WILLIAM IV (1765-1837, King of Great Britain)

Fine Autograph Letter Signed 'William' as Duke of Clarence to 'Dear Sir' annotated on the verso as to Captain Sir Henry J. LEEKE (1792-1870, Royal Navy Officer who went on to be 3rd Naval Lord, MP for Dover) saying that "The Marquis of Hastings having most kingly taken charge of the baggage of my and the Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Fusiliers now at Corfu and of Lady Augusta Fitz Clarence I will thank you to receive their various packages on board the Herald ..", 1 side 4to., Bushey House, 14th June

From 1791 William lived with an Irish actress, Dorothea Bland, better known by her stage name, Mrs. Jordan, the title "Mrs." being assumed at the start of her stage career to explain an inconvenient pregnancy. William had grown up under the Royal Marriages Act 1772, which forbade descendants of George II from marrying unless they either obtained the monarch's consent or, if over the age of 25, gave twelve months' notice to the Privy Council. Several of George III's sons, including William, chose to cohabit with the women they loved, rather than seek a wife. George III accepted his son's relationship with the actress (though recommending that he halve her allowance) and in 1797, he created William Ranger of Bushy Park, which included a large residence, Bushy House, for William's growing family. William used Bushy as his principal residence until he became king.
Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of HASTINGS (1754-1826), was an Anglo-Irish politician and military officer who served as Governor-General of India from 1813 to 1823.
Lady Augusta GORDON, née FitzClarence (1803-1865) was the fourth illegitimate daughter of William IV.

Item Date:  1809

Stock No:  41300      £375

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