Aubrey Wynne joins us this week to talk about The Cato Street Conspiracy and the part it plays in her novel Crimes, Conspiracies, and Courtship.
The radical Arthur Thistlewood, who appears in my novel Crimes, Conspiracies, and Courtship, was a real villain. He joined the Spencean Philanthropists in 1811. By 1816, he was considered a “dangerous character” by police spies.
Their plot included in my book was to eliminate the government ministers. Another spy, George Edwards (also a real person in this story), infiltrated the Spencean Philanthropists. They met frequently, renting a hayloft above a livery on Cato Street. The location was very close to 39 Grosvenor Square where Lord Harrowby resided and still stands today. Edwards, not trusted by most of the members, was able to convince Thistlewood of his loyalty. He showed the group an article reporting that the Cabinet would meet at Harrowby’s on February 23. Suggesting they murder the members while they ate, he also provided the funds needed to purchase the weapons for the assassinations.
One of the members, William Davidson, had worked for the earl and checked with staff that morning. When he relayed to Thistlewood that there was no dinner and the earl was out of town, the Spencean leader became adamant the servants were lying. They continued as planned, gathering their weapons (mostly pistols and grenades) and meeting at the Cato Street loft. Across the street, the Bow Street magistrate, Richard Birnie, waited in a public house. When the Coldstream Guard didn’t show (turns out they were waiting at the wrong end of the street), they entered the house at 7:30. One Runner was killed by Thistlewood, a sword in his gut, and the rest were arrested or escaped. Thistlewood and three others escaped but were quickly picked up. The murdered man, Richard Smithers, was also an actual person.
On April 28, most of the accused were sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered for high treason, later reduced to only hanging. Robert Adams and John Monument gave evidence and testified to avoid charges. The sentences of Charles Cooper, Richard Bradburn, John Harrison, James Wilson, and John Strange were commuted to transportation for life.
About the Book
As Lady Matilda’s first Season arrives, her mother insists she put away her bluestocking and concentrate on finding a husband. But Mattie is terrified of finding herself betrothed or even worse— not betrothed. The arrogant men of the ton terrify her.
Mr. Harry Walters is an orphaned, ex-Bow Street runner turned investigator, who makes a living by his wits. When a peer approaches him about a new assignment, Harry realizes they are both after the same man. He accepts the job but soon finds himself also protecting the earl’s sister.
While working in costume at a masquerade, Walters makes a fatal mistake when he asks Lady Matilda to dance. Mattie is determined to win the heart of this handsome, rugged man. Harry is just as determined to keep her safe.
Will fate find a way to bring a common man and an earl’s sister a happy ever after? Or will his lack of title and dangerous life keep her at arm’s length?
Join Paddy O’Brien’s boys in Cheapside and visit a different side of London. It’s a bustling part of the city, filled with wealthy merchants and the working class. WARNING: Low heat level, high action with mild violence, and ridiculous Irish proverbs included in each story.
https://books2read.com/crime-conspiracies-courtship
https://www.bookbub.com/books/crime-conspiracies-and-courtship-by-aubrey-wynne
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222922640-crimes-conspiracies-and-courtship
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas and Regency series have received multiple awards and nominated numerous times as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine.
Often loosely based on family and friends, her contemporary romances take place in a small town south of Chicago where she taught for twenty years. The setting of Dante’s Gift was brought to life by her stepfather who served in North Africa and Italy during WWII. Paper Love and For the Love of Laura Beth were inspired by real-life couples.
Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her sweet Regency spin-off series Once Upon a Widow, and a steamy Scottish Regency series, A MacNaughton Castle Romance. Her Regency detective series, Paddy’s Peelers, launched in 2025. Love’s Curiosities, her upcoming sweet Regency series with a touch of magic, launches in 2026.
Website: https://aubreywynne.com/
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Bookbub Page: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-wynne
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Aubrey-Wynne/e/B00II8QD6G/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7383937.Aubrey_Wynne
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