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The Pleasures & Miseries Of London

September 1, 2024
by the gentle author

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Written anonymously and published in 1820, The Tour of Dr Syntax Through the Pleasures & Miseries of London was one of a popular series of comedies featuring the idiosyncratic Dr Syntax, a character originated by William Coombe and drawn by Thomas Rowlandson. These plates are believed to be the work of Robert Cruikshank, father of George Cruikshank.

Dr Syntax & his Spouse plan their trip to London

Setting out for London

Arriving in London

Robbed in St Giles High St

A Promenade in Hyde Park

A Flutter at a Gaming House

At an Exhibition at the Royal Academy

At a Masquerade

In St Paul’s Churchyard on a Wet & Windy Day

Inspecting the Bank of England

Presented to the King at Court

A Night at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

A Visit to the House of Commons

A Trip behind the Scenes at the Opera

A Lecture at the London Institution

Going to Richmond on a Steam Boat

Reading his Play in the Green Room

Overshoots London Bridge & pops overboard into the Thames

Images courtesy of Bishopsgate Institute

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George Cruikshank’s London Almanack 1835

2 Responses leave one →
  1. September 1, 2024

    Oh dear — How I WISH they had stayed at home. Just look at the two of them in their cozy cottage, having their customary tea; the little cat begging for their attention — or more likely, pleading with them to remain. (cats always know best……………….) From the first moment, when the Mrs. is bumping along on the back of the horse (lordy), the whole trip looks like an imminent disaster.
    Poor lady, she goes through numerous wardrobe changes yet always looks like she is barely keeping up. In fact, she got left out of a couple of the outings. Perhaps languishing in the hotel, with a headache, or homesickness? Doctor, please DO tell your wife it is time to re-pack her trunk — with the feathers, parasols, corsets, ruffles, bonnets and silks — and head back home. Alas.

  2. Jo N permalink
    September 1, 2024

    Thank you, I love this – as a guide at the Soane museum I feel like I live in Regency London myself a lot of the time. Nice to see they went to inspect his Bank of England.

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