and Miss Maclagan, Mr. Moon, M.P., Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Grenfeli, Mr. and Mrs. North, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Mitchell and Miss Mitchell (Ceylon), Mr. Cecil Anstruther, Colonel Swaine, Mr. and Mrs. Boulton, Mr. Fleetwood Wilson, Mr. A. F. Wallace, Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur, Captain Abney, Rev. Herbert Rowseil, Mr. Kenny, M.P., and Mrs. and Miss Kenny, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. P. Stoneham, Mr. Robert Duncan, Mr. T. S. Hull, M. and Madame Romero, Mr. J. T. Davis and Mrs. and Miss Davis, Dr. and Mrs. James, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. P. Stoneham [sic repetition], Mr. L. C. Russell Jones, M.P., Mr. G. Lawson Johnston, and many others.

8 July 1897, Thursday

From this day until the end of the run in December 1897, Sullivan's ballet Victoria and Merrie England at the Alhambra Theatre, Leicester Square, "included a cinematograph film of the Jubilee procession."

11–16 July 1897, Week Of

The Ladies' Kennel Association show in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Regent's Park

The Ladies’ Kennel Association had a fine show last week in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Regent’s Park. The Princess of Wales, says the Daily News, was represented in several classes. In basset-hounds she sent her rough Sandringham Vivian and smooth Zero. Among the black pugs, one of the most largely contested in all the classes, Her Royal Highness’s representative was Black Gin, while to the Dachshund section she sent her favourite Wanghee, which won three prizes at the recent Norwich show. The best of all the Princess’s dogs, however, was her beautiful Borzoi Alex, bred by Mr. Rouseau, and described by Ataman the Great — Outeheschka. Alex, who has already taken seven first and four second prizes, secured two more firsts — that in the challenge class for both sexes and that in the open class for dogs. He also took a special prize a "premiership dog.” Among the prize-takers were the Countess of Carnarvon, Lady Kathleen Pilkington, Lady Cathcart, the Hon. Mrs. Algernon Bourke, the Hon. Mrs. Morrison, Lady Granville Gordon, the Hon. Mrs. Baillie, Mrs. Panmure Gordon, Mrs. Rowland Ward, and Major Davis, of whose prizewinners and of the prize collie print Snap-shots.

More from the Gentlewoman:

Venatrix will be pleased to answer any questions about the various breeds of dogs and cats, kennel management, and kindred subjects. Venatrix will also be glad to bear from readers who may have any news of importance to communicate.

0n Thursday of this week opens the Show of the Ladies' Kennel Association, quite the most fashionable canine function of the year.

By the courtesy of the hon. sec. I am enabled to a few particulars in advance of this summer Show, which promises to be even more brilliant than its predecessors and, if the list of entries is taken as a guide, the number of fashionable exhibitors is on the increase.

The dogs will be benched in three divisions, and not as formerly in one huge imposing tent. The terriers form a group in the rhododendron tent, and, if possible, the lovely flowers will be allowed to remain as an additional attraction. The large breeds will occupy the long corridor tent, where benches will align one side, and foliage, plants, and seats the other.

The horticultural tent will be given up completely to the Toy, or small-sized varieties, and the conservatories will form pleasing approaches to the various sections.

Pitman's Blue Hungarian Band will play both days. The president of the Club, H.R.H. Princess Mary Adelaide, has graciously signified her intention of visiting the Show on the 8th, to view the judging.

As this will be the first public engagement undertaken by the Duchess of Teck since her illness, there is sure to be a large crowd to congratulate her on her recovery, for few of our Royalties are more popular than Princess Mary.

There is a whisper that, after all, the Princess of Wales may visit the Botanic on the 9th, but the wish, perhaps, being but the father to the thought, I give it tor what it is worth. It is needless to say that every member of the Club is hoping that Her Royal tliglines will honour the Show with her gracious presence. It is, however, feared that at so exceptionally busy a time as this the Princess will not have the leisure to do so.

It is matter for congratulation to the Association that the names of the Duchess of Sutherland and Duchess of Bedford are in the list of exhibitors, the latter, who is also a member of the Grand Council, having entered both a St. Bernard and a retriever, and the former a bulldog.

This diminutive bulldog is evidently an aristocratic favourite, for there is also exhibiting in this section, not only the Countess de Grey, the Hon. Mrs. Baillie, and Lady Kathleen Pilkington, but also the Countess of Carnarvon and Mrs. Graham Meyers. Dachshunds command large classes, and among exhibitors of breed I note the Princess of Wales and the Countess of Hopetoun.

The Princess of Wales is also exhibiting a Borzoi[s?], a Basset, and a Black Pug. The last named being the winner of the Puppy Cup last year, and named Black Ginn, a handsome little creature bred by Miss R. Mortivals from Duke Beira and Tulip, it is to be hoped that the mite will be equally successful this time, and take prizes back to Sandringham. Her quality remarkable as a puppy, and she should have improved.

Lady [sic] Algernon Bourke is exhibiting a Chihuahua; Lady Algernon Lennox a handsome Pekinese, and Lady Walrond a Schipperke. The Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison tops the list in number of entries, no fewer than forty-eight having been made, which include several varieties of foreign dogs. One of her Japs [sic] is, I believe, a brother of Lady Probyn's "Hisa," which, with her usual good fortune in procuring rare specimens, Mrs. Morrison secured during her last visit to India.

Lady Cathcart has entered a Norwegian and a Collie; Lady Dunsany, Skyes; and Lady Susan Byng, Bobtails; and among those exhibiting for the first time are Lady Galloway, Lady Ingram, and Mrs. Clement Shorter.

Altogether the list is far too long for my space, and so I can only say to all dog-loving women, and all who care to be among the smart, "Don't miss the Show at the Botanic on the 8th and 9th."

A word in conclusion. The anti-muzzle lists will be there for signatures, and every woman who wishes the measure cancelled or modified should not fail to enrol her name.

13 July 1897, Tuesday

Mr. Schreiber attended a dance at Montagu House, hosted by the Duchess of Buccleuch. Mr. "Winstone" Churchill is listed immediately after Mr. Schreiber.

THE DUCHESS OF BUCCLEUCH'S BALL.

The Duchess of Buccleuch gave a dance last evening at Montagu House, Whitehall. The garden was festooned with fairy lamps and Chinese lanterns, and the approaches and paths were outlined with the former. Music was supplied by Herr Wurm's Viennese White Band, and dancing was kept up until an early hour. Among those present were:

The Princess Mary Adelaide and the Duke of Teck and Prince Alexander of Teck, Prince and Princess Hohenlohe, Prince and Princess Pless, Princess Sophia Duleep Singh and the Countess of Selkirk, Mr. and Mrs. Whitelaw Reid, the United States Ambassador and Miss Hay, the Austrian Ambassador and Countess Deym and Countess Isabella Deym, the Spanish Ambassador and Countess Casa Valencia, the Portuguese Minister, Mr. Henry White, the Russian Ambassador, the Duchess of Montrose and Lady Helen Graham, the Duchess of Manchester, tbe Duchess of Roxburgh and Lady Victoria lnnes-Ker, the Duchess of Cleveland, the Marchioness of Tweeddale, the Marchioness of Zetland, the Marchioness of Lansdowne and Lady Beatrix Fitzmaurice, the Marchioness of Hastings and Miss Olive Chetwynd, the Dowager Marchioness of Downshire, the Countess of Lichfield and Lady Bertha Anson, Earl Beauchamp, the Countess of Dunmore and Lady Mildred Murray, the Countess of Powis, the Dowager Countess of Harewood, Lady Mary Lascelles and the Hon. Mary Portman, the Countess of Lathom and Lady Edith Wilbraham, the Countess of Jersey and Lady Mary Villiers, the Countess of Antrim and Miss Grenfell, the Countess of Enniskillen and Lady Florence Cole, the Countess of Ancaster and the Ladies Wiiloughby, the Countess of Erne and the Hon. Miss Crichton, the Earl of Granard, Earl and Countess Carrington and the Hon. Bridget Harbord, Countess Grey and Lady Victoria Grey, the Countess of Verulam and Miss Mackintosh, Earl Granville, Viscountess Newport and the Hon. Misses Bridgeman, Viscountess Milton, Viscount and Viscountess Emlyn and Miss Campbell, Viscount Doneraile, Viscountess Duncannon and the Hon. Irene Ponsonby, Viscount and Viscountess Halifax and the Hon. Miss Wood, Lady Mary Trefusis and Miss Adela Trefusis and Miss Carpenter Garnier, the Ladies Egerton, Lord Clinton and the Hon. Miss Trefusis, Lord and Lady George Hamilton, Lady Mabel Howard and Miss Howard, Lady Evelyn Macdonald, Mr. Victor and Lady Evelyn Cavendish, and Miss Egerton, Lord and Lady Stratheden and the Hon. Miss Campbell, Lady Evelyn Goschen and Miss Goschen, Lady Lilian Yorke and Miss Pelly, Lord and Lady Penrhyn and Miss Bromley-Davenport, Mr. and Lady Sybil Smith and Miss Baring, Lady Mary Lygon, Lady Lucy Hicks-Beach and Miss Hicks-Beach, Lady Leconfield and the Hon. Miss Wyndham, Lord Dunluce, Lord and Lady Inchiquin and the Hon. Miss O'Brien, Lord and Lady Burton, Lord Iveagh and the Hon. R. Guinness, Lord B. Blackwood, Lady Arthur Hill and Miss Hill, Lady Templemore and the Hon. Hilda Chichester and Lady Beatrice Meade, Lady Edward Cavendish, the Ladies Spencer Churchill, Lady Florence Astley, Lord Herbert Vane Tempest, Lady Cecil Scott Montagu and the Ladies Ker, Emily Lady Russell and the Misses Russell, Lord Ennismore, Lady E. Balfour, Lady Helen Stewart Murray, Lord George Stewart Murray, Lord and Lady Balfour of Burleigh, the Hon. Jean Bruce, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and Miss Faudel-Phillips, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam and Miss Elsie Fitzwilliam. Lord Aberdare, Lord Stanmore, Lord Frederick Hamilton, Count and Countess Gleichen, the Hon. Alec Yorke, the Hon. Kenneth Campbell, the Hon. Reginald Coventry and Lady Dorothy Coventry, the Hon. Bertha Lambert and Miss M. Cochrane, the Hon. J. Maxwell Scott and Miss Maxwell Scott, the Hon. Arthur Brodrick, the Hon. Benjamin Bathurst, the Hon. A. Anson, the Hon. N. Hill-Trevor, the Hon. G. Browne Guthrie, the Hon. William Maxwell, the Hon. Gertrude Walsh, the Hon. W. Walsh, the Hon. Mrs. Baillie of Dochfour, the Hon. Schomberg M'Donnell, Sir C. Dalrymple and Miss Dalrymple, Sir Edgar Sebright, Sir George and Miss Sterling, Sir Robert and Lady Frances Gresley, Mr. and Lady Mary Hope and Miss Hope, Captain Arthur Bagot, Mr. George Phipps, Mr. Francis Egerton, Mr. Wilfred Egerton, Mr. John Thynne and the Misses Thynne, Mrs. and Miss Stanley, Miss Mildmay, Miss Margaret and Miss Isabel Thynne, Mr., Mrs., and Miss Hope, Mrs. C. and Miss Ker, Mrs. Grahame Murray and Miss Murray, Captain and Mrs. Makin, Mr. Packe, Colonel and Mrs. Hegan Kennard, Miss Campbell, Miss Finch, Miss Cornwallis West, Mr. Scott Montagu, Mrs. Charles Wilson and Miss Enid Wilson, Mr. J. Cavendish. Mr. Lane-Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Cazalet, Mr. Guy Campbell, Mr. and Lady Moyra Cavendish, Mr. Arthur James, Mr. Donald Cameron, Mr. Milbanke, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Erskine, Mr. Everard Doyle, Mr. Herbert Praed, Mr. Christopher Sykes, Mr. Leech, Mr. and Mrs. Cavendish Bentinck, Mr. Nigel Campbell, Mr. Vivian, Mr. and Mrs. Ogden Mills, Mr. Cecil Lowther, Mr. A. M. Southey, Mr. Walter Erskine, Mr. Victor Corkran, Mr. Gully, Mr., Mrs., and Miss Fletcher, Captain Doyle, Captain Holford, Mr. Ralli, Mr. Victor Russell, Mr. Frederick Russell, Captain Cook, Mr. Schreiber, Mr. Winstone Churchill, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Kemp, and many others.

