Martha Ray | |
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![]() Martha Ray by Nathaniel Dance, 1777 (detail of larger portrait) | |
Born | 1746 |
Died | 7 April 1779 Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, England | (aged 32–33)
Cause of death | Murdered by James Hackman |
Resting place | St Nicholas church, Elstree, Hertfordshire, England |
Nationality | British |
Occupation | Singer |
Known for | Mistress of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich |
Martha Ray (1746[1] – 7 April 1779) was a British singer of the Georgian era. Her father was a corsetmaker[2] and her mother was a servant in a noble household.[3] Good-looking, intelligent, and a talented singer, she came to the attention of many of her father's patrons.[3] She is best known for her affair with John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich.[4] She lived with him as his mistress from the age of seventeen, while his wife was suffering from mental illness. She gave birth to nine children, five of whom survived,[5] including the lawyer and philanthropist Basil Montagu.[6] During this time, she conducted a successful singing career, for which she became well known, as well as completing her education with Lord Sandwich's support.
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