Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society15 Huhti 2025

Nell Gwyn: Celebrity Mistress of King Charles II

How did a working class illiterate woman become King Charles II's favourite mistress?

Nell Gwyn was an incredibly talented comedy actor who came from a working class background, and was part of a group of pioneering women who were the first allowed to take to the stage to play women's roles.

Her personality was huge, audiences loved her ability to swear, and she was described as "the wildest creature to ever be seen at court." No wonder Charles loved her!

What was the wild world of 17th century Restoration Theatre like? How did she change comedy acting? What did the general public think of her?

Joining Kate to take us back to this world is Dr. David Taylor, Associate Professor of English at Oxford University.

You can also watch both Kate and David in the History Hit documentary, Sex and Scandal: Royal Favourites, for more about Nell's extraordinary life.

This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

If you'd like to get in touch with the show you can contact us at betwixt@historyhit.com.

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All music from Epidemic Sounds.

Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

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