Harriet Mellon

Harriet Mellon

From Museum of Femininity by Charlotte Appleyard

May 4, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

This episode explores the remarkable life of Harriet Mellon, a woman who rose from poverty to become one of the richest women in England.

In this episode we will be exploring the remarkable life of Harriet Mellon (1777-1837) born into poverty Harriet rose to become a successful actress in her own right before marrying the banker Thomas Coutts and inheriting his fortune, making her one of the richest women in England. Following the death of her first husband Harriet married again and became a Duchess! I hope you enjoy this amazing rags to riches story that touches upon the difficulties of navigating society as a women and the te...

People in this episode

Host: Charlotte Appleyard

Topics covered

  • rags to riches
  • women in society
  • 19th century history
  • theater
  • marriage
  • wealth

Keywords

  • Harriet Mellon
  • Thomas Coutts
  • actress
  • Duchess
  • wealth
  • 19th century
  • society
  • rags to riches

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