Letter #10, Post #22

Thursday 24 May 2012
To Cassandra, from Steventon, "Dame Bushell washes for us only one week more, as Sukey has got a place.-John Steevens' wife undertakes our Purification; She does not look as if anything she touched would ever be clean, but who knows?-We do not seem likely to have any other maidservant at present, but Dame Staples will supply the place of one.-"

Dame Elizabeth Bushell of Oakley parish. The wife of Thomas Bushell of Steventon. Sukey was probably either her daughter or granddaughter.

John Steevens wife was probably a sister-in-law to Mary Tilbury Steevens who married John's brother William in 1789. It was her sister, Elizabeth 'Betty' Tilbury Smith, who's daughter, Charlotte Smith was baptized on 5 September 1798 at Steventon.

Dame Elizabeth Staples (1753-1828) lived in Steventon and was the wife of Thomas Staples. They had nine children. Jane Austen mentions Mary Steevens, Dame Staples and Hannah Staples in her giving to the poor the Christmas of 1798. Hannah Staples was the daughter of Thomas and Dame Elizabeth Staples. For some reason this reminded me of Miss Bates in Emma. I am not sure why.

This is something I did not know, Phyllida Law, who played Mrs. Bates, and Sophie Thompson, who played Miss Bates, really are mother and daughter; and Emma Thompson is Phyllida Law's daughter and Sophie Thompson's sister.

            Sophie Thompson as Sophie Thompson. I am always amazed how different actors look in real life.

I hope you enjoyed your day today!
and don't forget, "Ring the Bells for 1812".

Terrie