In my next Regency release, Turbulent Beginnings the hero and heroine visit Vauxhall Gardens for a masquerade. Kate Bancroft’s long-lost father comes in search for her in the gardens, but there are selfish motives behind his hunt to find her.
Wearing masks to conceal ones identity has been around for centuries. The first noted masquerade was held in Italy during the Renaissance in the 15thcentury, but there were masquerades held during the 14thcentury during Europe’s carnival season. It is said that John Heidegger, a Swiss count, held the first masquerade in London in the 18thcentury. Masquerades were generally held for members of the upper classes, and often times held for royalty by the masses to welcome them to the city. But in the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens general admission was offered to all classes.
The masquerade became a form of entertainment and they varied depending on who was throwing the masquerade. Being anonymous added an air of excitement for the guests. Masquerades were usually held in the evening and had a lively atmosphere full of mystery and intrigue. Music, food, drink, and dancing played a crucial role. Sometimes gambling was permitted or performers would entertain the guests.
Of course these lavish events came with controversy, as some in society were leery of a person being able to slip into another social class. They found these events immoral and scandalous. Some feared gender roles and societal norms could be corrupted by the masquerade ball. There was a decline in masquerades due to the increase in public morals and the anti-masquerade movement. The movement was primarily led by clergymen, pamphleteers, and journalists who tried to sway authoritative and public opinion.
At a masquerade everyone had to be disguised and there was a strict code of verbal behavior. If a person approached a masked guest they would address them by the phrase “I know you” or “Do you know me?” This was necessary to initiate conversation. Masks were usually removed after the meal or after midnight.
Dominos were worn by both sexes and were of Venetian origin. These costumes were worn at masque balls and were usually made of brocade, satin, or silk. The domino was a type of cape with a hood and wide sleeves. They were usually black in color, but white and blue dominos were also worn. The domino mask was generally small and round in shape, covering the area around the eyes and the top of the nose, nevertheless there were people who donned full-face masks. Some masks were held to the face by a wooden rod. The masks were black or white and often decorated with designs or patterns.
According to the Picture of London, masquerades were known to be held in the Argyle Rooms, the Opera House, and the Pantheon, but not all were public affairs and private masquerades also took place. Many of the guests would often dress in costume and arrive as sailors, Roman empresses, priests, and much more. Masquerade parties were held for many occasions and were as varied as the parties held today. They were also quite popular during Colonial America.
To read more on Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens: https://lahilden.com/vauxhall-pleasure-gardens-in-regency-england/
A special thank you to: https://georgianera.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/18th-century-masquerade-balls/, https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/discover/masquerades-pleasure-gardens, https://www.historicalfancydress.com/2011/08/the-classic-domino.html, http://umich.edu/~ece/student_projects/masquerade/commonalities.html
