History Extra podcast

A 17th-century scandal & a writer's secret life

Jun 4, 2024

Author Lisa Hilton delves into the scandalous lives of Lady Henrietta Berkeley and writer Aphra Behn in the 17th century. They unravel tales of elopement, political intrigue, and disputed authorship, shedding light on women's experiences and the impact on literature and feminism.

31:55

Episode guests

Lisa Hilton

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Lady Henrietta Berkeley's scandalous affair and trial inspired Aphra Behn's bestselling political fiction in the 17th century.

Aphra Behn's background as a writer may have roots in the Americas or the West Indies, challenging traditional biographical narratives.

Deep dives

Lady Henrietta and Lord Grey's Scandalous Affair

Lady Henrietta A. Tabarkley, an aristocrat's daughter, eloped with her brother-in-law, Lord Grey, causing a scandal in the 17th century. Her family's efforts to retrieve her, including public advertisements, led to a dramatic trial at the King's Bench Court. The trial escalated into chaos when Henrietta proclaimed her marriage to William Turner, leading to skirmishes in court. Ultimately, it was revealed that she was indeed married to Turner, granting her independence.

Introduction

3min

The Escape of Henrietta

5min

Revealing the Enigma of A.F.R. Baines

8min

Unveiling the Controversial Authorship

12min

Exploring Love Letters and Society in the 17th Century

2min

To poet, playwright and writer Aphra Behn, the tale of a runaway aristocrat's daughter Lady Henrietta Berkeley, her scandalous affair and equally dramatic subsequent trial was rich material for some of the most outrageous and bestselling political fiction of the 17th century. However, Behn's own life may have been equally as exciting. Speaking to Emily Briffett, author Lisa Hilton untangles the stories of these two women at the heart of her new book, The Scandal of the Century, to highlight what they can reveal about the lives of women at this time.

(Ad) Lisa Hilton is the author of The Scandal of the Century (Penguin, 2024). buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthe-scandal-of-the-century%2Flisa-hilton%2F9781405953320.

The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.

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