Penelope J. Corfield on the Georgians and the Aristocracy of Talent
A talk hosted by the Ealing Branch of the Historical Association
English trade card for Huguenot Philip Fruchard, coal merchant, London.© The Trustees of British Museum
March 25, 2024
The next meeting of the Ealing Branch of the Historical Association will be looking at changing cultural attitudes in Georgian Britain.
There will be a talk titled, ‘Who Formed Britain's "New Aristocracy of Talent" in the Eighteenth Century - and What Did Their Advent Signify?’ by Penelope J. Corfield who is Emeritus Professor at Royal Holloway, London University; and President of the International Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (2019-23). Her most recent book is The Georgians: The Deeds & Misdeeds of Eighteenth-Century Britain (Yale UP, 2022; pbk 2023).
It is taking place on Tuesday 9 April, 7.30 pm at Ealing Green Church, The Green W5 5QT. To reserve a place click here. Doors will open ten minutes before the commencement.
Georgian Britain was experiencing considerable social change, with the expansion of towns, trade and industry. In that context, a further indicator of changing cultural attitudes was seen in the multiplying chorus of calls for the traditional ‘Aristocracy of Birth and Blood’ to be replaced by a new ‘Aristocracy of Talent’. This illustrated lecture shows how a new ideal of Meritocracy was emerging, complete with debates as to how to find true social Merit – a theme with continuing topical relevance.
Visitors are welcome with a suggested donation of £5 per talk and no charge for students.
You can become a member of either the national organisation of the Historical Association (which includes local membership) for £65 per year (£43 concessions) or a local member for just £15 a year. You will then receive regular emails or newsletters about the association’s activities.
For more details of the association’s programme of talks for the coming season visit its web site.
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