By John D Ellis
King George IV’s three week visit to Ireland in 1821 was carefully planned to avoid any opportunity for demonstrations of dissent in a country undergoing significant social, political and religious tension. When the Scottish artist William Turner de Londe (1767-1826) painted George IV, King of England entering Dublin (1821) the monarchical cavalcade, urban setting and welcoming crowds represented imperialism, an improving nation and unity.[1]www.irishartsreview.com/articles/on-parade/ It was an interpretation of Ireland intended to appeal to patrons of his work – the “nobility, gentry and respectable inhabitants” of Limerick, who subsequently purchased the painting for £45.[2]http://www.irishartsreview.com/articles/on-parade/
George IV’s military escort was provided by a squadron of the ‘3rd (The King’s Own) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons’ (then quartered in Dublin) and the regimental band and trumpeters mounted on white horses. Preceding them is the 3rd‘s Kettle Drummer.[3]www.historycalroots.com/henry-mcgilchrist-kettle-drummer-of-the-3rd-kings-own-dragoons/ and Cannon, R. “The Third or The King’s Own Regiment of Light Dragoons containing an account of the … Continue reading
When viewed in detail (see below), it is clear that the Kettle Drummer does not represent a specific individual. However, he does represent a Black soldier present at the occasion, and who the records of the 3rd facilitate the identification of. The 3rd employed Black military musicians as kettle-drummers between 1772 and 1829, and in 1821 the role belonged to George James. Born on the Coast of Guinea (Africa) c.1796 (there is some doubt to the year of his birth), he enlisted at Guildford in 1810. On enlistment he was 5/0” tall (growing to 5/5 and ½” by the age of 24), with a black complexion, black eyes and black hair. A labourer by occupation, he replaced Henry McGilchrist (a Jamaican) as Kettle-Drummer and served in the Peninsular Campaign.[5]http://www.historycalroots.com/henry-mcgilchrist-kettle-drummer-of-the-3rd-kings-own-dragoons/
George James died in March 1825 whilst the regiment was stationed in Coventry, and was buried at the Cathedral Church of St Michael, more commonly known as Coventry Cathedral.[7]http://www.historycalroots.com/henry-mcgilchrist-kettle-drummer-of-the-3rd-kings-own-dragoons/ Between 1826 and 1829 the role of Kettle Drummer was undertaken by Joseph Heaney, who had been born in Washington, USA c.1808.[8]http://www.historycalroots.com/henry-mcgilchrist-kettle-drummer-of-the-3rd-kings-own-dragoons/
References