18. Bessie Blount
Elizabeth Blount became a mistress to one of the world’s most well-known adulterers, Henry VIII. The early part of her life is a mystery. All that we know is that she was known for her great beauty, which clearly caught the eye of the king. While in service to Henry’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, Bessie began her affair with the king. Her relationship with Henry lasted longer than most of the other dalliances he engaged in.
She became pregnant and bore the king a son in 1519, also named Henry. Because she was not his official mistress or the queen, her child’s legitimacy was a matter of debate. King Henry claimed his son as his own, though there was much controversy surrounding him. Henry cared for her but his attentions were diverted by Mary Boleyn soon after the birth of his son. Bessie went on to marry twice, bearing a total of 6 more children. She served as a lady in waiting for Anne of Cleves, but ended up leaving due to illness. Some say it was her proven ability to bear sons that contributed to the downfall of Henry’s first wife Catherine.