Henrietta Mosse facts for kids

Henrietta Mosse (who was also known as Henrietta Rouviere) was a British writer of romantic novels. She was born in Ireland sometime in the late 1700s and passed away in 1834.

Who Was Henrietta Mosse?

Henrietta Mosse was a talented writer from Ireland. She became known for her romantic novels. She moved to London and faced many challenges. But she kept writing stories that people enjoyed.

Early Life and First Books

Henrietta was born in Ireland. We don't know the exact year or place. Her father was Joseph Rouviere from Dublin.

Around 1802 or 1803, Henrietta moved to London with her mother. Her first novel was called Lussington Abbey. It came out in 1804. She didn't put her name on it at first.

In 1806, she married Isaac Mosse in London. Her mother passed away the next year.

Writing Through Hardship

Henrietta's novel A Peep at our Ancestors was published in 1807. It was a romantic story set in the 12th century. She also wrote Heirs of Villeroy and The Old Irish Baronet. The latter was based on an older gothic story.

In 1814, her husband published his own book. It was about grammar.

Later, in 1822, her husband became very ill. He had also lost all their money. So, Henrietta's novels became their main way to earn money. They also received help from a kind supporter, Louisa Gordon.

During the 1820s, Henrietta published four more novels. These included A Father's Love and a Woman's Friendship and Woman's Wit and Man's Wisdom.

A Legacy of Stories

Even with her books, Henrietta didn't earn much money. She tried to write plays too. But she felt it was hard for a woman to get plays performed.

She often asked the Royal Literary Fund for help. This fund supported writers who were struggling. They helped Henrietta and her husband.

Henrietta Mosse passed away in London in 1834. She was living in very difficult conditions. The Royal Literary Fund was asked to help with her funeral. But they said no, noting her extreme poverty.

Henrietta Mosse left behind many romantic stories. Her books show the challenges writers faced in her time.