Jane Gomeldon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jane Gomeldon
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| Born | Jane Middleton c. 1720 Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Died | 10 July 1779 (aged 58–59) |
| Occupation | writer, poet, adventurer |
| Spouse | Captain Francis Gomeldon |
Jane Gomeldon (born Jane Middleton; around 1720 – 10 July 1779) was an English writer, poet, and adventurer. She was known for her brave spirit. After her time, her writings helped people see her as an early supporter of women's rights.
Contents
Jane Gomeldon's Life Story
Jane Middleton was born near Newcastle, England. Her family were Quakers, a religious group, and they worked as glassmakers. Jane received a good education. She studied philosophy, science, and different languages.
When she was young, Jane married Captain Francis Gomeldon. He was an army officer and a friend of George Bowes, a coal owner.
Soon after her marriage, Jane went to France. She had many exciting adventures there. She even dressed up as a man for some of her journeys. In 1740, her husband placed an advertisement in a newspaper asking her to come back home.
Jane responded in a different newspaper, the Newcastle Courant. She explained that she had left him because he was cruel to her. She also said he was trying to take money that her mother had left just for her. In 1742, she went to court to legally separate from her husband because of his unkindness.
Her husband passed away in 1750 or 1751. He did not leave any of his property to Jane. Instead, he left everything to a nephew.
Helping Others in Newcastle
Jane Gomeldon cared about her community. She became interested in the Lying-in Hospital in Newcastle. This hospital, built in 1760, helped pregnant married women.
In 1766, she wrote to William Cavendish-Bentinck, the Duke of Portland. He was in charge of the hospital charity. Jane suggested ways to make the charity even better and help more people. Her first book, published that same year, was sold to raise money for this hospital.
A Connection to Captain Cook
Jane Gomeldon was very interested in the famous explorer Captain James Cook. She even wanted to join him on his first trip around the world!
She might have been a cousin of Sydney Parkinson. Parkinson was an artist who traveled with Captain Cook on that voyage. A letter from Jane to Parkinson was published in his journal. In the letter, Jane helped Parkinson in a legal case about his book. She provided information to show that he had the right to publish his writings and drawings.
Jane Gomeldon passed away on July 10, 1779. She was described as being "at an advanced age." Her death was reported in the Newcastle Courant newspaper.
Her Book: The Medley
Jane Gomeldon's first book was called The Medley. It was published to help the Lying-in Hospital, which cared for poor women. Many important people bought the book, and it raised about £53 for the charity.
The book is a collection of funny essays. In these essays, Jane gently makes fun of different types of people. She gives them amusing names like Lord and Lady Magnesia or Miss Clairvoyan.
The essays are written from the point of view of a made-up male character. This character describes his family in a humorous way. For example, he jokes that his father thought his children looked like different gentlemen, and he himself looked like a whole army regiment!
A main idea in The Medley is that men should try to improve themselves. Jane believed this would make them better companions for women. She wrote that women were becoming very accomplished. Because of this, she felt it was important for men to also be well-rounded.
Her Book: Maxims
Another important book by Jane Gomeldon was Maxims, published in 1779. This book contains 57 of her own "maxims." Maxims are short sayings that offer advice or a moral lesson.
For example, one maxim says:
- "Praise is the Offspring of Esteem,
- And Affection the Parent of Praise."
This means that praise comes from respect, and love leads to praise.
Some of her maxims were more critical or bold. They sometimes challenged common ideas of her time.
Other Writings
Jane Gomeldon also wrote a poem called "Happiness." She dedicated this poem to a friend named "Dear, Faithful Ann." It was published in 1773.
