Discover the Secrets of Aristocratic St James's


An Arts Society South West London lecture to be given by Sue Jackson

Princes, poets and Prime Ministers assembled in St. James's Park
Princes, poets and Prime Ministers assembled in St. James's Park

St James’s was where the beau monde came for the Season – to meet their lawyers, tailors, for the marriage market; to attend Parliament and host soirées, and to indulge themselves in gambling and other heady pursuits. This was the stamping ground of Prinny, Lady Georgiana Spencer, Beau Brummel, Lord Byron and Charles James Fox. We see Lord Byron, so afraid of becoming fat, weighing himself thrice daily on Berry Bros’ scales, Fox signing political documents with one hand, whilst holding gambling cards in the other.

There will be a chance to learn more about this subject at a talk being given by Sue Jackson on 13 June at 8pm a Dryburgh Hall in Putney and on Zoom in the next Arts Society South West London monthly lecture.

Originally working for Phaidon and Yale University Presses, Sue is also a Fellow of the Huguenot Society, a Freeman of the City of London, a tutor at City Lit and a Blue Badge guide, conducting a variety of walks and visits in London and major sites in England. She runs an annual course at the National Gallery and is a co-author of the book ‘LondonWalks: London Visits’.

Check the society’s website for up-to-date information on venue and format.

Non-members are welcome for a donation to the Arts Society South West London. For more information visit the society’s website.

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June 10, 2022