Eglantine Wallace facts for kids
Eglantine Wallace, Lady Wallace (who was born Maxwell; she died on March 28, 1803), was a Scottish writer of plays and a political thinker in the 1700s. She was the younger sister of Jane Gordon, Duchess of Gordon, a well-known person in society. Eglantine was also famous in her own way, sometimes causing a stir.
About Eglantine Wallace
Eglantine was the youngest daughter of Sir William Maxwell, 3rd Baronet, from a place called Monreith in Wigtownshire. When she was young, she was known for being very lively and spirited. As she grew older, she was described as having a strong personality.
On September 4, 1770, she married Thomas Dunlop. His family was from Dunlop, East Ayrshire. Thomas later inherited land and took the name Wallace, becoming a baronet. However, the family property had many debts. By 1783, Thomas had to sell most of what was left of their land.
Around this time, Eglantine and Thomas decided to live apart. It seems their financial problems might have been a reason for this.
Lady Wallace later moved to London. Her play, The Ton; or, Follies of Fashion, was shown at the Covent Garden theatre on April 8, 1788. Even though it had good actors, people found it quite boring. Reviewers didn't think much of her writing skills, and audiences didn't like it. The play was stopped after only three shows in London and one failed show in Edinburgh.
Her next play, The Whim (1795), was not allowed to be performed by the government. This made her very upset, and she left England. In October 1789, she was arrested in Paris because people thought she was an English spy. She was lucky to escape safely. By 1792, she was living in Brussels.
Eglantine Wallace passed away in Munich on March 28, 1803. She had two sons. Her older son became a famous army officer named General John Alexander Dunlop Agnew Wallace.
Eglantine Wallace's Writings
Eglantine Wallace wrote several plays and books. Here are some of her known works:
- A letter to a friend, with a poem, called The Ghost of Werter. By Lady. (1787)
- Diamond cut Diamond, a Comedy (1787) - This play was never performed.
- The Ton; or, Follies of Fashion. A Comedy. (1788) - This was her play performed in London.
- Letter from Lady Wallace, to Capt. William Wallace, aid de camp to Colonel Maxwell, at Bangalore. (1792)
- The conduct of the King of Prussia and General Dumourier, investigated by Lady Wallace. (1793) - This book looked into the actions of important political figures.
- A supplement to The conduct of the King of Prussia, &c. investigated; Observations upon the present state of English politics; and a plan for altering the mode of carrying on the war. Addressed to all ranks of Britons. By Lady Wallace. (1794)
- Cortes, a Tragedy (The exact date is not known).
- A sermon addressed to the people, pointing out the only sure method to obtain a speedy peace and reform. By Lady Wallace. (1794)
- Lady Wallace's address to the Margate volunteers, on the 28th of May, 1795. (1795)
- The whim, a comedy, in three acts. By Lady Wallace. With an address to the public, upon the arbitrary and unjust aspersion of the licenser against its political sentiments. Offered to be acted for the benefit of the Hospital and Poor of the Isle of Thanet, but refused The Royal Licence. (1795) - This was the play that was not allowed to be performed.
