The Comptons were a wealthy banking family at Esholt Hall, Yorkshire, and upon the death of their father, Henrietta Matilda Crompton (1793-1881) and her eight sibling each inherited the considerable sum of £11,000. Henrietta never married and spent a comfortable life making excursions to the Yorkshire coastal resorts, visiting friends in the country, and occasionally taking longer trips to various "picturesque" parts of Britain and Europe. Typically, for a young woman of her class, Henrietta was educated at home by governesses and private tutors, receiving instruction in reading and writing French, music, dancing, and drawing. She was particularly talented in drawing and continued to take lessons throughout her long life, from renowned artists Copley Fielding and David Cox, among others. A detailed account of her life and works is available in Letters & papers of Henrietta Matilda Crompton & her family, a list with extracts, & The art of Henrietta Matilda Crompton. By Stephen Allen, edited by M.Y. Ashcroft. 1994.