Lieutenant Sir Hugh Armitage was an aristocrat who moved to Cornwall where he grew close to Demelza Poldark.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Hugh Armitage was born into an aristocratic family sometime in the late 18th century, the nephew of Lord Falmouth.[1]
Meeting Demelza Poldark[]
Hugh became a prisoner of war in France when fighting for the Royal Army. He was also formed a strong bond with Dwight Enys. He was saved by Ross Poldark who was attempting to save Captain Henshawe, who was killed. Ross took him back to Cornwall[2] where he was reunited with his family, including his uncle. Ross's rescue of Hugh would cause problems with George's plan for a seat in government as Lord Falmouth would be more inclined to support the savior of his beloved nephew over George.
Hugh found out he was in bad health and would eventually lose eyesight within six months. He meets Demelza Poldark and falls in love with her. Feeling he has limited time left to enjoy life, he pursues her even though she's married. Demelza at the time was attempting to move on from Ross's own infidelity and was very drawn to Hugh.[3][4]
Hugh made a romantic appeal to Demelza at the beach, telling her in six months he would be living in darkness and he wanted to know what it meant to love and be loved. Demelza was very taken by the proposal, and she slept with him. Demelza wanted to keep the truth from Ross, but being in love with her, Hugh offered her the chance to run away with him. Demelza denied the offer, leaving him heartbroken.[5]
Death[]
Lord Falmouth, Hugh's uncle had an ambition for Hugh to continue on a path towards running for parliament. Many months later, Hugh sent a poem to Demelza declaring he loved her, but she hid the poem from Ross. Unfortunately, Ross knew of the betrayal and became paranoid about Hugh and Demelza's connection.[6]
But Hugh's health had continued to deteriorate and he began suffering from migraines. An attempt was made to save him with the means of leeches, but it never worked. On Hugh's death bed, Demelza spoke with him one final time, at the end of which Hugh passed away. Demelza was devastated by Hugh's death, and the impact he made on Ross and Demelza's marriage continued to be felt.[7][8] However, despite his death Lord Falmouth still voted for Ross instead of George in gratitude for giving him extra time with his nephew he wouldn't have had had Hugh remained a prisoner of the French.
Behind the scenes[]
- Hugh Armitage, played by Josh Whitehouse, made his first appearance in Poldark in Series 3.