Biography of Francis Ridley Havergal

Francis Havergal was born in Astley, England and was the youngest child of William Henry Havergal, a Church of England clergyman and hymnologist. She suffered from chronic illness most of her life and yet was able to master several languages including French, German, Italian, Latin, Greek and Hebrew. She began to write her own verses at the age of seven and continued to write poetry much of her life. She also  involved herself in religious and philanthropic work. Throughout her life she traveled to Switzerland, Scotland and North Wales. She died in Oystermouth, Glamorganshire, near Swansea in Wales on June 3, 1879. Her hymns were frequently printed as leaflets or as ornamental cards. From time to time they were gathered together and published in seven different works. Her poems were published in Poetical Works, 1884 and Memorials, 1882 which included a short autobiography.