Catherine Barton
Catherine Conduitt (Catherine Barton) | |
|---|---|
Catherine as a young woman | |
| Born | Catherine Barton 1679 |
| Died | 1739 (aged 59–60) |
| Known for | Being a renowned "society wit and beauty", telling the story of Newton and the apple to Voltaire, possible affair with politician Charles Montagu |
| Spouse | John Conduitt |
| Relatives | Robert Barton (father) Hannah Smith (mother) Isaac Newton (uncle) |
Catherine Barton (1679–1739) was an English woman who oversaw the running of the household of her uncle, scientist Isaac Newton. She was reputed to be the source of the story of the apple inspiring Newton's work on gravity, and his papers came to her on his death. She was rumoured to have been the mistress of the poet and statesman Charles Montagu and later married politician John Conduitt.