Life summary: Born in Shorpshire, little is known about Haywood's family. She did have experience as an actress, and is found in Dublin, Ireland at the Smock Alley Theatre. Upon coming to London in 1717, she performed at Lincoln's Inn Fields. At one point she and her common-law husband William Hatchett was jailed for political writings against Charles Stuart, though both were later released. Haywood had two children, and died in London. Major Works: Love in Excess; or The Fatal Enquiry, The Female Spectator, Fantomina
Place in Life/Social Context: As not much is known about her personal life, though Haywood spent most of her life around the theatre. As an actress, her writings could reach a larger audience, and her topics could push social boundaries. With the lower social status, she could navigate through both spheres with the theatre giving her agency. Haywood was active in the political sphere as well, switching political allegiance at times.
18th Century Lit. Importance: Haywood is one of the three women dubbed "the fair triumvirate of wit." Her works are considered the beginning of the amatory writing genre or the romance novel. Later in her career, she focused more on women's rights, with her female characters breaking social class and stepping outside of the expected mode of the 18th century woman.