Westminster in 1712: A Description by Samuel Molyneux

Holden, Paul

Westminster in 1712: A Description by Samuel Molyneux

Resource type

Journal article

Creator (person)

Holden, Paul

Date published

October 2010

Abstract

Between 21 June and 3 July 1712 the Spectator published 11 thematically-linked essays entitled 'the Pleasures of the Imagination'. For the middle classes such irresistible prose reinforced the case for a moral, philosophical and ideological approach towards art, architecture, history, literature and nature - attitudes that we today would regard as enlightened. However, amongst the well-educated elite such thoughts had long existed. Bonding high-art with power, wealthy connoisseurs forged an obsessive passion for collecting artworks and antiquities and, as a consequence, became duty bound to display their collections to interested third parties. One such connoisseur was Charles Montagu (1661-1715), later earl of Halifax, whose celebrated collection was kept in his grace-and-favour apartments in the Palace of Westminster. Of those who saw his collection only one published account was thought to have survived, that of William Nicolson, bishop of Carlisle. Yet, the recent discovery of a copybook of letters originally written by the 23-year-old antiquarian, Samuel Molyneux, later secretary to the prince of Wales, describes not only a rare and privileged visit to Lord Halifax's apartments but also a first-hand account of his tour around the Palace of Westminster in December 1712.