Frances Page-Turner (1753 -1828) apprentice Milliner and Later wife of the 18th Century Dandy, Sir Gregory Page-Turner 3rd Bt 1748-1805.
Frances Page-Turner (1753 -1828) (nee Howell) was the daughter of Joseph Howell from Elm Wisbech Cambridgeshire & Emneth Norfolk, he is recorded as being a prosperous farmer who owned 9 farms in this region. Law Advertiser Vol 5. said, ‘.. A freehold and copyhold estate situated at Emneth in Wisbech St Mary in the County of Norfolk late belonging to Joseph Howell esq deceased containing stable outbuildings 203 of arable and pasture land. also Nine farms 1441 acres farm houses and buildings…’ Joseph Howell is also listed as Church Warden at Emneth as listed in the parish records for 1781 held in the Local History Centre in Wisbech. Very little is known about her early life, but we know that Frances was apprenticed to a St James’s Milliner supported in this capacity by her father. St James’s was well known location in London for Textiles, Millinery, fashion, shoes and Hats. We know from many contemporary accoun...