Elizabeth Simpson Inchbald, born 15 October, 1753, was one of nine children of John and Mary Rushbrook Simpson.  She was raised on a small farm in Suffolk, England.  The Simpsons were considered a well respected, modest Catholic family.  As a young child, she had aspirations to see the world and become an actress.  At 18, she visited her brother George, who was involved in the London Theater, and met her future husband, Joseph Inchbald.  Shortly after returning home she ran away to London to pursue her dreams.  She was quickly married to Joseph Inchbald, an established and professional actor.  Joseph Inchbald was almost twice her age and was more like a father figure and advisor, than a romantic love.  Although they were not seen as a happy couple, the marriage enabled her to pursue an acting career because of Joseph’s success in the English and Scottish theaters.  She was well known for her beauty rather than her talent and Mr. Inchbald’s death in 1779 forced her to earn a living in the theater.  To avoid a life of poverty, Inchbald realized she would have to give up her career on stage and began dedicating her time to writing plays. (Jenkins, E)

            Due to a lack of formal education, common for women of the time, she found it difficult to compete in the male dominated profession.  Inchbald was very independent, highly motivated, and determined not to marry again.  She used her social contacts to associate with distinguished members of London’s society.  During this time, she became close friends with Sarah Siddons and John Kemble.  It served as a method to recreate herself as an intelligent woman, while also reading classical and contemporary literature.  This form of self education began for Inchbald as a child.  She was often isolated because of the mockery she received about her speech impediment.  This isolation facilitated a love of reading and education. (Jenkins, A)

Career As a Playwright