Frances Apsley

Who was Frances Apsley?

Frances Apsley, later Lady Bathhurst, was a maid of honour to Mary and Anne of York. Letters written to her by a sentimental adolescent Mary reveal that Mary idolised Apsley. Whilst there are some historians who believe the writings to be proof of Mary's lesbianism, most historians, however, disagree for after Mary's marriage to William of Orange she fell deeply in love with her husband. She did, however, maintain her platonic friendship with Frances, who married Lord Benjamin Bathhurst, via ongoing correspondence. Lady Bathhurst was buried in Westminster Abbey, London, England.