Duchess of Drury Lane

During all these years she maintained a furious pace on the theatre circuit whilst giving birth to ten children by William, acting throughout her pregnancies — often feeding the latest new arrival between scenes.

So why did she die penniless and alone — and how is her name virtually unknown? Dora was The Duchess of Drury Lane for 30 years — a testimony to her sheer hard work, enchanting personality and a comic talent second to none.

A lady whose infinite goodness contrasts starkly with the deeds of those responsible for her wholly avoidable downfall. The fact that she and the Duke were so close — genuine soul mates as evident from the hundreds of letters they exchanged — makes her story all the more heart-breaking and the actions of royalty all the more contemptable.

The first person to attempt a biography of Dora was Elizabeth Inchbald — a contemporary and friend — but she lost her nerve and destroyed her manuscript on the advice of her confessor. For she was a Roman Catholic, and this was Lost or forgotten for nearly years, ironically the statue now rests where Dora was never invited, at Buckingham Palace. Not invited because of her wrong blood. But ultimately, Dorothy's generous nature was her undoing and she was to be cruelly betrayed by the man she loved"--Dust jacket flap Cataloging source UKMGB Dewey number Library Locations Map Details.

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Passion, jealousy, and scandal abound in this regency romance based on the real-life rags-to-riches story of British actress Dora Jordan. Having grown up poor and fatherless in Ireland, Dorothy Jordan is determined to overcome her humble beginnings and become the most famous comic actress of her day. Beginning a romance that will endure for twenty years—and produce ten children—Dora experiences great happiness with the Duke. But ultimately, Dora's generous nature becomes her undoing. Betrayed by the man she loves, Dora is faced with the harsh reality that life rarely resembles the happily-ever-afters of the plays she performs.

An extraordinary woman born into extraordinary times, Dora Jordan's story is one of great passion and even greater pain.

In The Duchess of Drury Lane , Freda Lightfoot reveals the true story of the rise and fall of an actress who captured the heart of a king. Availability can change throughout the month based on the library's budget. You can still place a hold on the title, and your hold will be automatically filled as soon as the title is available again.

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