1818 Sept. 23

Things as they are

Introduction

Hanoverian Aristocracy

Morning Chronicle 23 Sept. 1818.

Rehburg in Hanover. The memory of the batle[ sic] of Belle-alliance, or Waterloo, was celebrated here, but in such a manner as to repress every thing like a common feeling of joy or patriotism. Hetel, the Landlord, had built a new and tastefully ornamented room for the bathing visitors, which was to be first opened to the public on this occasion. In this room the Noblesse of the neighbourhood, and a number of persons of respectability of the commonalty (Bürgerliethen Standes), were invited to a diner and ball. The Cook of the Neighbouring Monastery, Sachium[?], had the charge of the arrangement of the Table, and it was disposed in the shape of a horse shoe. When the seats were taken, it was so contrived that one half of the horse shoe was filled by the Noblesse, and the other by the commoners. This division put an end of course to all social enjoyment, and immediately after dinner, all the Commoners left the Room. A similar Event took place at this bathing place last year. For many years it had been the practice for the Visitors to assemble at the sound of the trumpet to tea in the great room, where the company partook of it in common; but last year the Commoners, on entering the room at the given signal, found the Noblesse already assembled in a circle, having taken their tea, so that they were obliged to entertain themselves apart, and to content themselves with the leavings of the others.