Beautiful, quick-witted, good humoured and sexually magnetic, Nell Gwyn remains one of England's great folk-heroines. The story of her exceptional rise from a poor, abusive childhood to the wealth and connections that came with being the lover of one history's most louche kings, is a highly charged mix of lust, money, high politics and love. Oyster wench, Orange seller, comic actress, court jester and loyal friend Nell was the original 'peoples princess'. Charles Beauclerk, a direct descendant of Nell and Charles II, has brilliantly recreated the heady, licentious atmosphere of court and brings new insights into Nell's Career as an actress as well as her domestic life. Probing beneath the surface of her relationship with the king, the author reveals to us the true nature of Nell Gwyn's world and her unique impact upon it. This is both quintessential restoration romp and epic love story; an account that far exceeds the colour and excitements of the best historical fiction. 'revealing and entertaining' - "Literary Review". 'A rich and deep knowledge of the period conveyed in warm, unstuffy and amusing style' - "Daily Mail".

Author Biography

Charles Beauclerk is a direct descendant of Charles II and Nell Gwyn. He lectures on sixteenth- and seventeenth-century literature and history. He lives in Suffolk. This is his first book.