16 July 1897, Friday

Dinner and ball at Londonderry House, hosted by the Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry:

LONDONDERRY HOUSE.

Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Victoria honoured the Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry by their presence at dinner last evening at Londonderry House. Subsequently a large ball, for which over 1,000 invitations had been issued, was given. Among those who had the honour to join the dinner circle were: The Portuguese Minister, the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn, the Duke of Roxburghe and Lady Margaret Innes Ker, the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and Lady Lilian Churchill, the Marchioness of Lansdowne and Lady Beatrix Fitzmaurice, the Earl and Countess of Enniskiilen and Lady Florence Cole, the Earl and Countess of Pembroke and Lady Beatrix Herbert, the Earl and Countess of Derby and Lady Isobel Stanley, the Earl and Countess of Ellesmere and Lady Katherine Egerton, the Earl of Crewe, Georgina Countess of Dudley, Viscount and Viscountess Coke, Viscount Crichton, Lady Moreton, Lord Annaly, Lord Charles Montagu, Lord and Lady Lurgan, Lady Randolph Churchill, Lord Henry Vane-Tempest, Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest. Lady Gerard, the Hon. Dudley Marjoribanks, the Hon. G. Hamilton Russell, the Hon. H. and Mrs. Bourke, Sir Francis and Lady Jeune, Sir Arthur Ellis, Sir Samuel and Lady Sophie Scott, Lady de Trafford, Captain and Lady Sarah Wilson, Major and Lady Guendolen Little, Mr. and Lady Aline Beaumont, Mr. and Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild, Captain Ricardo, Colonel and Mrs. Paget, Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Beckett, Mr. K. Moncreiffe, Mr. and Mrs. Menzies, Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheim and Miss Oppenheim, Mr. Sykes, Miss Stanley, Miss Chaplin, and Lady Helen Stewart, Lord Castlereagh, and the Hon. C. Willoughby.

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York arrived for the ball at eleven o'clock, attended by Lady Mary Lygon and the Hon. Derek Keppel, when dancing immediately commenced to Gottlieb's Viennese Orchestra. His Royal Highness Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, the Duke of Teck, Prince Francis and Prince Alexander of Teck, and the Duke of Cambridge, attended by Colonel FitzGeorge were also present.

Among others attending were:

Princess Henry of Pless and Miss Cornwallis West, the Russian Ambassador, the Austrian Ambassador, Countess Deym and Countess Isabella Deym, the French Ambassador and Baroness de Courcel, Mr. and Mrs. Whitelaw Reid, the United States Ambassador and Mrs. and Miss Hay, the Danish Minister and Madame de Bille, the Belgian Minister, the Brazilian Minister, Count Kinsky, the Lord Chancellor, Lady Halsbury and the Hon. Evelyn Giffard, the Duchess of Buccleuch, the Countess of Dalkeith and Lady Constance Scott, the Duke and Duchess of Portland, the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland, the Duchess of Montrose and Lady Helen Graham, the Duke and Duchess of Somerset, the Duchess of Newcastle, the Duchess of Cleveland, the Duchess of Manchester and Lady Alice Montagu, the Duchess of Roxburghe and Lady Victoria Innes-Ker, the Marquis and Marchioness of Zetland, Viscountess Milton, the Marchioness of Hastings, Miss Olive Chetwynd, Miss Mary Dyke and Miss de Winton, Marquis Camden, the Marchioness of Headfort and Lady Beatrix Taylour, the Dowager Marchioness of Londonderry, the Marchioness of Blandford and Lady Norah Spencer Churchill, the Earl and Countess of Lathom, Lady Edith Wilbraham and Lady Florence Cecil, Countess Spencer, the Countess of Warwick, the Earl of Cork[,] the Countess of Aberdeen, the Earl and Countess of Yarborough, the Earl of llchester and Lady Muriel Fox-Strangways, the Earl of Lonsdale, the Earl of Arran, the Countess of Powis and Miss Cotterell, Theresa Countess of Shrewsbury, Countess Stanhope and Lady Katherine Stanhope, the Countess of Verulam and Mackintosh, the Earl of Denbigh, the Countess of Suffolk and Lady Eleanor Howard, Earl and Countess Annesley, the Countess of Eglinton and Lady Edith Montgomery, Countess Howe, the Countess of Eldon and Lord Kilmarnock, the Countess of Coventry and Lady Barbara Smith, the Earl and Countess of Mayo, the Earl and Countess of Erne and Lady M. Crichton, the Countess of Kilmorey, the Earl of Listowel and Lady Beatrice Hare, the Earl of Granard, Countess Cadogan, the Countess of Jersey and Lady Margaret Villiers, Isabella Countess of Wilton, the Earl of Shrewsbury, Countess Carrington, the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, the Earl of Erroll, the Earl and Countess of Dunraven and Lady Eileen Wyndham Quin, the Earl of Chesterfield, the Countess of Huntingdon, the Earl of Durham, the Countess of Ancaster and Lady Alice Willoughby, Viscount and Viscountess Falmouth, Viscount and Viscountess Templetown, Viscount and Viscountess Cranborne, Viscountess Boyne and the Hon. Florence Hamilton Russell, Viscountess Duncannon and the Hon. Irene Ponsonby, Viscountess Hood and the Hon. Dorothy Hood, Viscountess Barrington, Viscountess Newport and the Hon. Miss Bridgeman, Viscount and Viscountess Raincliffe and Lady Mildred Denison, Viscount Valentia, Viscount St. Cyres, the Marchesa Santurce, Lord and Lady Ashbourne, Lady Cardross, Miss Erskine, Miss Chaplin and Miss Baird, Lord and Lady Castletown and Lady Florence Bourke, Lord and Lady Glenesk, Lord and Lady de Ros, Lady Cynthia Graham and Lady Ulrica Duncombe, Lord and Lady Tweedmouth, Lord and Lady St. Oswald, Lord aud Lady Algernon Gordon-Lennox, Lady Elcho, Lord and Lady Inchiquin and the Hon. Miss O'Brien, Lady O'Brien and Miss O'Brien, Lady Aiington, Lady Blythswood, Lady Violet Brassey, Lady Evelyn Cotterell, Lady O'Neill and the Hon. Henrietta O'Neill, Lord and Lady Clonbrock and the Hon. Miss Dillon, Lady Llangattock and the Hon. Miss Rolls, Lady Hillingdon and the Hon. Miss Mills, Lady de Ramsey, Lord Churchill, Lord Lovat, Lord and Lady Fitzgerald, Lord Hyde, Lord Alexander Thynne, Lady Hopetoun, Lord and Lady Edmund Talbot, Lord Villiers, Lady Alwyne Compton, Lady Penrhyn and the Hon. Violet Douglas-Pennant, Emily Lady Ampthill and the Hon. Romola Russell, Lady Lister Kaye, Lady Cicely Gathorne-Hardy and Miss Gathorne-Hardy, Lady Ardilaun, Lord and Lady Burton, Lady Constance Combe, Mr. and Lady Florence Astley, Lady Evelyn Ewart, Lord Harris, Lord Morris and Miss Morris, Lady Arthur Hill and Miss Hill and the Hon. Miss Hill Trevor, Lord Garioch, Lord Kenyon, Lady Hartopp, Lord Iveagh, Lord Rowton, Lord de L'Isle and Dudley, Lady Helen Munro-Ferguson and Lady Hermione Blackwood, Lady Brabourne, Lady Magheramorne, Lord and Lady Edward Cecil, Lady Audrey Buller and Miss Howard, Lady Emily Van de Weyer and Miss Van de Weyer, Lord and Lady Henry Bentinck, Lord and Lady Charles Beresford, Lord William Beresford, the Right Hon. Sir William Harcourt, M.P., and Lady Harcourt, the Right Hon. James and Mrs. Lowther, the Right Hon. Walter Long, M.P., and Lady Doreen Long, the Right Hon. Henry Chaplin, M.P., the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, M.P., and Mr. and Miss Hicks-Beach, the Right Hon. G. J. Goschen M.P., and Mrs. and Miss Goschen, the Right Hon. Arnold Morley, M.P., the Right Hon. Sir Henry Drummond Wolff, the Hon. Henry Fitzwilliam and Miss Fitzwilliam, General the Hon. Charles and Miss Thesiger, the Hon. Schomberg M'Donnell, General and the Hon. Mrs. Hugh M'Calmont, the Hon. Mrs[.] Lowther, Colonel the Hon. Heneage Legge, the Hon. Mrs. Hill, the Hon. Mrs. Carpenter, Miss Talbot Carpenter, the Hon. Mrs. Oliphant, Mr. Francis and the Hon. Mrs. Fitzgerald, the Hon. Mrs. Benyon, the Hon. Benjamin Bathurst, the Hon. Mrs. Gerard, the Hon. Arthur Brodrick, the Hon. Mrs. Stirling, the Hon. Charles Harris, the Hon. Gerald Portman, the Hon. Claud Hay, the Hon. Mrs. Baillie of Dochfour, Major the Hon. C. Lambert, the Hon. S. Ormsby Gore, the Hon. A. Yorke, the Hon. Michael and Mrs. Herbert, the Hon. Walter Rice, Major the Hon. D. Lawless, Baron and Baroness Deichmann, Baron von Oppell, Baron Mirbach, Baron Meyer Watson, Count Hadik, Count Hermann Hatzfeldt, Sir Henry and Lady Meysey-Thompson, Sir Henry Edwardes, Sir Robert Hamilton, Sir Donald Wallace, Sir Robert and Lady Penrose.FitzGerald [sic dot], Sir George Stirling, Sir Archibald Edmonstone, Sir Charles Hartopp, Sir Edgar Sebright, Sir G. Arthur, Sir Condie Stephen, Sir Charles Hall, Sir George Wombwell, Mrs. Edward Barclay, Mrs. Hope, Captain Milner, Major Poulteney, Major Wickham, Mrs. Ronalds, Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson Clerk, Colonel and Mrs. Eminson, Mr. Moon, M.P., Mr. Beaumout, Mr. Edward Packe, Mr. and Miss Sanders, Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Philips Roberts, Miss Thellusson, Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis, Mr. George Phipps, Captain Dundas, Captain and Mrs. Wilfrid Marshall, Captain Feilden [sic], Major Shuttleworth, Mr. Hugh Gaisford, Mr. and Mrs. Rupert Beckett, Mr. Monro Ferguson, Mr. Henry Petre, Mr. Somerset Onslow, Mr. W. Gillett, Mr. and Mrs. Hamar Bass, Mr. and Mrs. Rupert Beckett, Mr. Millbanke, Mrs. Hwfa Williams, Mr. Graham Vivian, Mr. Evelyn Cecil, Mr. Herbert Praed, Mr. Farquhar, Miss Cockrell, Major and Mrs. Coddrington, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Villiers and Miss Villiers, Mr. C. Webb, Major Jenkins, Captain and Mrs. Fitzgerald, Mr. Macgregor, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Winston Churchill, Mr. Colin Keppel[,] Mr. Lougley, Miss Herbert, Mrs. Loder, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur James, Mrs. Moberly Bell, Mr. Moberly Bell, Mr. Gregson, Mr. R. D. Norton, Captain Elsworthy, Captain Johnson, Colonel Paget Moseley, Mr. and Mrs. Ogden Mills, Mr. Vincent, Mr. Francis Whitmore, Mr. Ward Cook, Mr. Balmain, Dr., Mrs., and Miss Maclagan, Mrs. and Miss Chamberlain, and many others.

