~Regency Wednesday~ Manchester Square

How about a Regency place this fine (dreary) Wednesday? I've clipped an image and description from Ackermann's Repository of Arts. Enjoy! ♥ 

PLATE 3.—MANCHESTER-SQUARE.

  This is one of the those squares which, during the last century, successively sprung up in the new western suburb of Mary-le-Bone. It is situated at a little distance from the north side of Oxford-street, between Cavendish and Portman-Squares; and the period at which it was built, was likewise intermediate to the dates of their erection. It was intended to have been dignified with the name of Queen Anne's-Square, and to have had a handsome parochial church in the center. This design, however, for what reason we are not informed, was not carried into execution; and the ground on the north side lay vacant till the late Duke of Manchester purchased the site, and erected upon it his town residence. From this circumstance the square received its present appellation. Upon the sudden death of that nobleman, the premises were purchased by the King of Spain, as the residence of his ambassador, who erected a small chapel in Spanish-place, on the east side of his mansion, from designs by Bonomi, which, for its classic purity of style, deserves the attention of all lovers of architecture. The house, which is one of the most magnificent private residences in the metropolis, and forms the prominent object in the annexed engraving, has been for many years the property and habitation of the Marquis of Hertford. 

  The other three sides of the square are composed of neat, respectable dwellings, which have nothing worthy of particular notice.*

*Clipped from Ackermann's Repository of Arts, July 1813, page 50. Get the Google e-book HERE.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing
♫♪ Stone Sour ~ Through Glass

~Regency Wednesday~ Fashions for December 1813

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Kid Beyond, I Shall Be Free ~♥♥~ 

Plate 40. —Promenade or Carriage Costume 

  This dress, when divested of the spencer, or jacket, exhibits the 

Evening or Opera Costume, Plate 41. 

 In order to render these commodious habiliments the more clearly understood by our readers, we shall commence with a description of the Evening or Opera Costume: which consists of a round robe of morone or crimson-coloured Merino, kerseymere, or queen's cloth, ornamented round the bottom and up the front with a fancy gold embroidered border. The bodice is composed of satin, or velvet of the same colour, trimmed round the bosom and sleeves with gold braid and narrow swansdown; the front of the bodice richly ornamented with gold and pearl buttons. A gold band or pearl and diamond clasp confine the bottom of the waist, with a gold frog pending on each side, inclining towards the back of the figure. The robe is laced behind with gold cord. Hair disposed in dishevelled curls, falling on the left side, and decorated with clusters of variegated autumnal flowers. Necklace, composed of a treble row of pearl, white cornelian, or the satin bead, confined in front with a diamond clasp. Ear-rings and bracelets to correspond. Slippers, of crimson velvet, ornamented with gold fringe and rosettes, though we recommend those of white satin in preference. White kid gloves, below the elbow. Fan, of richly frosted silver crape. 

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, 1813.