Dorothea Jordan and Scandal

Guest post by Elf Ahearn

During the Georgian era, the United Kingdom’s most famous and notorious actress was Mrs. Dorothea Jordan (Dora), whose curly brown hair, tiny waist, perfect legs, and brilliant comic timing made her the Jennifer Aniston of her day.

Dora, born Nov. 22, 1761, was the granddaughter of a Welsh clergyman named Phillips. Being poor, this man of the cloth persuaded his three daughters to become actresses, though “we know from unquestionable authority, that they were all respectable in the profession.” That said, one daughter, Grace Phillips, succumbed to the advances of Mr. Francis Bland, an Irish lad not yet of legal marrying age. The couple had two girls and a boy. Bland’s father, however, tracked them down and annulled the marriage. Following family tradition, Grace put her children on the stage to keep the family from starving

At 16, Dora had her first big success in Dublin. Unfortunately, she caught the attention of Richard Daly, a notorious womanizer who famously survived 16 duals. Confident of the outcome, he turned full front to his rivals in a shirt adorned with a brooch where the bullet should land. It’s a pity the men of Dublin didn’t have better aim. Daly, a theatre owner, had a nasty habit of lending actresses money they couldn’t return, and then blackmailing them into his bed. It’s suspected he raped Dora. She and her family fled to England.

Penniless and pregnant, Dora and her family landed in York in 1782. After securing a role with a theatre troupe, it was decided Dora should change her name. ‘Mrs.’ “was a shield that protected the wearer from all frivolous suitors,” and “Jordan” was a biblical reference to crossing the river Jordan to escape slavery (from Mr. Daly).

Again, her talent created a sensation. “There was a heartiness in her enjoyment, a sincerity in her laugh, that sunk the actress in the [role].” In addition to her unaffected acting, audiences (especially men) loved seeing her playing women who disguised themselves as men: pants exposed her lovely legs.

In 1785 she left the provinces for London and membership in the most prestigious acting company in England: Drury Lane. It was here that she became one of the biggest stars of the era and where she met the love of her life, William, Duke of Clarence, the future King William IV.

Their scandalous union sent London into a frenzy. The couple appeared in jeering cartoons and outraged articles. All agreed Dora wanted only the Duke’s money and connections, after all, he was a blundering, uncouth boor who few people liked. But, uncowed by public opinion, she found something to love, and her open-hearted affection smoothed his rough behavior.

For 20 years they lived together in domestic bliss, producing 10 children to add to three Dora already had. The Duke adored them and bestowed the name FitzClarence on his brood.

Alas, William turned 40. The couple were profligate spenders carrying enormous debts. Marrying an heiress seemed the easiest way out, and Dora assumed she’d remain the duke’s mistress, keeping their family intact. Instead, he took custody of the children and sent the boys into the military. The girls were put in the care of governesses, and Dora was rejected completely. He broke her heart.

Worse, Dora, who doted on her children, gave a son-in-law access to her funds. He bankrupted her, forcing her to move to France to avoid debtor’s prison. She died alone in 1816. The last of her money and a diamond ring she wore disappeared with the woman who cared for her in her final hours.

William ascended the throne in 1830. Though he had treated Dora badly, he never failed to acknowledge their children and they were welcomed into aristocratic circles.

Learn more about Dora Jordan

Dora Jordan as the Comic Muse: A Painting

Mrs. Jordan by James Boadan (1800) A story of her life by a contemporary

Mrs. Jordan: Child of Nature by Phillip Sergeant (1913) A biography

About the Author

I’ve been an actress, a journalist, a communications specialist, and the worst mathematician the insurance industry ever experienced. Fortunately, now I’m a dedicated kitten mom, who loves doing historical research.