Court Scandals (Press, 31 July 1965)

The book "Count Grammont at the Court of Charles II," translated and edited by Nicholas Deakin, presents a narrative based on the memoirs of Anthony Hamilton, the brother-in-law of the Count. These memoirs, originally in French, provide a "chroniques scandaleuse" view into the notorious court life during Charles II's reign, which is well-known for its royal escapades, particularly those related to dalliances with women. However, readers seeking fresh insights into this heavily documented era may find themselves disappointed. The memoirs touch upon notable characters, such as Francis Stuart, who journeyed from France with hopes of captivating the King. Her efforts seem to have been founded on maintaining her virtue against Charles's relentless advances. After marrying the Duke of Richmond, she is quoted to have exhibited even more agreeable behaviour post-marriage—a testament to her cunning and complexity beyond Hamilton's portrayal. The narrative explores the lack of restraint at court, especially regarding the Maids of Honour, who were often subject to the advances of their superiors' husbands, with some remarkably resisting those advances. Count Grammont, once exiled by Louis XIV due to his romantic pursuits, eventually married Elizabeth Hamilton, although he reverted to his old ways shortly after their return to France. The book includes various scandalous anecdotes, though few hold significant weight. One interesting figure mentioned is Miss Hobart, a Maid of Honour, known for being the only lesbian in the otherwise heterosexual court environment, leading to potentially awkward situations. The author juxtaposes the frivolity of court life with the serious and sympathetic portrayal of Charles II's Queen, who endeavoured to accommodate her husband's numerous infidelities to maintain their relationship. Despite her efforts, the text suggests that her lack of beauty and wit compared to Charles's various mistresses ultimately doomed any hope for his fidelity. Spanning only two years (1661-1663) during a less eventful period of Charles II’s reign, the book offers character sketches of significant figures such as Lord Arlington and Lord Clarendon, providing context beyond mere scandal. The biographical notes included at the end enhance the understanding of key personalities of the time. In summary, while the book may not reveal groundbreaking information about Charles II's court, it does offer a compilation of entertaining and scandalous anecdotes, alongside glimpses into the lives of its prominent players, all framed within the context of the cultural and social norms of the mid-seventeenth century.

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