Frederica Planta facts for kids
Frederica Planta (born November 10, 1750 – died February 2, 1778) was a special teacher for the children of George III, the King of Great Britain, and his wife, Queen Charlotte. She taught them English and other subjects.
Frederica's father, Andreas Planta, worked as a librarian at the British Museum. Her brother, Joseph Planta, also became a famous librarian there. After Frederica passed away at a young age, her sister, Margaret Planta (also known as Peggy), took over her role as a teacher for the royal children.
Frederica's Early Life and Family
Frederica Planta was born on November 10, 1750. Her father, Andreas Planta, was a pastor from Switzerland. At the time Frederica was born, he was working at the court of Charles William Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach in Germany. He likely taught math there too.
Frederica's mother was Margarete Scartazzini de Bolgiani. Frederica's first name, "Frederica," was not common in her mother's home region. It was more common in Brandenburg, where her father worked. This name might have been chosen to honor the family her father worked for.
Frederica had several sisters and one brother, Joseph Planta. Joseph later became the main librarian at the British Museum. In 1752, Frederica's father moved to London. He became a pastor at a German church and later an assistant librarian at the British Museum in 1758. After 1761, he even taught Italian to Queen Charlotte.
Working for the Royal Family
In July 1771, Frederica Planta began working as a teacher for King George III and Queen Charlotte's children. She worked under the main governess, Lady Charlotte Finch. The royal family first tried to hire Frederica's older sister, Elizabeth Planta. However, Elizabeth preferred to keep her job with another noblewoman, Mary Eleanor Bowes.
Before working for the Queen, Frederica was a teacher for Lady Hoskyns. Queen Charlotte herself had to ask Lady Hoskyns to release Frederica from her job, even though Lady Hoskyns did not want to let her go.
Frederica Planta was very smart. She knew seven languages, including Latin and Greek. Her job was to teach the royal children to read English first. Then, she would teach them other languages. She also taught them reading, writing, and the basics of all school subjects.
People described Frederica as "a most pious Christian." She lived very close to the Royal Family at Kew Palace. Queen Charlotte was very interested in how children learn. She believed in teaching through play. Frederica used this idea, writing that she gained the children's love by "making their learning much play as possible."
For history lessons, Frederica created special cards. The children would put these cards in the correct order to learn about England's past. She thought this was a great way to teach, especially when combined with stories.
Frederica's salary was £100 a year. From 1773, she received an extra £50 for food, tea, coffee, and sugar. She also did not have to pay for her home or for people to carry her sedan chair. However, her sister Elizabeth thought Frederica's working conditions and pay were "quite mediocre."
Frederica's Death
Frederica Planta passed away on February 2, 1778. Her death was due to an "accidental illness." Like her father, she was buried at St George's, Bloomsbury church. Her sister, Margaret Planta (known as "Peggy"), then became the new teacher for the royal children.
