Eliza Hayley facts for kids

Eliza Ball Hayley (born June 18, 1750 – died November 8, 1797) was an English writer. She was known for translating two important essays from French into English. These essays were about friendship and old age. She also wrote her own book called The Triumph of Acquaintance over Friendship. Some of her letters are kept at The Fitzwilliam Museum. They are part of a project about the letters of her husband, William Hayley.

Eliza's Life Story

Eliza Ball was born in 1750. Her father was Thomas Ball, a dean in Chichester. Her mother was Margaret Mill.

Marriage and Home

In 1768, Eliza married William Hayley. She had known him since she was a child. They lived at Eartham, which was William's family home.

Later Years

Eliza and William separated in 1789. After that, Eliza moved to Derby. From 1794 until she died, Eliza often visited London. She lived near Hyde Park. She seemed to have a busy social life during these years. Eliza died in London on November 8, 1797. She passed away from an "epidemic fever." She was buried in Eartham on November 17, 1797. Her obituary was published in the Gentleman's Magazine. It mentioned her as the wife of William Hayley. It also noted she was the daughter of Dean Thomas Ball.

Eliza's Writings

Eliza Ball Hayley wrote and translated several works.

• Essays on Friendship and Old Age by the Marchioness de Lambert (1780). This book was her translation of two French essays.
• The Triumph of Acquaintance over Friendship: an Essay for the Times (1796). This was a book she wrote herself.

Friends and Connections

Eliza was part of a group of writers and thinkers.

Time in Bath

In 1781, Eliza lived in Bath for a few months. There, she met William Melmoth Jr. She had dedicated her translated essays to him the year before. She also attended gatherings hosted by Anna, Lady Miller at Bath-Easton.

Literary Friends

Eliza was good friends with the poet and literary critic Anna Seward.