1767-1839
Baptised 26 November 1767 at All Saints, Norwich, Elizabeth was the only child of Daniel Bentley, a cordwainer , and his second wife, Elizabeth.
At a young age Elizabeth discovered a talent for writing poetry.
She published two volumes of verse:
Genuine Poetical Compositions on Various Subjects 1791
Poems: Being the Genuine Compositions of Elizabeth Bentley of Norwich 1821
She spent the last years of her life in Doughty’s Hospital and died there in 13 April 1839 aged 72 and was buried at St Stephen’s, Norwich. In her will she bequeathed £10 to Seth William Stevenson from the firm of printers who had published her work, and the rest of her estate following funeral expenses to Elizabeth Lawrence Whiting.
Find out more: You can find original documents by Elizabeth Bentley at the Norfolk Record Office here – ETN 1/1/121 and here – MS 4566.
1816
Eaton Collection, Papers created and collected by Tom Eaton
Letter from Elizabeth Bentley to Mrs Gunning, concerning a tribute of respect intended for publication in a newspaper, 24 June 1816.
Norwich Public Library Manuscript Collection
Letters to William and Seth W. Stevenson of Norwich, printers and editors of the ‘Norfolk Chronicle’, including verse by Elizabeth Bentley, 1812-1838.
Seth William Stevenson and Elizabeth Lawrence Whiting made executor and executrix of the will. Seth William Stevenson is bequeathed £10 and Elizabeth Lawrence Whiting is left the remainder of her personal estate and effects. The will was proved on 8 October 1839
Norfolk Record Office 