Harriet Pye Esten facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harriet Pye Esten
|
|
|---|---|
Portrait by Samuel De Wilde
|
|
| Born |
Harriet Pye Bennett
1760s? |
| Died | 1865 |
| Nationality | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Other names | Harriet Pye Scott-Waring |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Spouse(s) | James Esten |
| Partner(s) | Douglas Hamilton, 8th Duke of Hamilton |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Admiral Sir Thomas Pye and Mary Bennett |
Harriet Pye Esten, also known as Harriet Pye Scott-Waring, was an English actress. She was born Harriet Pye Bennett sometime in the 1760s and lived until 1865. For a short time, she also managed a theatre.
Contents
Early Life and Acting Career
Becoming an Actress
Harriet Esten was born in Tooting, England, around the 1760s. Her mother was Anna Maria Bennett, a housekeeper and later a successful novelist. Her father was Admiral Sir Thomas Pye.
In 1784, Harriet married James Esten, who was in the navy. Harriet's mother taught her how to act. She also helped Harriet throughout her acting career.
First Performances
Harriet first performed in the cities of Bath and Bristol. Later, she moved to Dublin, Ireland, to act at the Smock Alley Theatre. While in Dublin in 1789, she and her mother arranged a formal separation from James Esten. Her mother paid off his debts in exchange for his agreement to the separation.
London Stage Debut
The next year, in 1790, Harriet made her first appearance in London. She performed at the famous Covent Garden theatre on October 20. Her role was Rosalind in the play "As You Like It". She had played this role successfully before in York.
Harriet performed in London for a year at her own expense. After that, she was hired for three more years, earning £11 a week.
Theatre Management and Later Life
Managing a Theatre
In July 1792, Harriet Esten became a theatre manager. She bought the lease for the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh. This theatre had been run by Stephen Kemble. However, he lost his rights to perform there. This happened because of Harriet's partner, Douglas Hamilton, 8th Duke of Hamilton.
_p.143_-_Theatre_Royal,_Edinburgh_-_Thomas_Hosmer_Shepherd.jpg)
In 1794, Harriet gave birth to a child with the Duke. She had stopped performing at Covent Garden when she was pregnant. She then returned the rights to perform in Edinburgh to Stephen Kemble for £200 a year.
Artistic Recognition
The famous artist Samuel De Wilde painted a portrait of Harriet Esten. The painting shows her as Lady Flutter. This character was from a comedy by Mrs. Sheridan called The Discovery. Harriet never played this role in London. The painting is now kept at the Garrick Club.
Family Life
On October 15, 1812, Harriet Esten married Major John Scott-Waring. He was a former Member of Parliament. Harriet was his third wife. They had two children together. John Scott-Waring passed away in 1819.
In 1820, Harriet's daughter, Anne Douglas-Hamilton, married Henry Westenra, 3rd Baron Rossmore.
Final Years
Harriet Esten died at her home in Knightsbridge in 1865. She was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery. Her death certificate helped historians figure out her likely birth year.
