[GEORGE IV (1762-1830, King of Great Britain)]

Manuscript Bulletin, saying "The King has had no rest during the night & His Majesty has found his respirations more embarrass'd, from time to time during the Night", 1 side 5¾" x 7¼" laid down by one corner on plain leaf 11" x 8", no place, 'Saturday One O'clock,' 19th June brown shadow from old mending tape across horizontal fold which has been skilfully removed, leaving the writing entirely clear

George IV's heavy drinking and indulgent lifestyle had taken its toll on his health by the late 1820s. His taste for huge banquets and copious amounts of alcohol caused him to become obese, making him the target of ridicule. Furthermore, he suffered from gout, arteriosclerosis, cataracts and possible porphyria; he would spend whole days in bed and suffered spasms of breathlessness that would leave him half-asphyxiated. He died at about half-past three in the morning of 26 June 1830 at Windsor Castle; he called out "Good God, what is this?" clasped his page's hand and said "my boy, this is death."

Item Date:  1830

Stock No:  53788      £125

             Add to Wish List     Order/Enquire