Criminal Conversation of Mrs Norton

Discover the captivating story of Caroline Norton in Criminal Conversation of Mrs Norton by Diane Atkinson. Published by Cornerstone in 2013, this 512-page biography delves into the life of a remarkable woman whose beauty and intellect captivated many, including her husband, the Honourable George Norton, and Prime Minister Lord Melbourne.

As jealousy brewed, George Norton accused Caroline and Lord Melbourne of a ‘criminal conversation’—a scandalous charge of adultery that led to a sensational trial, dubbed ‘the scandal of the century.’ Atkinson's compelling narrative not only recounts the events surrounding this infamous trial but also explores the broader implications for women's rights and legal status in 19th-century Great Britain.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist history, legal battles, and the lives of extraordinary women who defied societal norms. Dive into the pages of this engaging biography and uncover the powerful legacy of Caroline Norton.