The “Pope” of Holland House
John Whishaw to Thomas Smith, 15 July 1817
July 15, 1817.
Brougham made an unfortunate finale on Friday, and gave occasion to the best speeches from Canning and Castlereagh which they had made during the Session.
Lady Holland writes from Brussels that their
journey has been very prosperous, but that she fears they must go to Holland by
Gorcum on account of the bad roads by Nimeguen and Bois le Duc. The French and
English Governments and the Duke of
Wellington insist upon all the Napoleonists being expelled
from the Netherlands before the 14th of August.
Henry Peter Brougham, first baron Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868)
Educated at Edinburgh University, he was a founder of the
Edinburgh
Review in which he chastised Byron's
Hours of Idleness; he
defended Queen Caroline in her trial for adultery (1820), established the London University
(1828), and was appointed lord chancellor (1830).
George Canning (1770-1827)
Tory statesman; he was foreign minister (1807-1809) and prime minister (1827); a
supporter of Greek independence and Catholic emancipation.
Elizabeth Fox, Lady Holland [née Vassall] (1771 c.-1845)
In 1797 married Henry Richard Fox, Lord Holland, following her divorce from Sir Godfrey
Webster; as mistress of Holland House she became a pillar of Whig society.
