The richest, most famous person you’ve never heard of is Harriot Mellon. An icon of the stage in Regency England, she rose from abject poverty and abuse to become the wealthiest woman in the country. More surprising still: she was the sweetest, most wholesome soul you’ll ever meet.
Katie interviews renowned historian Ian Mortimer.
Explore the British Museum’s vast collection of objects related to Harriot Mellon here.
Read the full two volumes of Harriot Mellon’s memoir for free here.
British Museum Collection #1126.1.30.79
British Museum Collection #1218938001
British Museum Collection #0119.84
image in the Wellcome Collection #L0038428
image in the public domain, unidentified painter
Dr Ian Mortimer is the author of over twenty books on the history of England, which have sold more than a million copies and been translated into fifteen languages. He’s been described by The Times as ‘the most remarkable medieval historian of our time,’ and is best known as the author of the four Time Traveller’s Guides – to Medieval England (2008), Elizabethan England (2012), Restoration Britain (2017) and Regency Britain (2020). He is currently the president of the Moretonhampstead History Society and vice president of the Mortimer History Society. He lives in Dartmoor (Devon), with his wife Sophie and enjoys visiting historical sites and museums, studying local history, playing guitars, walking in the country and running.
Music featured in this episode included:
“Harpsichord Fugue”
Episode 104 Harriot Mellon
“Forest Lullaby”
Episode 104 Harriot Mellon
“Swans in Flight”
Episode 104 Harriot Mellon
“Snowfall Butterflies”
Episode 104 Harriot Mellon
“Ceremonial Library”
Episode 104 Harriot Mellon
“Remembering Her”
Episode 104 Harriot Mellon
“Alone With my Thoughts”
Episode 104 Harriot Mellon
“Sonatina No 2 in F Major”
Episode 104 Harriot Mellon
“Forever Yours”
Episode 104 Harriot Mellon
“Allegro”
Episode 104 Harriot Mellon
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