Simon Basset : Did the Duke of Hastings really exist?

Many viewers are pining for Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, from the TV series “Bridgerton”. But he never really existed in this form

The Duke of Hastings: This is the story of Simon Basset

The story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset is featured in the first season of the Netflix series “Bridgerton”. The story was also very well received by viewers. But the characters are fictional – they never existed in this form.

• In the first season of “Bridgerton”, the focus is on Daphne and Simon. In the course of events, the two become friends. Simon has known Daphne’s eldest brother Anthony since their school days. The Duke of Hastings is handsome, courteous and polite to Daphne, but does not want to marry her.

• Daphne’s greatest wish is to tie the knot. So Simon and Daphne make an arrangement – they stage a match so that Daphne will attract the attention of the men and Simon won’t have to turn down any more ladies. A beautiful story – but it is fictitious

• Neither the Bridgerton family nor a Simon Basset ever existed in England in this constellation in the 19th century. They are based on the fictional characters in Julia Quinn’s novel

• There was, however, a William Hastings who was a baron in England. He lived in the 15th century and was considered one of the most powerful men in the country. At the time, he married Katherine Neville – a sister of Richard Neville, the 16th Earl of Warwick.

How much truth there is in the “Bridgerton” story

Pompous dresses, modern music and a lot of passion – no wonder the series enjoys a large fan base. Nevertheless, it is an alternative history that is far removed from reality.

• The series is set in aristocratic England in the 19th century. At that time, the social classes were still strictly separated by skin color. In addition, the slave trade had not yet been abolished. Accordingly, there was no colored Queen Charlotte who reigned over England.

• Diversity did not exist in England at that time either. Women were also nowhere near as assertive as the series would like viewers to believe.

• Despite the strong deviations, the series makes a strong statement with its social and diverse themes. Both the story and the costumes and characters cause a stir and keep viewers entertained.