Con Phillips

Con PhillipsCol. George Nedhams third son was William (1675 1746), whose only child surviving to adulthood was Hampson Nedham (1706 1752) my 5thG grandfather. Hampson is briefly mentioned in the diary. During one of his visits to London, in around 1737 9, Henry became involved with the fascinating Teresia Constantia Phillips. Con was a sparky, vivacious, beautiful woman who became famous by publishing an account of her affairs in order to blackmail her lovers who

Col. George NedhamÕs third son was William (1675-1746), whose only child surviving to adulthood was Hampson Nedham (1706-1752) Ð my 5thG grandfather. Hampson is briefly mentioned in the diary. During one of his visits to London, in around 1737-9, Henry became involved with the fascinating Teresia Constantia Phillips. ÔConÕ was a sparky, vivacious, beautiful woman who became famous by publishing an account of her affairs in order to blackmail her lovers Ð who had been chosen as wealthy enough to support her extravagant lifestyle. She got heavily into debt, not only from excessive spending, but also from an interminable series of lawsuits, which went on throughout her life. In the early 18th C. life was not easy for a single girl without ÔprospectsÕ, and one has to admire her spirit, if not her methods. Con throughout her life had to stand on her own two feetÐ the world was not going to give her a living. Her diaries had a lasting effect on society Ð changing the laws about marriage.