17 July 1897, Saturday

During his holiday, Mr. Wyndham has found a sub-tenant in Mr. Horniman, who produced a farce called "Four Little Girls," by Mr. Walter Stokes Craven, on July 17. It tells how two widowers of Wimbledon (Mr. Barnes and Mr. Blakeley) resolve to marry their housekeepers (Miss M. A. Victor and Miss Emily Miller) — four capital studies in old age — on condition that their sons marry the duaghters of the two ladies. The boys, with the connivance of their tutor, Mr. Nuggeridge (Mr. Welch), have already married (one of the brides being Miss Mabel Beardsley, the artist's sister), so that extravagant farce is the result. The piece was played in a lively key, Mr. Blakeley, Mr. Welch (masquerading as a Scot under such a very English name as Muggeridge), and Mr. Kenneth Douglas (as one of the young men) being specially amusing.

23 July 1897, Friday

23 July 1897 — or 30 July 1897 – Friday, Lady Burton's party at Chesterfield House:

Chesterfield House is so beautiful, says the "Daily Mail," as be independent of floral decoration; there were, in fact, no more than the usual amount of flowers and palms on Friday night, so that nothing distracted the attention from the beautiful pictures. The lighting was wonderfully good, and refreshments were served in the library until the supper room was opened — at about half-past twelve. The rooms were never too crowded, and Lady Burton, who looked very well in grey embroidered in black, and who wore a big diamond tiara, had a word of welcome for one of her guests. Prince Francis of Teck represented royalty and took Lady Burton down to supper: while Lord Burton took Countess Deym, who looked very handsome in white. Lady Londonderry went down with Mr. Alfred Rothschilde; Lady Gerard, who looked very pretty in white with blue in and out of her hair, went in with Mr. Craven; Lady Howe went in with Lord Kenyon; and Lady Eva Dugdale went in with Mr. Arthur James. Far the prettiest women in the room were Lady Henry Bentinck (who looked perfectly lovely in pale yellow, with a Iong blue sash; and Mrs. Algernon Bourke, who was as smart as possible in pink, with pink and white ruchings on her sleeves and a tall pink feather in her hair. Naturally, one great topic of conversation was the marriage of the Duchess of Hamilton, and people talked, too, of the religious meetings which have been held lately at Lady Henry Bentinck's house, when the Archbishop of Canterbury has delivered lectures to "young girls only." These have made a very great impression.

31 July 1897, Saturday

The London Morning Post: the wedding of Mabel Caroline Wombwell and Henry R. Hohler:

Mr. Henry R. Hohler, eldest son of Mr. Henry Booth Hohler, of Fawkham Manor, Kent, was married to Mabel Caroline, second daughter of Sir George and Lady Julia Wombwell, in St. Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, on Saturday afternoon. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge attended the ceremony, accompanied by Colonel FitzGeorge. The bride arrived shortly after half-past two o'clock, and was led to the chancel by her father, who gave her away. She was followed by two pages, Master Alastair Graham Menzies, son of Mr. and Mrs. Graham Menzies, and Master W. Rollo, son of the Hon. Eric and Mrs. Rollo, who were in Highland costume, with their respective tartans. Eight bridesmaids followed: Lady Mary Villiers and the Hon. Ella Peel, cousins of the bride; Miss Hohler, sister of the bridegroom; the Ladies Edith and Mary Dawson, nieces of the bride; Miss Amy Hohler and Miss Torfrida Rollo, nieces of the bridegroom; and the Hon. Theresa Fitzwilliam. The bride wore a white satin gown embroidered with pearls, diamonds, and silver sequins, and trimmed with accordion-pleated chiffon, trails of orange blossoms, and a chiffon sash. Her veil was of lovely old Brussels lace, and her jewels included a large diamond star in her hair, the gift of the Earl and Countess of Dartrey; a diamond heart locket, her mother's gift, and a diamond bracelet, Mr. Holder's present. The bridesmaids were attired in white French muslin over white satin, trimmed with Valenciennes lace insertion and runners of white baby ribbon; they wore fichus of white point d'esprit, and white straw hats trimmed with bows of point d'esprit and pink roses. Gold bangles with light blue enamel and diamond heart lockets and shower bouquets of pink carnations were the bridegroom's gifts. The Service was choral. The Bishop of Sodor and Man, the Rev. H. Montagu Villiers, vicar of St. Paul's, and the Rev. T. Blackall, rector of Fawkham, Kent, were the officiating clergy. Mr. Gerald Hohler acted as best man to his brother. After the ceremony Sir George and Lady Julia Wombwell welcomed the relations and friends of both families at the residence of the Earl and Countess of Dartrey, sister of the bride, in Eaton-square, lent for the occasion. Among those present were the Duke of Cambridge, the Marchioness of Blandford, Theresa Countess of Shrewsbury, the Earl and Countess of Jersey and the Ladies Villiers, the Earl and Countess of Dartrey, the Countess of St. Germans, the Countess of Carnarvon, Viscount Peel, Lady Penrhyn and the Hon. Miss Douglas-Pennant, Lady Constance Gore, Lord Villiers, the Bishop of Sodor and Man and Mrs. Straton, Lord Abinger, Lady Cynthia Graham, Captain the Hon. E. Dawson, the Hon. Mrs. Baillie of Dochfour and Miss Bruce, Lady Hartopp and Miss Enid Wilson, the Hon. Mrs. Wood, the Hon. Mabel Murray, the Hon. Helen Henniker, the Hon. Mrs. Maguire and the Hon. Ella Peel, the Hon. Reginald Villiers, the Hon. Eric and Mrs. Rollo, the Hon. Agnes Peel, Mrs. Hohler, Mrs. Frederick Hohler, Mrs. Wombwell, Mr. F. Wombwell, Captain and Mrs. Wombwell, Colonel Wombwell, Mr. and Mrs. C. Hohler, Mr. Hohler, Mr. Tremayne, Madame and Miss de Bunsen, Mrs. Harry Goschen, Mrs. Charles Van Raalte, Mrs. Gunston, Mrs. Wilfrid Marshall, Mr. Francis Gregson, Mrs. Arthur Wilson and Miss Muriel Wilson, Mr. Alfred de Rothschild, Mis. Ernest Villiers and Miss Villiers, Mr. Ward Cook, Mr. Frank Green, Mr. and Mrs. Fane, Mr. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Deacon, Miss Willoughby and Miss Gertrude Willoughby, Colonel and Mrs. Livesey Wardle, Mr. and Mrs. Graham Menzies, Miss Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. Du Plat Taylor, Miss Muriel Blundell, Mr. Edward Hare, Major Victor Farquharson, Mr. and Mrs. William Aston, Miss Julia Ponsonby, Mr. Launcelot Smith, Mrs. Richard Martin, Major Lawes, Rev. T. Blackall, Colonel and Mrs. Alan Gardner, Mr. and Mrs. Harris Saunders, &c. Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Hohler subsequently left for Clumber, Notts, lent by the Duke and Duchess of Newcastle, for the honeymoon.

Among the numerous presents to the bride were: From his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, a gold antique tortoise inkstand, set with various stones; the Bridegroom, diamond tiara, turquoise and diamond bracelet, emerald and diamond clover-leaf bracelet, diamond and turquoise heart, diamond combs, several gem rings; Sir George Wombwell, large diamond cross set with a black pearl, diamond, a hack and hunter; Lady Julia Wombwell, large diamond heart and old lace; the Earl and Countess of Dartrey, large diamond star; Mr. Stephen Wombwell, diamond and sapphire chain bracelet; Mr. Hohler, diamond bracelet, horse and harness; Mrs. Hohler, diamond ring; Prince Frederick Dhuleep Singh, diamond and ruby brooch; Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hohler, diamond sword; Miss Hohler, a very handsomely-fitted dressing bag and enamel pencil bracelet; Mrs. F. Wombwell, diamond crescent; Mr. and Mrs. Graham Menzies of Hallyburton, diamond tiara; the Earl of Jersey, hair ornament in emeralds and diamonds; the Countess of Jersey, necklet of amethysts and diamonds; the Earl and Countess of Ellesmere, gold and jewelled heart looking-glass; the Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry, large diamond and sapphire crescent; Mr. Alfred de Rothschild, sapphire and diamond brooch; the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, sapphire and diamond bracelet; Lady Alice Egerton and the Ladies Ada and Alexandra G. Osborne, amethyst and pearl locket; Lord Balvaird, Tay pearl bracelet; the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, old silver pen tray and tea caddy; the Marchioness of Blandford, large frame; Lady Helen Vincent, gold-handled umbrella; Mrs. Ernest Villiers, old silver wheelbarrow; the Ladies Edith and Mary Dawson, silver frame; the Countess of Lathom, brooch; the Ladies Maud, Bertha, and Edith Wil_____m, scarf pin; Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Maguire, diamond and sapphire brooch; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wilson and Miss Muriel Wilson, turquoise and diamond hair ornament; the Marquis of Abergavenny, pair of silver candlesticks; Viscount Peel, large silver dish; Lord and Lady Dorchester, large silver scent bottles; Viscountess Milton, parasol with jewelled handle; Lady Cynthia Graham, enamel and diamond fox head pencil; the Hon. George and Mrs. Keppel, white enamel and turquoise sleeve links; Lord and Lady Deramore, tortoiseshell fan; Mr. and Mrs. Vyner, gold pencil studded with emeralds and diamonds; the Earl and Countess of Feversham, silver-gilt inkstand and candlesticks; Viscountess Helmsley, gold-handled umbrella; Lord and Lady Burton, agate and gold-mounted paper knife; the Dowager Marchioness of Londonderry, standard lamp; Isabella Countess of Wilton, pair of silver candlesticks; Sir Henry Edwardes, old étui case; the Earl and Countess of Wharncliffe, a fan; the Countess of Ancaster, marqueterie table; the Dowager Countess of Craven, illuminated clock; the Hon. Cecil and Mrs. Bingham, silver dishes; the Hon. Reginald and Mrs. Parker, silver inkstand; the Earl and Countess of St. Germans, silver box; the Hon. Hugh W. Fitzwilliam, walking-stick with gold handle encrusted with jewels; Mr. and Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild, diamond and pearl clover-leaf brooch; the Earl and Countess of Yarborough, silver salver; the Earl and Countess of Harewood, silver and enamel smelling bottle; Miss E. Wombwell, silver hand glass and pair of silver-backed brushes; the Earl and Countess of Coventry, large silver tea pot; the Earl and Countess of Ilchester, a fan; Elizabeth Countess of Wilton and Mr. Pryor, large silver inkstand; Lady Rothschild, umbrella with gold handle set with jewels; Captain H. Wombwell, gold-mounted claret bottle; Lord Abinger, Louis XIV. clock; Mr. F. Wombwell, four silver bonbonniere dishes; the Hon. Hubert Duncombe, gold and onyx bangle; the Hon. R. Villiers, set of silver brushes, looking-glass, comb, and tray; the Hon. Mabel and Theresa W. Fitzwilliam, clock with electric light; Lady Skelmersdale, silver-mounted purse; Lady Mildred Denison, writing case; Mr. A. C. Wombwell, breakfast service; Mrs. Graham Menzies, large silver inkstand; General Wombwell, large silver scent bottle; the Countess of Selkirk, four silver bonbonniere dishes and spoons; Sir H. and Lady Evelyn Ewart, silver sugar basin; Sir A. and Lady Edmonstone. silver tea caddy; the Tenantry on the Newburgh and Wass Estates, large silver tea tray; the Tenantry on the Old Byland Estate, alabaster clock; the Indoor and Outdoor Servants of Newburgh, large silver coffee pot; the Indoor and Outdoor Servants of Hallyburton, marble clock and address; School Children of Old Byland, prayer and hymn books.

