Description:Sir William corresponded with Granville, the second son of the Earl of Bath, his wife Lady Jane’s brother. The letters which William received from Granville show that he was involved in court life and interested in news from London. These letters are a valuable source of contemporary news and opinion.
One letter from Granville sends Sir William news of politics concerning an issue involving ‘Roman Catholicks’ and the role of ‘a free Parliament’. The letter also reports about life at Court and the personal lives of the Royal family. Granville writes:
‘As to other matters at Court I know of nothing considerable enough to be mentiond: the Queen is now very bigg, & in perfect health, the Princess has not yet recoverd her miscarriage, but is something better than she has been.’
Granville’s letter also tells us about seventeenth century theatre. He writes ‘the Town is as Empty of News as the Court: we have had a new play calld the Fall of darrius (written by Crown) by which the Poet though he could get no fame yet had a most extraordinary third day, by reason of the Kings presence at it’. Granville’s letter reflects the importance of Royal approval to playwrights living during this period.
More amusingly, Granville describes an incident involving an actress performing in the play. He writes ‘the first day of its acting Mrs Barrer was taken so violently ill in the middle of her part, that she was forct to be carried off & instead of dying in jest, was in danger of doing it in earnest’.
He concludes ‘we are promised this week another new play, of[f] Shadwells, calld the Alsatia Bully, which is very much commended by those who have had the private perusale of it’.
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