Nell Gwynne – A talk by Graham Hopkins

A Highgate Library event with the support of FoHL

Born into poverty, Nell Gwynne became the most famous woman in Restoration England. A cinder girl and fish hawker. An orange seller who became the leading comedy female actor (with women finally permitted on the English stage). History tells us her fame comes from being the mistress) of King Charles II. But men write history. The real reason we know her is because she was funny. Samuel Pepys called her “pretty, witty Nell”. She was courted by poets, playwrights, politicians and the finest minds of the age.

Come and hear about a remarkable woman and her fascinating times (plague, fire, plots). It’s said that the whole world knows Nell Gwynne. This talk tries to show you why.

Graham Hopkins is author of “Nell Gwynne – A Passionate Life” (Robson Books, 2002). His play “Nelly – A Folk musical” is on at Lauderdale House on Tuesday 20 September, 7.30pm, the week after this talk on Thursday 15 September.

• Register on Eventbrite for Zoom event
• Register on Eventbrite to be in the hall