The Jersey Lily

💡 Did You Know?

Celebrated in London's high society, Lily Langtry was introduced to Oscar Wilde in 1877. She was 24 and he was a year younger. They became friends and associates and remained so for many years. The indications are that the flamboyant Wilde was far more attracted physically to Mrs. Langtry than the other way around. Wilde wrote the classically-styled "The New Helen" in Lillie's honor in 1879, and later, another entitled "To L.L." The latter is rarely listed in a list of Wilde's poetry. I'm not surprised, in fact it might have been wrongly attributed, but personally I like it better.

Mrs. Lantry, by her sheer beauty and presence, swept through the London society of the day before taking to the stage. Though not as naturally talented as her contemporaries Sarah Bernhardt and Helen Modjeska she was the leading figure of her day in the theatre.