Scarlet Women: Mistresses in History

Following the success of their feature on Radio 4's Woman's Hour, four of Britain's best-loved and most widely-read historians gather to shine a light on a too-often ignored area of history. Our panel, otherwise known as the History Girls, will uncover the fascinating and hidden histories of some of England's most famous mistresses.

Alison Weir brings to life the story of John of Gaunt's mistress and eventual wife, Katherine Swynford. Tracy Borman will tell us of Henrietta Howard, the enigmatic and largely forgotten royal mistress and confidante of King George II. Sarah Gristwood reveals the tale of Mary Robinson royal mistress, writer and romantic. And Kate Williams tells the story of Emma Hamilton's incredible rise to fame and her passionate affair with Lord Nelson.

www.tracyborman.co.uk  and www.alisonweir.org.uk

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