Elizabeth Rhodes

Elizabeth Rhodes born Elizabeth Brittan (1759 – 17 April 1836) was a British governess, housekeeper and Methodist leader.

Life Rhodes was born in Scotland with the name Brittan. Her mother was from York and her father was a Captain in the Queen's Regiment of Dragoon Guards until 1760. They moved to York where in 1765 her father left the home with their maid. Her biographer estimates that she was converted to Methodism in about 1784 by followers in Beverley and York. Sir William Clerke, 8th Baronet employed Rhodes as his housekeeper. Clerke wanted to marry her but he didn't like her Methodism. Elizabeth preferred Methodism and married Benjamin Rhodes. Clerke's religious scruples didn't interfere with business. He sold land to the Methodists arguing that did not mind if they "covered the whole land with chapels".

Rhodes died in Maidstone.