The 2nd Duke of Richmond’s Fireworks 1749

10th October 2024

Editorial copy taken from Woof! Edition 7, written by Clementine de la Poer Beresford, Curator of the Goodwood Collection.

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Bonfire Night

The 2nd Duke of Richmond would very much approve of the fireworks The Kennels is hosting for Bonfire Night this year. The Duke was an admirer of pyrotechnical extravaganzas, hosting his own magnificent display on 15 May 1749. Staged in the gardens of his London residence, Richmond House and on the adjoining Thames before an eager crowd that included King George II, the fireworks were a terrific success, launching the Duke to firework fame!

Amidst the thronging onlookers was Horace Walpole, who afterwards recalled that he had ‘never passed a more agreeable evening’. It got off to a splendid start with a concert on the river. The Duke himself took a starring role, entertaining those present by singing ‘God Save the King’ over the rails of the garden terrace. Then, rockets on the garden slope leading to the riverfront were set alight by nimble footed workmen, followed by shooting-star rockets that showered sparkling rain down onto the crowd, smaller water rockets, and spinning wheels. The display came to a dramatic climax with the illumination of a colourful classical pavilion on the top of the slope and two vertical illuminations either side. A hand-coloured engraving done shortly afterwards shows that an eclectic array of state-of-the art fireworks were exhibited.

The fireworks were, indeed, the best of their kind, fit for a royal display. They had originally been intended to be lit as part of a royal public celebration to celebrate the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle and the end of the War of the Austrian Succession. The King had commissioned Handel to compose a new piece of music to be played in Green Park before the colourful display. Unfortunately, rain showers meant many of the rockets refused to light, and those that did misfired causing chaos and setting light to anything in their path! Wet and soggy, the fireworks were put away amidst public grumblings over the event’s flop. 

Undeterred, the 2nd Duke of Richmond purchased them almost immediately and began planning his own extravaganza. If the weather held off, it would be a great and memorable occasion. Ostensibly, his display was staged to celebrate the peace and honour the Duke of Moderna, who was among those watching. The real explanation may have had more to do with the Duke’s recent reconcilement with his daughter, Lady Caroline Lennox, who had five years earlier eloped with the politician, Henry Fox. What better way to celebrate the family reunion than with a bang, and with all society watching! 

Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night
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