Margaret Ascham facts for kids

Margaret Ascham (born around 1528, died around 1592) was an important English writer in the 1500s. Her maiden name was Harleston. She was the daughter of Sir Clement Harleston. Margaret married Roger Ascham, a well-known writer and scholar. Roger Ascham was also a teacher to the young Elizabeth I, who later became Queen of England.

Early Life and Family

Margaret Harleston was born in a place called South Ockendon in Essex, England. Her first husband was a man named Howe, who passed away around 1552.

In 1554, Margaret married Roger Ascham. They had at least three sons together: Giles, Dudley, and Thomas. Some records suggest they might have had as many as six children.

Completing The Scholemaster

Roger Ascham was quite a bit older than Margaret. He also had poor health. When he died in 1568, he left behind a very important book that was not finished. The book was called The Scholemaster.

Margaret decided to take on the big task of finishing her husband's book. She worked hard to get the manuscript ready for printing. She also managed to raise the money needed to publish it. Thanks to her efforts, The Scholemaster was successfully published in 1570.

About The Scholemaster

The Scholemaster is a book about the best ways to teach Latin writing. It also talks about the entire learning process. It was a very popular book and was printed again in 1571 and 1589. Later, other scholars like James Upton, John Eyton Bickersteth Mayor, and Edward Arber edited and republished it.

Margaret's Special Contribution

It was very unusual for women in the 1500s to sign their own names on books. But Margaret signed her name in the introduction of The Scholemaster. She probably did this so people would know that she had done a lot of work on the book. Some people think she wanted to show a wide audience that she was the editor.

Many people believe that Margaret saved her husband's work. If she hadn't finished and published it, the book might never have been known. One writer, George Markham Tweddell, said it would have been a "great loss to the world" if Roger Ascham's Schoolmaster had not been published.

Later Life

In 1569, Margaret married again. Her third husband was her neighbor, Thomas Rampston. They had two daughters together. Margaret made sure that all her children received a good education and were well cared for. Margaret Ascham passed away sometime between 1590 and 1592.