Procession of the Parish of St. Saviour Southwark and Lightermen & Watermen on the 3rd October, 1820
Francis Vincent British
Subject of print Caroline of Brunswick German British
Not on view
This print records a demonstration held in support of Caroline of Brunswick, the estranged wife of George IV. She had returned to England from a self-imposed exile in Italy after George III's death in January 1820, hoping to be crowned queen consort. Her husband responded by initiating divorce proceedings, which led to a parliamentary trial. Strong public support for Caroline sparked petitions and rallies and here, a flotilla led by the barge of the Company of Watermen & Lightermen, has assembled outside Brandenburgh House at Fulham on the Thames. The latter had been lent to Caroline by the Margravine of Brandenburgh when it became clear no residence would be offered by the government. Moving in during the trial, she died there on August 7, 1821, three weeks after being barred from George IV's coronation.
