Helen Craik facts for kids

Helen Craik (born around 1751 – died June 11, 1825) was a Scottish poet and writer. She wrote many poems and novels. She was also a friend and letter-writer to the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. Helen admired Burns, calling him a "native genius, gay, unique and strong" in a poem she wrote for his collection of writings.

Early Life and Family

Helen Craik was born in a place called Arbigland, in Kirkbean, Scotland. This was probably in 1751. Her father was William Craik, a landowner who worked to improve his large estate. Her mother was Elizabeth Stewart.

Interestingly, the naval captain John Paul Jones was also born at Arbigland. He helped create the US navy. There were rumours that he might have been related to Helen's father. Helen later wrote about her father's ideas for improving farming.

Friendship with Robert Burns

Helen Craik became a friend and wrote letters to Robert Burns. Two of his letters to her are still around today. In one letter from 1790, he sent her copies of some of his new poems.

Burns also admired a poem Helen wrote called "Helen." Sadly, this poem and many others she wrote are now lost. Her poems were known for being very sentimental, meaning they focused a lot on feelings and emotions. Helen was also friends with another poet, Maria Riddell.

Moving to Cumberland

In 1792, Helen Craik suddenly moved from her home in Arbigland. She went to Flimby Hall in Cumberland, England. This house belonged to some of her relatives. She lived there for the rest of her life. Her move happened after some dramatic events in her life.

Her Exciting Novels

Helen Craik wrote five novels. They were published between 1796 and 1805. She published them without using her name. Her books were released by a company called Minerva Press. This company was well-known for publishing exciting and emotional stories, often with mysterious or adventurous plots.

One of her novels, Adelaide de Narbonne (published in 1800), is considered very impressive. It mixed the story with ideas about politics. Another novel, Julia de Saint Pierre (1796), is about a brave heroine who overcomes many challenges. Henry of Northumberland, or The Hermit's Cell (1800) was different because it was set in medieval times. Adelaide de Narbonne featured a character based on a real historical figure, Charlotte Corday. Her novel Stella of the North, or The Foundling of the Ship (1802) was set in her home area of Dumfriesshire and featured mysterious babies. Her last novel was The Nun and her Daughter, or Memoirs of the Courville Family (1805).

Later Life and Legacy

Helen Craik never married. She eventually inherited half of the Flimby estate where she lived. However, she did not inherit any part of her father's estate at Arbigland. That went to a distant male relative.

Helen Craik passed away at Flimby Hall on June 11, 1825. Her obituaries (notices of her death) and her memorial in the local church remember her as a published author. They also mention that she was a kind person who helped the poor. This idea of helping others often appeared in her novels.

See also

• List of Minerva Press authors
• Minerva Press