Constance Marten is a British aristocrat whose life has garnered significant media attention due to a tragic and high-profile criminal case. Born in 1987 into the Sturt-Marten family, she grew up in Crichel House, a historic estate in Dorset, England. Her father, Napier Marten, was a former page to Queen Elizabeth II and a landowner, while her mother, Virginie de Selliers, was a French aristocrat. Constance was privately educated and later studied Arabic at the University of Leeds. She worked briefly for Al Jazeera before her personal life took a dramatic turn.
In 2014, Marten met Mark Gordon, a man with a criminal history, including a conviction for rape in the United States when he was 14 years old. The couple formed a close relationship, and in 2016, they married in a ceremony not recognized in the UK. They lived a reclusive lifestyle, often avoiding contact with Marten’s family and social services.
In December 2022, Marten gave birth to a daughter named Victoria. Following the birth, the couple went on the run, evading authorities for several weeks. They were eventually arrested in Brighton on February 27, 2023. Two days later, the body of their newborn daughter was discovered in a shopping bag inside a shed, leading to charges of manslaughter by gross negligence, perverting the course of justice, and child cruelty.
The case drew widespread media attention due to the couple’s aristocratic background and the tragic circumstances surrounding their daughter’s death. Marten’s upbringing in a privileged environment contrasted sharply with her subsequent actions, leading to public and media scrutiny. The trial highlighted issues of child welfare, parental responsibility, and the impact of personal relationships on decision-making.
As of July 2025, Marten and Gordon have been convicted of manslaughter and other related charges. Sentencing is scheduled for September 2025.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Parentage
Constance Marten was born in 1987 into the Sturt-Marten family, a lineage of British aristocrats with historical ties to the royal family. Her father, Napier Marten, was a former page to Queen Elizabeth II, and her mother, Virginie de Selliers, was a French aristocrat. She grew up in Crichel House, a 17th-century estate in Dorset, England, alongside her three brothers.
Family Dynamics
Despite her privileged upbringing, Constance’s relationship with her family became strained over time. Her father, Napier, notably disappeared in 1996, reappearing years later in Australia. Constance became estranged from her family around 2012, distancing herself from her aristocratic roots.
Education and Early Career
Academic Pursuits
Constance attended St Mary’s Independent School, a private institution, before studying Arabic at the University of Leeds. Her academic interests were diverse, and she later worked for Al Jazeera, a Middle Eastern news network.
Career Aspirations
In addition to her work in journalism, Constance aspired to pursue a career in acting. She attended East 15 Acting School, where she met Mark Gordon, her future partner. Her early career was marked by a desire to make a meaningful impact, though her personal life would soon overshadow her professional endeavors.
Relationship with Mark Gordon
Meeting and Marriage
Constance met Mark Gordon in 2014 at an incense shop in London. Despite Gordon’s criminal history, including a conviction for rape in the United States when he was 14 years old, the two formed a close relationship. In 2016, they married in a ceremony that is not recognized in the UK.
Family Life
The couple had four children between 2017 and 2021. However, all four children were taken into care by social services due to concerns about neglect and abuse. Constance and Mark’s relationship became increasingly isolated, and they chose to live off-grid to avoid intervention from authorities.
The Disappearance and Tragic Outcome
Going on the Run
In December 2022, Constance gave birth to a daughter named Victoria. Fearing that their newborn would be taken into care like their previous children, the couple decided to go on the run. They evaded authorities for several weeks, using cash to remain untraceable and living in various locations across England.
Discovery of Victoria’s Body
On February 27, 2023, Constance and Mark were arrested in Brighton. Two days later, the body of their newborn daughter was discovered in a shopping bag inside a shed, leading to charges of manslaughter by gross negligence, perverting the course of justice, and child cruelty.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Trial and Charges
The case drew widespread media attention due to the couple’s aristocratic background and the tragic circumstances surrounding their daughter’s death. Constance and Mark were charged with manslaughter by gross negligence, perverting the course of justice, and child cruelty.
Verdict and Sentencing
In July 2025, Constance and Mark were found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence. Sentencing is scheduled for September 2025.
Personal Life and Public Perception
Public Image
Constance’s upbringing in a privileged environment contrasted sharply with her subsequent actions, leading to public and media scrutiny. Her decision to live off-grid with her partner and evade authorities was seen by many as a rejection of her aristocratic heritage.
Media Coverage
The case was widely covered in the media, with many focusing on the contrast between Constance’s aristocratic background and the tragic outcome of her actions. The media’s portrayal of Constance varied, with some viewing her as a grieving mother and others as a callous individual who prioritized her relationship over the welfare of her child.
Conclusion
Constance Marten’s life journey from an aristocratic upbringing to a tragic criminal case underscores the complexities of personal choices and their far-reaching consequences. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible parenting and the need for societal support systems to protect vulnerable children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Constance Marten?
Constance Marten is a British aristocrat who gained national attention due to the tragic death of her newborn daughter, Victoria, after she and her partner, Mark Gordon, went on the run to evade social services.
What is Constance Marten’s background?
Constance was born into the Sturt-Marten family, with her father, Napier Marten, serving as a page to Queen Elizabeth II. She grew up in Crichel House, a historic estate in Dorset, England.
How did Constance Marten meet Mark Gordon?
Constance met Mark Gordon in 2014 at an incense shop in London. Despite Gordon’s criminal history, the two formed a close relationship and married in 2016
Why did Constance Marten and Mark Gordon go on the run?
The couple went on the run to avoid their newborn daughter being taken into care, as their previous four children had been removed by social services due to concerns about neglect and abuse.
What happened to their daughter, Victoria?
Victoria’s body was discovered in a shopping bag inside a shed in Brighton after the couple’s arrest. She likely died from hypothermia or suffocation due to the conditions in which she was kept.
What were the charges against Constance Marten and Mark Gordon?
They were charged with manslaughter by gross negligence, perverting the course of justice, and child cruelty.
What was the outcome of the trial?
In July 2025, Constance and Mark were found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence. Sentencing is scheduled for September 2025.
