Who Did Catherine the Great Keep in an Iron Cage in Her Bedroom?

One of the most notorious stories surrounding Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796, is that she kept her lover Grigory Orlov's mistress, Elizaveta Vorontsova, in an iron cage in her bedroom. This scandalous tale has been the subject of much speculation and debate among historians.

Elizaveta Vorontsova was a noblewoman who was known for her beauty and charm. She caught the eye of Grigory Orlov, one of Catherine's most trusted advisors and lovers. Orlov began an affair with Vorontsova, much to the dismay of Catherine, who was reportedly jealous of the young woman's influence over her lover.

It is said that Catherine, in a fit of jealousy and rage, had Vorontsova imprisoned in an iron cage that was placed in her own bedroom. The cage was reportedly so small that Vorontsova could not stand or lie down comfortably. She was forced to endure this humiliating punishment for an extended period of time.

However, some historians believe that this story may have been exaggerated or even fabricated. There is little concrete evidence to support the claims that Catherine actually kept Vorontsova in a cage in her bedroom. It is possible that this tale was spread as a way to tarnish Catherine's reputation or to sensationalize her personal life.

Despite the lack of definitive proof, the story of Catherine the Great keeping Elizaveta Vorontsova in an iron cage in her bedroom has become a popular and enduring myth. It serves as a reminder of the power dynamics and intrigues that characterized the Russian court during Catherine's reign.

In conclusion, while the exact truth behind this scandalous tale may never be known, the story of Catherine the Great and the iron cage in her bedroom continues to captivate and intrigue historians and enthusiasts alike.

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