34 Narrative, pp. 67, 31, 104-5 and 15. Narrative, pp. 67, 31, 104-5 and 15.
35 Deposition of Dorothy Stevenson [sic], LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Deposition of Dorothy Stevenson [sic], LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
36 Deposition of Susanna Church, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Deposition of Susanna Church, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
37 MEB to Thomas Joplin, 27 August [n. y. probably 1782]; 10 September 1782; 19 October 1782: SPG, box 186, bundle 6. The new gardener"s evidence is given in Testimony of Robert Thompson, NA divorce appeal to Delegates: DEL 2/12. Thompson said Bowes gave him his instructions in summer 1783. MEB to Thomas Joplin, 27 August [n. y. probably 1782]; 10 September 1782; 19 October 1782: SPG, box 186, bundle 6. The new gardener"s evidence is given in Testimony of Robert Thompson, NA divorce appeal to Delegates: DEL 2/12. Thompson said Bowes gave him his instructions in summer 1783.
38 Foot, pp. 85-6. Foot, pp. 85-6.
39 Taylor, vol. 1, p. 5; Moore (2005), pp. 199-200. Taylor, vol. 1, p. 5; Moore (2005), pp. 199-200.
40 Evidence of Jesse Foot, anon, Evidence of Jesse Foot, anon, The Trial of Andrew Robinson Bowes, Esq; first heard in the Arches The Trial of Andrew Robinson Bowes, Esq; first heard in the Arches, pp. 90-2.
41 Narrative, pp. 76-8, 72-5 and 83-4; Deposition of Dorothy Stevenson [sic], LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Narrative, pp. 76-8, 72-5 and 83-4; Deposition of Dorothy Stevenson [sic], LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
42 Deposition of Elizabeth Waite, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282; anon, Deposition of Elizabeth Waite, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282; anon, The Trial of Andrew Robinson Bowes, Esq; first heard in the Arches The Trial of Andrew Robinson Bowes, Esq; first heard in the Arches, pp. 1-8. Her letter is recorded in Narrative, p. 79.
43 Newcastle Chronicle Newcastle Chronicle, 17 April 1784.
44 Newcastle Chronicle Newcastle Chronicle, 24 April 1784.
45 Namier and Brooke, vol. 2, p. 107. Namier and Brooke, vol. 2, p. 107.
46 Narrative, pp. 48-50; Deposition of Dorothy Stevenson [sic], LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Narrative, pp. 48-50; Deposition of Dorothy Stevenson [sic], LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
47 Narrative, p. 61. Narrative, p. 61.
CHAPTER 9: AN ARTFUL INTRIGUING WOMAN.
Mary Morgan related her employment history in court. Deposition of Mary Morgan, anon, The Trial of Andrew Robinson Bowes, Esq; first heard in the Arches The Trial of Andrew Robinson Bowes, Esq; first heard in the Arches, p. 56. It seems that Morgan had a daughter who was aged about ten when she entered service with Mary Eleanor although no mention of her is made in letters or other doc.u.ments. She was buried in the same grave as her mother, at Priory Church, Christchurch. Although Mary wrote that Morgan arrived on 17 or 18 May, Morgan herself said she began work on 18 May. Chancery suit ARB v MEB, 1 June 1786: NA, C12/608/15.
1 Narrative, p. 85. Narrative, p. 85.
2 Testimony MEB, 16 December 1784 [in pursuit of Chancery case to regain custody of her children], submitted by ARB in divorce appeal to Delegates: NA, DEL 2/12. The letters quoted, contained in the testimony, are from Thomas Lyon to MEB, 5 May 1784 and MEB to TL, 10 May 1784. The lack of punctuation is typical of court clerical transcribing, not Mary"s normal impeccably grammatical style. Testimony MEB, 16 December 1784 [in pursuit of Chancery case to regain custody of her children], submitted by ARB in divorce appeal to Delegates: NA, DEL 2/12. The letters quoted, contained in the testimony, are from Thomas Lyon to MEB, 5 May 1784 and MEB to TL, 10 May 1784. The lack of punctuation is typical of court clerical transcribing, not Mary"s normal impeccably grammatical style.
