Nell Gwyn

Nell Gwyn
Born
Eleanor Gwyn

2 February 1650
Hereford or St Martin in the Fields, London (disputed; see § Early life), England
Died14 November 1687(1687-11-14) (aged 37)
Nationality
Other names
  • "Pretty, witty Nell"
  • William Nell
OccupationActress
PartnerCharles II of England
Children

Eleanor Gwyn (2 February 1650 – 14 November 1687; also spelled Gwynn, Gwynne) was an English stage actress and celebrity figure of the Restoration period. Praised by Samuel Pepys for her comic performances as one of the first actresses on the English stage, she became best known for being a long-time mistress of King Charles II of England (c. April 1668 – 6 February 1685).

Called "pretty, witty Nell" by Pepys, she has been regarded as a living embodiment of the spirit of Restoration England, and has come to be considered a folk heroine, with a story echoing the rags-to-royalty tale of Cinderella. Gwyn had two sons by King Charles: Charles Beauclerk (1670–1726) and James Beauclerk (1671–1680). Charles Beauclerk was created Earl of Burford and Duke of St. Albans; Murray de Vere Beauclerk, 14th Duke of St. Albans is her descendant, and the current holder of the duchy.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Fox was invoked but never defined (see the help page).