The Duchess of Kingston
The narrative follows the life of Elizabeth Chudleigh, who became the Duchess of Kingston and was embroiled in a scandalous trial for bigamy in 1776. Born in 1726 to a family of some standing, Elizabeth's early life was marked by her beauty and wit, which garnered her a position as maid of honour to the Princess of Wales. During this time, she became engaged to James, Duke of Hamilton, but was manipulated by her aunt into marrying Augustus John Hervey, a young naval officer, in a secret ceremony. The marriage was fraught with difficulties, as Elizabeth had no affection for Hervey and sought to maintain her position at court. Hervey's attempts to assert his rights as her husband led to a tumultuous relationship, and Elizabeth eventually sought to annul the marriage, claiming it was invalid due to her husband's minority at the time of their union. After a series of court proceedings, Elizabeth married the Duke of Kingston in 1769, believing her previous marriage to be null and void. The Duke was enamoured with her, and their marriage appeared to be a happy one, despite her past. However, upon the Duke's death in 1773, Elizabeth faced renewed scrutiny regarding her marital status. In 1776, she was tried for bigamy, with the evidence of her two marriages presented in court. The trial was sensational, drawing significant public attention, and she was ultimately found guilty. However, she managed to escape the harshest penalties by claiming her peerage rights and fled to France, where she continued to live lavishly, maintaining her title and status. Elizabeth's later years were marked by her attempts to secure her wealth and position, including efforts to manipulate her late husband's will. She traveled extensively, enjoying the company of nobility and engaging in extravagant lifestyles. Her life ended in 1788, reportedly after a fit of rage over a legal matter, leading to her sudden death. The account of her life is colored by the perspectives of her contemporaries, many of whom were hostile due to her charm and success. The complexities of her character and the circumstances surrounding her marriages reveal a woman who navigated the treacherous waters of 18th-century society with both cunning and vulnerability. The historical record is largely shaped by her enemies, leaving her legacy as one of scandal and intrigue.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1898 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Biography, Drama · 8,072 words
First lines
Elizabeth Chudleigh, Countess of Bristol and Duchess of Kingston, who was tried for bigamy in Westminster Hall by the Peers in 1776, was, it can hardly be doubted, the original from whom Thackeray drew his detailed portrait of Beatrix Esmond, both as young Trix and as the old Baroness Bernstein; nor can one doubt that what he knew of his prototype was taken from that scandalous little book, "An Authentic Detail of Particulars relative to the late Duchess of Kingston," published by G. Kearsley in 1788. Thackeray not only reproduced some of the incidents of her life, but more especially caught the features of her character.
What this Textopian page supports
The Duchess of Kingston is listed on Textopian as a novella by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Biography, Drama, Romance, Legal Thriller
- Length: 8,072 words
- Structure: 1 section, 74 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Duchess of Kingston by Sabine Baring-Gould
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Duchess of Kingston?
- How does this novella by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Suess Oppenheim by Sabine Baring Gould
- Monsieur De Guise by Perley Poore Sheehan
- Jane Eccles by Samuel Warren
- The Baroness De Beausoleil by Sabine Baring Gould
- Mrs Balfame by Gertrude Atherton
- Snowden Dunhill The Convict by Sabine Baring Gould
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is based on the real-life events of Elizabeth Chudleigh, incorporating historical context and characters.
- Biography — It details the life and experiences of Elizabeth Chudleigh, presenting her personal history and societal challenges.
- Drama — The narrative includes intense personal conflicts, legal battles, and emotional turmoil, characteristic of dramatic storytelling.
- Romance — The story involves romantic entanglements and relationships that drive the plot and character motivations.
Tags
historical fiction · 18th century · British aristocracy · romance · scandal · biography · female protagonist · court intrigue · social commentary · marriage · wealth · betrayal