Caroline norton biography

A Celebration of Women Writers

The Three Graces

When the three Sheridan sisters entered polite society in London in the late 1820's, they were spoken of with approval as "The Three Graces".

Helen, the eldest daughter, summarized their merits years later to Disraeli: "Georgey's the beauty, Carry's the wit, and I ought to be the good one, but I am not."

They desperately needed to make a good impression.

Their grandfather, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, was well-known for plays such as The School for Scandal, but died in poverty. Their father, Tom Sheridan, eloped with Caroline Henrietta Callender when her family opposed his penniless suit.

Caroline norton fresco

Caroline norton marriage

Caroline norton poems

Caroline Sheridan was born in London on 22 March into a grand but impoverished family.

Caroline Norton was a Victorian campaigner for the Rights of Women at a time when they had none.

He died young, leaving her with four sons, three daughters, and a very modest pension. The widow was lucky to be offered a Grace and Favour apartment at Hampton Court, charity in memory of Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

With so many children to establish, and so few resources available, it was essential for the thr