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| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D5459/4/11 |
| Former Reference | D5459/3/18 |
| Title | The Dispute. To be or not to be a Protestant |
| Date | 9 Jan 1805 |
| Description | An interior scene. Mrs Fitzherbet and the Princess of Wales are arguing over the education of Princess Charlotte.
Both wear ostrich plumes, referring to the Prince of Wales. Mrs Fitzherbet is very large and has her hair cropped. She is wearing a huge crucifix and has rosary beads at her waist. In her hand she holds a book inscribed 'Directions from the Clergy respecting the Duty of a true Catholic Converting'. She points to a portrait of the princess on the wall and says:
"I say I have an undoubted right to have the care of her, & to bring her up as I like, do I not rule the roost."
In the doorway a monk watches the scene and comments:
"Well done my Child you are now serving our holy Religion: you will next use your influence to procure me an Emancipation."
The Princess of Wales sits on the left, crying. She holds a book inscribed 'Mothers advice to her Daughter respecting the true principles of the Protestant Religion'.
Available on CD 166. |
| Level | Item |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Artist | Williams |
| Archive Creator | George Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer |
| Further Information | Pubd Jany 9th 1805 by SW Fores 50 Piccadilly : Folios of Caracatures Lent out for the Evening
Negotiations were going on between the Prince of Wales and the Princess over the education of Charlotte, who was then living at Carlton House. The Prince agreed to the King's demand to have her brought under the King's immediate care, but refused to let the princess have any part in her education. It was eventually decided that she would spend six months a year at the lower lodge at Windsor, and the other six months at Carlton House
Although there is no indication that Mrs Fitzherbet was involved in the negotiations, she was involved in a protracted lawsuit (1803- 6) with the Seymour family over the guardianship of Mary (Minney) Seymour, daughter of Lord Hugh Seymour. She promised to bring the child up as a protestant. |
| Physical Description | Hand-coloured print. Size 360 x 265 mm. |
| Copies | A digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office. |
| Publication Note | BM Sat 10363 |
| Image | 
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