Hannah Lawrance facts for kids

Hannah Lawrance (born in 1795 – died on November 20, 1875) was an English historian and journalist. She lived in Barnsbury Park, Middlesex. Hannah Lawrance was known for writing about history and for her strong belief in equal education for women.

Hannah Lawrance: A Journalist's Journey

Hannah Lawrance wrote for several popular magazines of her time. She contributed articles to Household Words and Blackwood's Magazine. These were well-known magazines where people read stories, poems, and articles.

Reviewing History Books

She also reviewed history books for a magazine called The Athenaeum. This meant she read new history books and wrote her opinions about them. Her reviews helped people decide which books to read.

Writing Historical Tales

For Hood's Magazine, Hannah Lawrance wrote special "historical tales." These were stories set in different periods of English history, making the past come alive for readers.

Hannah Lawrance's Famous Books

Hannah Lawrance is most famous for two important history books she wrote. These books helped people learn more about women's roles in the past.

Queens of England

Her first major book was Historical Memoirs of the Queens of England, from the Commencement of the Twelfth Century, published in 1838. In this book, she wrote about the lives of queens in England starting from the 1100s.

The History of Women in England

Her second big book, published in 1843, was called The History of Woman in England, and Her Influence on Society and Literature, from the Earliest Period. This book explored the history of women in England from very early times. It looked at how women influenced society and literature.

Rediscovering Medieval Women

Both of her history books were special because they helped "rediscover" the lives of women from the Middle Ages. Hannah Lawrance showed how important these women were. She also highlighted how women supported art and culture, which is called "patronage." This meant they helped artists, writers, and thinkers by giving them money or support.

Hannah Lawrance's Beliefs and Influence

Hannah Lawrance believed strongly in social reform and equal rights for women.

Advocating for Women's Education

She was a strong supporter of equal education for women. She thought that girls and boys should have the same chances to learn and go to school.

Defending Medieval Nuns

Hannah Lawrance also wrote about women in medieval convents. These were places where religious women lived and studied. She argued that these women were intelligent and active, not just quiet and hidden away. She wanted people to have a positive view of their contributions.

Impact on Other Reformers

Her ideas about women's contributions were popular. Other people who wanted social change, like Thomas Hood and Robert Vaughan, liked her work. They shared her commitment to making society better. Her writings helped many people understand the important role women played in history.

Selected Publications

• Historical Memoirs of the Queens of England, from the Commencement of the Twelfth Century (1838)
• The History of Woman in England, and Her Influence on Society and Literature, from the Earliest Period (1843)