1769-1853

Amelia Opie [née Alderson], novelist, poet, radical and philanthropist was born on 12 November 1769 in Norwich, the only child of James Alderson, physician and his wife, Amelia.
Following her mother’s death (31 December 1784), Amelia Alderson became her father’s housekeeper and hostess. She began her literary career by writing classical and Gothic drama and a tragedy entitled ‘Adelaide’ which was staged in Norwich with herself in the title role and the proprietor’s sisters in other roles.