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The King's Jaunt: George IV in Scotland, 1822

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I have read much about the Gathering of 2009, which is a world wide calling to all those of Scottish descent back to Edinburgh, Scotland to celebrate their heritage. As I read about the events and history, the reference to the 1822 visit by King George IV to Edinburgh was mentioned. Not knowing much about this event I decided to read The King's Jaunt by John Prebble.

Now I have a better understanding of the political impact and history of the visit. It wasn't just about the first Hanoverian monarch to visit Scotland. Tensions were still high 76 years post Culloden. It was about the Lords and ministers in the government trying to quell some radical movements and unrest in Scotland against English rule. It was almost comical, sad, but comical reading how different ministers worked the King over through his mistress, various other ladies of the court and other favorites to get him to commit to going to visit Scotland.

Then we get to Sir Walter Scott and his Celtification, as Prebble calls it, of all Scottish people. For better or worse, Scott is the father of the belief that all things Scottish are all things Highland. Which the previous centuries of Scottish history prove that most noble Scots including the monarchy were lowland and more like the English in dress and beliefs and always working towards quelling and even eliminating the Highlanders. Even during the visit the Highlands were still being cleared by landlords and even some Clan Chiefs, to make way for the sheep. This sent the Clansmen across the globe to many of the British colonies. The quotes of witnesses to that effect at the beginning of each chapter was a nice reminder and grounding as you read about the "Scottish" pageantry in Edinburgh.

Today when you mention Scottish history or heritage people automatically think clans, tartans and Haggis. Not all Scottish families were Highland or had Chiefs and a family tartan. Even the concept of family tartans is a myth solidified and made popular by Scott. Although the visit was seen by many as a mockery of Scottish heritage and a lot of play acting it did do a lot in the way of helping preserve and make popular the Scottish culture and keep it separate from the English.

The Kings Jaunt is a great book that gives a day by day history and background into all the players and the reasoning behind King George IV's visit in 1822. It also gives me a better understanding of the politics and the source of much of popular Scottish pride. A great book for a student of Scottish history. I highly recommend you read Culloden and the Clearances also by Prebble to set you up for this book.