Ann Brockman (writer) facts for kids

Ann Brockman (born around 1600, died November 29, 1660) was an amazing English writer. She was also known as Ann, Lady Brockman. She lived in Kent, England, and managed a large estate. Ann was special because she wrote a "Book of Receits." This book was full of recipes for medicines. It helped treat many different illnesses, from simple headaches to serious diseases like the plague.

Ann Brockman's Life

Ann Brockman was born in or before the year 1600. Her parents were Dorothy and Simon Bunce from a place called Linstead. We don't know much about her early life.

On May 28, 1616, she married Sir William Brockman. He owned large estates in Kent, including Newington Manor. Ann moved there to live with him.

Her Special Book

Ann Brockman became well-known because of her writing. In 1638, she started writing her important book, A book of receits. In this book, she wrote down many recipes for medicines. These medicines could treat common problems like coughs, ringworm, headaches, and backaches.

Her handwriting was very neat and slanted, which is called italic. You can tell that she added more recipes later because the ink colors were different. These medicines weren't just for her family. They were also for all the people who worked on her estate. Some of the problems were small, but she even included a medicine for the plague.

During the Civil War

During the English Civil War, her husband, William, supported the King. He was arrested in 1642. In 1643, Ann wrote a special letter, called a petition, asking for her husband to be set free. Many wives did this during the war.

Letters show that Ann and William worked together as a team. Ann had the freedom to manage their money. Her husband was finally released in 1645.

In 1648, William was involved in the siege of Maidstone. He was put in prison again, and Ann sent another petition. Throughout this time, letters show that Ann was in charge of paying taxes and looking after their estates.

William died in 1654. Their son James inherited the estate, but Ann was still very involved in managing it. She received an allowance of 130 pounds each year. Ann Brockman passed away on November 29, 1660, and was buried in Newington.

Her Family Life

Ann and her husband, William, had five children who grew up to be adults. Their names were Martha, Anne, James, Helen, and Margery. Their very first child, Henry, sadly died when he was only four years old. A special monument was built for Henry at the local church.