Bibliograph

The Duchess Countess, the woman who scandalized eighteenth-century London, Catherine Ostler

Type

Label

The Duchess Countess, the woman who scandalized eighteenth-century London, Catherine Ostler

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 635-655)

resource.biographical

individual biography

Index

no index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The Duchess Countess

Nature of contents

bibliography

Responsibility statement

Catherine Ostler

Sub title

the woman who scandalized eighteenth-century London

Summary

As maid of honour to the Princess of Wales, Elizabeth Chudleigh enjoyed a luxurious life in the inner circle of the Hanoverian court. With her extraordinary style and engaging wit, she both delighted and scandalised the press and public. She would later even inspire William Thackeray when he was writing his classic Vanity Fair, providing the inspiration for the alluring social climber Becky Sharp. But Elizabeth's real story is more complex and surprising than anything out of fiction. A clandestine, candlelit wedding to the young heir to an earldom, a second marriage to a duke, a lust for diamonds and an electrifying appearance at a masquerade ball in a gossamer dress - it's no wonder that Elizabeth's eventual trial was a sensation. Charged with bigamy, an accusation she vehemently fought against, Elizabeth refused to submit to public humiliation and retire quietly

Target audience

adult

Classification