'Modes de Paris', 15 September 1839

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Described below the image:
Chapeau des Mns. de Mme. Dasse, r. Richelieu, 38, orné d'une fleur d'automne de Chagot. Passementerie, Spencer en mousseline et Jupon Ecossais, façon de Mme. Landry, cité d'Antin, 7. Echarpe et Dentelle en cachemire de Mme. Violard, r. Choiseul, 2. (Bonnet from Madame Dasse's shops, trimmed with an autumn flower from Chagot. Braid trimmings, muslin spencer and tartan skirt made by Madame Landry. Scarf and lace from Madame Violard).

Events of 1839back to top

Current affairs

The Bedchamber crisis strains relations between the government and the monarchy, after Queen Victoria refuses to dismiss her Whig-appointed ladies of the bedchamber at the request of the new, Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Peel resigns and Melbourne returns as Prime Minister.
The Grand National is first held at the Aintree race course, won by the horse Lottery, and the first Henley Royal Regatta, the rowing event, is held on the Thames.

Art and science

The French and British scientists Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot separately publicise their experiments with the new form of photography.
The prolific journalist Harriet Martineau publishes her three decker novel Deerbrook, the story of middle class country life.

International

The first Opium War with China is sparked after the British government refuses to try six British soldiers accused of killing a Chinese man protecting a temple from looters. Relations were strained as Britain had promoted the drug opium in China to boost trade. Winning the war, Britain secured vital trading rights.
African captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolt, resulting in a highly publicised court case.

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