According to the great diarist, John Evelyn, Charles II was 'addicted to women', and throughout his long reign a great many succumbed to his charms. Clever, urbane, and handsome, Charles presided over a hedonistic court, in which licence and licentiousness prevailed. 'Mistresses' is the story of the women who shared Charles's bed, each of whom wielded influence on both the politics and cultural life of the country.