Agnes Bulmer facts for kids

Agnes Bulmer (born August 31, 1775 – died August 20, 1836) was an English poet. She is famous for her epic poem, Messiah's Kingdom. This poem is believed to be the longest ever written by a woman. It took her over nine years to finish!

About Agnes Bulmer

Her Early Life and Education

Agnes Collinson was born in London, England, on August 31, 1775. She was the youngest of three daughters. Her parents, Edward and Elizabeth Collinson, lived on Lombard Street.

Agnes's parents were Methodists. They were good friends with John Wesley, who was a very important leader in the Methodist church. John Wesley himself baptized Agnes. She also went to his school in December 1789. Agnes stayed a member of the City Road Chapel community for her whole life. She also strongly supported the Church of England.

Agnes's family was middle class. This meant she had access to books and learning. She loved to read! By the time she was twelve, she had read Night-Thoughts by Edward Young. This book really shaped her own writing style.

Her First Published Work

When Agnes was just fourteen, she published her first poem. It was called On the Death of Charles Wesley. Charles Wesley was John Wesley's brother and also a famous hymn writer. He sent Agnes a personal note to thank her. He also gave her some advice: "Beware of pride; beware of flattery... remember, one good temper is of more value... than a thousand good verses."

At school, Agnes became friends with Elizabeth Richie Mortimer and Sarah Wesley. Sarah was Charles Wesley's wife. Agnes also studied under Hester Ann Rogers. Later, Agnes wrote a sad poem, called an elegy, when Hester Ann Rogers passed away.

Her Adult Life and Family

In 1793, Agnes married Joseph Bulmer. He worked in a warehouse and was a merchant in London. Joseph was also involved in the Methodist church. He was successful in business and well-liked in his community.

Agnes and Joseph often spent time with other important Methodists. These included Adam Clarke, Joseph Benson, and Richard Watson. Adam Clarke was very impressed by Agnes. He said her intelligence and skill "astonished" him. People often described her as being very smart, even "a match for men" in her thinking. But they also said she was still "feminine" and "delicate."

Later Years and Legacy

Agnes taught at City Road Chapel until 1822. She also continued to write. She was involved in social activities, like the Ladies Working Society. She also visited hospitals and helped people who were poor. During this time, she wrote Bible stories for children. These were published as Scripture Histories.

Sadly, Joseph Bulmer died on July 23, 1822. Agnes's mother also passed away. Agnes went through a very sad time and wrote many poems about death.

Agnes Bulmer became sick during a trip to the Isle of Wight. She died there on August 20, 1836. She was buried in City Road Chapel, where she had spent so much of her life.

Agnes Bulmer's Writings

Agnes Bulmer's first published work was On the Death of Charles Wesley in 1788. She wrote an elegy for Hester Ann Rogers, which was published in 1794.

Her most famous work is Messiah's Kingdom, an epic poem. This long poem was published in twelve parts in 1833. Messiah's Kingdom is thought to be the longest poem ever written by a woman. It has over 14,000 lines and took Agnes nine years to complete!

Agnes also wrote Scripture Histories, which were Bible stories for children. These stories were often published in Methodist magazines. In 1835, she wrote a biography about her friend Elizabeth Mortimer, called The Memoirs of Elizabeth Mortimer.