Georgian Index

Dispelled Myths, Pet Peeves, and Common Misunderstandings

The disregard of British Aristocracy for the public

London's Parks once opened to the public became a national treasure of which the British people were prodigiously proud. Queen Caroline once thought of closing St. James Park and reestablishing the Crown's claim upon it. She was advised against it. You have Perhaps heard a portion of Sir Robert Walpole's response to her enquiries. An inumerable number of historical texts and respected authors misquote him in an attempt to demonstrate the Crown's superiority and disregard for public opinion. In fact the incident demonstrates the power of public opinion in England:

The Queen asked, "What would it cost to close St. James Park, sir?"
"Only three crowns, Your Majesty," Walpole replied, presumably with a sarcastic gleam in his eye, "that of England, Scotland and Ireland."

Napoleon I's Only Son

The King of Rome is often referred to as Napoleon's only son. In fact he was his only legitimate child. Napoleon's first marriage was childless, but he divorced Josephine after his Polish mistress, Marie Walewska, had a son. Frustrated that Alexander could not become his heir Napoleon then married Marie Louise, who gave birth to his heir Napoleon François Joseph Charles.

George IV's Only Daughter

Princess Charlotte is often listed as the sole offspring of George IV. In fact he had many illegitimate children as his siblings did. Maria Fitzherbert had at least one child during her "marriage" to the Prince of Wales, and George Lamb was widely believed to be the Prince's son.

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