GEORGE IV (1762-1830). King of Great Britain and Ireland and king of Hanover.
Document Signed ('George P.R.') as Prince Regent, 4 pages folio, bound with green silk cord, Carlton House, 13 August 1819. Countersigned by the Home Secretary (later Prime Minister), Lord Sidmouth. Granting William Hudson letters patent for his invention of 'an improvement in Manufacture of Boots and Shoes ... for the term of fourteen Years'.
The document mentions that the patent is granted within England, Wales and the 'Town of Berwick upon Tweed'. It appears that even at this late date, it was considered prudent to specify Berwick as included, even though it had been part of England since the late 15th century.
The exact nature of Hudson's improvement is unknown, but any advance of a sartorial nature would be of interest to the Prince.
[No: 24535]