Berkshire History for Kids: Nell Gwynne

The Poor Girl who lived in a Great House

Nell was a poor girl from Hereford who sold oranges to theatre-goers in Drury Lane in London.
In the 1660s, she became an actress in the theatre at the age of only 15.
She was very good and became quite famous.
Later, King Charles II used to watch her perform.
Nell became the King’s girlfriend, even though he was already married.
Nell lived in London and in Sunninghill and Windsor, to be near the King.
King Charles gave her a big mansion in Windsor called ‘Burford House’. She lived in luxury there for many years.
Nell and the King had two sons together. Their eldest son became Duke of St. Albans.
When the King died, his last words to his brother, the new king, were "Let not poor Nelly starve".
Nell died when she was only 37.