Bingham, Anne Willing (1764–1801)

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Bingham, Anne Willing (1764–1801)

American socialite, known for her 18th-century Philadelphia salon. Born Anne Willing on August 1, 1764, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; died on May 11, 1801, in St. George's, Bermuda; married William Bingham (a merchant, banker, member of the Continental congress, also U.S. senator, 1795–1801), in 1780.

Anne Willing Bingham, a wealthy Philadelphia socialite and wife of banker and politician William Bingham, made her mark with the establishment of an 18th-century salon, patterned on those she had encountered in France during an extended European tour from 1783 to 1786. Known for her beauty, wit, and lavish entertaining style, Bingham attracted Philadelphia's literary and political personalities, as well as distinguished foreign

guests. With the new federal government centered in Philadelphia, her salon became the acknowledged "Republican Court," attracting Federalist leaders, including George Washington. Bingham died in St. George's, Bermuda, in 1801, while convalescing from an illness.

Barbara Morgan , Melrose, Massachusetts