Open Meeting: Change of Speaker and Topic – Robert Guyver on ‘Lady Harriet Acland’s American Adventure (1776-1778) and the rest of her life.’

Saturday 21st June at 14:00-16:00
The Mint Methodist Church Centre, Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3AT
OUR SPEAKER IS ILL, SO SO WE HAD TO CHANGE SPEAKER AND TOPIC. Robert Guyver will now speak on 'Lady Harriet Acland’s American Adventure (1776-1778) and the rest of her life.’ We are very grateful that Robert agreed to step in with very short notice. A social event where visitors and guests are welcome and refreshment will be available.

Lady Harriet Acland was not living at Killerton but at Pixton near Dulverton, then at Tetton near Taunton with occasional visits to Highclere near Newbury.  Pixton and Tetton were Acland properties that had to be made over to the Herbert family when Rluzabeth Kitty, Harriet’s only surviving child, married Lord Porchester, later the 3nd Earl of Carnarvon, in the 1790s. 

During the American War of Independence, Lady Harriet travelled with her husband to the Province of Quebec and the Thirteen Colonies when he commanded the 20th Regiment of Foot.  At the time of the Battles of Saratoga, Lady Harriet’s husband John was wounded by being shot through both legs and he was captured as a prisoner of war. Lady Harriet—at this point several months pregnant—crossed the Hudson River in a boat, accompanied by her maid, a military chaplain, and John’s valet, to join him in captivity and nurse him back to full health. John improved with her careful nursing. The British press, reeling from Britain’s defeat in the American War of Independence, lauded her actions as brave and heroic.

Parking onsite is limited for disabled people only, telephone the Mint on 01392 279786 to reserve a space. This City Centre venue is well served by public transport and there are public car parks nearby.

We respect peoples’ choice to wear a mask to keep healthy and protect others.