Sarah Rice (banker) facts for kids
Sarah Rice was an important English businesswoman who lived a long time ago. She was known for running a bank and a special company that used Homing pigeons to send messages. She also has a surprising connection to a famous book!
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Who Was Sarah Rice?
Sarah Rice was born in England. She married Henry Rice, who was a captain in the British East India Company. This company was a very powerful trading group. Henry also owned a bank and a business that used Homing pigeons. These pigeons were like the internet of their time, carrying important messages quickly.
Taking Over the Family Business
In 1797, Sarah's husband, Henry, passed away. This meant Sarah had to take over his businesses. She became the main boss and a senior partner of the bank and company called Latham, Rice and Co. This business was located in Dover, a town in England.
Sarah was in charge of the company until 1811. That's 14 years of leading a bank and a messaging service! After that, she decided to retire. Her son, Edward Royd Rice, then took over the family businesses.
Pigeons and Big News
One of the most exciting stories about Sarah Rice involves her homing pigeons. It's said that her pigeons were the ones that carried the news of Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo to London. This was a huge event in history, and getting the news quickly was very important!
A Character in a Book?
Sarah Rice might also be famous for another reason. Some people believe she was a possible inspiration for a character in a very well-known book. She is thought to be a role model for Mrs. Norris in the novel Mansfield Park by the famous author Jane Austen.
