Olivia Owenson, Lady Clarke facts for kids

Olivia Owenson, also known as Lady Clarke, was an Irish writer. She was a poet and wrote plays. She is most famous for her play called The Irishwoman. She was born in 1785 and passed away in 1845.

Growing Up and School

Olivia Owenson was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1785. Her parents were Robert Owenson and Jane Hill. Her father, Robert, was an actor. Her mother, Jane, came from a merchant family.

In 1776, her parents moved from Great Britain to Ireland. They settled in Dublin. Her father worked as an actor in theaters around Dublin. Olivia's older sister, Sydney, was born in 1778. Sydney later became a famous novelist.

Olivia and Sydney first lived in Dublin on Dame Street. Sadly, their mother died in 1789. After this, the sisters went away to school. Olivia attended Madame Terson's school in Clontarf. Later, she went to Mrs. Anderson's finishing school in Dublin.

After finishing school, the sisters joined their father in Kilkenny. Olivia then became a governess for the Brownrigg family. A governess is a woman who teaches and trains children in their home. While working there, she met Dr. Arthur Clarke. He later became her husband.

Writing and Life

Olivia Clarke wrote poems for different magazines in Dublin. These included Metropolitan Magazine and The Comic Offering. She was known for her funny and clever poems.

Olivia also held special gatherings called "salons" at her home. People would come together to discuss ideas and art. She stayed involved with the theater world. In 1819, her play The Irishwoman was performed in Dublin.

Olivia and her husband, Dr. Sir Arthur Clarke, had three daughters. Their names were Sydney, Olivia, and Josephine. Her daughters inherited her sister's belongings and letters. Olivia Clarke passed away on April 24, 1845. She was buried in Irishtown, Dublin, with her father. Her husband died in 1857.