Regina Maria Roche facts for kids

Regina Maria Roche (born in 1764, died in 1845) was a very popular writer of her time. She wrote many books, especially Gothic novels. Another famous writer, Ann Radcliffe, encouraged her. Regina Maria Roche's third book, The Children of the Abbey, was so popular it was almost as famous as Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho.

Regina Maria Roche's Early Life

Regina Maria Dalton was born in 1764 in Waterford, Ireland. Her father, Blundel Dalton, was a captain in the British 40th Regiment. Her family later moved to Dublin. In 1794, she married Ambrose Roche. After their marriage, she moved to England.

Her Writing Career

Regina Maria Roche published her first two novels using her maiden name, Dalton. Then came her big successes: The Children of the Abbey and Clermont. These books were so popular that they were translated into French and Spanish. They were also printed many times.

However, after her fifth novel, The Nocturnal Visit, came out in 1800, she faced money problems. A dishonest lawyer caused her to lose money. She stopped writing for a few years. In 1807, she received help from the Royal Literary Fund. This fund helps writers who are having financial trouble.

After this, she wrote 11 more novels. Most of these stories were set in the countryside of Ireland. But none of these later books became as famous as her earlier ones.

Later Years and Legacy

Regina Maria Roche's husband died in 1829. After his death, she moved back to her hometown of Waterford. She struggled with sadness and depression. She passed away in Waterford at the age of 81.

Even though she was not as famous when she died, people remembered her. An obituary in The Gentleman's Magazine called her a "distinguished writer." It said that many young people who read her books would remember how her "graceful and touching compositions" made them feel.

Popular Books and Their Impact

The Children of the Abbey was a very popular book in the 1790s. It was a type of story called a sentimental Gothic Romance. This means it had elements of mystery and suspense, but also focused on feelings and emotions.

Her book Clermont was her only true Gothic novel. It had a much darker mood than her other writings. Both The Children of the Abbey and Clermont were printed many times. They were also translated into French and Spanish.

Clermont was one of the books that Jane Austen made fun of in her famous novel Northanger Abbey. These books were part of a group called the Northanger Horrid Novels. Jane Austen used them to playfully poke fun at the popular Gothic stories of her time.