Her parents, both of the landed gentry, were Elizabeth (born Southouse) and John Parker (1695–1754), who was a linen draper from London.

[3] Her father and her extended family thought her witty and clever; she managed the house from the 1740s after her mother died young; and they expected that she would marry well.

She was given silk dresses and attended events locally and during "the season" in London in the expectation of making a good match.

He had supported Bonnie Prince Charlie's claim in 1745 and he owned Alkincoats Hall – which he had improved in preparation for a new wife in 1751 and 1752.

Her legacy was her portrait,[1] her writing, a bracelet, and a memorial in St Bartholomew's Church, Colne, where she was buried on 2 September.

[3] Professor Amanda Vickery teaches modern history and her first book was based on her research including the writings of Shackleton.