Seymour Fleming

Ladyworsley

Sir Richard Worsley 1775 75

Gillray - Sir Richard Worse-than-sly, exposing his wife's bottom; - o fye!

Seymour Fleming (5 October 1758 – 9 September 1818) was a British aristocrat best known for her tumultuous marriage to Sir Richard Worsley, 7th Baronet, and a scandalous court case that captivated Georgian England. Born into the wealthy and influential Fleming family, Seymour's life was marked by her beauty, wit, and the notoriety she gained from her personal affairs.

Early Life

Seymour Fleming was born to Sir Michael Fleming, 4th Baronet and his wife, Jane Coleman. The Flemings were part of the British gentry, owning extensive lands and having a significant influence in society. Seymour was educated in the manner befitting a lady of her station, focusing on the arts, literature, and languages, which were considered appropriate for someone of her class.

Marriage to Sir Richard Worsley

In 1775, Seymour married Sir Richard Worsley, 7th Baronet, aligning two powerful families. The marriage, however, was far from happy. Sir Richard was known for his eccentricities and his controlling nature, while Seymour was celebrated for her beauty and vivacity, traits that made her popular in the social circles of the time but also led to tension within the marriage.

The Scandal

The couple's private disputes became public in 1782 when Sir Richard brought a criminal conversation (crim. con.) lawsuit against George Maurice Bisset, a close friend of the couple, accusing him of adultery with Seymour. The case exposed the Worsleys' private lives to public scrutiny, revealing not only Seymour's infidelity but also Sir Richard's complicity in his wife's liaisons. The trial was a sensation, reported widely in the press, and it scandalized society. Sir Richard sought £20,000 in damages but was awarded only one shilling, the jury's way of indicating they believed Sir Richard had colluded in his own cuckolding.

Later Life and Legacy

After the trial, Seymour's reputation was irreparably damaged, and she lived much of her remaining life away from the public eye. She and Sir Richard officially separated, and she was granted a yearly allowance. Seymour Fleming died on 9 September 1818, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with scandal, societal norms, and the limitations placed on women during the Georgian era.

Her life and the infamous trial have been subjects of historical analysis, shedding light on the gender dynamics, legal systems, and societal values of 18th-century England. Seymour Fleming remains a figure of fascination for historians and the public alike, symbolizing the complexities of navigating female autonomy and reputation in a rigidly structured society.