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