Essex Girls

The county of Essex has a rather negative reputation for its young ladies, just look up "Essex Girl" in the Urban Dictionary.  Having lived there at one point in my life there I can both say "What a silly stereotype!" and "Holy Mother, what is that girl wearing!?! This is why some stereotypes are based on truths!"  Now we all know the eighteenth century was not a prudish time; quite the opposite in fact.  Now that poses the question: Were there any Lady Essex Girls?  After all there was a Lady Jersey Shore.  Let us examine the possibilities.

The Countesses of Essex (some anyway):

Lady Mary Bentinck
(1679-1726)
Mary was one of the famous Hampton Court Beauties; considered one of the most lovely women at the court of William and Mary.  Her beauty was also given the exclusive Kit-Cat club toast, something reserved for VIP Whig ladies.
Result: Hot, but not bothered.

Lady Jane Hyde
(c. 1694-1724)
Another noted beauty, Lady Jane served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to the Princess of Wales.
Result: Yawn.

Lady Elizabeth Russell
(1704-1784)
Well behaved women rarely make history and this one barely made history.
Result: I'd rather make history.

Frances Hanbury Williams
(1735-1759)
This Lady Essex was quite fashionable but only was a Countess of Essex for five years before she expired.
Result: Not enough time to live up to her name.


What the heck.  None of these ladies qualify as Essex Girls!  No low cut dresses, no public displays of affection, nothing!  I even found a Lady Essex Mostyn.  Her first name was Essex and she couldn't even make headlines.  So sadly I must accept that there were no Lady Essex Girls in the century when they should have been making the most of the stereotype. 



Cassiobury housed these lame ducks and has a fabulous site about them.
Well thank goodness someone was able to write a book about Infamous Essex Women!
Look, another book about Essex Girls!