Menella Bute Smedley
Menella Bute Smedley was a 19th-century English writer and advocate for women's and children's welfare, believed to have been born between 1815 and 1820 in Great Marlowe, Buckinghamshire. She was the daughter of clergyman Edward Smedley and had a brother, Frank Smedley, who was a noted author. Encouraged by her aunt, Smedley pursued writing and began publishing under the pseudonym S. M. Menella. Her literary career included a diverse range of works, such as novels, poetry collections, and children's literature. Notable publications include *The Maiden Aunt* (1848), *The Use of Sunshine: A Christmas Tale* (1852), and the poetry collection *Lays and Ballads from English History* (1856). Smedley's writing often addressed social issues, particularly the roles and conditions faced by women and children in Victorian society. Beyond her literary contributions, she actively worked to improve the welfare of impoverished children and served as a district visitor in pauper schools during the 1870s. Though less recognized than her brother, Smedley's efforts have drawn attention to the social challenges of her time.
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Menella Bute Smedley
Writer
- Born: c. 1815-1820
- Birthplace: Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England
- Died: 1877
Biography
Although the exact birth date of Menella Bute Smedley is unknown, she is thought to have been born between 1815 and 1820 in Great Marlowe, Buckinghamshire, England. Her father, Edward Smedley, was a clergyman. Her mother was Mary Hume Smedley. Her brother, Frank Smedley, a popular author, wrote the novel Frank Farleigh. Her Aunt Hart, who wrote children’s literature, encouraged her to write.
Smedley received a private education in the classics at home. Except for the duration of a childhood illness when she lived in Tenby, she spent most of her youth with her family in London. Later, as her father’s illness progressed, the family moved to Dulwich. She neither married nor had children.
Although Smedley wrote under various pseudonyms, she began writing under S. M. Menella. Her first volume, The Maiden Aunt, was published in 1848. Her 1852 novel, The Use of Suhshine: A Christmas Tale, explores Irish culture. Her 1856 collection of poems, Lays and Ballads from English History, traces the history of the English monarchy. Her 1863 collection of poems, The Story of Queen Isabel, and Other Verses, critics the social role of women.
Smedley wrote several volumes for children, including Poems Written for a Child, published in 1868; Child-Nature and Child-World, published in 1869; and Silver Wings and Golden Scales, published in 1877. Concerned about the welfare of children, especially orphans and poor children, she served as district visitor to pauper schools during the 1870’s. She edited and wrote the introduction to Boarding Out and Pauper Schools Especially for Girls, published in 1875. Poems, published in 1868, is considered her best work.
Menella Bute Smedley is less well known than her brother, who produced far fewer volumes and wrote in fewer genres. She is recognized for promoting the social conditions of women and children in Victorian society.