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89: Rumor Has It pt.2: Dearest Reader

Writer: Maia WarnerMaia Warner
Jan 222 min read

Updated: Feb 21



Was Bridgerton's Lady Whistledown based on a real person? This week, Maia talks to us about the original Lady Whistledown, Mrs. Crackenthorpe, and whether her true identity is Thomas Baker, or, more likely, Delarivier Manley. Join us as we dive into the gossip pages that were all the rage during this period of whispers and intrigue. Women get published, reputations get ruined, and we attempt to separate fact from fiction. Oh, and do you want to meet the real Lady Cowper? This week, on Well, I Laughed!


00:20:00 Story starts

 

Photos Referenced:


Example of the Female Tatler while authored by Mrs. Crackenthorpe - courtesy of the University of Michigan
Example of the Female Tatler while authored by Mrs. Crackenthorpe - courtesy of the University of Michigan
Portrait of Emily Lamb, aged 16, by Sir Thomas Lawrence - courtesy of the UK National Gallery
Portrait of Emily Lamb, aged 16, by Sir Thomas Lawrence - courtesy of the UK National Gallery
Lady Emily Palmerston in 1860 (age ~73) - courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Lady Emily Palmerston in 1860 (age ~73) - courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Lord Henry Palmerston c. 1830-1840s (age ~50) - courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Lord Henry Palmerston c. 1830-1840s (age ~50) - courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

 

Sources:

Delarivier Manley

 

Sociology

 

The Female Tatler/Mrs. Crackenthorpe

 

Misc


 
 
 

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