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The Duchess Countess: The Woman Who Scandalized Eighteenth Century London
This “funny, intelligent, witty, profound” (Andrew Roberts, New York Times bestselling author) look at the stylish and scandalous Elizabeth Chudleigh, Duchess of Kingston—a woman whose adventurous life led to an infamous bigamy trial that was bigger news in British society than the American War of Independence—provides a clear-eyed and fascinating look into the sumptuous Georgian Era.
As maid of honor 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 scandalized 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.
Perfect for fans of The Duchess and Women of Means, this long overdue and evocative biography reappraises Elizabeth’s remarkable story, and out of the past comes an incredibly modern woman who defied society’s expectations of her.
As maid of honor 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 scandalized 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.
Perfect for fans of The Duchess and Women of Means, this long overdue and evocative biography reappraises Elizabeth’s remarkable story, and out of the past comes an incredibly modern woman who defied society’s expectations of her.
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First published April 15, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
March 10, 2024
This was wild and entertaining.
The low score is for 2 reasons: first, the reference to the Irish enslaved in North America. It never happened and is a white supremacist myth. Irish people were oppressed and genocide was enacted against them in the UK. They were forced into Indentured Servitude and exploited but they were never slaves.
You know what Irish Americans were? Slave owners, overseers, slave 'breakers', proud members of the KKK and neo-nazi's.
In Europe the Irish were oppressed in North America they were the oppressors and I will NEVER feel sorry for folks who knew what oppression was like and gleefully enacted it upon my ancestors. In the Americas, Irish Americans aren't genocided, they are genociders.
Second the author was unbelievably ableist. She determines with zero evidence that Elizabeth has borderline personality disorder and that her physical illnesses are all 'hysterical'. There's no evidence to suggest Elizabeth wasn't experiencing physical illness. Her symptoms in fact sound like Dysautonomia which is one of the conditions I struggle with. I also was told that my physical symptoms were manifestations of a mental illness.
Also there's no acting out really here. Elizabeth made poor choices but given the class she was born into that was part of the gamble of marrying 'up'.
Sigh
The low score is for 2 reasons: first, the reference to the Irish enslaved in North America. It never happened and is a white supremacist myth. Irish people were oppressed and genocide was enacted against them in the UK. They were forced into Indentured Servitude and exploited but they were never slaves.
You know what Irish Americans were? Slave owners, overseers, slave 'breakers', proud members of the KKK and neo-nazi's.
In Europe the Irish were oppressed in North America they were the oppressors and I will NEVER feel sorry for folks who knew what oppression was like and gleefully enacted it upon my ancestors. In the Americas, Irish Americans aren't genocided, they are genociders.
Second the author was unbelievably ableist. She determines with zero evidence that Elizabeth has borderline personality disorder and that her physical illnesses are all 'hysterical'. There's no evidence to suggest Elizabeth wasn't experiencing physical illness. Her symptoms in fact sound like Dysautonomia which is one of the conditions I struggle with. I also was told that my physical symptoms were manifestations of a mental illness.
Also there's no acting out really here. Elizabeth made poor choices but given the class she was born into that was part of the gamble of marrying 'up'.
Sigh
November 2, 2021
Elizabeth Chudleigh, the Duchess-Countess, has led a rather interesting life to say the least. A lady-in-waiting in the English royal court, she was tried for bigamy in her later years - not that is not all that is there to her, as the author makes the case.
I had never heard of Elizabeth Chudleigh before, but I have become convinced through this book that she exemplifies the spirit the lush and luxurious Georgian era. The writing is really lovely, creating vivid scenes of the time and place, and the reader is well-grounded in all the factors that would have guided the actions of the players. There was a good amount of suspense to the point that the book read like a novel at times, though it is clearly well-researched too.
I did question the hindsight diagnosis of a possible personality disorder that Elizabeth could have suffered from though, as I don't know that it was adequately evidenced yet the author cited it fairly often. However this is not really detract from my enjoyment of the book.
All in all a strong and engaging biography that should appeal to a wide audience of historical fiction and historical romance as well the more usual suspects.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I had never heard of Elizabeth Chudleigh before, but I have become convinced through this book that she exemplifies the spirit the lush and luxurious Georgian era. The writing is really lovely, creating vivid scenes of the time and place, and the reader is well-grounded in all the factors that would have guided the actions of the players. There was a good amount of suspense to the point that the book read like a novel at times, though it is clearly well-researched too.
I did question the hindsight diagnosis of a possible personality disorder that Elizabeth could have suffered from though, as I don't know that it was adequately evidenced yet the author cited it fairly often. However this is not really detract from my enjoyment of the book.
All in all a strong and engaging biography that should appeal to a wide audience of historical fiction and historical romance as well the more usual suspects.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 1, 2024
This non-fiction book reads almost like a novel. The lady on whose life this book is based certainly had a full life, so the reader is captivated throughout. The book is set in 18th Century England, and some family names will be familiar, as the aristocratic descendants are well known today.