Among the gifts received by the bridegroom were: From the Dowager Duchess of Newcastle, service of silver table plate, 308 pieces; the Duke of Newcastle, silver-mounted spirit table; the Duchess of Newcastle, gold, diamond, and enamel sleeve links; the Duke of Wellington, pair of silver candlesticks; Sir George Wombwell, two Queen Anne silver salvers; Mr. Gerald F. Hohler, cheque; Mr. Stephen Wombwell, old Sheffield and cut glass cruet; Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Hohler, Dresden dessert service and antique cut glass decanters; Mr. Thomas B. Hohler, Persian carpet; Sir Robert and Lady Affleck, pair of jewelled gold links; Mr. and Mrs. C. Hohler, silver soup tureen; the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Rolls, pair of silver baskets; Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Hohler, silver flower basket; Mr. H. B. Hohler. silver George 111. centre piece; the Hon. Algernon Mills, silver hot-water jug; Miss Hohler, pair of old silver sauce boats; Tenants on the Fawkham Estate, barometer; Servants at Fawkham Manor, large silver salver; Men on the Home Farm, Fawkham, silver-mounted walking stick; Major Lawes, dessert service; Mrs. Owen Williams, silver cigarette lighter; Mr. E. P. Hare, gold matchbox; Mrs. Hohler, writing table; Miss C. Gordon, gold-mounted amber cigarette-holder, in silver case; Captain A. Hicks-Beach, pair of silver photograph frames; Colonel and Mrs. Antrobus, gold and amethyst seal; Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher of Saltoun. pair of silver candlesticks; Mr. Arthur Capel Cure, large silver cigarette box; Mr. E. A. Franklin, tortoiseshell and gold cigar case; Mr. T. L. Hare, M.P., double reading lamp; Sir Basil Hall, crystal decanter in silver stand; Captain and Mrs. Torrens, double silver inkstand; Captain Hon. E. Hanbury, silver-mounted letter case; Mr. Frank Deacon, large silver bowl; Colonel and Mrs. Brownrigg, silver salver; Major the Hon. C. Lambton, standard lamp; Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Tremayne, antique silver candlesticks; Colonel and Mrs. Barrington [?] Campbell, settee; besides other presents.

August 1897

2 August 1897, Monday

Warwick House Party for the Easton Lodge Cricket Week Games

The house party hosted by the Earl and Countess of Warwick was reported on locally, this one from the Chelmsford Chronicle, repeated a few days later in the Essex Herald.

Easton Lodge Week.

Easton Lodge cricket week opened on Monday[.] A large company assembled each day at the invitation of the Earl and Countess of Warwick, who extended a hearty welcome to all their guests and showed them great hospitality. The band of the York and Lancaster Regiment discoursed excellent music during the whole week.

The Earl and Countess's house party for the week comprised the Earl Cairns, the Earl of Rosslyn, Lord Herbert Vane Tempest, Lord George Scott, Lord Athlumney, Countess Cairns, Lady Norreys, Mr. and Lady Elizabeth Taylor, the Honble. Mrs. Algernon Bourke, Lady Cardross., the Honble. Ronald Erskine and the Honble. Muriel Erskine, Captain Bruce Wentworth, M.P., Mr. H. Milner, Miss Muriel Wilson, the Honble. Fitzroy St. Clair Erskine, Mr. Hornsby, Mr. Hewett, Mr. W. M. Low, Mr. K. Jervis, Mr. Cecil Grenfell, Mr. Loitus Arkwright, Mr. Crossman, Mr. G. Tufnell, Mr. lnd, Mr. Todhunter, Mr. Cecil Leigh, Mr. Hare, Mr. Bertie Paget, the Messrs. Josetti, and Mr. Bailey (huntsman Essex Hounds).

18 August 1897, Wednesday

The celebration of the birthday of Austro-Hungarian Emperor-King Francis Joseph:

The Austro-Hungarian Colony. — Austro-Hungarians in London celebrated the birthday of the Emperor-King Francis Joseph by a dinner at the Trocadero Restaurant last night. Count Albert Mensdorff, Chargé d'Affaires for Austro Hungary, presided, and amongst the leading members present were Count Hadik, Secretary of the Embassy, Captain Sztrany Asky, the Naval Attaché; Chevalier Princig De Harwaldt, Acting Consul-General; Mr. Leopold Pam, Chairman of the Austro-Hungarian Aid Society; Mr. Pillischer, Vice-Chairman of the Hungarian Association; Mr. Louis Felbermann, hon. secretary of the Hungarian Association; Mr. S. Bodascher, hon. secretary of the Austro-Hungarian Aid Society; Mr. Politzer, Almoner of the Austro-Hungarian Aid Society; Mr. M. Weiss, and Mr. J. Kaufmann, Almoner of the Hungarian Association; Colonel Hain, and many others. A telegram expressing the loyalty of the Austro-Hungarian Colony was despatched to his Majesty the Emperor-King.

30 August 1897, Monday

Summer Bank Holiday

September 1897

Sometime in September 1897, the Inner Order of the Golden Dawn moved its headquarters from 62 Oakley Square, where they had been from March 1896, to 36 Blythe Road. Also during this month a subgroup in the Golden Dawn, including Annie Horniman and Frederick Gardner were meeting in Talgarth Road, West Kensington, London.

16 September 1897

The White Heather opened at the Drury Lane Theatre.

The White Heather is a melodrama by Cecil Raleigh and Henry Hamilton that opened at the Drury Lane Theatre on 16 September 1897, had another run in spring 1898 and was revived at the Princess in 1899; it ran on Broadway in New York beginning in November 1897.

The V&A has a collection of 31 photographs of some of the sets for the London production (https://collections.vam.ac.uk/search/?page=1&page_size=15&q=%22White+Heather%22).

One scene was a fancy-dress ball that used originals and copies of what was worn at the Duchess of Devonshire's ball on 2 July 1897; the newspaper reports and review articles assume that readers would recognize the reference to the July ball and be interested on that account.

The play was produced by Arthur Collins (the theatre producer and director, not the courtier). A story in The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail about reports that The White Heather, by Cecil Raleigh and Henry Hamilton, performed at the Drury Lane theatre, included a scene that reproduced the Duchess of Devonshire’s Ball:

"The White Heather" is strikingly realistic, the scenes including a reproduction of the recent famous Duchess of Devonshire's ball, a diving expedition, Battersea Bark (that beautiful resort), &c. With respect to the ball scene, the critic quoted above [describing the actress Mrs. John Wood] says: — "The mass of gorgeous colour and dazzling brilliancy in the ball scene was simply overpowering."

The drama is of sufficient importance to warrant a little extra space being devoted to it. The following, taken from a contemporary, will be of interest to my lady readers particularly: — The ball scene offers almost a surfeit of brilliant colour to the spectators. The actual costumes worn by some two hundred of the guests at the Duchess of Devonshire's ball have been secured by the management, and are worn by the actors and actresses. Conspicuous among these is the purple velvet of the Earl of Leicester. An exact reproduction of the costume of Grand Master of the Knights Hospitallers of Malta, as worn by the Prince of Wales, is another striking dress.

Mrs John Wood, as Queen Elizabeth, wears a costume consisting of a dress with long pointed bodice and farthingale in rich cream broché, the entire petticoat and sleeves in cream duchesse satin, handsomely embroidered in gold and jewels, stomacher and sides of overdress elaborately trimmed with the same ornaments, and the double wing collar and large cuffs in fine lace, thickly studded with jewels. Her mantle is of Venetian red and gold brocade, lined throughout with red and gold-shot gauze, while the headdress and crown are in fine paste emeralds set in gold.

Miss Kate Rorke has a Marie Stuart costume in black silk velvet and duchesse satin, handsomely trimmed with gold passementerie and jewels, with large pearl girdle. Her large headdress and collar, combined with long mantle, are in fine white silk gauze-trimmed lace. The principal costumiers in the Metropolis, it should be added, have been employed in making gowns for the play.

