The History of Hester Wilmot by Hannah More

Rebecca Wilmot kept her house spotless for her own vanity’s sake. When her husband was messy, Rebecca would fly out in a terrible passion, and Hester would have to run and hide. Hester saved her shillings for a new gown for the May-day party, but her father had a gambling habit. Hester shines in the end with a good and hopeful heart in the face of adversity.

Paperback 4X6, 80 pages, ISBN 9781941281772, Vintage Chapbook Series

HANNAH MORE (1745-1833) was born in Stapleton, Bristol, England. Early in her life she was interested in the theater and wrote plays. For six years her fashionable social life grew to include many important people, but when it lost its appeal she turned to religion. Dr. James Stonhouse is credited with Hannah More’s spiritual awakening, but it was John Newton’s influence that gave energy and devotion to her spiritual walk, and she became a strong Evangelical Christian. Education was a strong theme in her life and William Wilberforce encouraged her to start schools for the education and moral advancement of poor village children. To counteract immoral forces in society, Hannah More, her sister Sarah, and others wrote a series of successful chapbooks called the “Cheap Repository Tracts.” She was also active with a group called the “Clapham Sect” that met at Henry Thornton’s house in Clapham. She had a vast social circle and wrote a multitude of letters.  Her talent for writing also produced many books of drama, poetry, hymns, fiction and religious instruction.