Frances Mary Peard facts for kids
Frances Mary Peard (born May 16, 1835 – died October 5, 1923) was an English writer and traveler. She wrote over 40 books between 1867 and 1909. These books were mostly stories for children or adults. Many of her stories were historical and often took place in other countries.
Early Life and Family
Frances Peard was born in Exminster, Devon, England. Her father, George Shuldham Peard, was a naval officer. He even explored the Arctic looking for Sir John Franklin. Her mother was Frances Cooke. Frances was one of five children. Two of her siblings died young.
Her family had many brave soldiers and sailors. Her grandfather was Shuldham Peard. Her uncle was John Whitehead Peard. Her older brother, George Shuldham Peard, fought in the Crimean War. He was also a writer. Because of her family, Frances often wrote about military themes and battles in her books.
Frances traveled a lot, possibly even to India. Later in her life, she lived in Torquay, Devon, with her mother.
Her Books and Stories
Frances Peard wrote many books. She wrote stories for both boys and girls. She also wrote novels for adults. Her travels to places like France and India inspired many of her stories.
Some of her books for adults include Unawares (1870) and The Rose-Garden (1872). Other titles are Thorpe Regis (1874), Cartouche (1878), and Schloss and Town (1882). She also wrote Prentice Hugh (1887) and Donna Teresa (1899). Her book The Ring from Jaipur (1904) is a serious story, despite its title.
Frances also wrote for the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK). She was friends with other famous writers. These included Christabel Rose Coleridge, Charlotte Mary Yonge, and Edward Bulwer-Lytton. In Torquay, she was friends with fellow novelist Anna Harriett Drury.
Later Life and Passing
Frances Peard never married. She passed away in Torquay, Devon, in 1923. She left her money to her sister, Helen Charlotte Peard. Frances is buried with her parents. Their grave is at the Church of St Martin of Tours in Exminster, Devon.
