Westminster in 1712: A Description by Samuel Molyneux

Between 21 June and 3 July 1712 the Spectator published 11 thematically-linked essays entitled ‘the Pleasures of the Imagination’. ¹ For the middle classes such irresistible prose reinforced the case for a moral, philosophical and ideological approach towards art, architecture, history, literature and nature – attitudes that we today would regard as enlightened. However, amongst the well-educated elite such thoughts had long existed. Bonding high-art with power, wealthy connoisseurs forged an obsessive passion for collecting artworks and antiquities and, as a consequence, became duty bound to display their collections to interested third parties. One such connoisseur was Charles Montagu (1661–1715), later earl of Halifax, ² whose celebrated collection was kept in his grace-and-favour apartments in the Palace of Westminster. Of those who saw his collection only one published account was thought to have survived, that of William Nicolson, bishop of Carlisle. ³ Yet, the recent discovery of a copybook of letters originally written by the 23-year-old antiquarian, Samuel Molyneux, later secretary to the prince of Wales, describes not only a rare and privileged visit to Lord Halifax's apartments but also a first-hand account of his tour around the Palace of Westminster in December 1712.