Harriet Martineau – Early Years to the publication of Illustrations of the Political Economy

When Harriet was 9 (1812) one of her first lemons was handed to her; the death of her Aunt Martineau.[1]  While Martineau wasn't unfamiliar with death having recollections of mournful feelings when Nelson died when she was four, this death was the first in her family, and her first real introduction to a chronic illness…

David Boyd (Schoolmaster of the Belfast Poor House 1803-1806)

David Boyd was appointed in September 1803 as the Schoolmaster in the Poor House with a  salary of £20 per annum 'and the Fare of the house'. It appears according to the brief records available that reference him, that he was good at what he did and brought with him great improvements to the Poor…