A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country/Albemarle, (Anne Clarges)
ALBEMARLE, (ANNE CLARGES) Duchess of,
Was the daughter of a blacksmith; and her mother was a female barber, by whom she was brought up a milliner. During the confinement of general Monk in the Tower, she officiated as his sempstress, and became first his mistress, and afterwards his wife. He had so high an opinion of her understanding, that he consulted her in the most important concerns; and, as she was a thorough loyalist, it is supposed she contributed greatly to bring about the Restoration. It is said, she afterwards carried on a very lucrative trade in selling offices. A bitter enemy to lord Clarendon, she prevailed on her husband to assist in the ruin of that great man, though one of his best friends. She was a woman of vulgar manners, homely person, and violent temper.