Harriet Hesketh
Cousin and close friend of the English poet William Cowper
About Harriet Hesketh
Lived 1733 – 1807 (aged 73–74). Harriet Hesketh was a British and English.
Harriett or Harriet Hesketh or Harriett Cowper (1733 – 5 January 1807) was an English letter writer, known for her long correspondence with William Cowper, which was the basis for his biography.
Life Harriett Cowper was baptised in Hertingfordbury, Herefordshire on 12 July 1733. She was one of three daughters of Ashley Cowper, clerk of parliament.
After Cowper's death in 1800, Hesketh corresponded for the rest of her life with his cousin Dr John Johnson, with whom he had spent his final years.
Hesketh had several years of declining health towards the end of her life, and spent her time in Weymouth, Bath and Bristol. She died in Clifton in Bristol in 1807. She had no children, and was buried in Bristol Cathedral.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Harriet Hesketh's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Harriet Hesketh's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Harriet Hesketh?
Cousin and close friend of the English poet William Cowper
When was Harriet Hesketh born?
Harriet Hesketh was born in 1733.
When did Harriet Hesketh die?
Harriet Hesketh died on 5 January 1807 in Clifton.
What nationality was Harriet Hesketh?
Harriet Hesketh was British and English.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Harriet Hesketh. https://biography.guide/harriet-hesketh/
MLA: "Harriet Hesketh." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/harriet-hesketh/.
Chicago: "Harriet Hesketh." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/harriet-hesketh/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:33 UTC