I started this book knowing nothing about this lady, but I really enjoyed learning about her.
I started this book knowing nothing about this lady, but I really enjoyed learning about her.
February 1, 2022
This was a wild ride and we love a woman with a plan to scam a man in the 17th century 😂
August 28, 2021
OMG If you loved Bridgerton, then you are going to fall in love with this one. But unlike that one this one is based on history. This book was fascinating and real and man it was a delight to read this one!
February 23, 2022
Written more like a thesis than a story, this book was just to dry for my liking. It's obvious that the author put much effort into their research but the book is just not my cup of tea. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 8, 2023
This read is a long and detailed account of an extraordinary woman who in modern times would possibly be a successful lobbyist or an in demand networker, able to move across all boundaries of the rich, political and influential. The extraordinary behaviour and attitude of the English who were on the cusp of losing their American colonies were more taken up with the bigamist trial of Elizabeth Pierrepont nee Chudleigh, (Duchess of Kingston/Countess of Bristol) than saving and securing their colonies. The trial brought so much attention, not unlike the theatrics by the English royalty of today, the venue of Westminster Hall was chosen and tickets sold for the event, the audience had a spectacle of a modern day sitcom in real time. Both were lost to the English with their arch enemy France assisting the Americans to defeat them and Elizabeth after travelling the continent and moving personal effects wherever possible finally winning out on both occasions of her original religious annulment from Augustus Hervey and him dying as well as the inheritance from her second husband Evelyn Pierrepont 2nd Duke of Kingston, a quiet good looking man whom from all accounts had adored Elizabeth.
Elizabeth her secure position in the royal household and a list of admirers many wanting marriage, along with Augustus Hervey wanted an annulment, divorce was not conceivable for Elizabeth, an annulment would mean escape from the tedious tie without giving up any of her wealth. A religious annulment was procured leaving the two to go their own way. However, upon the death of her second husband and the great wealth inherited by Elizabeth, Augustus Hervey having plundered his wealth along with relatives, cousins etc of Evelyn Pierrepont all with their own personal grudges started legal proceedings, Augustus to prove the annulment illegal, divorce to gain Elizabeth's wealth and the relatives proceedings against the legality of Evelyn's Will.
Young Elizabeth Chudleigh experienced a harsh reality, that of needing a royal position, a protector or a husband. Even training such as in fine sewing, weaving etc or as an ordinary maid in a household where she would have been subjected to sexual harassment and abuse, poverty was always at the door for any female. Elizabeth found position within a royal household, however, 'she backed the wrong horse so to speak', Prince of Wales Frederick and his German wife Princess Augusta were detested by Frederick's parents, King George II and Queen Caroline, limiting Elizabeth's prospects of advancement from Maid of Honour for Augusta for whom she served for twenty-five years.
The problem for all women, Elizabeth, at this time of 1721 (her death 1788) was that all financial resources, land, investments etc automatically became the property of their husband, they were able to do what they wanted and to whom without being accountable, emotionally or financially to their wives. Divorce if possible meant all resources stayed with the husband. Consequently choices for women were limited. As a young strong willed woman, without the proper legal matters completed, permissions sought and bans read for a proposed marriage Elizabeth in secret married naval officer Augustus Hervey, future 3rd Earl of Bristol. The few at the wedding were sworn to secrecy. Augustus was a handsome debonair womanizer for which became all too obvious fairly soon, however, he still managed to claim his conjugal rights with Elizabeth for which a child was born. The birth too was kept secret, Elizabeth's position in jeopardy, the child died, also kept secret.
Elizabeth her secure position in the royal household and a list of admirers many wanting marriage, along with Augustus Hervey wanted an annulment, divorce was not conceivable for Elizabeth, an annulment would mean escape from the tedious tie without giving up any of her wealth. A religious annulment was procured leaving the two to go their own way. However, upon the death of her second husband and the great wealth inherited by Elizabeth, Augustus Hervey having plundered his wealth along with relatives, cousins etc of Evelyn Pierrepont all with their own personal grudges started legal proceedings, Augustus to prove the annulment illegal, divorce to gain Elizabeth's wealth and the relatives proceedings against the legality of Evelyn's Will.
Young Elizabeth Chudleigh experienced a harsh reality, that of needing a royal position, a protector or a husband. Even training such as in fine sewing, weaving etc or as an ordinary maid in a household where she would have been subjected to sexual harassment and abuse, poverty was always at the door for any female. Elizabeth found position within a royal household, however, 'she backed the wrong horse so to speak', Prince of Wales Frederick and his German wife Princess Augusta were detested by Frederick's parents, King George II and Queen Caroline, limiting Elizabeth's prospects of advancement from Maid of Honour for Augusta for whom she served for twenty-five years.