The Queen also ran a review:

REDECORATED, re-upholstered, under new management, and with a brand new melodrama, the "National Theatre," as its late lessee loved to have it called, has once more opened its doors to an eager public. Judging by the warmth of the reception given to Mr Arthur Collins, who has assumed the mantle of the late Sir Augustus Harris, and by the enthusiasm which prevailed throughout the presentation of "The White Heather," there is no manner of doubt as to the success of the new management and the new melodrama. The former has been inaugurated under the happiest possible circumstances, for Mr Collins has had the invaluable assistance of Messrs Cecil Raleigh and Henry Hamilton, than whom none better understand the tastes and requirements of a Drury Lane audience, while never, it can be safely said, has an autumn melodrama, even here, been more strongly cast or better acted than the present one. If there is a fault to be found with the new play, it is, perhaps, that the story is somewhat less powerful than those to which the audiences at this theatre have previously been accustomed. It certainly furnishes incidents thrilling and enthralling enough to satisfy the most captious critic, while it possesses the merit of providing that delightful actress, Mrs John Wood, with as good a part as she has had for years. But the plot is not precisely a strong one, and there is in truth a vast amount of magnificent spectacle and scenery and dresses and effects to a very small pennyworth of story. If, however, Mr Raleigh and Mr Hamilton Lave not much of a tale to tell, they tell it very well indeed, and the dialogue of the new play is wonderfully bright and amusing. It is on the old theme of a Scotch marriage that the authors have built the new drama. Lord Angus Cameron, a stock Exchange "plunger," and heir to a Dukedom, has, during a voyage north on his yacht "The White Heather," married pretty Marion Hume, daughter of a Stock Exchange jobber, according to Scottish law. In course of time he sees someone whom it would be much more convenient for him to make Lady Cameron in proper form, and as the yacht has conveniently sunk off the English coast with the evidences of the marriage with Marion, and only one of the two necessary witnesses survives, he promptly repudiates the poor girl, and brands their small boy as illegitimate. Her father, on learning her story, plunges heavily in South Africans, in order, as he hopes, to obtain money enough to fight Lord Angus at law, but the shock brought about by a disastrous decline in the South African market, and the worry in connection with his daughter, cause his sudden death, and Marion then finds her warmest friend in the kindly Lady Janet McLintock, [53, Col. 1c / 2a] Lord Angus's sister. All manner of troubles beset the heroine, of course, and her cause seems indeed lost when Lord Angus actually descends below the sea to the sunken White Heather, in order to destroy the evidences of his marriage with her. But the inventive genius of the authors does not stop here. They take the audience with them down, down among the fishes and the seaweed in company with a lowly champion of poor Marion, one Dick Beach. The two men fight for the precious document beneath the rolling wave. The villain fatally stabs poor Beach, but he contrives to cut the air apparatus attached to Lord Angus's diving dress, speedily causing his death, of course, and to live long enough to be hauled to the surface and leave the "marriage lines" in safe hands. After this it is easy enough to make matters smooth for the heroine, but this is not accomplished until the great ball scene, which everybody has been anticipating for weeks, and which all London will be anxious to see. A richer or more interesting spectacle than this has never been presented even on the Drury Lane stage. Many of the dresses were actually worn at the now famous ball given during the late season at Devonshire House, and the effect produced by the admirably managed crowds of guests in their fancy costumes is one of exceeding brilliance. The gowns worn in this scene are really magnificent, but the whole play is marvellously well dressed, and on this account is sure to find favour with lady playgoers, who will see here the very newest and prettiest conceits in walking, evening, boating, cycling, and shooting costumes. The same lavishness that marks the dressing of the play is shown in the scenic effects. There is something to interest everybody and excite their enthusiasm in "The White Heather," for, besides the original submarine scene already referred to, there is a most realistic presentment of "Boulter's Lock" on a Sunday afternoon; by a mechanical contrivance we see the lock emptied and the boats, filled with their gaily clad occupants, descend, a scene which provokes the wildest cheers from the audience. But the spectators are transported, too, to a realistic Scotch moor, where real heather is blooming, and where real dogs and gillies and guns and sportsmen are duly to the fore. Nor does this exhaust the wonderful scenic attractions of the new piece, for there is, besides, a lovely picture of Battersea Park with its crowds of fair cyclists in every kind of natty dress, from the tweed skirt and dainty blouse to unmistakable "rationals," and a thrilling Stock Exchange scene, which, in their way, will appeal no less forcibly to many playgoers. Little space is left to speak in detail of the splendid work done by Mrs John Wood, whose vivacity and resource seem to be limitless; by Mr Henry Neville, who astonishes his old admirers by appearing for once as an uncompromising villain; and by Miss Kate Rorke, who invests the heroine with all possible womanly charm, and wins for her the fullest sympathy of the audience. Conspicuous success is achieved by Mr R. Loraine as the faithful Dick Beach, Mr F. B. Gordon as the old Stockjobber, Hume, and by Mr Dawson Millward, the jeune premier of the piece, which, indeed, is thoroughly well acted all round, Miss Beatrice Lamb, Miss Pattie Browne, Mr H. de Lange, and Mr C. M. Lowne all contributing very well-finished character studies. "The White Heather" promises to bring abundant good luck to Drury Lane.

"Mrs. Aria" has an article in the Queen about the women's dresses, gowns and cloaks in the play. Here is what she says about the fancy-dress ball scene:

The fancy dresses in the ball scene — those which did not previously do their duty at the Duchess of Devonshire's ball, and there are many of these amongst the number — were designed by that clever artist, Mr Cumelli [sic, s/b Comelli]; and very gorgeous they are, all velvet and satin and gold embroidery and lace, a decorative note being struck on Miss Kate Rorke's dress, as Marie Antoinette, by long gauze draperies falling from her hair to the hem of the black gown.

This article by Mrs. Aria says sketches to accompany this story appear on p. 618 (this article is on p. 628 of the print newspaper).

October 1897

3 October 1897, Sunday

William Morris died, at Kelmscott House. At Morris's request Arnold Dolmetsch came to play The Earle of Salisbury's Pavin on the virginals.

5 October 1897, Tuesday

The Princess Mary, Duchess of Teck, the Duke of Teck, and Alexander of Teck and retinue visited Henry James Tufton, 1st Baron Hothfield of Hothfield in Appleby. Muriel Wilson was in the houseparty to which the Tecks were travelling. Also in the party were "the Hon. John and Lady Ierne Tufton, Mr. and Mrs. William Portal, Mr. Arthur Wilson and Miss Muriel Wilson, Sir George Arthur, Bart., Mr. and Mrs. Charles Van Raalte; the Hon. Rosamond Tufton, the Hon. Sackville Tufton, the Hon. Charles Tufton, Captain George Tufton, Lady Clementine Walsh, and Mr. Leo. Trevor." Hothfield hosted a garden party the next day but otherwise the visit was “of a strictly private character.”

9 October 1897, Saturday

Harrogate

Harrogate has been very full during the last fortnight, and in one day upwards of 1,500 person drank the waters, of whom 1,075 consumed their appointed portions before breakfast. There are two first-rate bands, and the new baths are splendidly fitted up. Among the recent visitors have been Lord Stanhope, the Dowager Marchioness of Lothian, Lord and Lady Ilchester, Lord and Lady Morley, Lady Parker and her son, Lord Macclesfield, Lord and Lady Stanford, Sir William and Lady Houldsworth, Dowager Lady Rossmore, Sir Christopher Furness, Sir Henry and Lady Cochrane, Sir William and Lady Lewis, Sir Hugh and Lady Cholmeley, Lady Scott, Lady Corbett, Mr. and Mrs. Algernon Bourke, Lady Slacke, Lady Emma Crichton, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dawson, and Miss Dutton.

20 October 1897, Wednesday

1897 October 16?: the wedding of Lord Waterford and Lady Beatrix Fitzmaurice. Mrs. Arthur Wilson's and Muriel Wilson's gifts to her were a “red leather writing pad”; Muriel Wilson and Kenneth Wilson also are listed as having given a gift to him, “brocaded stationery case and blotting book.” The Prince and Princess of Wales as well as many celebrities and familiar names attended and sent gifts.

31 October 1897, Sunday

Halloween.

November 1897

1 November 1897, Monday

The Holderness Hunt:

The season of the Holderness pack commenced yesterday, when there was a large gathering at Rise. Before commencing operations the company were hospitably entertained by Mr and the Hon. Mrs Bethell. Amongst those present were the Master (Mr Arthur Wilson), Mr and Mrs Stanley Wilson, Mr and Mrs Kenneth Wilson, Mr Clive Wilson, Miss Muriel Wilson, Mr Wellesley Wilson, J. Simons Harrison, Mr R. D. Richardson, Mr Robert Voase, Mr and Mrs Robinson, Miss Bethell, Commander Bethell, M.P., Mr and Mrs Hutchinson, Mr H. Richardson, Captain Samman, Mr W. England. Mr G. England, Mr T. Jackson. Mr Harry E. Bainton, Mr J. J. Ridley, Mr T. Dixon, Mr R. Dixon. Mr Heslop, Riby Wright, Mr W. Todd, Mr Wilfred Harrison, Mr William Robinson, Captain Short, Mr Fisher. Mr E. Harland, Mr J. Nutchey, and others. The staff from the kennels sported their new scarlet, and the whole turn out was excellent. Ash, who had the bitch pack out, first tried the woods, where plenty of foxes were to be found and after a bit of brushing about, two were killed in cover. At Farnton the hounds unkennelled a useful fox, which for nearly half an hour afforded good sport, taking a wide ring by way of Sigglesthorne and back to cover, where he was lost. Catwick Thorns were then successfully drawn. Reynard, on making for the open, shot away in the direction of Brandesburton. Scent being good, the hounds hunted him in grand style. Leaving Brandesburton to the left, he took the direction of Lord Mayor's Whin. Then he made for Newsome and round by Nunkeeling, almost as far Seaton. Swinging back to the left, he ran round Star Carr Hill and Brandesburton village. He then turned and sought his old retreat at Catwick Thorns, where saved his brush, after giving the followers a rattling gallop of nearly an hour. Several were out for the first time in pink yesterday.

2 November 1897, Tuesday

<quote>Dolmetsch, writing to Horne on 2 November, mentions another visit to Florence which seems to be 'more certain than ever'. The performance of The Tempest at the Mansion House has been postponed until 5 November because of the death of the Duchess of Teck and in turn Dolmetsch's own concert date has been changed. 'But that will do no harm, rather some good, as I have obtained invitations to Mansion House for all my subscribers, and that has been paragraphed in the press (not The Times!). I have got 30 subscribers now. So that is not so bad."<quote> [Was AEFH one of those subscribers? Who was?]

5 November 1897, Friday

Guy Fawkes Day

17 November 1897, Wednesday

Muriel Wilson took part in the meet of the Duke of Rutland’s hounds:

The opening meet of these hounds, which should have taken place at Leadenham a fortnight ago, but was postponed owing to the hard condition of the ground, took place Wednesday at Croxton Park, where a large and fashionable gathering assembled, including several followers of the Quorn and Cottesmore packs. Amongst those present were Sir Gilbert Greenall, Miss Greenall, Mr. Cyril Greenall, Lord Robert Manners, Colonel Theobald, Major Longstaffe (Little Ponton), Colonel Hutchinson, Baron and Baroness Max de Tuyll, Mr. Algernon and Lady Henrietta Turner, the Hon. Lancelot and Mrs. Lowther, the Hon. Gavin Hamilton, Major Bradford Atkinson, Captain and Mrs. Lawson, Captain Timson, Sir Henry Rawlinson, Mr. and Miss Hodgson, the Hon. H. R. Scott, Colonel Ashton, Captain Boyce, Mr. and Mrs. Long, Mrs. Ellison, Miss Muriel Wilson, Mr. Otho Paget, the Misses Markham, Mr. Maxwell Angus, the Rev. J. P. Seabrooke (Waltham), Mr. Gerald Hansom, the Rev. R. Mirehouse (Colsterworth), and others. In Freeby Wood there was a good show of foxes, and the pack got on the line of one which made for Waltham Village, and then back through the Ashes. From this point Reynard crossed the Grantham road and entered covert known the “Brooms,” but he was lost shortly afterwards in the neighbourhood of Thorpe lngold. Another short spin was had from Brentingby Wood, but the fox, like his predecessor, made good his escape, as did also a third, which went away from Brentingby Spinney. Subsequently the pack was taken to a hen roost at Freeby, where a fox in search of poultry had been incarcerated. On quitting these quarters Reynard was quickly caught and killed. It was a poor scenting day, but in other respects the conditions were nearly perfect. The opening of the active season on the Lincolnshire side will commence to-day, the meet being at Syston Park — the seat of Sir Joint Thorold.

