Charles II's Mistress Circled Bestwood

At Bestwood hunting lodge in 17th-century Nottinghamshire, King Charles II and his guests often teased his mistress, English actress Nell Gwyn, for sleeping late and avoiding hunts. Charles reportedly offered her all the land she could ride around before breakfast. The next morning, he found Gwyn already sitting for breakfast after she had ridden out early and dropped handkerchiefs to mark her route around the area that became Bestwood Park. Charles later granted the estate to Gwyn and their son, Charles Beauclerk.

Previous Fact Next Fact