3 Augustus Hare, vol. 1, p. 25. Augustus Hare, vol. 1, p. 25.
4 Deposition of Mary Reynett, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Deposition of Mary Reynett, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
5 Transcript of letter Mary Bowes to MEB, 12 May 1784: BM Archives. This letter was erroneously ascribed by Arnold to Maria Jane who had, of course, already left the school by then. The writing style and a reference to not yet being able to dance at b.a.l.l.s make clear this could not have been Maria Jane. See also an unpublished tract by Charles Hardy, "Mary Bowes 1777-1855", BM Archives, 1974. Transcript of letter Mary Bowes to MEB, 12 May 1784: BM Archives. This letter was erroneously ascribed by Arnold to Maria Jane who had, of course, already left the school by then. The writing style and a reference to not yet being able to dance at b.a.l.l.s make clear this could not have been Maria Jane. See also an unpublished tract by Charles Hardy, "Mary Bowes 1777-1855", BM Archives, 1974.
6 Foot, p. 88-94. Foot describes the kidnap and subsequent stay in France in detail, no doubt briefed by William Davis. Foot, p. 88-94. Foot describes the kidnap and subsequent stay in France in detail, no doubt briefed by William Davis.
7 NA, Chancery Orders and Decrees, C33/461/part 1, p. 365. The guardians presented their bill on 27 May 1784 according to the Orders and Decrees book. James Menzies having died, only Thomas Lyon and David Erskine remained as guardians. The original pet.i.tion appears not to have survived. NA, Chancery Orders and Decrees, C33/461/part 1, p. 365. The guardians presented their bill on 27 May 1784 according to the Orders and Decrees book. James Menzies having died, only Thomas Lyon and David Erskine remained as guardians. The original pet.i.tion appears not to have survived.
8 For general information on Paris and France in the eighteenth century see Black (2003). The contemporary accounts cited are Bessborough, p. 18 and Reichel, pp. 265-75. For background on France in the approach to the revolution of 1789 see Price, pp. 57-87; Doyle, For general information on Paris and France in the eighteenth century see Black (2003). The contemporary accounts cited are Bessborough, p. 18 and Reichel, pp. 265-75. For background on France in the approach to the revolution of 1789 see Price, pp. 57-87; Doyle, pa.s.sim pa.s.sim; Schama (2004), pa.s.sim pa.s.sim. 9 Sterne, pp. 32 and 149n.
10 Thomas Gray to Thomas Ashton, 21 April 1739, in Toynbee (1915), vol. 1, p. 213. Thomas Gray to Thomas Ashton, 21 April 1739, in Toynbee (1915), vol. 1, p. 213.
11 Cole, pp. 40 and 51; Andrews, p. 12. Cole, pp. 40 and 51; Andrews, p. 12.
12 Simpson, Helen, p. 109. Mercier"s writings on Paris were first published in 12 volumes between 1782-8. Simpson, Helen, p. 109. Mercier"s writings on Paris were first published in 12 volumes between 1782-8.
13 Narrative, pp. 75 and 87. Narrative, pp. 75 and 87.
14 Deposition of Mary Morgan, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282; anon, Deposition of Mary Morgan, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282; anon, The Trial of Andrew Robinson Bowes, Esq; first heard in the Arches The Trial of Andrew Robinson Bowes, Esq; first heard in the Arches, pp. 39-68.
15 Cole, p. 55. Cole, p. 55.
16 Foot, pp. 96-111. All letters subsequently quoted from ARB to Davis are from these pages. Foot, pp. 96-111. All letters subsequently quoted from ARB to Davis are from these pages.
