Frances Greville (c.1724–89,) née Macartney, was an Anglo-Irish poet and socialite known for her witty verse and ties to Georgian England’s literary circles.
Born in Longford, Ireland, Greville moved to London, becoming a celebrated figure in high society. In 1748, she eloped with Fulke Greville, a dandy and gambler. Active in literary circles, she befriended Horace Walpole, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, and Frances Burney. Her sharp intellect and engaging conversation earned her respect among writers and politicians.
Greville’s most notable work, A Prayer for Indifference (1759,) first published in the Edinburgh Chronicle, critiques the cult of sensibility, advocating emotional detachment over excessive sentimentality. Widely reprinted, it was often paired with poems praising sensibility, reflecting literary debates of the era. She also contributed to her husband’s Maxims, Characters, and Reflections (1756,) appearing as “Flora.”
During the 1760s and 1770s, she traveled extensively while her husband served as envoy to Bavaria.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Frances Greville
People are submissive to power, and few of them can be influenced by doctrines of righteousness.
—Frances Greville
Topics: Influence
Leave a Reply