Henrietta Fordyce facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henrietta Fordyce
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after George Willison
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| Born |
Henrietta Cumming
14 February 1734 |
| Died | 10 January 1823 (aged 88) |
| Nationality | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Occupation | governess |
| Employer | James Lindsay, 5th Earl of Balcarres's family |
| Spouse(s) | Reverend James Fordyce |
| Children | none |
Henrietta Fordyce, born Henrietta Cumming (1734–1823), was a Scottish woman who worked as a governess. A governess was a teacher who lived with a family and taught their children at home.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Henrietta Fordyce was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on February 14, 1734. Her father, James Cuming, died when she was young. Her mother, Katharine (born Cowan), then took charge of her education at home.
When Henrietta was twelve, her mother also passed away. This left her without a "dowry," which was money or property a bride brought to her husband. Without a dowry, it was very hard for young women to find a good marriage.
Becoming a Governess
After her mother's death, one of Henrietta's aunts took her in. While living there, she met Anne Dalrymple, the Countess of Balcarres. Anne and her husband, James Lindsay, 5th Earl of Balcarres, had many children. The Countess was known for being a strict parent. For example, she once told her servants to throw one of her misbehaving sons into a pond three times!
Henrietta moved to Balcarres in Fife, Scotland. There, she became the governess for the Earl and Countess's daughters: Anne, Margaret, and Elizabeth Lindsay.
Life at Balcarres
Anne Lindsay, one of Henrietta's students, later wrote about her. She noted that Henrietta was quite unusual for a governess. Henrietta refused to eat anything until she was allowed to eat meals with the family. She wanted to be treated as part of the family, not just a servant.
Henrietta was very dedicated to teaching the children. She even felt annoyed when she was offered payment for her work. She served as their governess for ten years.
Marriage and Later Life
During her time at Balcarres, Henrietta met Reverend James Fordyce. He was the brother of Alexander Fordyce, who was a banker and married to Margaret Lindsay, one of Henrietta's former students. Reverend Fordyce was famous for his book, "Sermons to Young Women," published in 1766.
Henrietta and James Fordyce married in 1771. Reverend Fordyce lived in London, so they made their home there. They stayed in London until the early 1780s. After that, they lived for a short time in Southampton. Eventually, they settled down in the city of Bath.
Death and Lasting Impact
Henrietta Fordyce passed away in Bath in 1823.
Her letters with Alicia Cockburn helped show how important Henrietta was. Alicia Cockburn was a close friend and trusted confidante to Henrietta. Cockburn herself was famous for writing the song "Flowers of the Forest."
After Henrietta's death, an anonymous book called "Memoir of the late Mrs. Henrietta Fordyce" was published in 1823. However, this book is thought to be unreliable and praises her too much.
