Flora 250: Get your tickets for the Grand Masquerade Ball

This year we’re celebrating the life of Dr William Withering, the Wellington-raised medic and botanist whose ground-breaking botany of the British Isles – or ‘Flora’ – was published 250 years ago in 1776. Thanks to the energy and ingenuity of all sorts of local groups and businesses, Flora 250 events are taking place throughout the year – and there’s a great one coming up in September.

The Grand Masquerade Ball will be held at The Cock Hotel on Saturday 12th September which, incidentally, was Dr Withering’s wedding anniversary. So, we’ll be imagining then scene in 1797 as William and his wife Helena celebrate 25 years of marriage surrounded by the great and the good of late 18th Century society. If you’re a Pride and Prejudice or Bridgerton fan, it’s a night not to be missed!

This isn’t an H2A event but one we suggested to team at The Cock Hotel, so we’re grateful to them for running with the idea and we want to help them make this an event to remember. Tickets are priced at £39.95 and include a three-course dinner, live music from Regency musicians and dancing led by the Gracechurch Historical Dancers from North Shropshire. To book, simply email Louise at The Cock Hotel: louise@thechw.co.uk

BUT WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Not many people have full Regency evening dress hanging up in their wardrobe, so don’t worry about going the whole hog. With a few simple items, you can get into the spirit of the occassion.

Gentlemen

Here in 1797 we’re at the very start of what we now call the Regency Era (although the Regency itself – when the Prince of Wales ruled on behalf of his incapacitated father, George III – didn’t begin until 1810). So in fashion terms, you can go one of two ways. Looking back into core 18th Century fashion, a gentleman would typically wear a tricorn hat and a powdered wig, or else wear his own hair long in a ponytail (think Poldark, the Scarlett Pimpernel, Dick Turpin). A more modern man at this time would would be wigless with shorter, curled hair, and tricorns were being replaced by early versions of the top hat (think Mr Darcy and Mr Bingham in Pride and Prejudice). So, some suggestions…

  • A black tricorn hat and/or white or grey wig from a party shop – or just style your own hair with some curling tongs
  • A plain white shirt: an oversized shirt works best. Hide or cut off the collar or, if you’re wearing it with stocks or cravat, wear the collar up (see the image of Colin Firth below). Just don’t fold the collar down – that’s a very 20th Century innovation!
  • A white neck tie (called stocks) made from a simple piece of white cotton or net curtain, or a cravat
  • A plain waistcoat will elevate the look.
  • Dark trousers, cut (or rolled up if you don’t want to sacrifice them!) just below the knee
  • Long socks pulled up to meet the trousers and pinned in place – thick stockings from a party shop would work, or even plain football socks.
  • Plain black or brown shoes – the more slender and simple, the better.

Ladies

Again, you can take inspiration from the earlier 18th Century fashions typified by the French Court (elaborate wigs, white make-up) or the emerging Regency fashions that emphasised a more natural elegance and simplicity. Suggestions include:

  • A long, plain dress, preferably in a light or pastel colour (this isn’t the dreary Victorian Era)
  • A simple necklace or pearl-style jewellery.
  • A flower fascinator, ribbon, elaborate feathers or other decorative hairpiece
  • A Marie-Antoinette-style party wig for a more theatrical look
  • Flat plimsol-style shoes or low heals.
  • Other accessories could include gloves, a fan, a shawl or wrap, or a bonnet.

Most important of all – remember your masks!

It’s a masquerade ball, so ideally bring a simple mask – this can either be attached with string or held on a stick. Again, these are fairly cheap to buy from party shops or you could make your own.

Don’t miss out

This should be a really fun evening, and perhaps the biggest Regency ball held in Wellington since, well, the Regency period. So, get the date in your diaries, tell your friends and book your tickets.

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