2nd February 1650: the Birth of Nell Gwyn
On this day in 1650, Nell Gwyn was supposedly born in Covent Garden - although the date, year, and city of her birth remain disputed. Described as "pretty, witty Nell" by the diarist Samuel Pepys, she rose from childhood poverty to become one of the first female actresses in England - and ultimately the mistress of King Charles II. She had two sons by the king, one of whom became the Duke of St Albans.
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