Eleanor Sleath facts for kids

Eleanor Sleath (born October 15, 1770, died May 5, 1847) was an English writer. She wrote many novels. She is famous for her book The Orphan of the Rhine (1798). This book was a gothic novel. Gothic novels are often scary stories with old castles and mysteries. Another famous writer, Jane Austen, even mentioned it in her book Northanger Abbey.

Eleanor Sleath's Life Story

For many years, people knew little about Eleanor Sleath's life. Later, researchers found out more about her. She was born Eleanor Carter. Her parents were Thomas and Elizabeth Carter. She was the youngest of their five children.

Early Life and Family

Eleanor married Joseph Barnabus Sleath in 1792. He was a surgeon, a type of doctor, and an apothecary, who prepared medicines. They moved to Nuneaton.

Eleanor had a son, also named Joseph Barnabus. Sadly, her son died in 1794. Just a few weeks later, her husband also passed away. This left Eleanor with many financial challenges. In November 1794, she moved back to her family home in Leicester. She helped care for her elderly mother there.

Becoming a Writer

We do not know much about Eleanor's life right after she returned to Leicester. She seemed to spend time with other people who loved books. One of them was Susanna Watts.

In 1801, Eleanor and her family moved to a home in the countryside. A few years later, in 1807, some disagreements arose with a neighbor. This led to a difficult time for Eleanor. After this period, she became very productive. She wrote several books during this time.

Later Years

In 1813, Eleanor's brother and mother died. She then moved to Loughborough.

In 1823, Eleanor married John Dudley. They settled in Sileby. Eleanor Sleath died on May 5, 1847. She was 76 years old.