Eileen McCracken facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eileen May McCracken
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| Born |
Eileen May Webb
16 February 1920 |
| Died | 12 November 1988 (aged 68) Durban, South Africa
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| Alma mater | University of Belfast: B.Sc; B.Sc Hons; M.Sc; PhD (1962) |
| Occupation | Botanist, historian |
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Notable work
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Irish woods since Tudor times (David & Charles,1971); The Palm House & Botanic Garden, Belfast (UHAI, 1971); The Brightest Jewel: A history of the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, (with Charles Nelson) (Boethius, 1987); and The way to Kistenbosch (History of South African botanic gardens), (with Donal McCracken) (NBGSA, 1988) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Botanic gardens history, forest history |
| Institutions |
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Eileen May McCracken (born February 16, 1920 – died November 12, 1988) was an amazing Irish scientist and historian. She was a botanist, which means she studied plants. She also studied geography, which is about the Earth's features. Plus, she was a historian, meaning she looked back at how things changed over time, especially about plants and gardens in Ireland.
About Eileen's Life
Eileen May Webb was born in Lisburn, Ireland, on February 16, 1920. Her parents were Colin and Bessie Webb. She went to school at Friends' School Lisburn. Later, she studied at Queen's University, Belfast. There, she earned her first science degree (BSc) and then a PhD in 1962.
On April 8, 1944, Eileen married Leslie McCracken. He was also a historian. They had three sons: Sean, Donal, and Dermot.
In 1947, Eileen moved to South Africa. She taught geography at the University of Witwatersrand. She returned to Ireland in 1950. She lived in different places like Dublin, Derry, and Portballintrae. In 1982, she moved back to South Africa to retire. From 1959 to 1982, she owned a small house by the sea in Kilcoole, County Wicklow.
Eileen's Work and Interests
Eileen wrote many books and papers. She wrote about the Irish landscape from the time of the Tudors. She also wrote about early Irish ironworks. She studied the history of plant nurseries in Ireland. These are places where young plants are grown for sale.
She also wrote about famous gardens. These included the Botanic Gardens in Belfast. She also wrote about the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin in Dublin.
Eileen had strong beliefs about many things. She believed in equal rights for women. She also really admired the women who were involved in the Irish War of Independence. She loved animals very much.
Eileen passed away in Durban, South Africa, in 1988. There is a special plaque in her honor at the Glasnevin Botanic Gardens. It is made of Wicklow granite and says: 'Eileen May McCracken 1920-1988 Botanist and Historian of this Botanic Garden'.
Eileen's Legacy
Eileen May McCracken left behind a great legacy. Her important papers and writings are kept in special collections. You can find them at the National Botanic Gardens. They are also at the National Library of Ireland in Dublin. These papers help people learn about her research and discoveries.
