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Nell GwynEnglish actress and mistress of Charles II
Date of Birth: 02.02.1650
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- A Life of Royal Scandal: Nell Gwynne, Mistress of King Charles II
- The Rise of a Comedy Star
- The King's Mistress
- Royal Children and the Later Years
- Legacy and Remembrance
- Interesting Trivia
- - Nell Gwynne is immortalized in Virginia Woolf's novel "Orlando."
A Life of Royal Scandal: Nell Gwynne, Mistress of King Charles II
Early Life and the Influence of the TheatreEleanor Gwynne was born into poverty in Hereford on February 2, 1650. Her father, a retired soldier, died in a debtors' prison when she was young. She spent her early childhood in a brothel run by her mother, where she was employed as a barmaid at the age of thirteen.
In the early 1660s, Gwynne began working at the Theatre Royal in Bridges Street (now the Drury Lane Theatre) as an orange-seller. Her lively personality and witty banter made her a memorable figure among theatregoers, and caught the attention of the theater's owner, Mr. Hart. He recognized her theatrical potential and offered her training as an actress.
The Rise of a Comedy Star
Trained by talented actors, Gwynne made her acting debut in March 1665 in John Dryden's play "The Indian Emperor." While her dramatic talent was evident, she truly excelled in comedic roles. Her performances earned her critical acclaim and the admiration of audiences.
The King's Mistress
Gwynne's career at court began with her affair with the courtier Charles Sackville. In 1668, through the influence of the Duke of Buckingham, she was introduced to King Charles II. Despite initially playing a secondary role to Barbara Villiers, Gwynne quickly became one of the king's most prominent mistresses.
Royal Children and the Later Years
Gwynne gave birth to two illegitimate children by Charles II: Charles (born May 8, 1670) and James (born December 25, 1671). The king later granted Charles the title of Duke of St. Albans. After Charles' death in 1685, his successor James II allowed Gwynne to live in peace and comfort, honoring the king's request not to let her starve.
Legacy and Remembrance
Nell Gwynne died from a stroke at the age of 37 on November 14, 1687. She was buried at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Her funeral drew a large crowd, and she remains known among the British as "pretty, witty Nell."
Interesting Trivia
- Through the Dukes of St. Albans, Nell Gwynne is an ancestor of Samantha Cameron, wife of former British Prime Minister David Cameron.
- It is believed that Gwynne encouraged King Charles to allow women to perform on stage, breaking with tradition where male actors portrayed female characters.