20 November 1897, Saturday

1897 November 20, parties for the Derby (reported on Wednesday, 24 November 1897):

Ten years ago (writes a correspondent to the Daily Mail) how few of the fashionable people went to Derby races: now all the smartest people go, and it is one of the most important meetings, rivalling Doncaster in popularity. The big houses which are in the neighbourbood, no doubt, have considerable influence in this matter, and since the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire had house-parties at Chatsworth, there has been a marked increase in tha attendance. Lord and Lady Burton, Mr. and Mrs. Miller Mundy, Mr. and Mrs. Hamar Bass, and others, are also bent on hospitalities, and consequently the latter end of last week London was quite empty.

The Duchess of Devonshire's party included Lord and Lady Londonderry, Lady Wolverton, Lord and Lady Essex, Mrs. Chaine, Lord Marcus Beresford, and Lord Crewe, as well as Lord and Lady Cadogan, Lord and Lady Howe, Lord and Lady Lurgan, and Mrs. Leo Rothschild, whose names I have already mentioned as staying at the house. Then, at Rangemore there is a very gay party indeed, including Lady Angela and Mr. James Forbes, Lady Sarah Wilson, Lady de Traflord, Mrs. Arthur and Miss Muriel Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Hwfa Williams, Lady Norreys, Mr. Cecil Howard, Mr. Greenfell, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Ludwig Neumann. At Shipley are Sir Charles and Lady Hartopp, Mr. and Mrs. George Keppel, Mrs. de Winton, Lord Athlumney, and Mr. Sturt, among others. At Foston Lord and Lady Magheromorne are staying, as well as Mrs. Farquharson; while Mrs. Hamar Bass seemed to have a large party, including the Maurice FitzGeralds.

Very few people looked better than Lady Essex, in brown, with soft white ermine fur; she is a very pretty woman, with delicate features and complexion, and big, soft, dark eyes. Lady Sarah Wilson, in brown with black braid, and a hat of brown chenille, looked remarkably smart; as also did Mrs. Jack Cumming, who came with Mrs. Bass, and her dress was a tobacco-coloured cloth, with a delightful Russian coat of velvet to match, with a sable collar and small sable toque. Lady Angela Forbes, who dresses almost as well as Lady Algernon Lennox, wore a sort of greeny-blue homespun; and Miss Muriel also looked so well, in simplest tweeds. Lady Norreys, in spite of a cold, looked very pretty, and was warmly clad in an astrachan coat, and sable hat; Mrs. Hamar Bass looked very nice in dull green and chinchilla; Mrs. Farquharson was also at her best; Lady de Trafford was very quietly dressed, while Lady Hartopp wore a very quaint coat of white sheepskin. Among the very many other men were Mr. Montagu Guest, Mr. Hungerford, and Mr. Combe.

25 November 1897, Thursday and Friday

The Irish Industries' Association Annual Exhibition

The Irish Industries' Association had a big bazaar at Brighton supporting Irish artists and artisans:

An exhibition in connection with the Irish Industries Association, of which Countess Cadogan is President, was opened yesterday at the Clarence Rooms, Brighton. The stallhoiders included Viscount and Lady Duncannon, Lady Louise Loder, the Hon. Mrs. Eliot, the Hon. Irene Ponsonby, Lady Maria Ponnsonby, the Hon. Mrs. Algernon Bourke, Dowager Lady Westbury, Lady Pontifex, Countess Lucan, Lady Bingham, Countess of Gainsborough, Countess Swan, Countess Mayo, the Marchioness of Downshire, Lady Arthur Hill, and the Lady Mayoress of London.

The exhibition also supported — amazingly — "the Irish Distressed Ladies' Fund, which has for its laudable object the assisting of Irish gentlewomen who are sufferers through the general 'cussedness' of Irish tenants" (Col. 2a):

The annual exhibition and sale of Irish work at Brighton last week gave ample proof of the great strides which the association has made in the last few years. The work exhibited represented the many industries of spinning, weaving, knitting, embroidery, &c., which have been started through its enterprise under the patronage of well-known Irish ladies. Among the stallholders were many of these, including the Marchioness of Londonderry (who was unfortunately prevented from being present), Countess of Kilmorey, Countess of Mayo, Countess of Arran, Countess of Lucan, Viscountess Duncannon, Lady Bingham, Lady Fitzgerald, Mrs. T. P. O'Connor, Miss Dease, Countess of Gainsborough, Georgiana Marchioness of Downshire, Theresa Countess of Shrewsbury, Mrs. Dalison, and others.

Some very interesting work done by the Dublin Art School was exhibited on Lady Mayo's stall, including some exquisite ribbon embroidery on parchment. Lady Mayo, with whom was the Dowager Countess, was assisted by Maria Ponsonby and the Hon. Mrs. Algernon Bourke, and was smartly gowned in a green tailor-made gown, with a pale blue vest and blue toque. [image: At the Sale of the Irish Industries' Association held week at the Hotel Metropole, Brighton. (Col. 1b and 2b)]

The Garryhill Cottage Industry was represented by Lady Duncannon's stall, and showed some beautiful specimens ot drawn linen work and embroidery. With Lady Duncannon was the Lady Louise Loder, the wife of the member for Brighton, and one of the handsomest women present. She wore a long black velvet Directoire coat over a white cloth petticoat, with a fichu of real Irish lace, and ruffles of the same. Also helping at this stall were the Hon. Mrs. Eliot, the Hon. Irene Ponsonby, Mrs. Bonn, Mrs. Gordon Dill, and Miss Sullivan. On this stall was exhibited an embroidered altar-cloth worked to the order of Her Majesty the Empress Frederick. A bedspread of wonderfully delicate workmanship also attracted much attention.

Irish frieze has already made its reputation, and Lady Lucan, assisted by her daughter, Lady Bingham had no difficulty in disposing of large quantities of the homespun fabrics which constitute the "Lucan Tweed Industry." Mrs. Walter Puckle, who was wearing a smart little gown pale green foulard patterned with white, a bolero of green velvet, and a jewelled lace vest, with Mrs. Sandford, Miss Wates, and Colonel O'Malley, also discoursed on the wearing qualities of Irish tweeds. [Col. 1c–2a]

Lady Arran, who was wearing a dark green and blue tartan gown turned back with crimson, was selling stockings made by the cottagers in one of the wildest spots in the whole of Ireland, the Barony of Tyrawley, on the Western Coast. She was assisted by Lady Rowley, in black and pale blue; Mrs. de Robeck, Miss Whitmore, Miss Robertson, and Miss Watson. Many people who did not find the pattern they wanted were sending orders to Castle Gore, co. Mayo, which is the headquarters of the industry.

Lady Pontifex and her sister, Mrs. Majolie, with Mrs. W. E. H. Lecky, presided over the stall from which the Countess of Erne was unavoidably absent, and sold the daintiest lingerie possible on behalf of the Irish Distressed Ladies' Fund, which has for its laudable object the assisting of Irish gentlewomen who are sufferers through the general "cussedness" of Irish tenants. Lady Pontifex was wearing black with touches of red in the bodice and in her toque, and Mrs. Majolie wore a Russian blouse in navy blue with horizontal braiding.

Specimens of the Turbotstown embroideries, which have earned quite an enviable fame for their delicacy and artistic finish, were exhibited on Miss Dease's stall, who was assisted by the Countess of Gainsborough and the Princesse Murat, Miss Ada Hall, Mrs. C. Liddell, Mrs. G. Stanley Carey, and Mrs. Chepnell. Mrs. Dalison, assisted by the Misses Dalison, Mrs. Corey Borrer, Miss D'Avigdor, Miss Blaker, the Misses Stewart, and Miss Colburn, on behalf of the Guild of Impoverished Irish Gentlewomen, sold some very lovely needlework.

In the reception-room under the direct control of the Irish Industries' Association were to be found various stalls, attended by Theresa Countess of Shrewsbury, Mrs. Davies (the Lady Mayoress of London), Lady Fitzgerald, Mrs. J. S. Wood, the Misses Treves, Miss Thorold, Miss James, Miss La Primandaye, the Misses Baker, Miss Courage, the Countess of Kilmorey, Mrs. Horace Voules, the Misses Wagg, Miss Martin, Miss Marshall, Miss Pocock, Mrs. Pieschell Hoffmann, Mrs. T. P. O'Connor, Miss Little, Miss E. Whitmore, Miss K. Onslow, Georgiana Marchioness of Downshire, Mrs. E. S. Cole, Mrs. Arthur Hoffmann, Mrs. Senior, Mrs. and Miss Stirling, where they did a thriving trade in laces, woollens, lingerie, tweeds, linens, and embroideries; while in one corridor Lady Florence Bourke, Miss E. [image]

Baker, Miss Hunter, and Mr. Crosthwaite sold baskets, carved wood, and beaten copper work.

Programmes and the tea arrangements were admirably looked to by Colonel Burr, ably assisted by Miss Ethel Wood, Miss Gwyn, the Misses Burr, Miss Jennings, the Misses Denny, Miss Wagstaff, Miss Knox, and Mrs. Dickenson.

Mr. J. J. Fenwick, of Newcastle and Bond-street, showed some lovely gowns made and trimmed of materials purchased from the various industries, sketches of which will be found on page 807.

Among the numerous people who in the interest of the charity thronged the Clarence Rooms of the Hotel Métropole last Thursday and Friday, besides those already mentioned, were Mrs. Streetter Lambert, in a handsome green gown trimmed with sequins and sable; the Hon. Mrs. Howe-Browne; Hon. Mrs. Eliot; Mrs. Alfred Harmsworth, in a dainty Paris gown of silver-grey; Mrs. Dudley Sampson, Mrs. Christie Miller, Lord Arthur Hill, Lord Duncannon and Lord Bingham; Lady Kilmorey wore a soft grey gown with a braided Russian blouse and picture hat, and Lady Duncannon was in dark green velvet with ruffles of Irish lace; Miss Ada Hale wore an accordion-pleated gown of pale grey with a silver-embroidered bodice; Lady Fitzgerald wore a gown of greenish-grey and a patterned velvet bodice of the same hue.

Selections of music were given during each afternoon by the Ladies' Amateur Orchestra and the Brighton Mandoline and Guitar Quartette, and Miss Mary Aimée Hime-Brown and Miss Mary Aukett give welcome service as vocalists under the conductorship of Mr. F. Mott Harrison, Mus. Bac.

