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Elizabeth Stuart Bowdler


(b. 1717, England – d. May 10, 1797, Bath, Somerset, England )

Gender: F

Elizabeth Stuart Cotton was the second daughter of Sir John Cotton, 6th Baronet She married Thomas Bowdler (1719-1785) in 1742. Four of their five children became religious writers: Jane, John , Henrietta Maria and Thomas. It is after The Family Shakspeare, edited by Thomas and Harriet to remove words and references they regarded as vulgar or improper, that the term “to bowdlerize” is derived. Elizabeth was also a writer: her commentary on the Book of Revelation was published anonymously in 1787 and reissued after her death.

Also known as:

  • Elizabeth Bowdler (née  Stuart)

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Please note that all dates and location information are provisional, initially taken from the library and archive catalogues. As our section editors continue to work through the material we will update our database and the changes will be reflected across the edition.

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