The Death of Nell Gwynne
The preeminent Restoration actress and infamous Royal mistress died in 1687 at the age of 37. Jane Hoare describes how Charles II had left her well provided.
The story of the most notorious of English royal mistresses is largely composed of gossip and legend. Some records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, recently unearthed in the Public Record Office, lend substance to the shadow. The contents of the will and two codicils (as proved) have long been public knowledge, but the papers relating to the law suit conducted over her estate by her sister have been hidden away for three hundred years.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.