Elizabeth Armistead

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Elizabeth Armistead (11 July 1750 - 8 July 1842) was a courtesan and, later, the wife of Charles James Fox. Her career started in an exclusive brothel in St James’s in London.

Her legendary beauty and gentle nature made her sought after and ensured her the attentions of a string of rich notables 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. Their turbulent liaison and ensuing marriage, was kept secret from society for seven years, and is regarded as one of the great romances of the 18th century. Her marriage to the prominent politician eased her acceptance by upper circles.

[edit] Bibliography

• Reid, Loren Dudley. Charles James Fox, A Man For The People. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Press, 1969.