A GLITTERING fancy dress party at Madresfield Court was one of the most prominent news items in the Malvern Gazette 100 years ago.

"Many brilliant functions have taken place at Madresfield Court from time to time," began the report, "but few more picturesque than the fancy-dress ball which was given last night by the Earl and Countess Beauchamp, and which was attended by a large and fashionable gathering.

"The ball was organised on a scale of magnificence and splendour, and it was charmingly effective. Picturesque and fascinating was the scene as the wearers of the handsome dresses and costumes circled over the glassy floor of the ball room to the strains of a valse which was irresistibly dreamy."

The decoration of the rooms at the court were closely described, and clearly no expense had been spared: "No less than a thousand bunches of roses were used . . . and one hundred eight candlepower lamps."

The grounds were also illuminated, with hundreds of many-hued lights sparkling among the bushes and flower-beds.

The report took up two columns of the newspaper and much of it was devoted to a list of all there and what they wore.

The Duchess of Westminster appeared as the Empress Josephine and Viscountess Cobham as Mary Tudor.

A Mr Ernest Day appeared in the guise of Sir Walter Raleigh and his wife was punningly costumed as "Night".

The guests kept dancing to the music of Herr Wurm's famous band until gone 3am.