England Expects: The Story of Emma Hamilton
From humble beginnings to the glittering courts of Europe, Emma Hamilton lived one of the most extraordinary lives of the Georgian age. Born into poverty in the north-west of England as Amy Lyon, her remarkable beauty, intelligence and irresistible charm transformed her fortunes and carried her into the highest circles of society.
Reinventing herself as Emma Hart, she became the muse of celebrated artist George Romney before marrying Sir William Hamilton, Britain’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sicily. Under his guidance she received an education that matched her ambition, mastering languages, music and the classical world. By the time she met Horatio Nelson, Britain’s greatest naval hero, Emma had become one of the most admired and fashionable women in Europe.
Their passionate love affair captivated the nation and scandalised polite society. Emma, Sir William and Nelson famously lived under the same roof, while her relationship with Nelson and the birth of their daughter, Horatia, became the talk of Georgian Britain. Yet fame and privilege proved fragile. Following Sir William’s death and Nelson’s loss at the Battle of Trafalgar, Emma’s world unravelled. Debt, gambling and alcohol brought about a tragic decline, ending far from the splendour she had once known.
Set in the years after Nelson’s death, this captivating costumed performance follows Emma as she desperately clings to the memories of her remarkable life. Witty, glamorous, moving and heartbreaking, it tells the unforgettable story of a woman who rose from poverty to become one of the most celebrated and controversial figures of her age.
Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Reinventing herself as Emma Hart, she became the muse of celebrated artist George Romney before marrying Sir William Hamilton, Britain’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sicily. Under his guidance she received an education that matched her ambition, mastering languages, music and the classical world. By the time she met Horatio Nelson, Britain’s greatest naval hero, Emma had become one of the most admired and fashionable women in Europe.
Their passionate love affair captivated the nation and scandalised polite society. Emma, Sir William and Nelson famously lived under the same roof, while her relationship with Nelson and the birth of their daughter, Horatia, became the talk of Georgian Britain. Yet fame and privilege proved fragile. Following Sir William’s death and Nelson’s loss at the Battle of Trafalgar, Emma’s world unravelled. Debt, gambling and alcohol brought about a tragic decline, ending far from the splendour she had once known.
Set in the years after Nelson’s death, this captivating costumed performance follows Emma as she desperately clings to the memories of her remarkable life. Witty, glamorous, moving and heartbreaking, it tells the unforgettable story of a woman who rose from poverty to become one of the most celebrated and controversial figures of her age.
Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Where is it happening?
Lichfield Methodist Church, Lichfield, United Kingdom
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherLesley Smith Historians
