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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/4/11
Former ReferenceD5459/3/18
TitleThe Dispute. To be or not to be a Protestant
Date9 Jan 1805
DescriptionAn 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.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWilliams
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationPubd 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 DescriptionHand-coloured print. Size 360 x 265 mm.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Publication NoteBM Sat 10363
Image

The Dispute.  To be or not to be a Protestant

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