Charlotte Atkyns facts for kids
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Walpole |
| Born | 1757 |
| Died | 1836 (aged 78–79) |
| Occupation | Actor and English agent |
| Years active | 1777–1779 |
| Spouse(s) | Edwards Atkyns |
Charlotte Atkyns (born Walpole) (1757–1836) was an English actress and a secret agent. She is best known for her brave efforts to help the French royal family escape from prison during the French Revolution.
Charlotte's Early Life and Acting Career
Charlotte Walpole had a short career as an actress in London between 1777 and 1779. She performed on stage under her maiden name, Charlotte Walpole. In 1779, she married Edward Atkyns, who was from Ketteringham Hall in Norfolk, England. By 1784, Charlotte and Edward had moved to France.
Helping the French Royal Family
After the French Revolution began, Charlotte Atkyns was asked to become a secret agent. She worked for people who wanted to bring back the royal family to power. From 1791 to 1794, she worked secretly in Paris.
Charlotte became famous for trying to help members of the former royal family escape from prison. In 1793, she made several attempts to help the former queen, Marie Antoinette. One time, Charlotte visited the queen in prison dressed as a national guard. Her plan was to switch clothes with the queen so Marie Antoinette could escape. Charlotte also tried to free the royal children who were held in a prison called the Temple. Her efforts showed great courage and loyalty.
