This week marks the bicentenary of George IV’s visit to Edinburgh - the first reigning monarch to come to Scotland in nearly two centuries.
To mark the trip a series of paintings were done by John Wilson Ewbank, showing the procession for George IV’s arrival in different areas of the city. The artist captured scenes in the Old Town, the recently built New Town, and Edinburgh Castle.
The paintings are held at the City Art Centre, with Edinburgh Museums sharing the stunning pieces on their Twitter page this week.
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The trip, which was organised by Sir Walter Scott, saw the King’s popularity dramatically increase in Scotland and also sealed the tartan kilt as part of the country's national identity. Scott hoped to give ancient Scotland a rebirth, and repair the King’s reputation as an ‘obese debaucher’ - both of which were successful.
In the lead up to the visit, locals were lectured on the procedure and etiquette. All gents in the city were expected to attend public appearances in a uniform blue coat, white waistcoat and white cotton trousers.
As for catering for the visit, rumour has it that the contract was won by a man by the name of Ebenezer Scroggie - who would later become the inspiration for Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. However, there is no evidence that Scroggie actually existed - so this one is up for debate.
The first procession was held on the King’s 60th birthday, assembling on The Mound before going up to the castle. The King’s ship, the Royal George, arrived in the Firth of Forth late after torrential rain.
During his entire stay, Edinburgh was filled with visitors - reportedly crowded to excess though civil and quiet. As expected here in Scotland, heavy rain persisted for most of the King’s time in the capital.
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On August 22, what was known as the Grand Procession went from Holyrood to Edinburgh Castle. At the castle, the King addressed the crowd: “What a fine sight.
“I had no conception there was such a fine scene in the world. To find it in my own dominions, and the people are as beautiful and as extraordinary as the scene.”
The visit came to an eventual end on August 29, with a trip to Hopetoun House. Another day of rain, crowds dealt with the weather conditions to get a peek at the monarch.
Once the visit was over, Scottish relations with royalty drastically improved. Additionally, our national identity and pride was reinvigorated.
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