Geoffrey Bindman QC unravels the curious case of the Duchess of Kingston
Elizabeth Chudleigh was the Christine Keeler of the 18th century, though rather more successful in her chosen way of life. By force of personality and physical attraction, she rose from a modest background to prominence in the court of King George III, marrying the heir to an earl and later the Duke of Kingston. She is best remembered today, however, for being convicted of bigamy by the House of Lords in 1786.
A secret marriage
Her story throws some light on the law relating to marriage and the status of women in those days. She secured a salaried position in the court as maid of honour to the Princess of Wales. Born in 1720, she met and in 1744 married Augustus Hervey, a naval officer who later inherited the title of Earl of Bristol. The marriage ceremony was performed in a private chapel at the home of her aunt and kept secret in order to enable her to keep her job, which was restricted to unmarried women. She and Hervey never
