Rosemary Weir
Rosemary Weir, born Rosemary Green on July 22, 1905, in Kimberley, South Africa, was a versatile figure known for her contributions to children's literature. The daughter of a newspaper editor, she received a private education and pursued stage training in England, later performing with a touring theatrical company. Her career took a turn during World War II when she served with the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry but had to leave due to illness. Over her lifetime, Weir engaged in diverse occupations, including farming in North Wales and Devonshire, teaching elocution and sewing, and running a furniture renovation business.
Transitioning to writing, she published her first children's book, *The Secret Journey*, in 1957, followed by *The Secret of Cobbet's Farm*. Weir created a beloved character, Albert the Dragon, featured in several stories that blend adventure and themes of acceptance, including *Albert the Dragon* and its sequels. Her works were published internationally, transcending borders and delighting young readers in various countries. Rosemary Weir passed away in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of imaginative storytelling.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Rosemary Weir
Author
- Born: July 22, 1905
- Birthplace: Kimberley, South Africa
- Died: 1994
Biography
Rosemary Weir was born Rosemary Green in Kimberley, South Africa, on July 22, 1905. She was the daughter of George Alfred Lawrence, a newspaper editor, and Katherine Green. As a child, she received a private education and later attended schools in England, where she trained for the stage. She joined a touring theatrical company, performing in one-night stands throughout rural England and Wales. Weir stayed with the theatrical company for three years. During World War II, she served with the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry but was invalided out because of illness.
During her life, Weir had many different occupations. For a time she was a farmer in North Wales and Devonshire, England. She taught elocution and sewing, ran a furniture renovation company, and worked as a domestic and cook, both privately and in hotels and lodges. Weir eventually became a full-time writer and published numerous children’s books.
Weir’s first children’s book was a work of fiction, The Secret Journey, published in 1957. Later that year, she published a second work of children’s fiction, The Secret of Cobbet’s Farm. She also wrote nonfiction books for children, including biographies of English actor and theatrical manager David Garrick (The Young David Garrick) and architectChristopher Wren (The Man Who Built a City: A Life of Sir Christopher Wren).
In 1961, she published Albert the Dragon, about a dragon whose family is sent to live among people rather than remaining in Dragonland. Albert is fascinated by firefighters and longs to become one. However, Albert is stunned to learn that dragons start fires, and he is rejected by the Fire Department. Albert begins to fly and eventually finds himself in Frozen Dawg, the northernmost city in the world. The people of the town are delighted to find that Albert can start fires, and they ask him to become their fireman so he can keep the residents of the town warm. Weir subsequently wrote several other Albert the Dragon adventure stories, including Albert and the Dragonettes and Albert’s World Tour.
Weir also wrote books about soap box derbies and about a magical cat named Pyewacket. Her books were published in several countries, including France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States. She died in 1994.