Helen Swinton was a wealthy woman in 19th century Weatherfield.
She was married to Humphrey Swinton and lived with him at Swinton Grange. She suffered from severe mental health issues shortly following their marriage and her every need was cared for by a private nurse. Humphrey began taking himself off to London regularly and he fell in love with West End performer Rosa Hanbury. Humphrey set his mistress up at a house in Oakhill and after Helen's death he planned to marry her. However, he delayed proceedings until after his mother had also passed away as she would not approve the match. Their wedding was never to be as Humphrey himself died of a heart attack in 1902 but Rosa still inherited his entire wealth.