The Westminster Hunt

This is one of several prints during the long trial of Warren Hastings suggesting that Edward Thurlow, the Lord High Steward for the trial, may be far from independent and unbiassed, but (with the King's support) an ally and/or defender of Hastings against the attacks of the Whig-led impeachment commission.

In this "Westminter Hunt" (so named because the trial was held in Westminster Hall) Hastings is portrayed as a combination wily fox and rapacious hyena with a full tail labeled "Diamonds & Rupees."—presumed by many as being used for bribes. He is seen followed closely by a pack of hounds consisting of (from right to left) Richard Brinsley Sheridan (identified by his collar "Drury Lane" where Sheridan was manager of the theater), Charles James Fox, the black hound with Fox's swarthy countenance, Philip Francis (identified with a collar labeled "Francis") Michael Angelo Taylor (in profile with a collar inscribed with his nickname since 1785 "Law Chick," Edmund Burke (with glasses, being squarely trod upon), and Lord North (either dead or sleeping). All of them but North were among Hasting's accusers in the impeachment trial that began in February of 1788.

The Lord High Steward of the trial, Edward Thurlow, is shown with a Justice's robe and wig, and a hunting cap, playing the role of "Whipper" the person responsible for managing the dogs during a hunt. Looking just at the image, one may be forgiven for thinking that he is whipping the pack to follow Hastings. But the barely visible words in front of his mouth (interestingly not enclosed in a speech bubble) "Back! Back!" suggests on the contrary that he is attempting to call off the dogs before they destroy the prey. What is clear, however, is that whatever Thurlow is doing has the support of the king who is portrayed as an ass (for allowing himself to be used?).

Fox hunts were, of course, a national sport in the 18th century, and there were numerous named "hunts" often held on an annual basis, such as the Bilsdale Hunt, so the hunt was a familiar metaphor which could easily be adapted to the latest political situation. In this print, Gillray may be remembering the 1784 print by William Dent, The Fox Hunt where both the King as ass and a wily fox (Charles James Fox) bear some resemblance to the corresponding figures in Gillray's design.

Sources and Reading

• Commentary from the British Museum on The Westminster Hunt.
• "Edward Thurlow, 1st Baron Thurlow," Wikipedia
• "Warren Hastings," Wikipedia
• "George III," Wikipedia
• "Charles James Fox," Wikipedia
• "Richard Brinsley Sheridan," Wikipedia
• "Edmund Burke," Wikipedia
• "Philip Francis (politician)," Wikipedia
• "Michael Angelo Taylor," Wikipedia
• "Impeachment of Warren Hastings," Wikipedia
• Thomas Wright and R.H. Evans, Historical and Descriptive Account of the Caricatures of James Gillray #35.
• Thomas Wright and Joseph Grego, The Works of James Gillray, the Caricaturist; With the History of His Life and Times, p. 97.