Elizabeth Armistead
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Elizabeth Armistead (11 July 1750 – 8 July 1842) was a courtesan and, later, the wife of statesman and politician Charles James Fox. Her career began in an exclusive, high-class brothel in St. James’s in London.

Born Elizabeth Bridget Cane, Mrs. Armistead's legendary beauty and gentle nature made her sought after and ensured her the attentions of a string of rich notables including the Prince of Wales (the future George IV). She acquired considerable wealth and owned two houses, carriages and a host of servants.

After more than a decade of popularity with the ruling classes, she met the Whig politician Charles James Fox. In 1795, she married Fox, with whom she had lived since 1783. Their turbulent liaison and ensuing marriage was kept secret from society for seven years, and is regarded as one of the great romances of the 18th century. Her marriage to the prominent politician eased her acceptance by upper circles, but she would never be fully accepted.

Bibliography

• Reid, Loren Dudley. Charles James Fox, A Man For The People. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Press, 1969.

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