Hannah More

Born near Bristol in 1745, Hannah More was educated by her father and helped run a school with her sisters before making her name in London literary society. She became associated with the Bluestockings and won early attention for plays, poetry, and sharp, polished conversation.

Over time, her writing turned more strongly toward religion, morality, and public life. She became widely known for popular tracts and essays that aimed to shape everyday behavior and belief, and she also supported educational work for the poor around Somerset.

More remained a major public voice well into the early 19th century. She died in 1833, leaving behind a body of work that shows both the literary world of her age and the reforming energy that made her one of its best-known women writers.