Your Host, Nell Gwyn

Nell Gwynn was one day passing through the streets of Oxford, in her coach, when the mob mistaking her for her rival, the Duchess of Portsmouth, commenced hooting and loading her with every opprobrious epithet. Putting her head out of the coach window, “Good people, you are mistaken; I am the Protestant whore.”

One of the few royal mistresses in British history to gain popular affection, Nell Gwyn (or Gwynn or Gwynne) became a legend long before she became a Toreador, but that alone may have set her on the path to immortality.

The daughter of the Madam of a bawdy house, Nell truly began her life when she started working alongside older sister Rose as a scantily clad orange seller at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane in London. The orange-girls also worked as liaisons for assignations between the actresses and the audience, exposing her to a different class of people and bringing her to the attention of her ‘Charleses’ – first the actor Charles Hart, who helped her begin her career on stage, then the future Prince of Toronto Charles Sackville, and later the King, her Charles the Third.

A talented comic actress, she was a popular performer until her retirement at twenty-one, just before the birth of her second child with King Charles. Nell never received a title unlike other mistresses, but the monarch’s deathbed wish was that she be cared for and his heir honoured it, eventually paying her mortgage, most of her debts, and providing her with an annual pension.

Both Nell and Charles Sackville both were chosen by the Toreador long before the King passed away, but their importance in their ruler’s life had kept them in place until his reign was over. Soon after James II was coronated, both were embraced by sires appropriate to their standing – that is to say, Charles’ sire was of royal blood from his mortal birth, while Nelly’s was decidedly lower class before becoming Kindred. This did not affect their friendship in the least, much as it had not in the past. Suitable replacements were found to live out a short life and die in their place, so as to avoid awkward questions.

Once released, Nell took advantage of freedom that she’d never had in her mortal life, making the short trip across the sea to visit France and beyond. She found her reputation from her time with the King preceded her – a blessing and curse, as many in the courts of Europe had tried to influence the British throne. Her wit and charm were enough to win over critics in her clan for the most part, while she avoided political machinations and plots as much as possible. Nell had seen enough of both while she was with the King and had remained his favourite by avoiding any impression that she cared more for the benefits he could provide than who he was as a person.

Ironically, this same avoidance of position and power (and perhaps her particular background) brought those with both into her confidence. Nell soon found herself with suitors and intimates, gaining respect for her ability to keep secrets and keep the peace. Rather than squander her influence like she had in the past, she committed herself to using it only when absolutely necessary. It was and is a delicate balance, but one she was uniquely qualified to manage.

When she finally returned to London, Charles Sackville had settled into a respectably disreputable life within the ranks of the city’s Divas, but it was simply an echo of his mortal past. He had done little with his time because little was expected of him but to follow the rules and avoid embarrassment. Though Nell’s years abroad were likewise a repetition of the past, Sackville seemed to stagnate while she grew into her new role and identity as Kindred. London was too full of memories to let him change; she needed to convince him to leave.

In the end, it was the coronation of the next Charles to ascend to the throne that sparked the discussion Nell had been hoping to begin. Neither she nor Sackville had a particular interest in seeing another King Charles; the only question was where to go. York was something of a joke at first – a challenge for the two Toreador to live in and make something of. But after time, it became a serious option. It wouldn’t have been one if they’d know what they were actually getting into; when they first arrived, they were horrified by the provincial state of the city. It was a challenge, but one they both rose to admirably. There were good years and bad, but after centuries of work, Toronto has become the city they’d hoped for.

Nell has held domain over the city’s sex workers since the days of their arrival and has done her best to ensure they are protected from vampiric influence. She’s worked to protect them and allow them to work with agency in general, but her perspective is shaped by her experiences – and though she was once poor, she’s been privileged much longer. Still, she’s always chosen those best for the job as her people and her childer both, regardless of background, gender, or sexuality. All that really matters now is personality… and blood.

Sex Work Is Work

The organizers of Nelly’s By Night stand by sex workers. We believe sex work is real work, and will not characterize sex workers as criminals, deviant or victims. Sex workers are working people and demand to be recognized as such. We support the mission and principles of Maggie’s: The Toronto Sex Workers Action Project, and will be accepting donations to Maggie’s at the event. Read more at: http://maggiestoronto.ca/about

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