Seedy Facts About Doris Castlerosse, The Mistress Of Mayfair
Think Cara Delevingne is scandalous? Meet her great-aunt, Viscountess Doris Castlerosse.
1. She Was “The Mistress Of Mayfair”
It’s a rough life when you social climb your way into history, and no one knew that better than Doris Delevingne, the Viscountess of Castlerosse. Nicknamed the “Mistress of Mayfair” for the sheer number of beds she ruthlessly seduced her way into around London, Castlerosse was the most scandalous courtesan of her time.
The details of her lovers still shock people today, not to mention the sordid secrets of her marriage. But in the end, she paid an appalling price.
2. She Had A Scraps To Scandal Story
Although she came from humble beginnings (her father was a French hat maker in London), Doris Delevingne knew what she wanted early in life. At the age of 18, she began working just next to the high and mighty of England, selling used gowns to actresses. But for Doris, who was blonde, beautiful, and fine-featured, this was only a stepping stone.
She found her next step up very quickly.
3. An Actress Pulled Her In
While working in this dress trade, Doris met the person who would change her life. Actress Gertrude Lawrence invited Doris to room with her in the posh neighborhood of Mayfair, and it gave Doris a whole new perspective on life.
Lawrence was the mistress of a Cavalry Officer, and had fancy cars, elegant parties, and constant jewels at her command. Suddenly, Doris began to see just how cushy the world of a kept woman was. This wasn’t a good thing.
4. She Was An Addict
There’s certainly no shame in a woman making it into society any way she could, but Doris Delevingne wasn’t most women. In short order, she became positively addicted to Lawrence’s kind of lifestyle.
Around this time, she apparently liked to touch her head, then her neck, then her decolletage with the mantra “Tiara, brooch, clip, clip”.
She was ravenous for extravagance, and she knew just how to get it.
