Lady Harriet Acland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lady Harriet Acland
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portrait by Joshua Reynolds
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| Born |
Hon. Christian Henrietta Caroline Fox-Strangways
3 January 1750 |
| Died | 21 July 1815 (aged 65) |
| Occupation | Noblewoman, nurse, diarist |
| Spouse(s) |
John Dyke Acland
(m. 1770; died 1778) |
| Children |
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| Parent(s) |
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Lady Harriet Acland (born Fox-Strangways; 3 January 1750 – 21 July 1815) was a brave British noblewoman. She was also known for writing a diary. Lady Harriet traveled with her husband to British North America. She became famous for her great courage during the American Revolutionary War. A special bronze carving honors her at the Saratoga Battle Monument in New York State.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Lady Harriet was born Christian Henrietta Caroline Fox-Strangways. Her father was Stephen Fox-Strangways. He was known as Baron Ilchester at the time. Her mother was Elizabeth Horner. When her father became an Earl, Harriet became "Lady Harriet Fox-Strangways."
Marriage and Children
In 1770, when she was 20 years old, she married John Dyke Acland. He was the son of Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, 7th Baronet. Lady Harriet and John had two children:
- Elizabeth "Kitty" Acland (born 1772 – died 1813). She married Henry Herbert, 2nd Earl of Carnarvon.
- Sir John Dyke Acland, 8th Baronet (born 1778 – died 1785). He became a Baronet at age 7. This happened after his grandfather, the 7th Baronet, passed away. Sadly, Sir John died just a few weeks later, also at age 7. His uncle then became the 9th Baronet.
Her Courage in the American Revolution
Lady Harriet went with her husband to Quebec and the Thirteen Colonies. Her husband was a commander in the 20th Regiment of Foot. During the American Revolutionary War, there were important battles at Saratoga. Lady Harriet heard that her husband had been hurt. He was shot in both legs.
She decided to travel through the enemy lines to find him. She showed amazing bravery. With her careful nursing, her husband slowly got better. The next year, they went back to England. Colonel Acland passed away in October 1778.
Later Life and Legacy
After her husband died, Lady Harriet lived at Pixton Park. This was from 1778 until her death in 1815. She had a lane built there. It is now called Lady Harriet Acland's Drive. This lane connected her home to where her daughter, Elizabeth, lived.
Lady Harriet died at the age of 65. She passed away in Tetton, near Taunton.
Lady Harriet's Famous Journey
An engraving from 1784 shows Lady Harriet Acland on the Hudson River. It tells her amazing story:
This brave lady went with her husband to Canada in 1776. For two years, she faced many hardships. People thought no woman could handle such difficulties. One night, she barely escaped when her tent caught fire.
What happened next is a famous part of history. On October 7, 1777, Major Acland was wounded. He was then taken prisoner by the American forces. When Lady Harriet heard this, she made a heroic choice. She decided to go to the enemy camp herself. She wanted to care for her husband while he was a prisoner.
She carried a letter from General Burgoyne to General Gates. She was joined by a reverend, a female servant, and her husband's valet. They rowed down the Hudson River in an open boat. They were heading towards the American camp.
Night came before they reached the camp's outposts. The guards would not let her in. They even threatened to shoot if she moved before morning. For seven or eight dark and cold hours, she waited on the water. She was half-frozen with worry and fear.
Morning finally ended her distress. General Gates welcomed her. She was reunited with her husband. He treated her with the kindness and respect she deserved. This story is told in General Burgoyne's own writings.
See also
In Spanish: Harriet Acland para niños
