Many famous and distinguished individuals who brought fame to our city were born in Liverpool. Today, we will turn back the pages of history to learn about the life of Catherine Walters. Catherine was born in Liverpool and was known as a trendsetter and a courtesan to influential figures. Read more about Catherine’s activities and her influence on culture on the iliverpool.info website.
Catherine Walters had an ordinary appearance, yet she appealed to men
Catherine was born in 1839 in Liverpool. After turning 18, the young woman moved to London.
The Liverpool native was not a conventional beauty, yet she was adored by men. She was a skilled horsewoman, and even aristocratic ladies tried to copy her riding style.
It is said that her lovers included famous and influential men: Aubrey de Vere Beauclerk, Spencer Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington, Napoleon III, the French Minister of Finance Achille Fould, and the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). Furthermore, the poet Wilfrid Scawen Blunt was in love with the Liverpool native. Catherine herself never confirmed these rumours, but nor did she deny them. This made her even more popular. Every man of that era wanted to be accompanied by Catherine Walters.
It should be noted that the Liverpool native was a rather wealthy woman. After her death, Catherine’s estate was valued at over £2,764. She also owned several houses and two hotels.
The Courtesan’s Influence on Culture
It might seem unlikely that a courtesan could have an impact on culture. However, Catherine Walters’s influence was so great that she was depicted by poets and artists.
In 1861, the poet and journalist Alfred Austin mentioned the Liverpool native in his first book, “The Season”. He mocked Victorian stereotypes and societal views, describing how “Skittles” (Catherine’s nickname) made a spectacular appearance in public.
In the same year, the artist Edwin Landseer presented his painting “The Shrew Tamed”, which depicted a charming young woman. She was dressed for riding and seated on a horse. At first, it was thought to be a portrait of Annie Gilbert, but critics later concluded that the painting depicted Catherine.
The poet Blunt, who was in love with our native, dedicated a whole cycle of poems to her, “The Love Sonnets of Proteus”, and the book “Esther”.
And in Charles Reade’s novel “A Terrible Temptation”, there is a character who is a prototype of Catherine.
In 1864, the London publisher George Vickers released three biographies: “Anonyma: or, Fair but Frail”, “Fascinating Woman”, and “Skittles in Paris”.
As mentioned above, Catherine Walters dressed fashionably and stylishly, so she was always the centre of attention.
What is known about courtesans
Courtesans were women of easy virtue in high society. Such women were kept by influential and wealthy men. Moreover, these relationships often had state significance and great influence. Some courtesans in Europe even received a salary from the state treasury. In return, the women would tell politicians the secrets of their patrons. This information was subsequently used for blackmail and manipulation. It should be added that the most famous courtesan of the 20th century was the spy Mata Hari.
Recall that in 1905, she began to perform “oriental dances” that appealed to the public, as some of her dances resembled striptease. In addition, she had relationships with respected politicians and military men.
The activities and influence of Catherine Walters captured more than one man’s heart. She left behind a legacy in the cultural sphere. However, the lifestyle chosen by our native was not to everyone’s liking.
We hope our material was informative for you and that you have drawn your own conclusions.