December 1897

4 December 1897, Saturday

The wedding of Miss Gian Tufnell and George, Baron Mount-Stephen, which took place shortly after the death of Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge, Duchess of Teck, for whom Gian Tufness was a lady in waiting and attendant:

LORD MOUNT-STEPHEN AND MISS TUFNELL.

The marriage of Lord Mount-Stephen with Gian, daughter of the late Robert George Tufnell, Commander R.N., formerly of Cheney Court, Box, Wilts, and afterwards of Kensington, Bath, was celebrated on Saturday week in the Church of St. Margaret, Westminster.

The ceremony was performed by the Bishop of Peterborough, assisted by the Rev. F. E. Coggin, vicar of Lemsford, Herts.

The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr. Tufnell, was attended by four bridesmaids, all children, viz.: Miss Williams, niece of the bride; Miss Berkeley, Miss Corbet, and Miss Kirby.

Major-General Sir John Carstairs M'Neil, K.C.B., V.C., Equerry to the Queen, accompanied Lord Mount-Stephen as best man.

The wedding was attended by only the relations and most intimate friends of the bride and bridegroom.

The bride wore a simply-made, slightly trained gown of ivory satin, a wreath of orange blossoms, and Brussels lace veil. Her ornaments were pearls.

The little girls were in blue silk, veiled with lace, wore lace hats, trimmed with blue bows, and carried baskets of pink roses.

Lord and Lady Mount-Stephen left London in the afternoon for Dover en route for Paris.

Among the wedding presents were: From the Prince of Wales, trefoil moonstone and diamond brooch. The Duke and Duchess of Connanght, silver gilt cup. The Duchess of Albany, casket in wood, with ormolu mounts. The Duke and Duchess of York, diamond brooch. Prince and Princess Edward of Saxe-Weimar, silver-gilt salts bottle with medallion in top. Princess Victor of Hobenlohe, silver cigar lighter. Duke of Teck, diamond and sapphire brooch. Field-Marshal Sir Donald and Lady Stewart, silver cigar box. Sir Stafford and Lady Northcote, gold and enamel whist box and markers. Colonel and Hon. Mrs. Egerton, silver gilt jewel box. Mr. L. Iveson, silver matchbox. Miss Willmott, cigarette case and matchbox in gun metal studded with gems. Countess of Selkirk, silver inkstand. Countess Somers, tortoiseshell and silver photograph case. Lord de Mauley, ivory paper knife. Colonel Rowland Egerton, tortoiseshell cigar box. Sir Stanley and Lady Clarke, Empire box. Mrs. Arkwright, a "Where is it?" silver mounted. Hon. Harriett Phipps, Diamond Jubilee coin. Colonel Bruce Fellows, tortoiseshell and gold mounted walking stick. Lord and Lady Clifford, similar gift. Sir John McNeill, gold mounted umbrella. Mr. Beverley McJones, silver framed almanack. Mr. Vander, tortoiseshell and silver photograph frame. Household and employés at Brocket Hall, silver bowl. Colonel and Mrs. R. B. Lane, travelling clock. Lord and Lady Eustace Cecil, Turkish inlaid table. Miss Flora MacLeod, silver whist markers. Lady Roberts, "Lord Roberts: Forty-one years in India," bound in green morocco. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Skinner, opera glasses in gun metal. Mr. Robert Berkeley, book for notes, ormolu mounted. Mr. Douglas, silver antique cigar ashtray. Hon. Alex. York, silver box. Lord and Lady William Seymour, tortoiseshell and silver paper knife. Mr. Frank Farrer, umbrella with cork handle. Mrs. Vyner, long chain, blue and red enamel. Hon. Mrs. Sartoris, silver pincushion. Hon. Mrs. Halford, silver gilt seal. Mrs. Jago, tortoiseshell and ormolu casket. Lady Mary Lloyd crystal seal. Mr. Alfred Sartoris, silver pencil. Lady Eva Dugdale, buckle. Viscountess Doneraile, china for plant. Miss G. Curtis, gold thimble set with stones. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hopwood, gold, ruby and diamond links. Mr. and Hon. Mrs. West, silver box. Miss Still, silver paperknife. Sir Frederick and Lady Wigan, tortoiseshell and silver clock. Earl Beauchamp and Lady Mary Lygon, enamel and pearl clasp. Mrs. George Peacocke, parasol with violets. Dowager Lady Aylesford, china basket for flowers. Mary Lady Raglan, china bell. Miss Halford, enamel chain, four-leaved shamrock. Miss Willmott, gold hunter repeater watch. Hon. D. Keppel and Captain R. Peel, antique silver box. Mr. Thomas Baring, antique box with miniature. Hon Caroline Roche, silver taper holder. Hon. Mrs. Mitford, photograph frame. Hon. Helen Henniker, cherry silver mounted walking stick. Major Keppel and Mrs. Stephenson, writing pad in heliotrope morocco. Dowager Marchioness Conyngham, tooled leather box with print on lid. Mr. W. Ward Cook, old Sheffield canister. Hon. Mary Thesiger and Miss Wauchope, green morocco writing case. Hon. Mrs. Corbet, enamel charm in case. Mrs. Maxwell Williams, silver and red leather Prayer-book. Mrs. Charles Inge, china ornament. Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Cookson, gold pencil case with diamond monogram. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Berkeley, antique diamond heart bangle. Miss Eleanor Berkeley, mother-o'-pearl fan. Hon. Charles Ellis, sapphire and diamond ring. Mr. and Mrs. Cotton Curtis, silver box. Hon. Mrs. Dalrymple Hamilton, silver heart shaped frame. Miss M. Greathead, heart-shaped photo frame. Mr. Labalmondiere and Mrs. Hext, water colour by Rheam. Lady Maud Warrender, antique silver tray. Viscount and Viscountess Wolseley, stamped leather cabinet box with looking-glass top. Mr. and Mrs. V. F. Tufnell, tortoiseshell tray inlaid gold monogram. Mr. Maxwell Williams, large silver topped salts bottle. Mrs. H. C. Gunston, white leather cardcase with coronet in diamonds. Hon. Osbert Molyneux, tortoiseshell inlaid black lace fan with name. Mr. Gaspard Farrer, enamel and diamond topaz necklace. Mrs. Pratt Barlow, Hymn-book in silver case. Miss Hunter, silver hammered tray. Mrs. Basil Ellis, white silk cushion embroidered. Lady Harcourt, book — "Richard Conway," by G. Williamson. Mr. Laurence Currie, antique tortoiseshell and gold piqué box. Lady Katharine Coke, portrait of H.R.H. Princess Mary Adelaide Duchess of Teck in enamel and silver frame. Miss Addie Paget, piece of Turkish embroidery. Mrs. Gannon, heart-shaped silver box. From household 16, James's-street, S. Scun, L. Oldcum, L. Morgan, and A. Butler, silver panel photo frame with monogram. Mrs. Crutchley, white leather purse and cardcase. Mrs. Charles Harbord, silver and tortoiseshell tea canister. Hon. Mr. A. N. Hood, green enamel heartshaped sleeve links. Mr. and Mrs. Wyndham Portal, embossed leather book slide. Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Glyn, pair of antique Sheffield candlesticks. Mr. A. O. Kirby, enamel and gold perforated casket for potpourri. Countess of Sefton, Vienna inlaid leather despatch box, with name in gold. Mrs. [Col. 2c/3a] Adair Bruce, ivory carved cardcase. Miss Sybil Corbet, book bound in brown morocco, "The Child of the House." Mrs. Willmott, "Queen Victoria," by Holmes, bound in green crushed morocco, lined with watered silk. Sir Stafford and Lady Northcote, travelling bag with silver gilt fittings. Lady Margaret Levett, miniature frame in case. Arthur St. Leger Glyn, antique Empire ring stand. Miss Sand, tortoiseshell comb with pearl and diamond top. Lord and Lady Strathcona and Mount Royal, diamond brooch. Blanche Lady Rosslyn, Christian Year in white vellum binding. Miss Nimmo, red glass jar. Miss J. R. Nimmo, glass box with tray. Dowager Countess of Iddesleigh and Mr. Oliver Northcote, silver box with Turkish d'oyleys. Countess Helena Gleichen, antique ivory and gold fan. Rev. F. and Mrs. Colman, silver notebook. Sir Guy and Lady Campbell, white feather fan with tortoiseshell stick. Mr. William Gillett, silver repoussé hand mirror; Countess Vaida Gleichen, book, "Rubiat of Omar Khayyam," bound in Persian red morocco. Colonel Jago, dark blue despatch box with name. Mr. and Mrs. Philip Walker, silver photograph frame. Sir Whittaker and Lady Ellis, silver gilt sugar sifter and salver. Colonel and Mrs. Tufnell, antique silver box. Countess of Chesterfield, pair of cut glass and silver topped scent bottles. Mrs. Tighe, silver menu holder.

7 December 1897, Tuesday

The London Daily Chronicle reported on the 7th annual dinner for the Actors' Benevolent Fund (the date of the dinner is not reported in the story):

Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., presided at the seventh annual dinner in aid of the Actors’ Benevolent Fund, held at the Whitehall Rooms, Hotel Metropole; and among others present were the Earl of Dartmouth, Viscount Dungarvan, Baron Eckhardstein, Mr. Beerbohm Tree, Mr. Edward Terry, Hon. A. Lyttelton, M.P., Lord Ronald Gower, Sir F. Milner, M.P., Hon. T. A. Brassey, Hon. Algernon Bourke, Sir C. Scotter, Messrs. John Aird, M.P., E. H. Hulse, Alfred Beit, L. Brough, G. Candy, Q.C., George Conquest, W. L. Courtney, J. S. Forbes, H. Gillman, Edward Ledger, H. Lowenfeld, Henry Lucy, and C. I. Coltson (secretary).

The Chairman, after submitting the usual loyal toasts, proposed “The Actors’ Benevolent Fund,” and in doing so said an important question was, Does the profession which benefits by this fund meet the benevolence of the public with any corresponding effort? He could only say that this fund was started in 1822, and that for many years it did not look to the public at all. It was only some six years ago, when the managers found their opportunities of doing good were growing beyond their resources, that they appealed to the public through the medium of these dinners; but they did not on that account relax their efforts, as might be judged from the fact that last year, while £16,500 stands on the credit side of this fund, the annual dinner was only credited with £908. One other question was whether this was a deserving charity. In answer to that he pointed out that it gave assistance to actors and actresses who were unfortunate but deserving; it discriminated between the deserving and the undeserving; it provided for the widows and orphans of those who died in the profession leaving their dear ones destitute; it supplied accommodation in hospitals and convalescent homes; and weekly grants were made to fifty-seven aged members of the profession.

The Earl of Dartmouth proposed "The Drama," and expressed his sympathy with the charity which had been and was doing so much good, and with the profession which had done so much for our amusement and our profit. He referred to an amusing correspondence which, at the beginning of the century, his ancestor, Lord Dartmouth, when Lord Chamberlain, had with the then Bishop of London, who objected to the proposed appearance of Madame Catalani in male attire in a piece entitled “The Feast of Isis," and quoted Deuteronomy xxii, 5, "A woman shall not wear that which pertaineth to a man. The reply was that if Madame Catalani chose to do so the Lord Chamberlain doubted if he were strong enough to prevent her, but that, in any case, he did not consider that the verse quoted appiied to realism on the stage. (Laughter.)

