Elizabeth Shackleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Shackleton
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when she was Elizabeth Parker
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| Born |
Elizabeth Parker
1726 baptised in London, England
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| Died | 1781 Barrowford, England
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| Occupation | Diarist |
| Known for | her diary |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | John Parker (nephew) |
Elizabeth Shackleton (1726–1781), born Elizabeth Parker, was an English woman who kept a detailed diary. Her family saved her diaries and letters. These writings later became the main source for an award-winning book. This book, published in 1998, explored "Women's Lives in Georgian England."
Contents
Her Early Life and Family
Elizabeth Parker was likely baptised on December 22, 1726. This happened at St Peter upon Cornhill in the City of London. Her parents were Elizabeth (born Southouse) and John Parker (1695–1754). Both of her parents came from wealthy families who owned land. Her father was also a linen seller in London.
In 1728, Elizabeth's father inherited Browsholme Hall. This was a large estate in what was then the West Riding of Yorkshire. The estate brought in about £500 a year. Because of this, Elizabeth and her parents moved to the hall.
Elizabeth was their only daughter. Her family thought she was witty and smart. After her mother died in the 1740s, Elizabeth took charge of running the house. Her family hoped she would marry a very rich man. They bought her silk dresses and took her to fancy events. She attended social gatherings both locally and in London.
Her First Marriage
Elizabeth chose to marry her second cousin, Robert Parker. Her family was not happy with this choice. Robert was from a less wealthy family. His income was £290 per year, which was much less than her family expected.
Robert Parker had studied medicine at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He was known for a medicine he created to treat rabies. He also owned Alkincoats Hall. He had improved the hall in 1751 and 1752, getting it ready for a new wife. Alkincoats became Elizabeth's home after they married on October 1, 1751.
Robert died in 1758. As a widow, Elizabeth managed the estate for their three sons. Her son Thomas (1754–1819) became the heir to his father's property.
Her Diaries and Second Marriage
Elizabeth started writing in her diary in 1762.
In 1765, she married John Shackleton. This marriage was not successful. John was a wool merchant and eighteen years younger than Elizabeth. They ran off to marry in Gretna Green.
By 1770, John Shackleton spent most of his time hunting and fishing. He also became friends with workmen, servants, and tenants. This was embarrassing for Elizabeth. Her brother had even stopped her from visiting him for six years after her marriage.
In 1775, Elizabeth had to move out of Alkincoats. Her son, who now owned the hall, had gotten married. Elizabeth then moved to Pasture House, a new three-story house her husband owned in Barrowford.
Death and Lasting Impact
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Elizabeth Shackleton died in 1781 at Pasture House. Her portrait, her writings, a bracelet, and a memorial at St Bartholomew's Church, Colne are her legacy. She was buried there on September 2.
Her family carefully kept her journals and other writings. At one point, they even lent them to the local record office. The last time they were lent out was in 1995. This time, it was her love letters.
Professor Amanda Vickery is a modern history teacher. Her first book was based on her research, which included Elizabeth Shackleton's writings. The book was called The Gentleman's Daughter: Women's Lives in Georgian England (1998). For this book, Professor Vickery won several awards. These included the Whitfield prize, the Wolfson History prize, and the Longman-History Today prize.
