Hannah Brand facts for kids

Hannah Brand (born in 1754, died in 1821) was a talented English woman. She was an actress, a poet, and a writer of plays. After a short time acting, she became a governess, teaching children.

Early Life and School

Hannah Brand was born in Norwich, England. For a while, she ran a school for young ladies with her sister, Mary. Their school was called "Miss Brands' Academy for Young Ladies."

At the school, students could live there (boarding) or just come for the day. They learned many subjects. These included English, needlework (like sewing), writing, math, drawing, music, dancing, and French.

Plays and Acting Career

Hannah Brand wrote a historical play called Huniades, or, The siege of Belgrave. This play was first shown in Norwich in April 1791. It was performed at least three times and was liked by the audience.

She tried to act in London in January 1792. Her play, now called Agmunda, was performed. She even acted in it herself, even though she had a cold! The play had a small success. After this, she left London and acted in smaller towns.

She performed in other plays too. For example, in Norwich, she acted in The Battle of Hexham in March 1792. She also appeared in The Grecian Daughter and Jane Shore in Norwich later that year. In May 1794, she performed Agimunda in Yorkshire.

Published Works

In 1796, Hannah Brand announced that she wanted to publish a book of her works. She asked people to subscribe (pay in advance) to help her publish it. The book was planned to include her play Huniades and two other plays: The conflict, or, Love, honour, and pride and Adelinda. It would also have various poems.

Her book, titled Plays, and Poems, was finally published in 1798. It included the three plays she mentioned. It seems her other two plays were never performed on stage.

Later Life and Poetry

After her acting career, Hannah Brand stopped performing. She became a governess for a family in Woodbridge. This meant she lived with the family and taught their children.

She also wrote poetry. One of her poems, "ODE TO YOUTH," was published in The Scots Magazine in September 1799. This poem talks about the beauty and hope of being young.

Here is a part of her poem: Sweet Morn of Life ! all hail, ye hours ease! When blooms the cheek with roseate, varying dyes; When modest grace exerts each power to please, And Streaming lustre radiates in the eyes. Thy past hours innocent, thy present gay, Thy future, halcyon Hope depicts without allay.

Death

Hannah Brand passed away in 1821. In her will, she left small gifts to her family members. Most of her money, about £200, went to a widow named Mary Ware.