Sir Walter Scott, Stage Manager George IV’s Visit to Edinburgh

Thursday 14th March 2024

Summary of the talk:

This presentation delves into George IV’s 1822 visit to Scotland, which was a highly choreographed event to reaffirm the monarchy's position and cultivate a sense of national unity. The visit was stage-managed by Sir Walter Scott, who played a significant role in organizing the celebrations, emphasizing Scotland’s history and identity through grand pageantry and symbolic gestures.

The lecture starts by introducing George IV’s reign and his extravagance, which had made him unpopular, but also his desire for public spectacle. The presentation compares his visit to Scotland with other ceremonial visits he made to Ireland and Hanover. Each event reflected George IV’s efforts to reinforce the legitimacy of the monarchy post-Napoleon, showcasing his royal persona through elaborate displays.

In Scotland, Walter Scott played a central role, helping craft a vision of Scotland’s unity through tartan, Highland dress, and the ancient Scottish regalia. George IV’s image as a Highland chieftain was part of Scott’s vision to unite the Highland and Lowland Scots, creating a new Scottish identity.

The visit included ceremonial events at Holyroodhouse, lavish receptions, and symbolic actions, like the king receiving the keys of Holyroodhouse, symbolizing his role as King of Scotland. The entire spectacle, from the redesign of Holyroodhouse to the use of tartan and Scottish symbolism, was part of Scott’s romantic vision of Scotland’s past, intertwined with George IV’s desire to present himself as both a Scottish and British monarch.

One of the notable aspects of the visit was the large-scale use of local Scottish culture, including tartan, and the presence of Scottish artists. Souvenirs were made from local materials, further cementing the link between the monarchy and Scottish tradition.

Interesting Points:

1. Walter Scott’s Role: Scott's influence in staging the visit was critical, positioning him as a key figure in the creation of modern Scottish identity, blending history with romance. His stage management emphasized Scotland’s unity through visual symbols like tartan and the Highland dress.
2. The Highlands and Tartan: The promotion of tartan during the visit, especially George IV wearing Highland dress, was a pivotal moment in the revival and popularization of Scottish symbols, tied directly to Scott’s vision.
3. Symbolism of the Ceremonies: Events like the presentation of the keys to Holyroodhouse were laden with symbolism, emphasizing George IV as the rightful monarch of Scotland. The visual spectacle of the visit, including the triumphal arches and pageantry, was crucial to reinforcing this image.
4. George IV’s Fashion: The king’s elaborate Highland dress and the creation of souvenirs using local materials reflected his desire to align himself with Scottish heritage. His attire and the presentation of the royal regalia symbolized the merging of Scottish and British traditions.
5. Local Impact: The visit was a moment of national pride for many Scots, witnessed by a significant portion of the population (around 17%), and helped heal the rift between Scotland and the Hanoverian monarchy, despite criticism of the event’s cost.
6. Enduring Legacy: The 1822 visit had long-lasting effects on Scottish identity, and items created during the visit, including tartan and Highland-themed souvenirs, became symbols of Scottish heritage. Even after George IV’s death, the visit remained a defining moment in Scottish history, tied to both George IV's monarchy and Scott's romanticized vision of Scotland.

The event was widely regarded as a success, despite the extravagant expenses, and is considered a defining moment in the monarchy's relationship with Scotland.