Eleanor Jane Alexander facts for kids

Eleanor Jane Alexander (1857 – 3 June 1939) was a talented writer. She wrote both poetry and novels. She was given a special award, the MBE, for her important work during a war.

Early Life and Family

Eleanor Jane Alexander was born in 1857 in Strabane, which is in County Tyrone. Her mother was Cecil Frances Humphreys, who was also a poet and wrote many famous hymns. Her father was Reverend William Alexander. He later became a very important church leader, the Archbishop of Armagh. He also wrote poetry.

Eleanor grew up with two brothers and one sister. Sadly, her brother, Robert Jocelyn Alexander, who was also a poet, died during World War I. He was on a ship called the RMS Leinster when it was attacked in 1918. Eleanor's mother passed away in 1895.

Her Writing Career

Eleanor Alexander was a busy writer. She wrote for several well-known newspapers and magazines. These included The Spectator, the Belfast Telegraph, and The Times.

One of her interesting books was Lady Anne's Walk. This book shared her thoughts and ideas inspired by drawings made by Lady Anne Beresford. Eleanor also wrote novels and biographies. Her stories often showed what life was like in Ulster and even captured the way people spoke there.

She started writing funny stories right at the beginning of World War I.

War Work and Later Life

During World War I, Eleanor did important work helping in hospitals. Because of this, she was given the MBE award. She also received another special title, Lady of Grace St. John of Jerusalem.

Eleanor lived with her father until he passed away in 1924. After her father's death, King George V gave her special permission to live in rooms at Hampton Court Palace. This was a way to honor her father's important work.

Eleanor Jane Alexander died on 3 June 1939. She is buried in Derry.