Frances Stackhouse Acton

Frances Stackhouse Acton (née Knight; 7 July 1794 – 24 January 1881) was a British botanist, archaeologist, writer and artist.

She married an older land owner and, as they had no children, when he died she pursued her own interests, which included archaeology and architecture.

[3] Her father strongly encouraged her and her siblings' education, and she is quoted as remembering "the hours spent with him in his study, or in his garden, as amongst the happiest recollections".

[11] Stackhouse Acton was encouraged into botany by her father, who included her in his horticultural experiments in the grounds Downton Castle.

In 1844, Stackhouse Acton excavated the villa, along with numerous other Roman remains, writing about the project in detail to the Dean of Hereford.

She would frequently paint historical buildings such as abbeys and stately homes, often leaving the people or animals in the image unfinished.

[27] Stackhouse Acton compiled a collection of his papers and wrote a short biography in "Sketch of his life" in the introduction.

[4] Stackhouse Acton also authored a reference work, The Castles & Old Mansions of Shropshire, with the proceeds being donated to the Royal Salop Infirmary and the Eye and Ear Dispensary.