I watched a programme about the history of Covent Garden and also listened to a BBC history podcast earlier this year about the life of Nell Gwyn, who lived there in the 17th century. Most people know something of Nell's story, how she started off as an orange-seller in a London theatre, how she transitioned to the stage, as an actress achieved fame and caught the eye of noblemen and eventually King Charles II, became the king's mistress, bore him a child and soon thereafter 'retired'.
What struck me most forcibly listening to the podcast was that she achieved all ...
