Marian Allen facts for kids

Eleanor Marian Dundas Allen (born January 18, 1892 – died September 12, 1953) was a British writer. She is best known for her poem called "The Wind on the Downs". This poem was published in a small book of poems with the same name. Marian Allen was born in Glebe, Sydney, Australia. Her father, George Boyce Allen, was a lawyer. Her mother was Isabella Dundas Allen.

A Young Writer's Journey

Around 1908, Marian Allen's family moved to Woodstock Road in Oxford, England. She had six siblings, three brothers and three sisters.

In Oxford, between 1913 and 1914, Marian met Arthur Tylston Greg. They planned to get married. Marian dedicated her book of poems to him using his initials, A. T. G. Arthur Greg was studying law at New College, Oxford. Marian's brother, George Dundas Allen, also studied law there. It is likely that Marian and Arthur met when he visited her brother's home.

World War I and Its Impact

In August 1914, World War I began. Arthur Greg and Marian's brother, Dundas, stopped their studies to join the army. Arthur fought in battles near Hill 60 in Belgium. In May 1915, he was badly wounded.

By 1916, Dundas Allen had joined the Royal Flying Corps. He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. Arthur Greg also joined the Royal Flying Corps. As Captain Greg, he learned to fly the D.H.4 bomber plane. He was shot down over St Quentin on St George's Day, 1917. He is buried at Jussy cemetery. His gravestone has the words, "love is stronger than death."

Marian Allen heard the sad news around April 30 or May 1. She wrote some of her most beautiful poems soon after. Many of these were sonnets, which are special 14-line poems. Her poem "To A. T. G." was finished on May 2. Another, "I like to think of you...", was completed on May 10.

Becoming a Children's Author

In the 1920s and 1930s, Marian Allen became a successful author and illustrator of children's books. She wrote books like The Wind in the Chimney and contributed to the Joy Street series. She mainly wrote for Blackwell. She also designed the covers for several Joy Street books (numbers 5 to 11). During this time, she lived with her family in London at 35 Harrington Gardens. This building is now part of Ithaca College.

Later in her life, Marian Allen returned to Woodstock Road in Oxford. She passed away there on September 12, 1953. She never married.

A Famous Line

"But when the road is passed, the hilltop won,
We'll tell each other everything we've done."