“The Buccaneers” Is Based on Real History, But This Is What “Shocked” Cast Mates Imogen Waterhouse and Aubri Ibrag

Apple TV+‘s “The Buccaneers” invites viewers into the glamorous world of young, wealthy American women hunting for high-class British husbands in 1870s Britain. Based on Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel, the series features a stellar cast, including Kristine Froseth, Christina Hendricks, Alisha Boe, and Mia Threapleton.

While the show’s protagonists and their tales are fictional, they draw inspiration from a fascinating chapter in history— the phenomenon of American heiresses marrying British aristocrats during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

As depicted in the show, many American women of that era embarked on transatlantic journeys, offering their newfound wealth to cash-strapped British aristocrats. The backdrop for this unique social exchange was the financial turmoil faced by Britain’s aristocracy during the Gilded Age. The advent of American grain production damaged Britain’s profits, while across the Atlantic, American men were accumulating wealth but lacked social standing.

“The Buccaneers'” Imogen Waterhouse and Aubri Ibrag on Historical Norms

In a recent interview with POPSUGAR Australia, Imogen Waterhouse and Aubri Ibrag, who portray Ginny St. George and Lizzy on the show respectively, spoke about the confronting historical norms that shocked them during filming.

“Nothing surprised me too much, just constantly being reminded of how rough it was for women to perform and be perfect, just to be seen as a wife,” Immy said.

Now, these gals — dubbed “dollar princesses” — didn’t have it easy. They clashed with British culture and etiquette as they tried to inject some modern vibes. Their efforts left an indelible mark on history, shaping the landscape of the British aristocracy.

“I was pretty surprised at how you couldn’t just say what you want to say,” Aubri revealed. “There’s always a code for something. You can’t just be straight. If you want a guy to come up to you, you have to drop your handkerchief and wait for them. All of these norms were so coded, and how difficult it was for women back in the day. So, it’s not surprising, but shocking.”

“The Buccaneers” Is Based on Real Events

And here’s the kicker: these unions weren’t just gossip fodder. In 1874, Jennie Jerome married Lord Randolph Churchill, and their son? None other than Winston Churchill. Fast forward to 1880, stock and railway heiress Frances Ellen Work tied the knot with the future Baron Fermoy. The marriage didn’t last, but decades later, their great-granddaughter Diana married a certain Prince Charles.

“The Buccaneers” joins period dramas like “Downton Abbey,” revealing the lives of bold women who crossed oceans for status, impacting British aristocracy. Imogen Waterhouse and Aubri Ibrag’s insights add reality to the captivating tale of love, societal norms, and groundbreaking journeys.

The highly anticipated finale episode of “The Buccaneers” is available on Wednesday, 13 December on Apple TV+.

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