Woolley, Hannah (1623–1677)

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Woolley, Hannah (1623–1677)

English teacher and cookbook writer. Name variations: Ann Woolley or Wolley; Hannah Wolley, Mrs. Hannah Challinor. Born 1623 in England; died 1677 in England; m. Jeremy Woolley (schoolmaster at Free School in Newport, Essex), 1647 (died 1661); m. Francis Challinor, 1666 (died c. 1669); children: (1st m.) 4.

Was probably orphaned at young age, though little is known about her childhood; ran her own school by age 15; became governess to nobility; published 1st book, The Ladie's Directory (1661), followed by The Cook's Guide (1664); widowed twice, resented lack of educational and employment opportunities available to women; trained gentlewomen for domestic service, but simultaneously encouraged them to study; wrote The Queen Like Closet (1670) and The Ladie's Delight (1672); moved in with son Richard and published final work The Accomplisht Ladie's Delight (1675).

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