In a conversation elsewhere yesterday I was reminded of Beau Nash who was the style leader in Bath at the time of the Prince Regent. He also organised the social life of the place. He was a Dandy figure and an echo of Beau Brummel in London...
This made me wonder about other 'Beaus' of the period who might now be forgotten -
Were there provincial Beaus acting as style leaders and organisers of social life in the other Regency Spa towns?
Brighton, Cheltenham, Leamington Spa, Harrogate, Tunbridge Wells... ?
It sounds possible.
It would be a nice job for a Dandy historian to rediscover the lost Beaus of the period. I bet there are stories out there somewhere that are worth knowing.
I like the idea of Beau Brummel in London setting the pace and then all across the country other elegant young men following his lead and improving the 'tone' of their own local areas by their good example. A civilising force.
Who knows?