17 For information on John Scott, Lord Eldon, see Surtees, William For information on John Scott, Lord Eldon, see Surtees, William; Twiss; and Melikan. Arnold states that it was William Scott, who took on the Chancery case but it was obviously John, who made his career in Chancery. Information on John Lee can be found in Schama (2005), pp. 157-60 and 166-7; and ODNB, vol. 33, pp. 82-3. Twiss; and Melikan. Arnold states that it was William Scott, who took on the Chancery case but it was obviously John, who made his career in Chancery. Information on John Lee can be found in Schama (2005), pp. 157-60 and 166-7; and ODNB, vol. 33, pp. 82-3.
18 NA, Chancery Orders and Decrees, C33/461/part 1, p. 365. NA, Chancery Orders and Decrees, C33/461/part 1, p. 365.
19 ARB to William Davis, 13 June 1784, in Foot, p. 97. ARB to William Davis, 13 June 1784, in Foot, p. 97.
20 Narrative, pp. 86, 92, 98 and 94. Narrative, pp. 86, 92, 98 and 94.
21 Narrative, pp. 87-89; Deposition of Mary Morgan, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282; anon, Narrative, pp. 87-89; Deposition of Mary Morgan, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282; anon, The Trial of Andrew Robinson Bowes, Esq; first heard in the Arches The Trial of Andrew Robinson Bowes, Esq; first heard in the Arches, pp. 39-68.
22 Deposition of Lady Anna Maria Bowes, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Deposition of Lady Anna Maria Bowes, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
23 MEB to ARB, 3 February 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1. MEB to ARB, 3 February 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1.
24 Mary Lawrenson (nee Stoney) to MEB, March [no day] 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1. Mary Lawrenson (nee Stoney) to MEB, March [no day] 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1.
25 Foot, pp. 101 and 110. The outcome is recorded in NA, Chancery Orders and Decrees, C33/461, part 2, p. 562. The case was heard on 3 August 1784. Foot, pp. 101 and 110. The outcome is recorded in NA, Chancery Orders and Decrees, C33/461, part 2, p. 562. The case was heard on 3 August 1784.
26 Narrative, p. 99. The succeeding episodes are from Narrative, pp. 101-2 and 95-7. Narrative, p. 99. The succeeding episodes are from Narrative, pp. 101-2 and 95-7.
27 Foot, p. 107. Foot, p. 107.
28 Deposition of William Davis, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Deposition of William Davis, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
29 Deposition of Dorothy Stevenson (sic), LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Deposition of Dorothy Stevenson (sic), LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
30 Narrative, pp. 103-4; Depositions of Mary Morgan, Ann Parkes and Lady Anna Maria Bowes, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Narrative, pp. 103-4; Depositions of Mary Morgan, Ann Parkes and Lady Anna Maria Bowes, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
31 Depositions of Susannah Sunderland, Richard Thompson and Dorothy Stevenson [sic], LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Bowes himself would suggest Sunderland ran a brothel in the interrogatories, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/180. Depositions of Susannah Sunderland, Richard Thompson and Dorothy Stevenson [sic], LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Bowes himself would suggest Sunderland ran a brothel in the interrogatories, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/180.
32 Narrative, pp. 106-16; Testimony of MEB, 16 December 1784, originally produced for Chancery case, Lord Strathmore and others v ARB and MEB, c. 1784, produced by ARB in Delegates case, 9 April 1788: NA DEL 2/12. Narrative, pp. 106-16; Testimony of MEB, 16 December 1784, originally produced for Chancery case, Lord Strathmore and others v ARB and MEB, c. 1784, produced by ARB in Delegates case, 9 April 1788: NA DEL 2/12.
33 Todd, pp. 286-7; Wollstonecraft, pp. 147-8. Interestingly, the novel tells the story of an educated woman who is deprived of her daughter and confined to an asylum by her licentious husband. Todd, pp. 286-7; Wollstonecraft, pp. 147-8. Interestingly, the novel tells the story of an educated woman who is deprived of her daughter and confined to an asylum by her licentious husband.
