Melesina Trench facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Melesina Trench
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Engraving by William Holl the Younger
after a painting by George Romney |
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| Born | Melesina Chenevix 22 March 1768 Dublin |
| Died | 27 May 1827 (aged 59) Malvern, Worcestershire |
| Resting place | Guardian Angel's Chapel in Winchester Cathedral |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Genre | Diarist, poet |
| Spouse | Colonel Richard St George, Richard Trench |
| Children | Charles Manners St George, Richard Chenevix Trench, Francis Chenevix Trench |
| Relatives | Richard Chenevix |
Melesina Trench (born Chenevix, and previously St George) was an Irish writer, poet, and diarist. She was born on March 22, 1768, and passed away on May 27, 1827. During her lifetime, people mostly knew her for her beauty. Her writings, especially her detailed diaries, became famous only after her son, Richard Chenevix Trench, published them in 1861.
Contents
Melesina's Early Life and Family
Melesina Chenevix was born in Dublin, Ireland. Her parents were Philip Chenevix and Mary Elizabeth Gervais. Sadly, she became an orphan before she turned four years old. Her grandfather, Richard Chenevix, took care of her. He was a bishop in the Church of Ireland, which is a Christian church. Her family had a background as Huguenots, who were French Protestants who moved to other countries to escape persecution.
After her grandfather Richard Chenevix passed away, Melesina went to live with her other grandfather, Archdeacon Gervais.
Marriages and Travels
On October 31, 1786, Melesina married Colonel Richard St George. He passed away just four years later in Portugal. They had one son together, Charles Manners St George, who later became a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations.
Between 1799 and 1800, Melesina traveled around Europe, especially Germany. During these trips, she met many important people. These included Lord Nelson, Lady Hamilton, and other famous figures like Lucien Bonaparte and John Quincy Adams. She later wrote about these interesting meetings in her memoirs, which are like personal journals.
On March 3, 1803, in Paris, she married again. Her second husband was Richard Trench.
Life in England and Family
After a peace agreement called the Peace of Amiens ended, Richard Trench was held in France by Napoleon's armies. In August 1805, Melesina bravely decided to ask Napoleon in person for her husband's release. Her husband was set free in 1807. The couple then settled in Elm Lodge, a home in Bursledon, England.
Their son Francis Chenevix Trench was born in 1805. In 1807, while they were on holiday in Dublin, their son Richard Chenevix Trench was born. He grew up to become the Archbishop of Dublin and a well-known poet. He was a contemporary of Tennyson, meaning they lived and wrote around the same time. Melesina's only daughter passed away a few years later, at the age of four.
Diaries and Letters
Melesina Trench wrote many diaries and letters throughout her life. She exchanged letters with people like Mary Leadbeater. They worked together to help improve the lives of farmers and villagers on Melesina's estate at Ballybarney.
After Melesina passed away, her son Richard Chenevix Trench put together her diaries and letters. He published them in 1861 as The remains of the late Mrs. Richard Trench. This book included an engraving of Melesina, which was made from a painting by George Romney. Another famous painting, The Evening Star by Sir Thomas Lawrence, also featured Melesina. Her image was also used in small, detailed paintings called portrait miniatures. One was made in Paris by Jean-Baptiste Isabey, and another by Hamilton was copied by the engraver Francis Engleheart.
You can find copies of some of her writings at Chawton House Library.
Her Published Works
Here are some of the books and collections of writings by Melesina Trench:
- Journal Kept During a Visit to Germany in 1799, 1800. This was edited by her son, R. C. Trench.
- Mary, Queen of Scots, an historical ballad: With other poems (1800)
- Campaspe, an historical tale, and other poems (1815)
- Laura's dream; Or, The Moonlanders (1816)
- The Remains of the Late Mrs Richard Trench: Being Selections From Her Journals, Letters, & Other Papers edited by St. George Trench
- Thoughts Of A Parent On Education (1837) edited by Elizabeth Whately
- Melesina Trench: poems and letters from her journal. (1977)
