Catharine Drew facts for kids

Catharine Drew (born May 27, 1832 – died August 26, 1910) was an important journalist and writer from Ireland. She was known for her work in newspapers and for fighting for women's rights in journalism.

Early Life

Catharine Drew was born on May 27, 1832, in Broughshane, a place in County Antrim, Ireland. Her parents were Reverend Thomas Drew and Isabella Drew. Catharine was the third of their twelve children. Sadly, most of her brothers and sisters died when they were young.

Catharine grew up in Belfast. Her father was a church leader there from 1833 to 1859. In 1866, Catharine moved to Dublin. She lived with her brother, Thomas Drew, who was an architect.

Journalism and Writing

It was in Dublin that Catharine Drew likely began her career as a journalist. She started writing articles for a newspaper called the Irish Builder. She later became its assistant editor.

She also wrote for the Belfast Newsletter. The owner of that paper, James Alexander Henderson, suggested she move to London. So, in 1871, Catharine moved to London and became the Belfast Newsletter's special reporter there.

Columns for Women

In London, Catharine wrote two regular newspaper columns. These were called Metropolitan gossip and Ladies' letter. These were some of the first columns written especially for women. They shared news about society and events with her readers in Belfast. Catharine's articles also appeared in other publications. These included The Literary World, The British Architect, and London Society.

Fighting for Women Journalists

Catharine Drew was a strong supporter of women in journalism. She helped start the Ladies' Press Association. This group worked to get more rights and recognition for women journalists.

She was also a very important person in the Institute of Journalists. She represented the Institute at many international meetings. At the time of her death, she was the vice-president of the Institute. She also worked for many years on the Institute's Orphan Fund. This fund helped children who had lost their parents. Catharine had first suggested this idea in 1891.

In 1894, Catharine signed a special letter called the Frances Power Cobbe memorial. This letter asked for more recognition and rights for women journalists. Other famous women like Millicent Fawcett also signed it.

Her Books and Lectures

Besides her newspaper work, Catharine Drew wrote several novels. Some of her books include Harry Chalgraves's legacy (published in 1876) and The Lutanistes of St Jacobi's (published in 1881). In 1885, she gave a talk in Bristol called Dress, economic and technic. This talk was later printed as a small book.

Later Life and Legacy

Catharine Drew passed away at her home in Holland Street, Kensington, London, on August 26, 1910. She is buried at Kensington Hanwell Cemetery. Her sister-in-law, Lady Drew, put up a special Celtic cross memorial there to honor her.

Catharine left a special gift in her will. It was a gold bracelet with jewels. The Institute of Journalists had given it to her when she retired in 1908. Today, this bracelet is known as the "Drew Bracelet." It is worn by women presidents of the Institute or by the wives of male presidents.