La Belle Assemblee, December 1806
A wealthy and attractive debutante, the 22 year old Lady Anne Luttrell surprised the Ton when she married a commoner and square, Christopher Horton (http://www.madamegilflurt.com/2014/01/notable-births-anne-horton-duchess-of.html). Widowed just four years later, Anne was known to be quite merry (including with the Duke of Grafton and the Duke of Dorset) until she caught the attention of Prince Henry, Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn. Against his families wishes, the two married in 1771 (Curzon, 2016).
Because she was considered a commoner due to her first marriage, and had a bit of a scandalous past, the king was incensed. The result was the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, which required the monarch’s approval for marriages (Curzon, 2016).
The happily married couple took a grand tour, and returned to establish a salon at Cumberland House with charming and witty Anne taking center stage. The Duke died in 1790 with no issue, while Anne continued to live the high live, spending herself into penury until her death in 1808 (Curzon, 2016). Anne was known to run a private faro bank and be a heavy gambler (Aston, 2011).
The Duchess was more of Georgian woman of character, but the above feature from La Belle Assemblee doubtless shows her continued promotion as an “illustrious lady.” She is also another great example of Duchesses Behaving Badly.
Aston, N and C. Campbell Orr (2011). An Enlightenment Statesman in Whig Britain: Lord Shelburne in Context. Boydell & Brewer.
Curzon, C (2016). Life in the Georgian Court. Pen and Sword.
