Nell Gwyn, vivacious mistress of Charles II
by Bryan Bevan
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First published: 1970
1 language
Description
Nell Gwyn was an actress and later mistress to Charles II King of England,1630-1685.
Even after three centuries Nell Gwyn still holds an enduring place in the hearts of the British people. She is regarded with more affection than any of her rivals, largely forgotten today, who were mistresses of Charles II. For almost seventeen years she maintained her position at Court, delighting the fickle monarch with her gaiety, wit and irresistible charm. He never tired of her as he did of Moll Davis, an actress in the Duke's Theatre, who had pretensions to be a lady.
Nell never pretended to be other than what she was; a little cockney of the London streets, who had risen to fame owing to her great ability and fascinating personality. Her very honesty of vice, her utter lack of pretence, her saucy wit captivated her contemporaries as they have captivated us ever since.
Even after three centuries Nell Gwyn still holds an enduring place in the hearts of the British people. She is regarded with more affection than any of her rivals, largely forgotten today, who were mistresses of Charles II. For almost seventeen years she maintained her position at Court, delighting the fickle monarch with her gaiety, wit and irresistible charm. He never tired of her as he did of Moll Davis, an actress in the Duke's Theatre, who had pretensions to be a lady.
Nell never pretended to be other than what she was; a little cockney of the London streets, who had risen to fame owing to her great ability and fascinating personality. Her very honesty of vice, her utter lack of pretence, her saucy wit captivated her contemporaries as they have captivated us ever since.
