Lot 294: John Saunders, Jun. (1750-1825)

King George IV leaving Ramsgate for his visit to Hanover, 25 September, 1821
signed and dated 'J Saunders 1821' (lower left)
oil on unlined canvas
23 x 32 in. (58.4 x 81.2 cm.)

King George IV was deeply unpopular at the time of his accession to the throne in 1820. His debauchery and extravagance while Prince of Wales, and after he assumed the Regency in 1811, combined with his treatment of his estranged consort, Caroline, denying her entry to Westminster Abbey for his Coronation, had led to disappointment and ill-feeling towards the new monarch. After the protracted Coronation celebrations, he resolved to visit his German dominion of Hanover, and decided to sail from Ramsgate rather than Dover whose celebrations for Queen Caroline when she returned to England the previous year, had greatly displeased him.

He arrived at Ramsgate on 24 September and spent the night at Cliff House, the home of an old friend Sir William Curtis. The following day he drove to the harbour in an open carriage and was delighted by the enthusiastic welcome of the crowds. Encouraged by the loyalty shown by the town of Ramsgate, the King subsequently altered his plans, and when he returned six weeks later, ordered the Royal Yacht to put in at Ramsgate on 8th November, instead of sailing up the Thomas to Greenwich as had previously been agreed. Once again he stayed with Curtis who, barely a fortnight later, received a letter from Viscount Sidmouth, the Home Secretary, which bestowed Royal status on Ramsgate harbour.

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