Mary Nesbitt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Nesbitt
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Painting of Mary Nesbitt by the artist Joshua Reynolds, 1781, Wallace Collection, London
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| Born |
Mary Davis
1742 Covent Garden (alleged), England
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| Died | 1825 (aged 82–83) Paris, France
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| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Socialite |
| Known for | Mixing in the elevated circles of government and royalty in late 18th century Great Britain |
Mary Nesbitt was a well-known English lady born around 1742. She spent time with important people in government and even royalty in the late 1700s in Great Britain. Her home, Norwood House, was a popular place for government officials and young people hoping to become politicians.
Later in her life, Mary traveled around Europe. Some people believe she might have been a secret agent. She may have worked for Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger. He might have wanted her help to bring back the French monarchy. Mary Nesbitt passed away in Paris in 1825.
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Early Life and Connections
Mary Nesbitt was born Mary Davis in 1742 or 1743. Her birthplace is believed to be Covent Garden, England. As an adult, she became a prominent figure in English society. She was known for spending time with powerful and influential people. This included members of the government and even the royal family.
Norwood House: A Hub for Important People
Mary Nesbitt lived in a large home called Norwood House. It was located in Upper Norwood, which is now part of South London. Her house was a popular meeting place for many important men. These visitors included George Rose, who was the secretary to the Treasury. Many young people who wanted to become politicians also visited her home.
A Possible Secret Agent?
During the time of the French Revolution, Mary Nesbitt traveled a lot in Europe. She met with many diplomats, who are people who represent their country in foreign lands. Some historians believe that she might have been a secret agent. They think she was working for the British Prime Minister, William Pitt the Younger.
Working for the Government
It is thought that Prime Minister Pitt might have recruited Mary. He may have wanted her to help him secretly. His goal was to try and restore the French monarchy. This means he wanted to bring back the king and queen to power in France. Her travels and connections suggest she played a part in these important events.
Later Life and Madame Tussaud
In the early 1800s, Mary Nesbitt faced some financial difficulties. She had to rent out her beloved Norwood House. After this, she often lived abroad, traveling in different countries.
Meeting Madame Tussaud
In 1808, Mary Nesbitt met the famous wax artist, Madame Tussaud. Mary bought a house for Madame Tussaud in Crystal Palace. It is believed that from this house, Madame Tussaud later started her world-famous waxwork museum. Her museum became very popular.
Final Years
Mary Nesbitt is believed to have passed away in Paris, France. She was 82 years old at the time of her death. She was buried in Paris on November 4, 1825.
