Claire Gervat

Biography of one of the 18th century's most colourful characters.

The Scandalous Life of an Eighteenth-Century Duchess

Elizabeth

The fascinating and delightfully entertaining story of the eighteenth century beauty and bigamist -- Elizabeth Chudleigh. In 1743 Elizabeth Chudleigh, an exceptional beauty, was appointed maid of honour to Augusta, Princess of Wales. She was soon surrounded by a crowd of admirers. The next year, in a secret ceremony, she married John Hervey, a naval lieutenant and brother of the Earl of Bristol. Hervey immediately returned to sea, and by 1747 their marriage was effectively over. Elizabeth continued to revel in court life, letting herself be known as “Miss Chudleigh.” Causing raised eyebrows at her frivolous behaviour, she became known for the best parties in London. She also became mistress to the Duke of Kingston. In 1768, when Hervey asked for a divorce, Elizabeth refused him, fearing a scandal. All the same she was keen to marry the Duke of Kingston, and in February 1769 she won a case in the ecclesiastical courts, which ruled her a spinster. She and the duke were married by special license soon after. When the duke died in 1773, his nephew, furious that he hadn’t been the main beneficiary of his uncle’s will, leveled a charge of bigamy against Elizabeth. The trial took place in the House of Lords in 1776 and attracted tremendous attention. After five days of a packed House of Lords, with counterfeit tickets on sale due to the demand, Elizabeth was found guilty of bigamy, overturning the ecclesiastical court ruling. But Hervey’s brother, the Earl of Bristol had died, passing his title on to Hervey, so Elizabeth escaped punishment by claiming the benefit of peerage. She spent the rest of her life in Europe buying properties in France and St. Petersburg, where she charmed Catherine the Great and set up a brandy distillery.

The Scandalous Life of the Duchess of Kingston

Francesca Gavin

Old-world charm and new-wave attitude make London the quintessential city of the new millennium. Hip bistros, trend-setting restaurants, fine art, and a fabulous nightlife scene keep the city on the cusp of modern culture. Today's savvy travelers rely on NIGHT+DAY London -- with its opinionated listings, insightful descriptions, and witty, intelligent writing -- to get the sophisticated edge in travel. From the trendiest tables, hippest hotels, top shops and galleries to the hottest nightspots and coolest attractions, NIGHT+DAY London is packed with expert recommendations and insider tips. For discerning travelers, it's the details that make the difference. Night+Day signature sections include the "99 Best" of the city, three unique "Perfect Plan" itineraries, a "Cheat Sheet" of city essentials, a quick and concise "Black Book" index, maps, and more.

Claire Gervat

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