While researching my current work in progress, I stumbled upon the parliamentary records for The Addison/Campbell Divorce case. It was not precisely the information I was looking for in the archives, yet it captured my attention from the first few lines:
“The Addison/Campbell Divorce case in 1801 was the first case to be brought to Parliament by a woman. Jane Campbell divorced her husband Edward Addison on the grounds of adultery with her sister Jessy Campbell.”
Through my research and the very helpful info provided by my fellow Beau Monde members, I’ve learned that for either a man or woman to achieve a divorce in the Regency Era the person seeking the divorce (the husband in most cases) had to obtain an Act of Parliament by proving adultery or life-threatening cruelty. Not only was this a very public procedure, it was also expensive and generally only viable for the very wealthy.
Thus, my first question when I discovered the Addison/Campbell Divorce was: how did Jane Campbell provide the necessary funds? It is my understanding that few women during this time period possessed significant funds that were not entirely controlled by their husbands. Were the fees waived in this instance?
Apart from the monetary issue, I find it very interesting that Jane Campbell not only received a divorce, but also won custody of her children. And according to the documents posted on the archives site, she won based on the testimony of her sister’s maid!
Perhaps there was more to the Addison/Campbell Divorce than my research has uncovered? Have you encountered elements of this case in recent romance novels? I would love to hear your thoughts. And please let me know if you have any additional insights into The Addison/Campbell Divorce case!
Ooh, that IS interesting. Did the treacherous sister wind up with the cad? I could maybe see that if the husband wanted to be with the sister, he might fund/allow the divorce to be brought to court.
But then again, he could have just done it himself. Hmm.
Sarah, that is absolutely interesting. I hear a story in there somewhere too.
Renee
Sounds fascinating! I heard that the publicity of the divorce in those days, made the parties unacceptable to society. But that is when the man sought the divorce – don’t know about the reverse. Didn’t women sometimes get a settlement in their marriage contracts from their fathers? Their own funds?
Great stuff!
Hi Sarah,
The historical background is fascinating! A romance novel weaving in the details of the marriage and divorce practices of the times would be very interesting.
Thank you so much for this most interesting case! I was searching online for some information on divorce during the Regency era and voila, I find it on your blog. It was so inpiring. Thank you!!!