The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III. / From the Accession of George III. to the Twenty-Third Year of the Reign of Queen Victoria, Volume 2 Papyras Classics

← The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III. / From the Accession of George III. to the Twenty-Third Year of the Reign of Queen Victoria, Volume 2

Chapter 40

Derangement of His Majesty: Debates on the Regency

When the king prorogued parliament he appeared to be in his usual good state of health, but shortly after he became indisposed, and was advised by his physicians to try the mineral waters of Cheltenham. During his residence at Cheltenham his health greatly improved, but in the month of August, when he returned to Windsor, his disorder took an unfortunate turn, for symptoms of mental derangement appeared, which gradually increased, till he was no longer capable of attending to public business. His madness was also accompanied by a bilious fever, from which, for several days, his life was despaired of, as well as his reason. This event affected all classes, and caused great consternation at court and in the cabinet; it also gave rise to intrigue and strife among contending parties.