Jane Wiseman facts for kids

Jane Holt (born Jane Wiseman) was a talented British writer. She lived a long time ago, from about 1673. Jane was special because she was the first self-educated woman from a working-class family to have a play shown professionally in London. This was a very big deal for her time!

Jane Holt's Early Life

Jane Wiseman was probably born in a place called Holborn. We don't know much about her early life. She came from a regular working family. Jane taught herself to read and write. She also worked as a servant. This shows how determined she was to learn!

Her Famous Play: Antiochus the Great

Jane wrote a play called Antiochus the Great, or, The Fatal Relapse. It was a big success! The play was shown at the New Theatre in London. This happened in 1701. People liked it so much that it was performed again later, even in 1721.

What Made Her Play Special?

Many women wrote plays in London during Jane's time. Her play was one of about forty by women. It was special because it focused on strong female friendships. This was an important message for people then.

Her Literary Friends

Jane Holt was part of a group of writers. She was good friends with Susannah Centlivre, who was also a playwright. Other writers in her group included George Farquhar, Abel Boyer, Ned Ward, and Tom Brown. They probably shared ideas and supported each other's work.

Life After Success

After her play became popular, Jane used the money she earned. She bought a tavern in Westminster. A tavern was like a restaurant and inn. She ran it with her husband. Jane also wrote other poems. These were collected in a book called A Fairy Tale Inscrib'd, to the Honourable Mrs. W—, with other Poems. This book was published in 1717.