Toastmaster & Master of Ceremonies
The role of Toastmaster has been a unique position in English society for more than 300 years. It's recognisable history began in Bath with Richard 'Beau' Nash in 1705.
Soon after arriving in Bath, Nash became assistant to the City's then Master of the Ceremonies, King Webster. After Websters death, Nash was appointed Master of the Ceremonies, a position he held for over 56 years and the reign of 3 monarchs. Nash wore a coloured frock coat, knee breeches, black stockings and black silver-buckled shoes. He used a black cane which he would bang on the floor to gain attention. This stayed the accepted dress code until towards the end of the 19th century.
In 1894, William Knightsmith, a Toastmaster of repute, was becoming increasingly incensed at being addressed as waiter by members of the assembled company he was attending to. It was at this point that his wife suggested changing the colour of his coat to make him stand out.
So, at the Freemasons Tavern (later the Connaught Rooms) in that same year, he first wore his new scarlet coat. Other Toastmasters who saw it, ridiculed him and thought it a joke.
It was later seen by the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward the Seventh) who led the applause and approved of the colour and within a year, virtually all the Toastmasters in London were wearing the 'hunting pink' coat.
Like Nash, Knightsmith served 3 generations of Monarchs appearing before 7 kings, many princes and innumerable aristocrats.