34 My thanks for advice to Peter Homan, Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. My thanks for advice to Peter Homan, Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
35 Venn, vol. 1, p. 342. John was admitted on 9 November 1784; Testimony of MEB, 16 December 1784, originally produced for Chancery case. Accounts 1782- 5: SPG, box 146, bundle 3. Venn, vol. 1, p. 342. John was admitted on 9 November 1784; Testimony of MEB, 16 December 1784, originally produced for Chancery case. Accounts 1782- 5: SPG, box 146, bundle 3.
36 Testimony of MEB, 16 December 1784, originally produced for Chancery case. Testimony of MEB, 16 December 1784, originally produced for Chancery case.
37 Narrative, pp. 90-1. Narrative, pp. 90-1.
38 Stone (1995), pp. 167-8; Foyster (2002). Stone (1995), pp. 167-8; Foyster (2002).
39 Narrative, pp. 120 and 89-90. Narrative, pp. 120 and 89-90.
40 Deposition of Mary Morgan, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Deposition of Mary Morgan, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
41 Foot, p. 112. Foot, p. 112.
42 Answer MEB, 15 March 1787, ARB v MEB: NA Chancery C12/608/15. Answer MEB, 15 March 1787, ARB v MEB: NA Chancery C12/608/15.
43 Answer ARB, 3 July 1786, MEB v ARB: NA Chancery C12/605/34. Answer ARB, 3 July 1786, MEB v ARB: NA Chancery C12/605/34.
44 Narrative, pp. 127-8; answer of Mary Morgan, 17 March 1787, ARB v MEB: NA Chancery C12/608/15. Morgan describes the arrangements for the escape in this testimony. Charles Shuter was not Morgan"s cousin, as suggested by Arnold, but the brother-in-law of her friend Miss Charles. Narrative, pp. 127-8; answer of Mary Morgan, 17 March 1787, ARB v MEB: NA Chancery C12/608/15. Morgan describes the arrangements for the escape in this testimony. Charles Shuter was not Morgan"s cousin, as suggested by Arnold, but the brother-in-law of her friend Miss Charles.
CHAPTER 10: VILE TEMPTATIONS.
The main sources for Mary"s escape are Foot, pp. 114-6 ; answer of Mary Morgan, 17 March 1787, ARB v MEB: NA Chancery C12/608/15; affidavit Susanna Church, divorce appeal to Delegates: NA DEL 2/12; and Depositions of Mary Reynett and Anna Maria Bowes, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Background information on the history of the English legal system is from Baker.
1 Narrative, pp. 48, 50, 129-30 and 133. Narrative, pp. 48, 50, 129-30 and 133.
2 Copy of letter MEB to ARB, 3 February 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1. The copy was made by MEB herself. Copy of letter MEB to ARB, 3 February 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1. The copy was made by MEB herself.
3 HW to Lady Ossory, 5 February 1785, in Lewis, W. S., vol. 33, pp. 459-60. HW to Lady Ossory, 5 February 1785, in Lewis, W. S., vol. 33, pp. 459-60.
4 Handwritten copy of Articles of the Peace exhibited by MEB against ARB, 7 February 1785: SPG, Bowes Paper, vol. 41; Handwritten copy of Articles of the Peace exhibited by MEB against ARB, 7 February 1785: SPG, Bowes Paper, vol. 41; Gentleman"s Magazine Gentleman"s Magazine, 55 (1785), p. 152. Another handwritten copy of the articles exists in SPG, volume C which has a poem, presumably by Mary, on the reverse. It reads: "Our poets oft have satire tried,/To stop the hideous female rore,/But Bowes his keener pen apply"d,/And woman for a while gave o"er,/Thus may their tongues for ever bleed,/And pens be ne"er employ"d in vain,/Bowes then may glory in the Deed,/And try the experiment again."
