The present-day ‘Mall’ was a road made of crushed cockle-shells, used in the seventeenth century for a croquet-like game, called pall-mall, and in the eighteenth century for fashionable strolling. This painting draws attention to the colourful variety and (for the most part) elegance of London society. The King’s son and heir, Frederick, Prince of Wales mingles happily with the throng.