The problem for all women, Elizabeth, at this time of 1721 (her death 1788) was that all financial resources, land, investments etc automatically became the property of their husband, they were able to do what they wanted and to whom without being accountable, emotionally or financially to their wives. Divorce if possible meant all resources stayed with the husband. Consequently choices for women were limited. As a young strong willed woman, without the proper legal matters completed, permissions sought and bans read for a proposed marriage Elizabeth in secret married naval officer Augustus Hervey, future 3rd Earl of Bristol. The few at the wedding were sworn to secrecy. Augustus was a handsome debonair womanizer for which became all too obvious fairly soon, however, he still managed to claim his conjugal rights with Elizabeth for which a child was born. The birth too was kept secret, Elizabeth's position in jeopardy, the child died, also kept secret.
September 11, 2021
I enjoyed Catherine Ostler’s delightful biography of Elizabeth Chudleigh - the Duchess Countess. I differed on her interpretation of Elizabeth as having borderline personality disorder. It is almost impossible to diagnose an historical figure, and arguably should be avoided. Elizabeth suffered a great deal of loss, insecurity (financial and emotional), upheaval, and uncertainty in her life, not to mention the resultant almost continuous legal suits, property acquisitions, and extravagant spending. I found Chudleigh to be a pitiful character, and I felt so sorry for her to have ended her days - and her posthumous life - in such a way, abandoned by everyone. It’s an insightful, well-researched book, and one I’d definitely recommend to other 18th century enthusiasts. However, I’m not sure whether, like many of her contemporaries, I would have approved of her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2021
Excellent read about another woman in history who has been forgotten about. And yet in the 1700's she was something of an independent trail-blazer. Catherine Chudleigh was a maid of honor to princess Augusta, when she met navy rake and playboy Augustas Hervey and the two soon embarked on a secret marriage. He went back to sea and she returned to court. But some years later she met the duke of Kingston and decided to have her marriage declared void by the church courts. Having accomplished this she married Kingston, but when he died his family and her first husband plotted to prove that she had already been married when she married Kingston. As a result she found herself on trial for bigamy. A terrific look at the life of this very independent woman.
April 24, 2022
I won an ARC copy from a Goodreads contest. Before reading this book I had never heard of Elizabeth Chudleigh but found her to be a fascinating person. I cheered for her when after being successfully tried for bigamy she absconded with her fortune and moved to Russia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2022
Not surprisingly, I had not previously heard of Elizabeth Chudleigh. This infamous character lived a surprising life filled with drama. From her childhood to her eventual exile in Russia, I was fascinated with her story.
Unlike most women in history, the Duchess-Countess’ life is well documented, and author Ostler's research of her topic is obvious in the telling of Chudleigh’s story. While my eyes glazed over at the reading of the vast and detailed family lineage at the start of the book, overall, this real-life story is filled with great drama and suspense. I was unable to put the book down!
I found the "somethings never change" scenarios of the media using Chudleigh as a way to sell papers and the politicos using her as a diversion from news of America’s war for independence frustrating. Yes, in hindsight, Chudleigh made some errors in judgement, but most were made from the desperation of a woman's inability to make own assets and make a life for herself.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Unlike most women in history, the Duchess-Countess’ life is well documented, and author Ostler's research of her topic is obvious in the telling of Chudleigh’s story. While my eyes glazed over at the reading of the vast and detailed family lineage at the start of the book, overall, this real-life story is filled with great drama and suspense. I was unable to put the book down!
I found the "somethings never change" scenarios of the media using Chudleigh as a way to sell papers and the politicos using her as a diversion from news of America’s war for independence frustrating. Yes, in hindsight, Chudleigh made some errors in judgement, but most were made from the desperation of a woman's inability to make own assets and make a life for herself.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
September 18, 2021
The Duchess Countess is a fascinating read about Elizabeth Chudleigh. Duchess of Kingston a woman full of spirit and strength. Her life was full of intrigue, adventure, love and scandal yet she continued to fight to the end. It's a story of tragedy and triumph and the amazing perseverance of a woman .
The beginning of the book is full of a large family lineage and extensive details that may make the reader want to put the book down but keep reading it only gets better.
The beginning of the book is full of a large family lineage and extensive details that may make the reader want to put the book down but keep reading it only gets better.
May 10, 2021
Fascinating. Great story set in a detailed historical context. Expertly done
September 3, 2021
A compassionate treatment of a complicated woman trying to navigate a turbulent period on something resembling her own terms, written in sparkling, zesty prose. Highly recommended.
November 20, 2022
So much dense detail it doesn’t read like a story, at least to me. I was expecting something like Jean plaidy’s books.
