Record

Entry TypePerson
SurnameArkwright, nee Kemble
ForenamesFrances Crawford
PlaceSutton Scarsdale
Epithetactress; wife of Captain Robert Arkwright
Dates1786-1849
Gender IdentityFemale
BiographyFrances made her debut at London’s Prince of Wales theatre aged 4, she toured the Northern provinces until her controversial marriage in 1805 at Hull to Captain Robert Arkwright (1780-1859), grandson of Sir Richard Arkwright (1732-1792), part of the new industrial aristocracy. Despite initial family opposition Frances settled into her new life and became renowned as a hostess and ballad writer putting music to poetry by Lord Byron and Sir Walter Scott. She is buried in Sutton Scarsdale church having spent much of her married life residing at Sutton Scarsdale Hall.
Key Events1786: Born
c1790: Acting debut
1805: Married Captain Robert Arkwright
1849: Died
Family TreeDaughter of Stephen George Kemble, theatre manager and Elizabeth, nee Satchell, also an actress. She also had an aunt who was an actress, Sarah Siddons.

Mother of George, William, Revd Godfrey Harry (1814-1866), Eustace and Fanny Elizabeth.
Source- 'London Stage 1660-1800. Part V 1776-1800' (1958), p. 634, p. 1286.
Authorised Form of NameArkwright, nee Kemble; Frances Crawford (1786-1849); actress; wife of Captain Robert Arkwright

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