Pack your finest 17th-century garb and prepare for a week-long escape to London in February 1650, a city buzzing with intrigue, theatre, and a touch of scandal. This particular time-travel destination coincides with the birth of Nell Gwyn, the future actress, wit, and favorite mistress of King Charles II. Born into humble beginnings, Nell would rise to prominence as a darling of the Restoration stage and an enduring icon of charm and resilience. Let’s dive into a week in London where history, drama, and a bit of romance are always center stage.
Day 1: Arrival in Restoration London
Destination: Covent Garden
Begin your journey in the bustling Covent Garden area, a vibrant hub for markets, street performers, and taverns. As the birthplace of Nell Gwyn, it’s the perfect spot to get a sense of the lively, if rough-around-the-edges, world she was born into. Wander the cobbled streets, soak in the sights, and keep an ear out for gossip—the currency of the 17th century.
Stop by a coffee house (the newest craze!) for some stimulating conversation with locals who can fill you in on London’s buzzing theatre scene and political tensions. Don’t forget to avoid discussing Cromwell too loudly; the Commonwealth period is in full swing, and opinions about the monarchy are… divided.
Day 2: Explore the World of the Theatre
Destination: Drury Lane
While Nell Gwyn won’t make her debut for another two decades, the spirit of theatre is alive and well. Spend the day exploring the stages and actors that will one day shape her career. Visit Drury Lane Theatre (still under development but a key site in the coming years) and catch a performance at a local playhouse.
This is the perfect opportunity to see firsthand how the arts thrived even amidst political upheaval. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Nell’s quick wit and natural charisma would later captivate audiences and the king himself.
Day 3: Immerse Yourself in Nell’s World
Destination: Cheapside
Travel to Cheapside, where Nell’s early life would have been shaped by London’s vibrant markets and working-class hustle. While her family’s background was modest (her father reportedly a “captain” in name only), Cheapside’s bustling energy provides insight into the resourcefulness Nell would later use to rise above her station.
Pop into a tavern to hear tales of royalists plotting their return and perhaps overhear chatter about the boy-king Charles II—currently in exile but destined to be Nell’s greatest patron.
Day 4: A Royal Glimpse
Destination: Whitehall Palace (from a distance)
Though Charles II is currently in exile in France, Whitehall Palace remains the seat of royal intrigue and a key location in Nell’s future. Take a walk along the Thames to admire the grand facade of the palace and imagine the opulence that Nell would one day frequent as the king’s mistress.
Indulge in a daydream about Nell’s future life here, where her sharp humor and unpretentious charm would win the affection of not only the king but also the public.
Day 5: London’s Resilient Spirit
Destination: The City of London
Visit the remnants of medieval London to see how the city is rebuilding from years of civil war. The people’s resilience mirrors Nell’s own life story—a girl born to hardship who would ascend to the height of courtly power. Wander through St. Paul’s Churchyard for a mix of religious devotion and political pamphlets, capturing the contrasting forces of the time.
Day 6: Embrace the Restoration Spirit
Destination: Southwark
Though Southwark is known for its bawdy reputation, it’s also a cultural center that will heavily influence Nell’s world. Stroll past the Globe Theatre (now a shadow of its former glory) and imagine the flourishing theatre scene that will erupt when Charles II returns and officially lifts the ban on women performing on stage. Nell will be among the first actresses to shine, a pioneer in a male-dominated field.
Day 7: A Toast to Nell Gwyn
Destination: The Cheshire Cheese Inn
End your week in style at a tavern like The Cheshire Cheese (it’s old, even by 1650 standards). Raise a tankard of ale to Nell Gwyn, whose story is just beginning. Reflect on the dynamic world she was born into and her journey from the streets of Covent Garden to becoming one of the most beloved figures of her time.
Want to Know More?
For further exploration of Nell Gwyn’s life and the world she inhabited, these resources are an excellent starting point:
- Books:
- Nell Gwyn: Mistress to a King by Charles Beauclerk
- The Mistresses of Charles II by Brian Masters
- Restoration London by Liza Picard
- Websites:
- British History Online (www.british-history.ac.uk)
- National Portrait Gallery’s Nell Gwyn Collection (www.npg.org.uk)
- Documentaries:
- Charles II: The Power and the Passion (BBC)
- Restoration: The Art and Wit of Nell Gwyn
Tips for Time Travellers
- Blend In: Dress modestly for Covent Garden but bring something finer for theatre nights. Avoid royalist badges—it’s a touchy subject.
- Carry Small Change: Markets are lively, and a coin or two might buy you a street performance or an ale.
- Keep an Open Ear: From taverns to theatre audiences, Londoners are a chatty bunch. Listen for gossip about the king’s exile—it’s the talk of the town.
Nell Gwyn’s birth in 1650 marked the start of a remarkable journey, not just for her but for an England poised on the brink of change. Whether you’re there for the markets, the theatre, or the royal intrigue, this week-long city break offers the perfect snapshot of a world where history and drama are inseparable. Cheers to Nell—a true star in the making!