March 10, 2022
Elizabeth Chudleigh is fascinating - she was everything old histories would like us to believe didn't exist in the eighteenth century - she was a smart, intelligent, landowning, adventuring woman who courted scandal, committed bigamy and used her wit, charm and guile to amass (and spend!) a fortune whilst having the front o present herself to every royal court that would have her. This biography is meticulous research and blends a sense of what was happening in the world at the time as well as Elizabeths story. At times it's hard to keep up with some of the side shoots of the story - in terms of who's who and who's related to whom!
April 25, 2023
Minu arvamuse leiab blogist https://triinuraamatud.wordpress.com/...
February 10, 2022
The story of Elizabeth Chudleigh is one that might fall under 'truth is stranger than fiction'- or at least more dramatic- and Catherine Ostler does a good job of captivating the reader from the beginning of her book, The Duchess Countess, investing them in Elizabeth's journey. Through the highs and lows, the trials (both figurative and literal) and triumphs of her life, Elizabeth travelled among the highest circles of English and European aristocracy. She knew everyone and everyone knew her. While this was often the secret to her success it also became part of her downfall.
With her father and brother dying while she was still young, Elizabeth learned early on the lessons that women in her time had little security without the men in their family. She never wanted to be dependent on others if she could depend on herself instead. Pure luck, family connections, beauty and wit combined to get her the position of a maid of honor to the Princess of Wales- a position which meant Elizabeth met nearly everyone worth knowing and had brilliant marriage opportunities despite her lack of fortune. But she threw those away to secretly married Augustus Hervey, a second son to a Count. The two swore to keep it secret and he went on a naval ship a few days later. They almost instantly regretted the marriage and and both were good at acting like it hadn't happened-especially Augustus who apparently took womanizing to a whole new level. When Elizabeth met the Duke of Kingston she knew it was the real thing, unable to marry the two still were in love, he subsidized building projects, parties, and anything else wanted until she was declared free to marry. Reading this book, it is impossible to believe the two weren't genuinely in love and that it was love, not money or title, that attracted Elizabeth. Naturally many at the time were not so kind- especially the Duke's nephews who were looking forward to inheriting. With his tragic death, the vultures descended and Elizabeth found herself fighting once more- this time not only for her husband's will but for her own marriage, as the Kingston family wanted her declared a bigamist. This became the trial of the century and absorbed the country's interest more than the war with the American colonies.
Convicted of bigamy but still fighting for her inheritance, Elizabeth left England for the Continent. Hoping for a more friendly atmosphere she travelled Europe and eventually found her way to Russia and the court of Catherine the Great. Still calling herself the Duchess of Kingston since she refused to accept the House of Lord's verdict against her, Russia was one of the only places that would acknowledge her as a duchess. Elizabeth was lucky enough to hit Russia during their craze for all things English, and being extremely rich and able to gift Catherine and her inner circle with paintings and jewels helped ease her way. Mixed success, lavish spending, and continued trials regarding money plagued her for the rest of her life, as did the Duke of Kingston's nephews. While Elizabeth herself was a generous woman and always tried to forgive others and help them, sadly it seems she was never treated as well as she tried to treat others.
Anyone who thinks history is dry and dull has clearly not been paying attention to recent streaming service offerings, and The Duchess Countess would make a brilliant addition to these ranks. It's all here: drama, fashion, jewels, tragedy, love, hatred, glittering balls, venomous barbs, politics, kings, queens, legal dramas, clandestine marriages that may or may not actually be marriages. Ostler does a brilliant job explaining the complexities different kinds of marriage at the time- many people weren't sure if they were or were not married based on some of the laws so when Elizabeth and Augustus faced off years later it wasn't as odd as it would seem to us today for the ecclesiastical courts to declare them not married. And it seems more like Elizabeth got caught up in politics when her marriage came before the House of Lords years later than anything else.
Elizabeth Chudleigh was a woman who knew men held all the power in her world and refused to accept being pushed into the role of a quiet, subservient, invisible, woman. Whether she accepted the double standard of the day where men could have mistresses and second families and then judge her for marrying when she thought she was free to do so, or whether she was angered by it we don't know. But she believed in herself and believed she could do what pleased her, ignoring jealous and venomous critics along the way. Does that make her an 'adventuress' as Thackery makes the antiheroine Becky Sharpe, always looking out for herself? Someone desperate for advancement at all costs? I don't think so. I think this is the story of a woman ahead of her time, challenging society- and frightening society with that challenge.
