Charlotte Wattell facts for kids
Charlotte Wattell (born October 5, 1770 – died December 1812) was a famous English actress in the late 1700s and early 1800s. She was the first wife of a church leader named Thomas Twisleton.
Charlotte Anne Frances Wattell was born in London in 1770. Her parents were John Wattell and Caroline Stonehouse. She was also the sister of Sir John Stonehouse.
Contents
Charlotte's Marriage and Early Acting Life
When Charlotte was about 17, she married Thomas James Twisleton. He was the second son of a lord, Thomas Twisleton, 13th Baron Saye and Sele. Thomas was also 17 and went to Westminster School. They both loved acting in amateur plays, which brought them together.
In May 1788, Charlotte and Thomas acted together in a play called Julia. They performed at Freemasons' Hall, London. A few months later, in September, they ran away to Gretna Green in Scotland to get married. This was a common place for young couples to marry quickly. They had another, more formal wedding later in London at St Marylebone Parish Church on November 4, 1788.
Newspapers wrote about their marriage because Thomas was the son of a lord. People were even more interested when the couple kept acting in amateur plays, and then decided to become professional actors. Reports from that time say that Charlotte had a good amount of money, so they didn't have to act for a living.
Becoming Professional Actors
In 1789, Charlotte and Thomas performed in plays at Adlestrop House. This was the home of the Leigh family, who were related to the famous writer Jane Austen. Charlotte played Matilda and Thomas played Edwin in a play called Matilda. Some people believe that Jane Austen was inspired by these amateur plays when she wrote about acting in her novel Mansfield Park.
Charlotte had a daughter named Julia Eliza Twisleton (1789–1832). Julia later married Captain James Brown in 1808.
Separation and a New Path
_p.143_-_Theatre_Royal,_Edinburgh_-_Thomas_Hosmer_Shepherd.jpg)
Around 1794, Thomas Twisleton decided he no longer wanted to act with his wife. He began studying at St. Mary Hall, Oxford, to become a churchman. This was a common career for the second son of a lord.
Charlotte and Thomas separated in June 1794. Charlotte continued her acting career. She performed in many plays, including her debut as Belvidera in Venice Preserv'd at Covent Garden in February 1794. She also appeared at the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh in 1796. While in Edinburgh, she met John Stein, a merchant.
Charlotte and Thomas later divorced. After their divorce, Charlotte continued her acting career.
Later Life and Acting in North America
On July 11, 1799, Charlotte married Thomas Sandon. They acted together under the name 'Stanley'. They performed in York in 1800.
Charlotte Wattell, known as Mrs. Stanley, later traveled to North America to act. She performed at the Federal Street Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. She was also seen on stage in Halifax, Nova Scotia in March 1811.
The Columbian Centinel newspaper reported on December 26, 1812, that Mrs. Stanley had recently passed away in Burlington, Vermont. She was about 42 years old.
Charlotte had a son named Charles. When she was touring North America, Charles stayed behind. After his mother's death in 1811, when he was 14, Charles went to sea.
