Birth of Vittorio Alfieri
January 16th, 1749: Birth of the man who stole Bonnie Prince Charlie's wife.
Known in Britain as the man who stole Bonnie Prince Charlie's wife, and in Italy as that country's first great tragic dramatist, Vittorio Alfieri was born 250 years ago in Asti, the area famous for its sparkling wine.
He learnt little at the military academy he attended in Turin, and after being left a fortune on the death of his uncle, he set off on a series of aimless travels around Europe.
In Holland he embarked on his first serious affair, which ended when his lover returned to her husband. Alfieri attempted suicide by having himself bled, then removing the bandages - but he was saved by his servant.
In London, he was smitten by the wife of Lord Ligonier, nephew of Field Marshal John Ligonier. He fought a duel over her in Green Park and wanted to marry her until she confessed she had also been sleeping with a groom for three years.
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