Elizabeth Tollet facts for kids

Elizabeth Tollet (born March 11, 1694 – died February 1, 1754) was a talented British poet. She wrote many different kinds of poems. Some were her own versions of old stories from ancient times. Others were about religion or big ideas. She also wrote poems that argued for girls and women to get a good education and to study subjects like science.

It was quite unusual for a woman in her time, but Elizabeth's poems even included ideas and images from the famous scientist Isaac Newton. She also wrote poems that copied the style of well-known ancient Roman poets like Horace, Ovid, and Virgil. Sometimes, she even rewrote parts of the Bible's Psalms in her own words.

Her Early Life and Education

Elizabeth Tollet was the daughter of George Tollet. Her father noticed how smart she was and made sure she got a very good education at home. She learned languages, history, poetry, and mathematics.

Elizabeth became very good at Italian and French. She also learned Latin, which was not common for women during her time. The Tollet family knew many important people, including Isaac Newton himself, who encouraged Elizabeth to keep learning.

Growing Up in the Tower of London

Elizabeth grew up in the Tower of London. Her father lived there because he worked for the British Navy. She wrote about the Tower in some of her poems, sharing how she felt stuck or frustrated by living there.

Elizabeth never married. Her mother probably died when Elizabeth was young. As the oldest daughter, she would have been expected to stay home and help take care of her younger brothers and sisters.

Her Published Works

In 1724, Elizabeth Tollet published a book of her poems called Poems on Several Occasions. This book included a poem called Hypatia. Today, many people see Hypatia as a poem that protested for women's rights.

When Isaac Newton died in 1727, Elizabeth wrote a special poem to honor him. This type of poem, written to mourn someone's death, is called an elegy. Her poem was titled On the Death of Sir Isaac Newton.

Later Life and Legacy

Elizabeth Tollet passed away in 1754 in a village called Westham, which is now part of West Ham in Essex, England. She is buried at All Saints church there. Her poems show us a smart and thoughtful woman who believed in the power of education for everyone.