Cecil Frances Alexander

NAME: Cecil Frances Humphreys (later Alexander)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Prolific hymn writer and poet, known for works like "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "There is a Green Hill Far Away", and "Once in Royal David's City".

BIRTH: April 1818, at 25 Eccles Street, Dublin, Ireland

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Cecil Frances was the daughter of Major John Humphreys, a land agent, and Elizabeth Frances Reed. She belonged to an upper-middle-class, family. Her family belonged to the Anglican Church, and her upbringing was deeply rooted in Christian values.

CHILDHOOD: Cecil Frances spent her early years in Dublin and County Wicklow, Ireland. She developed a love for writing poetry at a young age.

Her family belonged to the Anglican Church, and her upbringing was deeply rooted in Christian values.

EDUCATION: Primarily educated at home by tutors.  Her exposure to literature and the Bible significantly influenced her later writing. She was also influenced by the Oxford Movement

CAREER RECORD: By the 1840s, Humphreys had gained recognition as a hymn writer, and her compositions found a place in the hymnbooks of the Church of Ireland.

In 1848, she published the book Hymns for Little Children, aimed at making the concepts of the Apostles’ Creed more accessible to children through poetic and pictorial language. Notable hymns within this collection included "There is a Green Hill Far Away," composed for an ailing child, "Once in Royal David’s City," depicting Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, and "All Things Bright and Beautiful," inspired by the phrase “maker of Heaven and Earth” from the Apostle’s Creed. The collection achieved remarkable success, reaching its 69th edition by the end of the nineteenth century.

In 1850, Cecil Frances entered matrimony with William Alexander, an Anglican clergyman. Even after her marriage, Mrs. Alexander continued her pursuits in poetry and hymn writing. Simultaneously, she dedicated a significant portion of her time to charitable endeavors, particularly visiting the impoverished and the ailing within their parish. The proceeds from her acclaimed hymnbook were generously channeled to support handicapped children in the north of Ireland. Her hymns are translated into many languages and remain popular today.

APPEARANCE: Historical records do not provide detailed information about Cecil Frances Alexander's physical appearance.

Undated photograph of Alexander

FASHION: Fashion preferences are not well-documented, but she likely adhered to the modest Victorian styles of her time.

CHARACTER: Alexander was known for her humility, piety, and dedication to helping others. She is described as kind, charitable, and intelligent.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: While her hymns and writings focused on religious themes, there is limited information about her sense of humor. It is presumed that she maintained a serious and reverent demeanor.

RELATIONSHIPS: Cecil Frances Alexander married William Alexander, who later became the Anglican Archbishop of Armagh. .She was six years older than the clergyman, causing great family concern but they shared a strong and supportive relationship. 

Their marriage produced two sons and two daughters. Her daughter, Eleanor Jane Alexander, also pursued poetry.

Devoted to her family and friends.

MONEY AND FAME: While not driven by financial gain, Cecil Frances Alexander's hymns brought her recognition and respect in religious circles. Her primary focus, however, was on the spiritual and moral influence of her work. She avoided seeking fame and donated profits from her work to charitable causes.

FOOD AND DRINK: No specific information available, but likely adhered to the prevailing social norms of her time.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Alexander was passionate about music and poetry. Her hymns are admired for their simple, yet evocative language and strong melodies. She also contributed lyric poems, narrative poems, and translations of French poetry to Dublin University Magazine under various pseudonyms

There Is A Green Hill Far Away n the 1868 publication of Hymns Ancient and Modern

 

LITERATURE: Deeply engaged with religious and secular literature. Alexander was influenced by prominent writers of her era.

NATURE: Many of her hymns, including "All Things Bright and Beautiful," reflect a deep appreciation for nature as a manifestation of God's creation. 

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Her focus on religious and literary pursuits leaves limited information about specific hobbies or sports she may have engaged in.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While her hymns sometimes allude to the wonders of creation, there's no indication that Cecil Frances Alexander was extensively involved in scientific or mathematical pursuits.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Deeply committed to Anglican Christianity. Her hymns convey a profound understanding of religious principles and the teachings of the Bible.

SCANDAL: There is no record of any scandal associated with Cecil Frances Alexander. Her life was marked by devotion to her faith and family.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: No major health issues are documented. Cecil Frances Alexander lived an active life until her late seventies.

HOMES: She lived in various locations in Ireland and England, reflecting her husband's clerical career.

TRAVEL: Travelled within Ireland and England with her husband. No known travels beyond the British Isles.

DEATH: Cecil Frances Alexander passed away on October 12, 1895 aged 77, in Londonderry, Ireland. She is buried in the Londonderry cathedral. 

When her husband died 16 years later, the congregation sang at his funeral "There is a Green Hill Far Away."

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Numerous biographies and scholarly articles discuss her life and work. Her hymns are featured in hymnals and sung worldwide.

During the 20th century, James Herriot, a rural veterinarian, drew inspiration from the refrain of Mrs. Alexander’s "All Things Bright and Beautiful" for the titles of his four immensely popular semi-autobiographical books. His inaugural masterpiece, All Creatures Great and Small, was promptly acknowledged as a classic.

In 2009, the English composer John Rutter adapted "All Things Bright and Beautiful" into a full choral piece. His adaptation has proved popular with both soloists and choirs .

ACHIEVEMENTS: Cecil Frances Alexander is considered one of the most significant hymn writers of the 19th century. Her work continues to inspire and uplift people of all faiths.

Please note: This biography is based on available information including Encyclopedia of Trivia and may not be entirely exhaustive. Some details remain unknown or undocumented.