| Citation |
VGW(HU.769.082
13 Jul 1769:13 (947)
A gentleman from Bath confirms the news of the riot among
the Belles and Beaux; and give us the following farther
particulars: It began first upon Mr. Plomer's ordering a
bench to be set for some ladies who came in late, before
another that was full. The Hon. Mrs. O, a warm friend of
Major Brereton, insisted if it was put before her, she would
sit upon it; upon which one of the ladies, for whom it was
brought, pushed her off, and this insult was returned by
Mrs. O with a back handed blow on the head that brought her
antagonist to the floor. And then began the dreadful
conflict; the gentlemen, who wear no swords at Bath, fell to
fisty cuffs, the ladies to pulling one another's caps, so
that the floor was presently covered with bags and
solitaires, laced ruffles, ladies caps, toupees, &c. Many
ladies fainted away, some turned sick and puked upon their
neighbours; in short, such a scene of confusion is never
remembered to have been exhibited by so genteel a company
before. The magistrates were engaged at the Town-Hall for
some hours afterward in taking information of assault and
battery.
A correspondent informs us that the disputes at Bath
concerning the succession to the office of Master of the
Ceremonies, are at length concluded. Captain Wade being
unanimously elected. Five hundred pounds of the surplus of
the ball subscriptions for the present season is allowed to
Major Brereton; and Mrs. Brereton is appointed a benefit
ball every season, which Captain Wade obliges himself to
make equal to 200 L per annum, if the receipts of the night
should fall short of that sum. The ball subscription is
settled for the future at three guineas, instead of two.
The guinea extraordinary to be applied to the use of the
Master of the Ceremonies. . .
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