"Scarlet Women: Mistresses in History"

Mistresses are as endemic to the history of the European monarchies as heraldry and in-breeding. From Henrietta Howard, mistress of George II to Emma Hamilton, England’s first media superstar, the mistresses of kings and courtiers were often strong, intelligent, dynamic women, who wielded massive behind-the-scenes political influence.

Their stories combine sex, intrigue and power. We are lucky to have three of the most popular and talented female historians in the country to share them with us, and to explain their significance.