Caroline Bray facts for kids
Caroline Bray, known as Cara Bray (born June 4, 1814 – died February 21, 1905), was a British writer. She wrote many stories for children and also school textbooks. Cara Bray and her husband, Charles Bray, were known as Freethinkers, meaning they liked to think for themselves and question common ideas. She was also a close friend of the famous writer George Eliot.
Contents
About Cara Bray
Her Early Life
Cara Bray was born in 1814. Her family, James and Elizabeth Hennell, were Unitarians, which is a type of Christian belief. Cara had two older sisters, Mary and Sara Hennell. Some people believe that these sisters inspired the fictional Meyrick family in George Eliot's book Daniel Deronda, which was published in 1876.
In 1836, Cara Hennell married Charles Bray. Her uncle and Charles Bray's family both made ribbons in Coventry. Charles Bray was a "skeptic," meaning he often questioned traditional beliefs. Because of Charles's ideas, Cara's brother, Charles Hennell, decided to look closely at Christian beliefs. He wanted to understand them better to argue with his brother-in-law. After his research, he also became a skeptic. In 1838, he published a book called Enquiry concerning the Origin of Christianity, explaining his findings. In 1841, Charles Bray published his own book, The Philosophy of Necessity, which included a part written by Cara's sister, Mary.
A Friend to George Eliot
Cara Bray was a very good friend to the famous writer George Eliot (whose real name was Mary Ann Evans). Cara was also an artist. The National Portrait Gallery in London has watercolor paintings by Cara Bray. These paintings are portraits of George Eliot and her father.
Writing for Children
Cara Bray wrote several books, especially for young readers. She also wrote textbooks for schools. One of her well-known textbooks was Physiology for Common Schools, published in 1860. This book helped school children learn about the human body and how to take care of it.
Cara Bray also cared a lot about animals. She was an active supporter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Coventry. This group works to protect animals from harm. Cara Bray passed away in Coventry in 1905 and was buried there.
Books by Cara Bray
Here are some of the books Cara Bray wrote:
- Physiology for Common Schools, 1860 (a textbook about the human body)
- Our Duty to Animals, 1871 (about being kind to animals)
- Richard Barton; or, The Wounded Bird, 1873 (a story about a bird)
- Paul Bradley. A village tale inculcating kindness to animals, 1876 (a story teaching kindness to animals)
- Little Mop and other stories, 1886
- Branded: or the sins of the Fathers shall be visited on the children, 1888
