Hester Maria Elphinstone, Viscountess Keith, née Hester Maria Thrale (17 September 1764 – 31 March 1857), was a British literary correspondent and intellectual. She was the daughter of Hester Thrale, a diarist, author, and confidante of Samuel Johnson, and Henry Thrale, a wealthy brewer and patron of the arts. Often referred to as "Queeney" by Johnson, she grew up in South London, surrounded by influential political, artistic, and literary figures known as the Streatham Worthies. Queeney was recognized for her exceptional memory and intellect, and her early accomplishments were documented in The Family Book and Thraliana.In 1808, at the age of 44, Queeney married Admiral Lord Keith, a distinguished naval officer 19 years her senior. They had one daughter, Georgina Augusta. Following Lord Keith's retirement from the Royal Navy after Napoleon's defeat in 1815, the family lived on their estate at Tulliallan, where a magnificent castle was constructed. Lady Keith lived to the age of 92, passing away in London in 1857.Her life and correspondence with notable figures like Johnson and Fanny Burney have been documented in literature, including Beryl Bainbridge's novel "According to Queeney" and Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series. Lady Keith's legacy continues to be of interest, and her "Queeney letters

Hester Bateman (bap. 1708 – 16 September 1794) was a renowned English silversmith known for her exceptional flatware and ornamental silverware. Born Hester Neden or Needham in London, she married John Bateman and took over the family business after his death, registering her own sponsor's mark at the Goldsmith's Hall in 1761. Hester, along with her sons Jonathan and Peter, utilized cutting-edge technology to produce silverware efficiently, competing with other companies using Sheffield Plate. She retired in 1790, leaving the business to her sons, who continued the legacy. The Bateman family company lasted until 1843, with Hester Bateman being recognized as one of the finest English silversmiths. Her silverware is highly sought after, and she holds a prominent place in the history of English silversmithing. Hester Bateman's legacy lives on, and her work can be found in collections such as the Rosenbach Museum, solidifying her influence in the world of silversmithing.

Hester Jane Haskins, also known as Jane the Grabber, was a prominent figure in New York City's underworld during the 1860s and 1870s. She was involved in the operation of several "houses of ill fame" and played a significant role in supplying prostitutes to bordellos and brothels across the city. Haskins employed a group of individuals to lure young women from New England with false promises of exciting job opportunities, only to abduct and force them into working for her and her clients. Notably, she was one of the early and successful practitioners of what would later be termed as white slavery. Her criminal associates included John Allen and Little Susie, who eventually left her service due to her targeting of young girls from prominent New England families. In 1875, Haskins was implicated in the "grabber scandal," leading to her arrest by Captain Charles McDonnell and a subsequent lengthy prison sentence.Reference:Petronius. "New York Unexpurgated: An Amoral Guide for the Jaded, Tired, Evil, Non-conforming, Corrupt, Condemned, and the Curious, Humans and Otherwise, to Under Underground Manhattan." New York: Matrix House, 1966.

Hester Santlow (married name Hester Booth; c. 1690 – 1773) was a prominent British ballerina and actress who is often referred to as "England's first ballerina." She made her debut as a dancer at Drury Lane in 1706 and later ventured into acting on the London stage. Through her iconic roles such as Harlequin, she garnered immense praise and admiration. John Essex, in his preface of The Dancing Master, lauded her exceptional talent and versatility, particularly in various dance forms and character portrayals. In 1717, an incident involving her was reported by Colley Cibber, shedding light on her presence and impact in the theatrical realm. Additionally, her private life revealed her as the mother of an illegitimate daughter named Harriet in 1713, with James Craggs as the father. Santlow's legacy as a trailblazing figure in the performing arts continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on theatrical history.Total words: 148

Hester Davenport (23 March 1642 – 16 November 1717) was a prominent actress known for her exceptional performances with the Duke's Company under the management of Sir William Davenant. She was recognized as "that faire & famous Comoedian call'd Roxalana," by diarist John Evelyn. Davenport's career took a turn when she married Aubrey de Vere, 20th Earl of Oxford, in 1662 or 1663. However, their relationship was tumultuous, and she filed a church court case against him, claiming bigamy. Despite losing the case, Davenport continued to use her married name and sought to establish her son as the legitimate heir to the earldom, but her efforts were in vain. The Earl of Oxford's line ended with the death of their son, and he was unable to inherit his father's title. Hester Davenport's life and tumultuous relationship with the Earl of Oxford continue to be a subject of interest and study.