ROMANCE AT COURT with John Wiltshire

During the months of the King’s madness, courtiers were under virtual house arrest. This talk tells the story of a previously hidden, and ultimately tragic, romantic relationship between Frances and Colonel Digby, the Queen’s vice-chancellor, during this time of intense stress. 

JOHN WILTSHIRE is Emeritus Professor at La Trobe University. He is the author of numerous books about Jane Austen, and has edited Mansfield Park for the authoritative Cambridge edition, among others, and is currently preparing one on Frances Burney and medical experience. John has been a regular lecturer at The Johnston Collection since 2008.

artist unknown, (English School), portrait miniature (of an unknown Officer of the 22nd Regiment of Foot), England, circa 1795, watercolour on ivory | 80 x 60 x 5 mm, (A0801-1989, Foundation Collection)