Excellent research and writing will keep those afraid of 'dry' history glued to the pages of this fascinating story. Elizabeth Chudleigh's story is that of a woman ahead of her time, one who made mistakes, but refused to hide away and instead enjoyed life to the fullest. She faced life's challenges and the men who challenged her head on and never apologized when she thought she was right.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
With her father and brother dying while she was still young, Elizabeth learned early on the lessons that women in her time had little security without the men in their family. She never wanted to be dependent on others if she could depend on herself instead. Pure luck, family connections, beauty and wit combined to get her the position of a maid of honor to the Princess of Wales- a position which meant Elizabeth met nearly everyone worth knowing and had brilliant marriage opportunities despite her lack of fortune. But she threw those away to secretly married Augustus Hervey, a second son to a Count. The two swore to keep it secret and he went on a naval ship a few days later. They almost instantly regretted the marriage and and both were good at acting like it hadn't happened-especially Augustus who apparently took womanizing to a whole new level. When Elizabeth met the Duke of Kingston she knew it was the real thing, unable to marry the two still were in love, he subsidized building projects, parties, and anything else wanted until she was declared free to marry. Reading this book, it is impossible to believe the two weren't genuinely in love and that it was love, not money or title, that attracted Elizabeth. Naturally many at the time were not so kind- especially the Duke's nephews who were looking forward to inheriting. With his tragic death, the vultures descended and Elizabeth found herself fighting once more- this time not only for her husband's will but for her own marriage, as the Kingston family wanted her declared a bigamist. This became the trial of the century and absorbed the country's interest more than the war with the American colonies.
Convicted of bigamy but still fighting for her inheritance, Elizabeth left England for the Continent. Hoping for a more friendly atmosphere she travelled Europe and eventually found her way to Russia and the court of Catherine the Great. Still calling herself the Duchess of Kingston since she refused to accept the House of Lord's verdict against her, Russia was one of the only places that would acknowledge her as a duchess. Elizabeth was lucky enough to hit Russia during their craze for all things English, and being extremely rich and able to gift Catherine and her inner circle with paintings and jewels helped ease her way. Mixed success, lavish spending, and continued trials regarding money plagued her for the rest of her life, as did the Duke of Kingston's nephews. While Elizabeth herself was a generous woman and always tried to forgive others and help them, sadly it seems she was never treated as well as she tried to treat others.
Anyone who thinks history is dry and dull has clearly not been paying attention to recent streaming service offerings, and The Duchess Countess would make a brilliant addition to these ranks. It's all here: drama, fashion, jewels, tragedy, love, hatred, glittering balls, venomous barbs, politics, kings, queens, legal dramas, clandestine marriages that may or may not actually be marriages. Ostler does a brilliant job explaining the complexities different kinds of marriage at the time- many people weren't sure if they were or were not married based on some of the laws so when Elizabeth and Augustus faced off years later it wasn't as odd as it would seem to us today for the ecclesiastical courts to declare them not married. And it seems more like Elizabeth got caught up in politics when her marriage came before the House of Lords years later than anything else.
Elizabeth Chudleigh was a woman who knew men held all the power in her world and refused to accept being pushed into the role of a quiet, subservient, invisible, woman. Whether she accepted the double standard of the day where men could have mistresses and second families and then judge her for marrying when she thought she was free to do so, or whether she was angered by it we don't know. But she believed in herself and believed she could do what pleased her, ignoring jealous and venomous critics along the way. Does that make her an 'adventuress' as Thackery makes the antiheroine Becky Sharpe, always looking out for herself? Someone desperate for advancement at all costs? I don't think so. I think this is the story of a woman ahead of her time, challenging society- and frightening society with that challenge.
Excellent research and writing will keep those afraid of 'dry' history glued to the pages of this fascinating story. Elizabeth Chudleigh's story is that of a woman ahead of her time, one who made mistakes, but refused to hide away and instead enjoyed life to the fullest. She faced life's challenges and the men who challenged her head on and never apologized when she thought she was right.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
April 21, 2021
Having taken a punt into the world of historical biographies this book positively bowled me over.Anyone from a cricket expert to beanbag maker will find this book fascinating and worth reading.If you want to read something well written and interesting buy this book now!
physical_to-read_stack
September 14, 2021I received my copy free through Goodreads Giveaways
May 24, 2023
4.5 Stars
In 1776 Elizabeth Chudleigh, Duchess of Kingston, was put on trial for bigamy and the case was found against her, demoting her from duchess to Countess of Bristol, taking her title from the man she had previously, secretly married. The case sparked a deluge of press articles, pamphlets and biographies, and tickets for attendance at the trial were like gold dust. At the end of it, Elizabeth was vilified, and faced another (lifetime’s worth) avalanche of legal suits as the various families vied to strip her of her income and inheritance. Elizabeth quit England, but she didn’t head for a quiet exile – she went on to live in Italy, in Russia and in France, blazing a trail, holding her own, and right up to the end, living true to her (often questionable) self.
This is one of those biographies where it’s impossible not to draw modern parallels while you read it. Indeed, the author actually draws your attention to them right up front in the introduction, comparing Elizabeth’s relationship with the press with more modern celebrities – her attempts to harness it for her own purposes, and the way she fell victim to it. This is a book about early public relations in many ways, and a book about the pitfalls of living in the limelight, highlights and lowlights – and no-one comes out of it in a positive way.
