Elihu Yale and his Wicked Wife. Presented by David Ebsworth
This June, we welcome back an old friend, David Ebsworth.
David has delivered many unforgettable talks over the years. A storyteller who truly brings history to life, he captivates every audience. His is a UK writer based in Wrexham but makes an annual pilgrimage just to see us.
Elihu Yale may have lent his name to one of the world’s most prestigious universities, but his most striking legacy was reserved for his ill-fated wife, Catherine. He immortalised her in his will with the intriguingly vague insult “my wicked wife”—followed by a dramatic blank space. Yet Catherine was far from a simple villain in this tale. She was the spirited daughter of a Levant Company adventurer who helped introduce Alicante wine to British tables, boasting a background as vivid as any Georgian novel. Meanwhile, Elihu—nabob, merchant prince, and occasional scandal magnet due to the East India Company’s darker dealings—left behind a story full of twists, contradictions, and marital drama that, as David Ebsworth points out, remains “stranger than fiction.”
David has given us many outstanding presentations before. He is a masterful storyteller, and this one promises to be just as compelling.
Tuesday June 9th. Casa Cultura, Old Town Javea. Doors open 10.30 for an 11.00 am start. All Welcome not just members of History Group and the event is completely free of charge!