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Lucky Nell Gwynne
The Poor Girl who lived in a Great House


Nell Gwynne - © Nash Ford Publishing

 

  • Nell was a poor girl from Hereford who sold oranges to theatre-goers in Drury Lane in London.
  • In the 1660s, she became an actress in the theatre at the age of only 15.
  • She was very good and became quite famous.
  • Later, King Charles II used to watch her perform.
  • Nell became the King’s girlfriend, even though he was already married.
  • Nell lived in London and in Sunninghill and Windsor, to be near the King.
  • King Charles gave her a big mansion in Windsor called ‘Burford House’. She lived in luxury there for many years.
  • Nell and the King had two sons together. Their eldest son became Duke of St. Albans.
  • When the King died, his last words to his brother, the new king, were "Let not poor Nelly starve".
  • Nell died when she was only 37.

 

    © Nash Ford Publishing 2004. All Rights Reserved.