William Pennington

From The Bristol Hotwell, by Vincent Waite:

The Bristol Hotwell was, of course, much smaller than the neighbouring spa of Bath, and it was in no sense a rival but rather a supplementary cure, for many people combined visits to the two resorts. After 1785 the Hotwell imitated Bath by appointing a Master of Ceremonies, "William Pennington Esquire," who wore a gold medallion strung on a blue ribbon to emphasise the dignity of his office. In order to preserve decorum in the public entertain­ments he issued the following regulations:

  1. That a certain row of seats be set apart at the upper end of the room for ladies of precedence and foreigners of fashion.
  2. That every lady who has a right of precedence deliver her card to the Master of Ceremonies on her entering the room.
  3. That no gentleman appear with a sword or with spurs in these rooms, or on a ball night, in boots.
  4. That on ball nights when minuets are danced, ladies who intend dancing there will sit in a front row for the convenience of being taken out and returning to their places.
  5. That on all occasions ladies are admitted to these rooms in hats, not excepting the balls given to the Master of the Ceremonies.
  6. That the subscription balls will begin as soon as possible after 7 o'clock and conclude at 11, on account of the health of the company.
  7. It is earnestly requested that when a lady has gone down the dance she will be so polite as not to retire till it is concluded.
From wander: Dowry Square Jaunt
Taken: Mon 16 November 2020 12:40
Rating: ★★★

GPS Coordinates: 51.45106, -2.61986
Location: Clifton

William Pennington
From The Bristol Hotwell, by Vincent Waite:

The Bristol Hotwell was, of course, much smaller than the neighbouring spa of Bath, and it was in no s...