The Duchess Countess: The Woman Who Scandalized Eighteenth-Century London

More about the book

Outrageously scandalous and soaked in sex, money, and adventure, this gripping biography brings to life an extraordinary woman and her world. When Elizabeth Chudleigh, Duchess of Kingston, went on trial for bigamy in April 1776, the scandal captured more attention than the American War of Independence. Her clandestine marriage to a young heir, a second union with a Duke, and her dazzling appearance at a masquerade ball made her a sensation. Rather than retreating into obscurity, Elizabeth embarked on a Grand Tour of Europe, mingling with figures like the Pope and Catherine the Great. As maid of honour to Augusta, Princess of Wales, she thrived in the Hanoverian court, her exploits captivating the press and public alike. Writers, including Thackeray, drew inspiration from her, often portraying her as manipulative. Yet beneath this facade lay a complex story of resilience in the face of personal tragedy. This biography offers a fresh perspective on Elizabeth, exploring her refusal to conform to societal expectations. She was a multifaceted individual—brave, loving, and generous, yet also reckless and insecure—unwilling to surrender her power and adventures to men.