Let’s start with Elizabeth. She’s beautiful, she’s ambitious, and she’s clever. So of course she’s going to be problematic for society – she would be even now, and we’re talking the 18th Century, when women barely had any sort of legal identity. Elizabeth wants a voice, she wants to be a person in her own right, she wants power and she wants money. She’s not likeable, she’s avaricious and she’s self-centred, but she’s definitely admirable. She makes some terrible decisions, but she pays such a very high price for them, much higher than any man would, that’s for sure, that you never quite lose sympathy for her. She’s a terrible judge of character and people are ruthless about using and abusing her – the circumstances of her death are truly tragic, and left me really angry. The view of the press and of the majority of society, high and low, seems to be that if you choose to live in the limelight, you deserve all you get – sound familiar?
Elizabeth struggled mentally and physically with the abuse she received and the constant barrage of legal cases raised against her – yes, some of them were self-inflicted, but still! She wanted power at a time when women had none – so go her for trying! And if there had been decent divorce laws, she’d never have been tried for bigamy. She was a victim of her times, of her fame, and of her own lack of judgement too, but she was also indomitable – again, go Elizabeth. She never gave up. She was incredibly forgiving and extremely philanthropic – she spent money not only on herself but on countless other causes and cases. She loved, not wisely but too well! She was a liberated woman at a time when only libertine men got away with it. Her one big publicity trick of appearing almost naked at a ball haunted her for the rest of her life – time and again, when her name popped up in the press so too did that lascivious story – again, sound familiar?
Elizabeth lived through exciting times, the American Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution. Times when all sorts of accepted norms were being challenged yet when she challenged what was seen as the natural order, she was lambasted. I didn’t like her, as I’ve said, but wow, how I admired her. This is a highly entertaining biography, and one that doesn’t seek to make a saint out of a sinner, merely attempts to re-adjust a reputation. Highly recommended.
In 1776 Elizabeth Chudleigh, Duchess of Kingston, was put on trial for bigamy and the case was found against her, demoting her from duchess to Countess of Bristol, taking her title from the man she had previously, secretly married. The case sparked a deluge of press articles, pamphlets and biographies, and tickets for attendance at the trial were like gold dust. At the end of it, Elizabeth was vilified, and faced another (lifetime’s worth) avalanche of legal suits as the various families vied to strip her of her income and inheritance. Elizabeth quit England, but she didn’t head for a quiet exile – she went on to live in Italy, in Russia and in France, blazing a trail, holding her own, and right up to the end, living true to her (often questionable) self.
This is one of those biographies where it’s impossible not to draw modern parallels while you read it. Indeed, the author actually draws your attention to them right up front in the introduction, comparing Elizabeth’s relationship with the press with more modern celebrities – her attempts to harness it for her own purposes, and the way she fell victim to it. This is a book about early public relations in many ways, and a book about the pitfalls of living in the limelight, highlights and lowlights – and no-one comes out of it in a positive way.
Let’s start with Elizabeth. She’s beautiful, she’s ambitious, and she’s clever. So of course she’s going to be problematic for society – she would be even now, and we’re talking the 18th Century, when women barely had any sort of legal identity. Elizabeth wants a voice, she wants to be a person in her own right, she wants power and she wants money. She’s not likeable, she’s avaricious and she’s self-centred, but she’s definitely admirable. She makes some terrible decisions, but she pays such a very high price for them, much higher than any man would, that’s for sure, that you never quite lose sympathy for her. She’s a terrible judge of character and people are ruthless about using and abusing her – the circumstances of her death are truly tragic, and left me really angry. The view of the press and of the majority of society, high and low, seems to be that if you choose to live in the limelight, you deserve all you get – sound familiar?
Elizabeth struggled mentally and physically with the abuse she received and the constant barrage of legal cases raised against her – yes, some of them were self-inflicted, but still! She wanted power at a time when women had none – so go her for trying! And if there had been decent divorce laws, she’d never have been tried for bigamy. She was a victim of her times, of her fame, and of her own lack of judgement too, but she was also indomitable – again, go Elizabeth. She never gave up. She was incredibly forgiving and extremely philanthropic – she spent money not only on herself but on countless other causes and cases. She loved, not wisely but too well! She was a liberated woman at a time when only libertine men got away with it. Her one big publicity trick of appearing almost naked at a ball haunted her for the rest of her life – time and again, when her name popped up in the press so too did that lascivious story – again, sound familiar?
Elizabeth lived through exciting times, the American Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution. Times when all sorts of accepted norms were being challenged yet when she challenged what was seen as the natural order, she was lambasted. I didn’t like her, as I’ve said, but wow, how I admired her. This is a highly entertaining biography, and one that doesn’t seek to make a saint out of a sinner, merely attempts to re-adjust a reputation. Highly recommended.
