Lady Harriet Acland (3 January 1749/50 – 21 July 1815) was a British noblewoman, nurse and diarist.
She was born Lady Christian Henrietta Caroline Fox-Strangways, the daughter of Stephen Fox-Strangways, 1st Earl of Ilchester, and married Major John Dyke Acland in 1770. She travelled with her husband to Canada and America when he commanded the 20th Regiment of Foot.
She and her husband had a daughter, Elizabeth (13 December 1772 – 5 March 1813), who married Henry Herbert, 2nd Earl of Carnarvon. They also had a son, Sir John Dyke Acland, 8th Baronet (born 1778 – died 1785, at about eight years of age).
At the Battles of Saratoga during the American Revolutionary War, Lady Harriet heard that her husband was wounded. She traveled through American lines to find him. Her husband, who had been shot through both legs, improved under her careful nursing. The next year they returned to England, where Major Acland died at Pixton Park on 31 October 1778. She died around the age of 66 at Tetton, near Taunton.
Famous quotes containing the words lady and/or harriet:
“The English, the plain English, of the politest address of a gentleman to a lady is, “I am now, dear Madam, your humble servant: Pray be so good as to let me be your Lord and Master.””
—Samuel Richardson (1689–1761)
“Many Americans imagine simpler times even as a storm of social change swirls about, blowing parents here and children there. Sure, the 1950s ideal world would be wonderful. But knock on the nation’s doors: Ozzie and Harriet are seldom at home.”
—Leslie Dreyfous (20th century)