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Spys Taken at Greenwich, 1798
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Spys Taken at Greenwich, 1798
Spys Taken at Greenwich, 1798. Mother Windsor with four of her courtesans orders her girls to arrest Shute Barrington, the Bishop of Durham and the Duke of Queensberry, for spying on young women rolling down Greenwich Hill, a holiday custom. Barrington stands in back view holding his glass. This was an attack on Barrington for his protest against opera dancers
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Media ID 15182400
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Arrest Arresting Barrington Bishop Douglas Duke Of Duke Of Queensberry Embarrassed Embarrassment George Moutard George Moutard Woodward Greenwich Spyglass Spying Voyeur Voyeurism William Douglas Woodward Bishop Of Durham Queensberry Satirical Shute
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Spys Taken at Greenwich, 1798 - A Satirical Attack on Barrington and Queensberry
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This intriguing print captures a moment of scandalous espionage in the year 1798 at Greenwich Hill. In this satirical depiction, we witness Mother Windsor, accompanied by her four courtesans, issuing orders to arrest Shute Barrington, the Bishop of Durham, and the Duke of Queensberry. Their alleged crime? Spying on young women indulging in the holiday custom of rolling down Greenwich Hill. The image portrays Barrington standing with his back turned while holding a glass, symbolizing his protest against opera dancers. This attack on him was likely fueled by his outspoken views against certain aspects of society's entertainment choices. Rendered in vibrant color and intricate detail through etching techniques by an anonymous artist from that era, this caricature exposes not only the embarrassment faced by those caught spying but also serves as social commentary on religious figures engaging in questionable behavior. Preserved within Guildhall Library and Art Gallery's collection today, this piece offers us a glimpse into 18th-century Britain's political satire and fashion trends. It highlights how societal norms were challenged during that time period while reminding us that even prominent individuals like bishops and dukes were not immune to public scrutiny.
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