March 26, 2022
At the same time that the British Parliament and throne should be working on settling the issues raised by their very unhappy American colonies who were testing their independence in 1776, English high society and government was being distracted by the bigamy trial of Elizabeth Chudleigh. Had she been (still) married to the Earl of Bristol when she married the Duke of Kingston? If yes, then the Duke's will should be overturned and the monetary inheritance he left his spouse should go to the eldest son - no matter that his father had past over Evelyn Meadows for his second son, Charles.
So here is the story of Elizabeth Chudleigh - from her youth to her time as a maid in waiting to the Princess of Wales, Augusta - who was the wife of Prince Frederick who died before ascending his father's throne. Her youthful flirtation with the Duke of Hamilton and Augustus Hervey who later became her husband and eventually the Earl of Bristol. Upon the death of Kingston, she was relatively free to travel - he left extensive amounts of money to her - even as she was being sued by his relatives and heirs. Travelling to Rome, to Paris and eventually to the court of the Russian Tsarina Catherine, Elizabeth was forced to return to England to counter the bigamy lawsuit - which she lost. She immediately left for the continent and would remain in contact with her lawyers and estate mostly to demand the monies from the rental properties Kingston left her.
Along with Catherine to Great of Russia and Marie Antoinette of France, Elizabeth Chudleigh-Hervey-Pierrepont (Ducal Kingston family name) was the most talked-about woman in Europe for decades. And it was not all admiration as many criticized her spending and fashionable parties. It didn't with her death as her own will was either ignored as well as many of her possessions were taken by servants and the nearby Evelyn Meadows. It took months before her decaying body was finally 'boxed up' and sent north from Paris with the intention of being forwarded to England.
Interesting and determined individual that tried to resist the position that English noble society demanded women be placed while providing herself with money and safety and security. In the end, all she really achieved was notoriety.
I do have one negative. There are specific footnotes throughout the book as well as numerous citations in every chapter but there is no listing of the source the quote or citation came from. Certainly, extensive primary sources and historic archives are used but if I wanted to look up a specific quote or citation, I had nothing to point in any direction and to which of the 14 pages of select biography was used.
2022-063
So here is the story of Elizabeth Chudleigh - from her youth to her time as a maid in waiting to the Princess of Wales, Augusta - who was the wife of Prince Frederick who died before ascending his father's throne. Her youthful flirtation with the Duke of Hamilton and Augustus Hervey who later became her husband and eventually the Earl of Bristol. Upon the death of Kingston, she was relatively free to travel - he left extensive amounts of money to her - even as she was being sued by his relatives and heirs. Travelling to Rome, to Paris and eventually to the court of the Russian Tsarina Catherine, Elizabeth was forced to return to England to counter the bigamy lawsuit - which she lost. She immediately left for the continent and would remain in contact with her lawyers and estate mostly to demand the monies from the rental properties Kingston left her.
Along with Catherine to Great of Russia and Marie Antoinette of France, Elizabeth Chudleigh-Hervey-Pierrepont (Ducal Kingston family name) was the most talked-about woman in Europe for decades. And it was not all admiration as many criticized her spending and fashionable parties. It didn't with her death as her own will was either ignored as well as many of her possessions were taken by servants and the nearby Evelyn Meadows. It took months before her decaying body was finally 'boxed up' and sent north from Paris with the intention of being forwarded to England.
Interesting and determined individual that tried to resist the position that English noble society demanded women be placed while providing herself with money and safety and security. In the end, all she really achieved was notoriety.
I do have one negative. There are specific footnotes throughout the book as well as numerous citations in every chapter but there is no listing of the source the quote or citation came from. Certainly, extensive primary sources and historic archives are used but if I wanted to look up a specific quote or citation, I had nothing to point in any direction and to which of the 14 pages of select biography was used.
2022-063
April 19, 2022
I had to be in the right frame of mind to read this rather-long book, but I found the life of Elizabeth Chudleigh to be fascinating. (Her story also made me immensely grateful to be born in a later time.) The author handles vast information well, weaving disparate threads into an entertaining novel. I seldom bogged down in Ostler's details.
The court machinations, the friendships that Chudleigh was able to forge with strong female leaders, her ability to accumulate a broad collection of "protectors" — all tell the story of a remarkable woman surviving, even flourishing, at a time when Catherine the Great and several other women led countries. Chudleigh's sheer resilience and savvy are inspiring. while the decadence and excesses of some of the courts (particularly the Russian) in which Chudleigh was welcome is jaw-dropping. As are the lengths to which families would go to protect an inheritance on which they were counting.
The theme of "woman as victim" is turned on its head by Chudleigh through sheer talent, some lucky breaks, intelligence, charm, and persistence. She defines "soft power."
Recommended.