5 Morning Chronicle Morning Chronicle, 8 and 24 February 1785.
6 Narrative, p. 7. Narrative, p. 7.
7 Foot, p. 117. Foot, p. 117.
8 Affidavit Dorothy Stephenson, divorce appeal to Delegates: NA DEL 2/12. Dorothy said she left on 25 February 1785. Affidavit Dorothy Stephenson, divorce appeal to Delegates: NA DEL 2/12. Dorothy said she left on 25 February 1785.
9 ARB to Charles Harborne and James Seton [MEB"s attorneys], 11 February 1785, cited in Answer MEB, ARB v MEB: NA Chancery C12/608/15; ARB to same, 16 February 1785, copy: SPG, box 185, bundle 2. ARB to Charles Harborne and James Seton [MEB"s attorneys], 11 February 1785, cited in Answer MEB, ARB v MEB: NA Chancery C12/608/15; ARB to same, 16 February 1785, copy: SPG, box 185, bundle 2.
10 Answer MEB in ARB v MEB: NA Chancery C12/608/15; Foot, p. 119. Answer MEB in ARB v MEB: NA Chancery C12/608/15; Foot, p. 119.
11 Bill ARB in ARB v MEB: NA Chancery C12/608/15. The bill says Stephens was "late under treasurer" of the Middles.e.x Hospital, now in the East Indies, in December 1786. Bill ARB in ARB v MEB: NA Chancery C12/608/15. The bill says Stephens was "late under treasurer" of the Middles.e.x Hospital, now in the East Indies, in December 1786.
12 d.i.c.kens (1991, first pub. 1852-3), p. 53. d.i.c.kens (1991, first pub. 1852-3), p. 53.
13 For information on the history of divorce in England see Phillips (1988) and (1991); Stone (1995); and Baker, pp. 490-8. For information on the history of divorce in England see Phillips (1988) and (1991); Stone (1995); and Baker, pp. 490-8.
14 Hay and Rogers, p. 53. Hay and Rogers, p. 53.
15 Stone (1995), pp. 153-5. Eldon and Kenyon subsequently attempted to abolish private separation deeds. Stone (1995), pp. 153-5. Eldon and Kenyon subsequently attempted to abolish private separation deeds.
16 Stone (1995), p. 213; Lord Abergavenny against Richard Lyddel for criminal conversation with Lady Abergavenny, in anon, Stone (1995), p. 213; Lord Abergavenny against Richard Lyddel for criminal conversation with Lady Abergavenny, in anon, A New Collection of Trials for Adultery A New Collection of Trials for Adultery, vol. 1, case 7, p.12.
17 Anon, Anon, A New Collection of Trials for Adultery A New Collection of Trials for Adultery, vol. 2, p. iii.
18 According to Stone, cases seeking separation which reached the Court of Arches (the appeal court for southern England) rose between 1780 and 1810, while matrimonial litigation at the London Consistory Court, the biggest of the preliminary courts, doubled between 1750 and 1820. Stone provides a breakdown of plaintiffs to the LCC by gender between 1670 and 1857. Stone (1995), pp. 40, 43 and 428. According to Stone, cases seeking separation which reached the Court of Arches (the appeal court for southern England) rose between 1780 and 1810, while matrimonial litigation at the London Consistory Court, the biggest of the preliminary courts, doubled between 1750 and 1820. Stone provides a breakdown of plaintiffs to the LCC by gender between 1670 and 1857. Stone (1995), pp. 40, 43 and 428.
19 Stone (1995), pp. 309-11. Stone (1995), pp. 309-11.
20 Phillips (1988) p. 65. Phillips (1988) p. 65.
21 Campbell, vol. 7, pp. 153-5. Campbell, vol. 7, pp. 153-5.
22 d.i.c.kens (1938, first pub. 1849-50), p. 320. d.i.c.kens (1938, first pub. 1849-50), p. 320.
