*review copy*
King Charles II of England, Scotland and Ireland famously left no legitimate children with his wife, Catherine of Braganza. However, he did leave plenty of illegitimate children fathered with his many mistresses. Linda Porter, who has also written about one of my favourite Queens – Queen Mary I, writes most skilfully about Charles’s mistresses.
The one I knew least about was the mother of his eldest son, Lucy Walter, and I was happy to learn more about her and the early years of her son, who later became Duke of Monmouth and led an ill-fated rebellion. Lucy was long dead and forgotten by then, although their son claimed that his parents were married and he was thus the rightful heir to the throne. He never managed to produce any evidence.
Better known for being Charles’s mistresses were Barbara Villiers, Nell Gwyn and Louise de Kérouaille. Barbara’s “reign” lasted quite long, and she produced a number of children who were recognised by Charles. However, her presence at court was loathed by Charles’s wife, Catherine. Both women had children with the King, and their lines, like Barbara’s, last to today. The rivalry among the women is quite interesting to read about, and Linda sure makes it a fun read.
From Nell Gwyn’s famous “protest whore” quote to the woman that got away, Mistresses brings to life a wide range of women from different backgrounds who all ended up at the Stuart court.
Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter is available now in both the UK and the US.
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