THE SKINNY
Caroline was an author, editor, poet, novelist and playwright
Her political pamphlets led to major changes in the laws regarding divorce, custody and working conditions
She used her difficult life experiences to improve the lives of generations of women who came after her
Born Into Privilege and Heartbreak
Her story has been told before and you might even be familiar with her name, but it should be repeated far and wide. She played an integral role in changing the unjust and unfair laws of her time, leading to the gender equality we enjoy today.
Caroline Sheridan was born to a wealthy, well-connected family in Victorian Era London. Her father was successful, but he was an alcoholic who gambled away their wealth and died when she was only 8 years old, leaving her mother with 3 daughters, 4 sons and very little money. They survived on their family name and connections, until her mother could arrange marriages for her daughters, securing the family’s financial situation.
Caroline was outgoing, talented, smart and beautiful. She was married off to George Norton, who turned out to be an alcoholic who squandered their money, just like her father, but worse yet, he was violent. Caroline’s wit and sarcasm would set him off, he was jealous and possessive, and he physically abused Caroline throughout their marriage. They had 3 children together, and would have had a 4th, but George caused her to miscarry when he beat her while pregnant.
Stuck Between a Rock and a Hardhead
During this time and place, women were trapped in marriage by many circumstances. They could earn an income, but not use or keep it, they couldn’t own any property, and men had exclusive custody rights of their children.
Caroline attempted to leave George many times, but always returned because she wanted to be with her children. Although she earned money as an author and editor, her income belonged to George, and she found herself stuck for many miserable years. She tried to use the law against George by running up debt in his name and then referring the creditors to him when they came to collect, since he was the “responsible” party. She poured her emotions into writing and publishing her prose and poetry.
George became increasingly cruel, and after he caused her to miscarry, Caroline left him for good, initially taking the kids with her to a relative’s home. There were rumors circulating about an affair between her and Lord Melbourne, so George jumped at the opportunity to make some money. He tried to sue Lord Melbourne for “Criminal Conversation” (Adultery) for £10,000 in damages, which would be about $1M today. Without any evidence, George lost in court, but Caroline’s reputation was forever ruined. She was unable to obtain a divorce, and George ultimately took the children.
Playing the Long Game
Caroline began to write and distribute pamphlets in order to bring attention to the unfair and unjust laws of the day, and raise interest in legal reform. She lobbied friends and acquaintances in the government, and convinced them to introduce new bills. She even wrote a letter to Queen Victoria. Caroline’s efforts were was successful when parliament passed the Infant Custody Bill in 1839, which gave mothers the right to appeal for custody of children under the age of 7 and visitation for children under the age of 16.
Unfortunately, George just took the children and fled to Scotland where the new English laws didn’t apply. He continued to emotionally abuse her, claiming to consider her requests for visitation, but later denying them. In 1842, their youngest son, William, fell from his horse and contracted lockjaw. Although Caroline was notified of the accident, she was unable to reach Scotland in time to see him before he died. Perhaps out of guilt, George allowed Caroline more access to the children after William died.
In 1848, George needed money, so he proposed separation terms with Caroline. In return for granting him access to money in their children’s trust fund, he would give her an annual allowance, so she could pay her own bills, as long as she remained single and alone. She reluctantly agreed.
This wasn’t the end of George’s anger, jealousy and attempts to injure her further, which continued until his death, but for Caroline, it was over.
Refined and Ready to Rumble
Caroline continued to write, lobby and campaign for the next 10 years. She helped change divorce, custody and property ownership laws to be more fair. She also continued writing poetry and novels, and lived her life with purpose. In 1875, George died, opening up the possibility for her to finally find a partner. In 1877, Caroline married for love, and passed away after 3 short, but blissful months as Lady Stirling-Maxwell.