The Nobility in Chains

I’ve been reading a biography about Peg Woffington, an Irish actress and celebrity of the stage from the 1700’s. The biography was written by Janet Camden Lucey, and in it I found the passage below. It resonanted deeply with all that I have uncovered about the Thorn’s, and captures the essence of their lives. I was always curious why Herman was such a great patron of the arts, but I think I understand it better now. Despite all their wealth, they were terribly bound by their position, and perhaps had their own secret longings for more meaningful pursuits.

It was from the middle classes that the arts grew and fl0urished. The nobility, doomed to a life of splendour and idleness, could only play the role of patron, supporting the artist and occasionally inspiring him. To take part in these professions was as beneath them as entering a trade. Their time was spent in the King’s service, in politics, making the Grand Tour of Europe, tending their great country estates, gambling, reocording their love affairs, quarrels, debts, and divorces in letters and memoirs. The mass of people around them: artisans, labourers, shopkeepers, clearks, and street sellers were dismissed the beggars, rogues, and vagabonds as The Mob, inherently gin sodden, scurvy and idle.