Mirror Image The royal court as a reflection of British Society.

The Royal Court. What is it?  The court is NOT a palace or location.  The court is people; customarily, the monarch’s household servants and attendants. Kensington Palace

Royal Court = 3 Chambers Royal Court (The queen’s posse). Chamber above the stairs run by the lord chamberlain. (Performed a direct service to the monarch which was usually visible.) Chamber below the stairs led by the lord steward. (Performed administrative duties of the court behind the scenes.) The queen’s stables managed by the master of the horse. (Provided transportation)

Court as an Image of Society.  Present and perceptible hierarchy.  Monarch tops the hierarchy.  The hierarchy can be porous.  The royal court provides for social advancement in the world outside.

Queen Anne’s Court.  Ruled from  Presided over a court which was considered small and unglamorous.  Promoted her favorite courtiers to prominent positions in society. Portrait by Michael Dahl National Portrait Gallery, London

The Queen’s Favorites…  Prince George— Husband and Consort to Anne.  Held many sinecures.  Through his marriage became second in precedence only to his wife. George, Prince of Denmark, duke of Cumberland By Sir Godfrey Kneller Collection of the duke of Buccleuch and Queensbury

The duchess of Marlborough  Born Sarah Jennings into a modest gentry family.  Court offices included: groom of the stole, keeper of the privy purse, mistress of the robes and ranger of Windsor Park.  Thanks to her court service and Anne’s patronage, she died a duchess with many social and political connections. Sarah, duchess of Marlborough By Sir Godfrey Kneller, National Trust Photographic Library/Tim Stephens/The Egremont Collection/Petworth

The duke of Shrewsbury  Born into the aristocracy.  Lord Chamberlain to Anne from  Used his position at court to further his political aims. Charles Talbot, duke of Shrewsbury By Sir Godfrey Kneller, c The Eastnor Castle Collection

Others…  The size of the court necessitated the presence of people outside the aristocracy to perform the administrative and menial duties.

Other Court Offices  Board of the Greencloth  Disciplined and paid courtiers  Physicians  Attended the queen and court.  Musicians  Menial Servants  And too many more to name!

Conclusions  Anne’s court was not unique in its social structure.  The court was a stepping stone for social advancement.  The royal court is a microcosm of society.  It holds people from all walks of life.  Demands the cooperation of all classes.