This is for all those of you who keep saying there weren't any hot aristocrats during the Restoration. Boy, were you wrong! (Inspired by this post on the New Statesman .)
Anne Spencer, Countess of Sunderland
Hotness: Just look at those eyes! Anne Churchill is a clear choice for one of the smokingest babes (with land and a title) of the late 17th century.
Style: A low-cut dress and a saucy hair do make her tough competition for any good-looking aristocrat hoping to compete.
X-Factor: Having Winston Churchill as a future descendent.
Source: upload.wikimedia.org
Princess Henrietta, Duchess of Orleans
Hotness: Remote and yet SO immediate, with that perfect Restoration-era mix of icy disdain and land-owning swagger.
Style: The gold bodice gives away just enough, don't you think?
X-Factor: Died at 26, possibly poisoned. Too good for this world!
Barbara Palmer (nee Villiers), First Duchess Of Cleveland
Hotness: First Duchess of Cleveland? More like first duchess of my heart.
Style: It's a bit daring to wear such a loose-fitting dress, but if anyone can pull it off, it's Barbara Palmer (née Villiers).
X-Factor: Into Madonna-and-Child cosplay.
Anne Hyde, Duchess of York
Hotness: "Hey," Anne seems to say, "hey, servant, I'm thirsty. Bring me a chalice of water." Are you going turn her down?
Style: Pearls? Check. Satin bodice? Check. Helmet in lap? Check, I think?
X-Factor: Her daughter, Lady Anne, became the first sovereign of Great Britain. Meow!
