Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1850-1860 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
38 pp.
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Maria Ann Emra was born on 8 October 1835 in Downton, Wilshire to the Reverend John Emra, perpetual curate of Redlynch, Somerset, and Maria Lydia née Symes. Her mother died a few days after her birth, and in 1839 her father married Frances Anne Atkinson. From this second marriage, Maria had eight half-siblings. One of them, Alice Emra, was author of a novel entitled The Dark Cavern; or, Harry’s Obedience. Maria Ann Emra never married. She died in Woodford, Essex on 7 March 1904.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Small hardback leather-bound scrapbook with ornate blind and gold tooling to front and back covers, thick pages in a variety of pastel shades, gilt edges to pages and the word ‘Album’ embossed in gold on the spine. Signed ‘Maria Ann Emra October 8th 1850’ on the flyleaf. The contents include handwritten copies of poems of devotional nature, including ‘The Daisy’ by Dr Good; ‘On the Sign of the Cross in Baptism’ by Henry Alford; extract from Now and Then by Samuel Warren; ‘Written in a Very Beautiful Spring’ by S.B.; extract from ‘Beauty: or the Art of Charming’ by Robert Dodsley; ‘The Lilies of the Field’ by Reginald Heber; ‘Resignation’ by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; ‘Associations with Places by the Reverend Edward Caswall; and a short extract from ‘Lady Clara Vere de Vere’ by Alfred, Lord Tennyson; also pencil and watercolour drawings and coloured images cut out from magazines. Some of the contributions are signed or initialled and include Maria’s stepmother and her aunt S. G. [Sarah Grey] Emra. Only a small portion of the book has been used.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
This item is fragile with damaged spine, loose front cover and disintegrated binding requiring conservation treatment. A book cushion is required to consult the item.