On November sixth the vote in the House of Lords against the Queen was slim, and would only be weaker in the House of Commons. The Lords considered removing the divorce clause. Removal would increase the likelihood of passage. Brougham, and Denman pushed to retain it and insure the Bill’s defeat. The Government saw that it had failed and withdrew the entire Bill. The crowds in the streets saw this as a victory. There were illuminations all over the city and a solemn service of Thanksgiving in St. Paul’s Cathedral. Then, on March 3, 1821, the Queen accepted the original offer, made before the riots, parades and demonstrations, of 50,000 pounds a year for life. Immediately, Caroline lost her standing as a symbol of the oppressed, and Brougham, Denman and the Whigs dropped her.On Coronation Day, July 19, 1821, Caroline led her own little demonstration. She was barred from Westminster Abbey, but went from door to door trying to get inside. Amid all of the pomp, she looked undignified – silly, even. Brougham and Denman were seated inside with their wives and the other dignitaries. The government spent 243,000 pounds to dignify the Crown through this ceremony and the people were enjoying the spectacle. When she gave up and drove away, there were no cheers, only a few shouts: “Go away!”
LC28 2
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