Masham, Abigail (1670–1734)
Masham, Abigail (1670–1734)
English confidante of Queen Anne. Name variations: Baroness Masham of Otes. Born Abigail Hill in 1670; died Dec 6, 1734; dau. of Francis Hill, wealthy merchant of London; married Samuel Masham, a page at Court, in 1707.
Was given a position in Queen Anne's household at Sarah Churchill's request; proved attentive and eager to please; when Sarah's relationship with Anne began deteriorating, supplanted Sarah as royal favorite; became involved in the intrigues of Court, especially those in favor of the Tories and the exiled House of Stuart.
See also Women in World History.
More From encyclopedia.com
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
Masham, Abigail (1670–1734)