Hannah Cowley - The Belle's Strategem

Hannah Cowley, born in 1743, transitioned from a late-blooming playwright to a significant figure in the literary scene after a sudden inspiration struck her at a play in 1775. Her first success came with "The Runaway," produced in 1776. Despite facing rivalry and challenges, including accusations of plagiarism from Hannah More, Cowley continued to create popular works like "The Belle's Stratagem." In 1801, she published her notable epic poem, "The Siege of Acre," before retiring to Tiverton, where she lived quietly until her death in 1809.