Judith Madan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Judith Madan
Born	26 August 1702
Died	7 December 1781
Genre	poetry
Spouse	Martin Madan
Children	9, including Martin Madan, Spencer Madan, and Frances Maria Cowper
Parents	Spencer Cowper and Pennington Goodere

Judith Madan (born Cowper) was an English poet who lived from 1702 to 1781. She was known for her writing, especially her poem Abelard to Eloisa. This poem was a creative response to a famous work by another well-known poet, Alexander Pope. Judith Madan was also related to other important people in her family, including her grandfather, the diarist Sarah Cowper, and her nephew, the poet William Cowper.

About Judith Madan's Life and Poetry

Judith Madan was born on August 26, 1702. She was the only daughter of Spencer Cowper and Pennington Goodere. Her father was a lawyer, a judge, and a member of Parliament. She likely grew up at her family's home in Hertingfordbury Park, England. Judith started writing poetry when she was a teenager.

Early Writing and Alexander Pope

When she was still Judith Cowper, she met the famous poet Alexander Pope. This was after he published his poem Eloisa to Abelard in 1717. Judith wrote her own poem, Abelard to Eloisa, before she turned 20. Her poem was one of many creative responses to Pope's work. It was also the first English poem to tell the story from Abelard's point of view.

Experts say that Judith's character of Abelard was very original. It showed a new kind of emotional hero, similar to characters that would become popular much later. Judith and Pope wrote letters to each other until at least 1723. Pope was interested in her poetry and sometimes gave her ideas for new writing projects. He seemed to do this to help her when she was feeling sad or down.

Marriage and Family Life

On December 7, 1723, Judith Cowper married Colonel Martin Madan. He was an important official in the royal household and a member of Parliament. Martin Madan passed away in 1756.

Judith and Martin Madan had several children. Their sons included Martin Madan and Spencer Madan, who both became important figures in the church. Their older daughter, Frances Maria Cowper, married her cousin, William Cowper. She also wrote religious poems, which were published in 1792. Their younger daughter, Penelope, married General Sir Alexander Maitland. Judith Madan was the aunt of the famous English poet William Cowper. She was also the grandmother of General Frederick Maitland.

Judith Madan passed away on December 7, 1781, in Westminster.

Judith Madan's Published Works

Judith Madan wrote several poems during her lifetime. Here are some of her notable works:

• Abelard to Eloisa: This poem was written in 1720. It was first published in 1728 in a collection by William Pattison, who was mistakenly given credit for it at first.
• The Progress of Poetry: This poem was written in 1721.
• Verses on the Death of Mr. Hughes: These poems were written between 1719 and 1730 to honor the poet John Hughes.