Afternoon Talk by Sean Lusk - 'A Woman of Opinion'

We are pleased to be welcoming Sean Lusk, author of his novel 'A Woman of Opinion', based on the fascinating life of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, who lived at Middlethorpe Hall in 1713. The talk will conclude with a delicious afternoon tea and glass of bubbly.

Middlethorpe Hall was once the home to Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, and you will have seen her portrait hanging in the stairwell at Middlethorpe Hall.

Lady Mary was one of the most remarkable women of the 18th century, not least due to her campaigning for the introduction of smallpox inoculation, but also as a diarist and poet. She wrote in her diary "Tis a very pritty place...I think there is nothing to be done but to send an immediate note to Mr Harrison to let him know I will be at Middlethorpe with my family Tuesday next" (August 1713).

Born into the noble Pierrepont family, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689–1762) is recognised today as a writer and poet whose life embodied the advantages and challenges of being a highly intelligent, creative, and ambitious woman of the English aristocracy in the early 18th century. She mixed with the greatest politicians, writers, artists and thinkers of her day and was also an important early feminist.

Author Sean Lusk brings the travels and times of Lady Mary to life in his novel, "A Woman of Opinion", which has received very favourable review.

Reviews:

"Lusk's retelling of Mary's story is by turns witty, insightful and moving", The Sunday Times 'One of the 10 Best Summer Reads of 2024' and 'Historical fiction pick of the month for July'.

"Lusk's narrative skilfully weaves together themes of identity, ambition and the pursuit of happiness, offering readers a compelling story filled with emotional depth. You won't forget Mary after reading this..." Glamour Magazine

"Loosen your stays, settle back and enjoy!" Saga Magazine

1.30pm Arrive for Coffee/Tea

2.00pm Presentation by Sean Lusk in the Barlow Room

3.00pm Afternoon Tea with a glass of bubbly in the Drawing Room