Martha Ray | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Martha Ray by Nathaniel Dance, 1777 (detail of larger portrait) | |
| Born | 1746 |
| Died | 7 April 1779 (aged 32–33) Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, England |
| Cause of death | Murdered by James Hackman |
| Resting place | St Nicholas church, Elstree, Hertfordshire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Known for | Mistress of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich |
Martha Ray (1746[1] – 7 April 1779) was a British singer of the Georgian era. Her father was a corsetmaker[2] and her mother was a servant in a noble household.[3] Good-looking, intelligent, and a talented singer, she came to the attention of many of her father's patrons.[3] She is best known for her affair with John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich.[4] She lived with him as his mistress from the age of seventeen, while his wife was suffering from mental illness. She gave birth to nine children, five of whom survived,[5] including the lawyer and philanthropist Basil Montagu.[6] During this time, she conducted a successful singing career, for which she became well known, as well as completing her education with Lord Sandwich's support.
- ^ Bard 2011.
- ^ Prins & Shreiber 2018, p. 72.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
escapetoexplore.co.ukwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ McDonagh 2003, p. 73.
- ^ Brewer 2014.
- ^ McDonagh 2003, p. 74.