Mr. Candy. Q.C., responded to the toast.

Mr. Edward Terry, in replying for the fund, towards the close of the proceedings, said he could assure them that the fund had been a great good to the poorer members of their craft. (Cheers.) At the present time there was no town in the United Kingdom where a deserving actor or actress need starve — (cheers) — and that result had only been achieved by this, the only Actors' Benevolent Fund. They had a number of other funds, it was true, but they were chiefly provident, while this provided for the old, the infirm and the orphans. At the present time they had provided, either directly or indirectly, for twenty orphans, which was a good record considering the short time the fund had been in existence; and when he announced that that evening's collection amounted to no less than £1,300 — (cheers) — they would agree that at the coming Christmastide many a “Tiny Tim" would have cause to bless the Actors’ Benevolent Fund. (Cheers.)

The toasts of "The Chairman,” and "The Artists,” brought the proceedings to a close. Among those who contributed to the excellent after-dinner musical entertainment were Madame Zippora Monteith, Mons. Tivadar Nachez, Mr. Ben Davies, and the Meister Glee Singers.

25 December 1897, Saturday

Christmas Day

25 December 1897 or so, Sullivan's ballet Victoria and Merrie England closed at the Alhambra Theatre, Leicester Square (Richards 31). According to Richards, "members of the royal family attended on nineteen occasions. Since 8 July 1897, the program "included a cinematograph film of the Jubilee procession."

26 December 1897, Sunday

Boxing Day

30 December 1897, Thursday

Blenheim Palace Party with Amateur Theatricals

The "Ladies Lilian and Norah Spencer Churchill, the Hon. Mrs. A. Bourke, Mr. and Mrs. Henry White, and Mr. H. Milner" were at a party at Blenheim Palace in December 1897 in which people performed tableaux that got reported on, many of whom wore the costumes from the July 1897 Duchess of Devonshire's fancy-dress ball. The Irish Independent reported that "Mr Algernon Bourke, the aristocratic stock broker ... was mainly responsible for the living pictures at the Blenheim Palace entertainment. Perhaps this party lasted longer than a single day.

The entertainment at the party at Blenheim Palace was a fund-raiser:

Dramatic entertainment in aid of the restoration fund of Woodstock parish church were given yesterday afternoon and evening in the long library at Blenheim Palace. The first portion of the entertainment consisted of a series of tableaux in which those who look part included the Duchess of Marlborough, Lady Sarah Wilson, Lord Chesterfield, Lord Churchill, Lord and Lady Curzon, Lady Blandford, Ladies Lilian and Norah Spencer Churchill, the Hon. Mrs. A. Bourke, Mr. and Mrs. Henry White, and Mr. H. Milner. Except in two cases the tableaux were of an historical character, and they were picturesquely portrayed. Many of the costumes were those worn at the Devonshire House fancy ball last June.

The second part of the entertainment consisted of a new musical burlesque in two acts, entitled "An Idle Hour," written by Mr. lan Malcolm, M.P. The Countess of Clondyke was taken by the Duchess of Marlborough, and the Duke represented Septimus Sand in a typical get-up of Cousin Jonathan. Lady Randolph Churchill, in sprightly and amusing fashion, delineated an up-to-date lady journalist in the guise of Mrs. Jubilee Junius. Another character deserving of notice was that of Mrs. Oshant, which was entrusted to Lady Churchill. This was an obvious burlesque on Mrs. Ormiston Chant. The principal portion of the incidental music was furnished by Mr. C. W. Perkins, organist to the Birmingham Corporation.

Another report that includes "private theatricals" at other country-house parties as well, some of which were performed at Chatsworth in the week or so following:

Private theatricals are in great favour at country-house parties, and in many cases are a source of profit to local hospitals and charities. At Blenheim, the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough produce a burlesque written by Mr. lan Malcolm, M.P., in which they themselves appear, assisted by Lady Randolph Churchill, Mr. H. Milner, and Mr. Algernon Bourke. The proceeds of the performance will go to the local infirmary. At Wynyard, Lord and Lady Londonderry's seat, "Little Toddlekins" is given, with Lady Helen Stewart the title rôle. At Aske, Lord and Lady Zetland are mounting the more ambitious "Rosemary," with Lord Ronaldshay and Lady Melton in the principal characters. At West Dean, Sussex, Mr. William James lately organised a perforniance of "His Little Dodge," with much resultant benefit to Chichester hospitals — in which Mr. Mildmay, M.P., Mrs. James, Mr. Trevor, and Lady Randolph Churchill played the principal parts — a performance which is to be repeated at Chatsworth before the Prince and Princess of Wales next week.

The Daily Telegraph gets into the background and purpose:

Woodstock, Thursday Night.

When, some few months ago, the question arose among the parishioners of Woodstock how the Restoration Fund of the church dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene — which boasts considerable antiquity — could best be benefited, the idea occurred to the Duchess of Marlborough that the desired result might possibly be brought about by organising a theatrical entertainment within the venerable walls of Blenheim Palace, and inviting a few intimate friends to help in the good cause. The thought may assuredly be regarded as a happy one, more especially in the light of the brilliant success that has attended the realisation of her Grace's excellent project. I am credibly informed that the performance given to-day in the beautiful Library of the Palace has witnessed positively the "first appearance on any stage" of the Duke and Duchess, and certainly the interest attaching to the entertainment was not the less keen on this account. Nor, as will readily be believed, did the fact of the programme chosen being somewhat leas conventional in character than are those usually identified with the “Theatre Royal Back Drawing Room” in any way militate against the success of the scheme. Rather did it serve to whet the appetites of those who came from near and from far to witness the theatricals and encourage with their applause the histroric endeavours of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. The past has witnessed more than one notable function at the historic home of the Churchills, but the appearance this evening of the ducal owners of Blenheim, with some of their distinguished guests, including Lady Randolph Churchill, in a clever new musical burlesque, “written by an esteemed member of Parliament,” possessed a peculiar attraction. A word for the lofty apartment, at one end of which was erected the stage, whereon the distinguished amateurs have disported themselves, to the admiration of their "kind friends in front.” The Long Library, which formerty contained the famous Sunderland Collection, is the largest room in the Palace. Very stately is the aspect of the apartment, with its tall white-fluted pillars, its exquisite ceiling mouldings, and the rare carvings that adorn its bookcases, and are attributed to Grinling Gibbons. There is a highly-ornamented statue of Queen Anne, executed by Rysbrach, inscnbed to the memory of that Sovereign, ‘‘under whose auspices John Duke of Marlborough conquered, and to whose munificence he and his posterity with gratitude owe the of possession of Blenheim." Many are the ancestral portraits, including some from the brush of Van Loo and Kneller, that find a place on its old walls.

For these and other beirlooms, however, the audience which gathered to witness the eagerly awaited tableaux and theatricals had, it must be confessed, no eyes. Their whole interest was concentrated on the temporary stage and the illustrious amateurs, who "fretted their hour” upon it, and if the occasion was scarcely one that called for criticism on their part, the element of curiosity was was certainly not wanting during the performance. The "living pictures” that came first in the programme were arranged, I understand, by the Hon. Algernon Bourke, who is distinctly to be congratulated upon the excellent taste and eye for the picturesque by him in the selection of the subjects and the grouping of the figures. The costumes of the Louis Quinze period must needs always lend themselves admirably to anything in the nature of tableaux vivants, and well did they become their wearers on the present occasion. The Duchess of Marlborough herself was modestly content to appear in two of the scenes only, and with no little grace and distinction did she bear herself, the powdered coiffure and long trains affected by the ladies of the Court of the “Grand Monarque” suiting her to perfection. First her Grace appeared as the Comtesse du Bearne in a gorgeous dress of eau de Nil, upon which glittered silver beads, and in a white headdress adorned with black plumes, the subject being the presentation of Madame du Barri at the Court of Louis XV. The King’s favourite was personated by Lady Sarah Wilson, elegantly attired in pale blue, while his Majesty was represented by the Duke of Marlborough, the Duc de Choiseuil by Mr. Milner, and King’s Cardinal Minister by the Earl of Chesterfield.

The Duchess’s second appearance was in the character of Maria Letzinska seen granting an audience. In this scene a right stately and commanding Theodora was found in the person of Lady Radolph Churchill, upon whose head sparkled a jewelled crown, and who wore a resplendent robe heavily embroidered with gold. In the Leçon de Danse, suggested by the well-known picture, the Ladies Lilian and Norah Spencer Churchill and Mr. Milner figured to advantage, while later on Lord Churchill and Mr. J. Churchill posed dramatically as combatants in a duel following a masked ball, Viscountess Curzon, with scared features, and eagerly watching the development of the encounter, representing, to all seeming, the belle who had been the unwitting cause of the meeting. Among others who bore themselves well in the concluding tableaux were the Marchioness of Blandford and Mr. and Mrs. Henry White, and it only remains to mention, in connection with the first portion of the entertainment the interesting fact that many of the costumes pressed into service were those worn at the historic fancy-dress ball held at Devonshire House towards the close of last London season.

To the cheery and delightfully irresponsible "burlesque” upon which the curtain afterwards rose Mr. lan Malcolm had given the engaging title “An Idle Hour,” and it says much for the assiduity with which the merry trifle had been rehearsed by the members of the “Blenheim Palace Musical Comedy Company," that not once in the course of the two acts did I overhear the voice of the prompter. So important a part does that every necessary official play in the performance of the majority of amateurs that I scarcely know whether to felicitate or commiserate Mr R. L. Angas, who kindly undertook the duties in question upon this occasion. As for the author himself, he ingeniously disarmed all criticism at the outset by frankly declaring that his production was wholly devoid of plot and that “the love interest would be sustained in French, Chinese, English, and American." Locating his characters in the “Isle of Whitely,” he was content to allow them to comport themselves as fantastic creatures pure and simple and array themselves according to the immaculate taste of the mercurial Mr. Clarkson. Thus the Duchess of Marlborough, masquerading for the nonce as “the Countess of Clondyke," appeared in a wondrous confection of salmon pink, and was closely followed by a trio of pet King Charles spaniels, whilst Lady Randolph Churchill, in the character of a Lady Journalist, with song, was in truly sportive attire, and the waggish author himself would have made Margate itself open wide its eyes. The Duke of Marlborough as the owner of an hotel and golf links in this strange “Isle of Whitely," Mr. J. Churchill as a Chinaman of the now familiar pattern, Lady Lilian Churchill as a Salvation Lass, Lady Norah Churchill as a pert Abigail, the Hon. A. Bourke excellently made up as a Boots, and Lord Charchill as a French Vicomte, arrayed as all Gallic viscounts are on the English stage, constituted the remainder of the cast. Appropriate music was composed and arranged for the piece by Mr. C. W. Perkins, of Birmingham. and with quip and crank and merry jest and lively songs and concerted numbers the light-hearted trifle evoked the heartiest laughter and applause from the crowded audience which had assembled to witness the charming entertainment given by the ducal owners of stately and venerable Blenheim.