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Abigail Hill Masham’s name occupies a prominent place in the political writings which characterized the reign of Queen Anne. She was the daughter of Mr. Hill, a wealthy merchant of London. She was plain in appearance and delicate in health. One of her physical blemishes was a
remarkably red nose, making her the butt of jokes of many.
Though her father was wealthy during her childhood, he went
bankrupt when she was a young woman, which forced her to become the attendant of Lady Rivers. From this position she was advanced to the place of waiting maid to the princess Anne, and after her mistress ascended the throne she gradually gained significant influence over her.
She was not a woman of superior mind or attainments, but there was much warmth between the queen and herself, which may account for the power of this favorite.
In 1707, Abigail Hill married Mr. Masham, a man of ancient family, one of the pages of the court. This marriage was performed secretly, and in the presence of the queen. the Duchess of Marlborough, who had before Abigail been the favorite of the queen, was angered by this marriage and this rift between them forever severed the tie between
them. In a short time, the Duchess was deprived of all offices and dignities at court. One of her positions, that of the privy-seal, was given to Mrs. Masham.
After this, Mrs. Masham allied herself with the queen’s party, who were scheming to remove the Duke of Marlborough and his followers, and became an instrument in their hands. In 1711, a change of ministry took place, and Mr. Masham was raised to the nobility. From this time on, Lady Masham became involved in all the intrigues of the court,
especially in those of the Tories in favor of the exiled House of Stuart, which she warmly endorsed. After the death of the queen, Abigail retired to live an affluent life, and died at an advanced age in 1734.
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