The Century That Made Us - Beau Brummell

19 June, 2006 by The_Boss

Monday 19th June 2006 9.00pm BBC FOUR

James Purefoy stars as the ultimate man about town in Beau Brummell - This Charming Man, a fast-paced period drama for BBC Four's The Century That Made Us season
Many consider the "celebrity" a modern-day phenomenon. However, 200 years before "it" celebrities graced the covers of gossip magazines and TV screens, a curious character named George Bryan Brummell, or "Beau Brummell", was cutting a dash and causing a stir amongst the glitterati of London.

This fascinating drama retells the story of the rise and fall of one of London's most infamous characters and features the stellar cast of James Purefoy, Hugh Bonneville as the Prince Regent and Phil Davis as Beau's trusty and long-suffering manservant.

Beau rose to fame in Regency England because of his friendship with the Prince Regent. He mixed with the best London had to offer and consorted with the finest ladies and the most risqué gentlemen. His individual style of dress led to the trend for beautifully cut clothing adorned with neckwear which later became known as "Dandyism", and is credited with being the forerunner to today's suit and tie.

Like many of his modern-day celebrity counterparts, Beau's meteoric rise to fame was tempered by a spectacular fall. An argument with the Prince Regent led to his disfavour in society and he fled England in 1816 after amassing debts totalling thousands of pounds. Penniless, he died of syphilis in France in 1840.

George Bryan Brummell was born on 7 June 1778 in Downing Street, London, possibly in No. 10 or 11.
Although celebrated for his looks, Beau never sat for a full-length portrait. Many believe this is because, as a teenager, he fell from his horse and broke his nose very badly.
Beau Brummell was "chevalier d'honneur" (or best man) at the Prince Regent's wedding. They remained friends for 15 years.
Brummell's inspiration for the "Dandy" look came from history; he was inspired by Greek warriors. Beau believed men's fashions should follow classical lines that flatter the body.

Meyer (late Meyer and Mortimer) of London pioneered, with Brummell, the modern trouser. They are still trading on Sackville Street in London.
Such was the fame of Brummell that even his tobacconists sold out of any snuff brand to which he lent his name.

Although lauded for his acerbic wit and "put downs", Brummell actually suffered from debilitating depression for most of his life. He called this affliction his "blue devils". Depression is common in sufferers of syphilis.