Lord Ravenscars Revenge

Author’s NoteIn January 1793 King George III appointed his son, the Prince of Wales, Colonel Commandant of the Tenth Light Dragoons. Formed in 1715 and previously known as Viscount Colham’s Regiment, it could not vie in seniority or martial traditions with the Coldstream Guards, of whom his brother, the Duke of York, was Colonel in Chief. But at least it became the most fashionable Regiment. George Bryan Brummell, having been given a Coronetcy in 1794, served for two years and was promoted to Captain. In 1794 the Industrial Revolution was taking place and in the North of England idle mechanics were seeking work and, unable to find it, took to rioting. Troops were used to put down the disturbances and one evening the Tenth Light Dragoons were warned to be ready to go North on their duties. The next morning Beau Brummell called on the Prince of Wales. “I have heard, Your Royal Highness, that we are ordered to Manchester,” he said. “You must be aware how disagreeable this would be to me.” While the Prince considered the horrors of provincial Garrison life, Brummell continued, “Besides, Sire, you would not be there! I am, therefore, with Your Royal Highness’s permission, determined to buy myself out!” The flattery worked. “Oh, by all means, Brummell,” the Prince replied. “Do as you please, do as you please!”