Elizabeth Armistead
Elizabeth Armistead (11 July 1750 – 8 July 1842) was a courtesan and, later, the spouse of statesman and politician Charles James Fox. Her relationship with and marriage to Fox was one of the most famous and controversial of their age.[1]
Born Elizabeth Bridget Cane, her career began in an exclusive, high-class brothel in St. James’s in London. "Mrs. Armistead's" legendary beauty and gentle nature made her sought after and ensured her the attentions of a string of rich notable clients including the Prince of Wales (the future George IV). She acquired considerable wealth and owned two houses, carriages and a host of servants.
After more than a decade of popularity with the ruling classes, she met the Whig politician Charles James Fox, with whom she lived from 1783 onward. In 1795, she married Fox, but the marriage was kept a secret until 1802. Her marriage to the prominent politician eased her acceptance by upper circles, but she would never be fully accepted. Their turbulent liaison and ensuing marriage was kept secret from society for seven years, until it was made public in 1802, and is regarded as one of the great romances of the 18th century.
[edit] References
[edit] Bibliography
- Reid, Loren Dudley. Charles James Fox, A Man For The People. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Press, 1969.
