11 Facts About Gertrude Mahon

Gertrude Mahon born Gertrude Tilson was a Dublin-born British courtesan and actress.

Gertrude Mahon was nicknamed the "Bird of Paradise" by the press for her outrageous hats, clothes.

Gertrude Mahon was born into money; her mother was Gertrude, dowager countess of Kerry and her father James Tilson was a diplomat.

Gertrude Mahon attracted the attention of a gambler named Gilbreath Mahon but because she was seventeen and she lacked her mother's approval they had to go abroad.

Gertrude Mahon was pregnant in 1770 and her mother allowed the couple to wed as long as it was in Britain.

Gertrude Mahon's mother cut off the money supply, her husband deserted her and she returned to live with her mother.

Gertrude Mahon was friends with others who were disreputable including Lord Cholmondeley and the courtesans Grace Elliott and Kitty Frederick.

Gertrude Mahon was nicknamed the "Bird of Paradise" because of her brightly coloured and outrageous clothes.

Gertrude Mahon appeared on the stage and despite the plays being successful her performance was considered poor.

Gertrude Mahon did continue to gather interest from the public for her clothes and in particular her hats.

Gertrude Mahon was heard of in 1808 but where and when she died is unknown.