Item 22: An Engraving by Unknown, Featured in Gen[telma]n’s Magazine, titled, “John Wilkes Esq; before the Court of King’s Bench", 1768 May
Item — Box: 6, Folder: 22
Dates
- Created: 1768 May
Creator
- The Gentleman's magazine. (Person)
Access:
All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.
Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Type of Material:
Engraving.
Condition Note:
Good.
Measurements:
8 ¼ in. x 7 ¾ in.
Title:
John Wilkes Esq; before the Court of King’s Bench
Description:
The following item, dated May 1768, depicts an engraving of John Wilkes (1725-1797) published in the Gentleman’s Magazine. The image depicts Wilkes appearing at trial before the Court of the King’s Bench. He is standing poised facing four judges with quills and scrolls laid out on the table before them where there is also a Scepter. On either side of the Judges’ table are crowds of spectators to the affair. This scene depicts the trial of John Wilkes (1725-1797) after returning to Britain from self-imposed exile in France. He had spent 5 years in continental Europe as a result of two of his works: The North Briton issue No. 45 and "An Essay on Women”. In the 45th issue of The North Briton, Wilkes criticizes King George III directly for his peace treaty ending the Seven Years’ War. His poem, “An Essay on Women,” a highly explicit provocative work, had been read by aloud to The House of Lords by John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich (1718-1792) in 1763. Sandwich did this as revenge on Wilkes for intentionally scaring him during a seance being performed by the Hellfire Club of which they were both members. The poem itself was dedicated to Fanny Murray who though having been married at the time, had been Sandwhich’s lover. This piece was featured in the May issue of The Gentleman’s Magazine which was a monthly digest of news, commentary, and recent events. The accompanying text provides a vivid account of Wilkes’ trial. It is described that Wilkes was brought before the Court of the King’s Bench under Capias Utlagatum, a writ allowing for a sheriff to apprehend and hold an outlawed individual. Wilkes’ request for bail was denied. By contrast there was much public action describes in Wilkes’ support. While en route to the King’s Bench Prison, a crowd stopped the coach he was in and helped him escape, however, he would willingly surrender himself again. Later at the prison crowds gathered and lit a bonfire, while the authorities feared the outbreak of violence the military guard arrived and dispersed the crowds.
Transcription:
Gent[leman] Mag[azine] May 1768
John Wilkes Esq; before the court of King’s Bench
Creator
- The Gentleman's magazine. (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu