George Ballard (biographer) facts for kids
George Ballard (born around 1706, died June 1755) was an English historian and writer. He is best known for his book, Memoirs of Several Ladies of Great Britain, published in 1752. This book celebrated the lives and achievements of many important women in British history.
George Ballard's Life Story
Ballard was born in Chipping Campden, a town in Gloucestershire. He learned many things by himself, without going to a formal school. For example, he taught himself Saxon (an old form of English) while working in a shop that made clothes.
His amazing self-education caught the eye of Elizabeth Elstob, who was also a Saxon scholar. Some wealthy local gentlemen, including Lord Chedworth, were so impressed that they gave him money every year. This money, about £60 a year, allowed Ballard to move to Oxford. There, he could use the famous Bodleian Library, which has a huge collection of books.
Later, Dr. Jenner gave him a job as a clerk at Magdalen College, Oxford. After that, he became a "university beadle," which was a university official.
Ballard died when he was still quite young. His only book that was printed was Memoirs of Several Ladies of Great Britain, who have been celebrated for their writings, or skill in the learned languages, arts and sciences. It was published in Oxford in 1752. This book was paid for by people who subscribed (or pre-ordered) it. Ballard dedicated it to Sarah Talbot and Mary Delany, who had helped him when he was younger.
The first woman featured in Ballard's book was Julian of Norwich, a famous writer from the 1300s. The last woman he wrote about was Constantia Grierson, a scholar and poet who lived in the early 1700s.
When Ballard died, he left a large collection of his own writings and many letters he had received to the Bodleian Library. These papers are still important for historians today.
About Memoirs of Several Ladies of Great Britain
In his book, George Ballard wrote about 65 different women. He organized their stories in the order they lived. His goal was to show how many women throughout history had been important writers, scholars, and thinkers.
The book included stories about queens, poets, philosophers, and scientists. Here are just a few examples of the amazing women he wrote about:
- Catherine of Aragon (1485–1536), who was a queen.
- Mary Astell (1666–1731), a well-known writer and philosopher.
- Margaret Cavendish (c. 1624-1674), another important writer and philosopher.
- Jane Grey (1537–1554), who was a scholar.
- Julian of Norwich (1343–1443), a famous writer and religious figure.
- Catherine Parr (1512–1548), another queen.
- Mary Sidney (1561–1621), a talented poet.
- Elizabeth Tudor (1533–1603), the famous Queen of England.
- Mary Tudor (1516–1558), another Queen of England.
Ballard's book was important because it highlighted the achievements of women at a time when their contributions were often overlooked. He wanted to make sure their stories were remembered.