23 Foot, p. 120. Mary"s libel was lodged on 4 May 1785 and is given in LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/180. The depositions are collected as LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Foot, p. 120. Mary"s libel was lodged on 4 May 1785 and is given in LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/180. The depositions are collected as LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
24 MEB to Thomas Johnston, 27 April 1785, in Stoney, appendix to p. 55. MEB to Thomas Johnston, 27 April 1785, in Stoney, appendix to p. 55.
25 Foot, p. 119. Foot meant in financial terms. Foot, p. 119. Foot meant in financial terms.
26 MEB to Thomas Colpitts, 15 June 1785: SPG, volume C. MEB to Thomas Colpitts, 15 June 1785: SPG, volume C.
27 Mary Lawrenson (nee Stoney) to MEB, March 1785, George Stoney to MEB, 31 March 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1; George Stoney to General Armstrong, 6 April 1785, cited in Stoney, p. 56. Mary Lawrenson (nee Stoney) to MEB, March 1785, George Stoney to MEB, 31 March 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1; George Stoney to General Armstrong, 6 April 1785, cited in Stoney, p. 56.
28 Thomas Lyon to MEB, 27 May 1785: SPG, box 201, bundle 3; TL to MEB, 27 July 1786: SPG, box 69, bundle 4. Thomas Lyon to MEB, 27 May 1785: SPG, box 201, bundle 3; TL to MEB, 27 July 1786: SPG, box 69, bundle 4.
29 Elizabeth Parish to Thomas Lyon, 4 May 1785: SPG, box 146, bundle 6; same to same, 3 November 1785: SPG, box 99, bundle 2. Elizabeth Parish to Thomas Lyon, 4 May 1785: SPG, box 146, bundle 6; same to same, 3 November 1785: SPG, box 99, bundle 2.
30 Foot, p. 119. William Lyon describes himself as a distant relation in anon, Foot, p. 119. William Lyon describes himself as a distant relation in anon, A full and accurate report of the trial A full and accurate report of the trial, p. 32-3.
31 Foot, p. 120; Jesse Foot to MEB, 24 May 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1; Jesse Foot to MEB, 24 May 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1; deposition of Jesse Foot, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. Foot, p. 120; Jesse Foot to MEB, 24 May 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1; Jesse Foot to MEB, 24 May 1785: SPG, box 185, bundle 1; deposition of Jesse Foot, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
32 John Hunter to MEB, 18 September 1785: DCRO SEA St/C1/9/5. The feud between Foot and Hunter may have been at least partly motivated by their opposing loyalties in the Bowes divorce case. The following year, 1786, when Hunter published his long-awaited treatise on venereal disease, Foot responded with a virulent counter-attack. While Hunter characteristically dismissed the diatribe with the aside that "every animal has its Lice", Foot would have the last laugh: penning a poisonous biography of the revered surgeon the moment he was safely dead. See Moore (2005), pp. 199-201 and ODNB, vol. 20, pp. 245-6. Depositions of John Hunter and Richard Thompson, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282. John Hunter to MEB, 18 September 1785: DCRO SEA St/C1/9/5. The feud between Foot and Hunter may have been at least partly motivated by their opposing loyalties in the Bowes divorce case. The following year, 1786, when Hunter published his long-awaited treatise on venereal disease, Foot responded with a virulent counter-attack. While Hunter characteristically dismissed the diatribe with the aside that "every animal has its Lice", Foot would have the last laugh: penning a poisonous biography of the revered surgeon the moment he was safely dead. See Moore (2005), pp. 199-201 and ODNB, vol. 20, pp. 245-6. Depositions of John Hunter and Richard Thompson, LCC divorce case: LMA DL/C/282.
33 The Times The Times, 27 April and 9 May 1785. The Stephensons" story is told in Statement by Mary Stephenson, n.d. [1785/6]: SPG, box 185, bundle 2. Dorothy"s statement of her ordeal is given in Affidavit Dorothy Stephenson, 3 May 1785, for divorce appeal to Delegates: NA DEL 2/12.