King George IV Signed Royalty Document Lord Chancellor Baron Gifford Robert Peel

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King George IV Signed Royalty Document Lord Chancellor Baron Gifford Robert Peel:
$2645.59

This exceptionally rare and historically significant British royal manuscript appointment commission, dating to February 7, 1824, is an extraordinary artifact issued under the authority of His Majesty King George IV of England.

Bearing the bold, hand-signed signature "George R," this document stands as an authentic testament to the governance and political landscape of early 19th-century Britain. Countersigned by Sir Robert Peel, who served as Home Secretary at the time and would later become one of the most influential Prime Ministers in British history, this document formally appoints Baron Lord Gifford to act in place of the Lord Chancellor in the House of Lords. This appointment occurred during a pivotal era marked by significant political and judicial reforms that shaped the course of British governance.

Measuring 12.25 by 15.5 inches, this four-page document is crafted on laid paper, a hallmark of official state correspondence of the period. Despite the passage of nearly two centuries, it remains in commendable condition, with minor paper loss and age-related markings that enhance its authenticity without compromising its legibility or historical integrity. A striking feature is the watermark displaying King George IV's royal cipher, affirming its official provenance. Equally remarkable is the original wax paper seal of George IV, intricately embossed with the royal coat of arms and crown, which underscores its status as a formal state document of considerable significance.

King George IV (17621830), known for his opulent tastes and fervent support of the arts, reigned during a transformative period in British history. His reign, spanning from 1820 until his death in 1830, followed his tenure as Prince Regent during the incapacitation of his father, King George III. This era witnessed substantial political developments, including the early stages of Catholic emancipation and judicial reforms, laying the groundwork for legislative changes that would resonate throughout the British Empire. The presence of Sir Robert Peels signature further elevates the document's historical importance. Peel, renowned for founding the modern British police force and his leadership during the repeal of the Corn Laws, played a pivotal role in shaping Britain's political and economic landscape.

This authentic royal commission is not merely a document; it is a tangible connection to the intricate workings of Britains parliamentary history and the influential figures who steered its course. Collectors of British monarchy memorabilia, parliamentary artifacts, and legal history will find this piece an invaluable addition to their collections. Its impeccable provenance, distinguished signatures, and preserved condition make it a prestigious artifact suitable for museum exhibitions, historical archives, or esteemed private collections. This document embodies the enduring legacies of King George IV and Sir Robert Peel, offering a profound glimpse into the governance and judicial appointments of early 19th-century Britain.

Complete Transcription of the Document:

Our Will and Pleasure is that you forthwith cause a Commission to be prepared for Our Royal Signature to pass Our Great Seal authorizing and appointing Our Right Trusty and Wellbeloved Counsellor Robert Baron Gifford, Our Chief Justice of Our Court of Common Pleas, to use, occupy, and enjoy during Our Pleasure the room and place of Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper in Our Upper House of Parliament now holden at Westminster amongst the Lords Spiritual and Temporal there assembled, and to do and execute all such things as the said Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper of the Great Seal should or might do, if he were personally present, using and supplying the same room. And you are to cause a Clause to be inserted in the said Commission authorizing and determining the same, hereby the late Royal Father King George the Third authorized and appointed His Right Trusty and Wellbeloved Counsellor Sir Charles Abbott Knight, His Chief Justice of judgment to hold Pleas before him, to use, occupy, and enjoy during His Pleasure the Room and Place of a Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper in Our said Upper House of Parliament, and such other Clause as are requisite in Commissions of this nature. And for so doing this shall be your Warrant.

Given at Our Court at Carlton House the Seventh Day of February 1824, in the Fifth Year of Our Reign.

To Our Right Trusty and Right Wellbeloved Cousin and Counsellor John Earl of Eldon, Our Chancellor of Great Britain.

By His Majestys Command,

Signed: Robert Peel