Member-only story

The Woman Who Scandalized Eighteenth Century London: The Notorious Life of Mary Molesworth, Countess of Belvedere

John Green

·13.3k Followers· Follow

Published in The Duchess Countess: The Woman Who Scandalized Eighteenth Century London

4 min read · 2 weeks before

391 View Claps

21 Respond

Save

Listen

Mary Molesworth, Countess Of Belvedere, In Her Signature Riding Habit, Defying Societal Norms With Her Bold Fashion Choices And Scandalous Lifestyle. The Duchess Countess: The Woman Who Scandalized Eighteenth Century London

The Duchess Countess: The Woman Who Scandalized Eighteenth-Century London

by Catherine Ostler

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14692 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	427 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

In the vibrant and often scandalous world of eighteenth-century London, one woman stood out for her audacity and defiance of societal norms: Mary Molesworth, Countess of Belvedere. Born Mary Monck in 1726, she was the daughter of an Irish peer, Viscount Monck. Her life took a dramatic turn when she married Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, in 1746.

From the moment she arrived in London, Lady Belvedere became the talk of the town. Her beauty and vivacity were undeniable, but it was her unconventional behavior that truly set her apart. She was known for her love of gambling, her scandalous love affairs, and her daring fashion choices.

One of Lady Belvedere's most famous escapades involved her gambling. She was a regular at the gaming tables of London's fashionable society, where she often wagered large sums of money. Her reckless gambling habits led to her losing a significant amount of her fortune, but it also earned her a reputation for being a fearless and independent woman.

Lady Belvedere was also known for her numerous love affairs. She had a string of lovers, both men and women, and her reputation for infidelity was well-known. Her most famous affair was with William Henry Cavendish, the Duke of Portland. The two were deeply in love and planned to elope, but their plans were discovered and the Duke was forced to marry another woman.

Lady Belvedere's unconventional lifestyle extended to her fashion choices. She was often seen wearing men's clothing, including breeches, boots, and waistcoats. Her bold fashion choices were a reflection of her disregard for societal expectations. She refused to conform to the norms of her time and expressed her individuality through her clothing.

Lady Belvedere's scandalous behavior caused a great deal of gossip and speculation in London's high society. She was criticized by the moralists of the day, but she also had a loyal following among those who admired her for her independence and spirit.

In her later years, Lady Belvedere toned down her behavior somewhat. She became a patron of the arts and a supporter of various charitable causes. She also spent time writing her memoirs, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of a woman who defied the norms of her time.

Mary Molesworth, Countess of Belvedere, died in 1812 at the age of eighty-six. She was a complex and contradictory figure, but she remains one of the most fascinating characters from eighteenth-century London. Her scandalous lifestyle and bold fashion choices made her a legend in her own time, and her story continues to inspire and intrigue people to this day.

The Duchess Countess: The Woman Who Scandalized Eighteenth-Century London

by Catherine Ostler

4.2 out of 5