The court machinations, the friendships that Chudleigh was able to forge with strong female leaders, her ability to accumulate a broad collection of "protectors" — all tell the story of a remarkable woman surviving, even flourishing, at a time when Catherine the Great and several other women led countries. Chudleigh's sheer resilience and savvy are inspiring. while the decadence and excesses of some of the courts (particularly the Russian) in which Chudleigh was welcome is jaw-dropping. As are the lengths to which families would go to protect an inheritance on which they were counting.
The theme of "woman as victim" is turned on its head by Chudleigh through sheer talent, some lucky breaks, intelligence, charm, and persistence. She defines "soft power."
Recommended.
December 12, 2024
This biography is thoroughly researched and written clearly. Given the complicated life led by the subject, the clarity is particularly impressive. The question is: Why devote all this time and talent to write about someone who comes as close to being a waste of space as any human being can come.
The person so capably describe in this book was a rich, selfish aristocrat. She spent vast sums of money on herself while complaining that others cheated her. In so far as she care for or about anyone, it was only others of her class. While constantly described as witty and charming, neither quality come through in her letters quoted in the book. Nothing Elizabeth Chudleigh did had any lasting value or benefited anyone but herself.
All the author's skill and diligence deserved a more worthy subject.
The person so capably describe in this book was a rich, selfish aristocrat. She spent vast sums of money on herself while complaining that others cheated her. In so far as she care for or about anyone, it was only others of her class. While constantly described as witty and charming, neither quality come through in her letters quoted in the book. Nothing Elizabeth Chudleigh did had any lasting value or benefited anyone but herself.
All the author's skill and diligence deserved a more worthy subject.
August 8, 2023
The writing in this book is excellent, Ostler has great style. There is a lot of contextual detail which I don't usually enjoy quite so much but it did feel very fitting in this biography.
Elizabeth Chudleigh had a very colourful life and I would love to see this dramatised. It would make excellent television!
My biggest struggle with the book (and one which may be unique to me) is that I never truly felt like I was getting to grips with who Chudleigh was.
There is some reference to the possibility she may have had borderline personality disorder every now and then but there is no convincing case for this and it is impossible to diagnose someone with something when one is not a psychiatrist and the subject long since deceased.
I just wanted to know more of her as a person but most of the story is told through the context within which Chudleigh always seemed a bit sidelined
Elizabeth Chudleigh had a very colourful life and I would love to see this dramatised. It would make excellent television!
My biggest struggle with the book (and one which may be unique to me) is that I never truly felt like I was getting to grips with who Chudleigh was.
There is some reference to the possibility she may have had borderline personality disorder every now and then but there is no convincing case for this and it is impossible to diagnose someone with something when one is not a psychiatrist and the subject long since deceased.
I just wanted to know more of her as a person but most of the story is told through the context within which Chudleigh always seemed a bit sidelined
February 22, 2022
I am enamored of books which cast a different light on a topic with which I am familiar, or dig up forgotten figures from the past. This lovely book does both. I often wonder which issues which loom so large in the present day will be known to history, (Quemoy and Matsu anyone?). The Duchess of Kingston, Elizabeth Chudleigh, was a notorious figure in her own day, yet unknown in ours.
What a terrific book this is. The writing is excellent, and the story of this spirited woman captivates the reader. It is better than a novel because it's true. At the height of her infamy the story of Elizabeth Chudleigh was more prominent in the British papers than the war in the American colonies. It is well worth reading.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
What a terrific book this is. The writing is excellent, and the story of this spirited woman captivates the reader. It is better than a novel because it's true. At the height of her infamy the story of Elizabeth Chudleigh was more prominent in the British papers than the war in the American colonies. It is well worth reading.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
March 30, 2022
Interesting woman and her tangled relationships. I enjoyed reading about her life. She was a few steps ahead of her time and paid the price for fame. An enjoyable read set in a fun time period, Georgian England.
January 14, 2023
The Duchess Countess was just okay for me. It was interesting at times to learn about Elizabeth Chudleigh and her life as a Countess, then as a Duchess, but it got a bit complicated and complex for me after awhile. So, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
January 13, 2025
Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so mind-numbingly boring that I just couldn't continue on with it, so I borrowed the audiobook from the library and listened to it instead. At least that way I could do household chores while I listened to it, so I would stay awake.
This book is about a woman who likes to travel and spend money. That's it.
I'd skip this slog if I were you.
This book was so mind-numbingly boring that I just couldn't continue on with it, so I borrowed the audiobook from the library and listened to it instead. At least that way I could do household chores while I listened to it, so I would stay awake.
This book is about a woman who likes to travel and spend money. That's it.
I'd skip this slog if I were you.
July 23, 2023
book is very long and detailed. I enjoyed the story and it's definitely visual, however, it was too long for me. The author clearly loved her character. I enjoyed the beginning and the end / epilogue the most. The middle just got too burdensome. I also enjoyed the relationships between Catherine - / Russia / England - George III / Revolutionary War / France.
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