Ill-Fated Facts About Emma Hamilton, The Regency Bad Girl
It’s often said that well-behaved women don’t make history, and Emma, Lady Hamilton, certainly is an example of what it takes to make the history books. She wasn’t marked for fame at an early age, but that didn’t stop her from putting several marks on European culture, society, and history. Charming royalty and commoners alike, Emma climbed the social ladder, only to tragically fall from grace.
1. Her Early Years Were Filled With Turmoil
First off, Emma wasn’t her real name. It was Amy Lyon, and her date of birth was April 26, 1765. Her parents were Henry Lyon, a blacksmith, and Mary Kidd. Her life began with an utter tragedy. Emma lost her dad when she just was a baby. After, her mother and grandmother raised her in Wales. At some point, she adopted the name Emma Hart.
By the age of 12, she was working as an under-nursemaid for a family called the Linleys in London. After a few years, she left—and her next stop raised eyebrows.
2. She Had A Racy Roommate
When Emma left the Linleys, she went from traditional to utterly scandalous. At the age of 16, she moved into the home of a woman named Mrs. Kelly, “a procurer and abbess of a brothel.” It was a nice way of saying this Mrs. Kelly was a “
madam.” There is no evidence that Emma turned tricks for a living or did anything that risqué.
Still, her choice to live so openly with a madam was questionable at best. As shady as her living accommodations were, Emma’s next gig turned things up a notch.
3. Her First Job Raised Eyebrows
If people thought living in a night house was bad—well, her next employer took it up a notch. After all, many considered him a con artist. Emma became a model and dancer at the so-called Temple of Health and Hymen, run by a “doctor”
named James Graham. Graham lectured about reproduction at this “temple.” He also rented out his Great Celestial State Bed for £50 a night and promoted its ability to help with the conception of perfect babies!
Again, no one knows what exactly Emma did here…but her next job led to a string of rich, influential lovers.
4. She Went Buck Wild At A Stag Party
Emma left the Temple for greener pastures at a cottage. For a few months, Emma hosted and entertained members of a hunting party at an estate owned by Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh in the English countryside. So, how good was Emma as a hostess? Well, there is an interesting story about how she allegedly danced in her birthday suit on Fetherstonhaugh’s dining table for the guests.
The service she provided must have been great, because she certainly got Fetherstonhaugh’s attention.
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