James Buchanan

NAME James Buchanan

WHAT FAMOUS FOR James Buchanan is famous for being the 15th President of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861. He is often remembered for his inability to prevent the country from sliding into the Civil War.

BIRTH James Buchanan was born in a log cabin on April 23, 1791, in Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND James Buchanan was the son of James Buchanan Sr., a well-to-do merchant and farmer, and Elizabeth Speer Buchanan. His family was of Ulster Scots descent.

CHILDHOOD James Buchanan grew up in a large family with ten siblings. His early life was spent in the rural setting of Pennsylvania, where he helped with his father's business.

EDUCATION James Buchanan attended the Old Stone Academy before enrolling at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1809, despite being briefly expelled for misbehavior.

CAREER RECORD James Buchanan started his career as a lawyer before entering politics. Here's his resume:

Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1814-1816)

U.S. House of Representatives (1821-1831)

U.S. Minister to Russia (1832-1833)

U.S. Senate (1834-1845)

U.S. Secretary of State (1845-1849)

U.S. Minister to Great Britain (1853-1856)

President of the United States (1857-1861)

APPEARANCE James Buchanan was known for his tall, dignified appearance, with a high forehead, prominent nose and greying hair. He had a slightly stooped posture, often tilting his head to one side.. Buchanan  often appeared stern and serious.

James Buchanan (1859) by George Healy 

FASHION Buchanan adhered to the fashion norms of his time, typically wearing dark suits, white high-collared shirts and cravats.

CHARACTER Buchanan was seen as diligent, disciplined, highly intelligent and politically astute but also indecisive and overly cautious. He was often criticized for his inability to take strong stances on critical issues.

SENSE OF HUMOUR James Buchanan had a reputation for being rather serious and did not exhibit a notable sense of humor.

RELATIONSHIPS Buchanan never married. He was engaged to Anne Coleman, the daughter of the wealthy iron manufacturer but the engagement was broken off  in 1819, after a fight between the pair- she accused him of only being interested in her money. Anne Colman died later that year, on December 9, 1819, in what some have said was a suicide. 

Biographers like to say Buchanan was asexual, but some writers have a different theory.  They claim Buchanan was chummy with a fellow named William Rufus King – so chummy that even Andrew Jackson, a man known for his frontier decorum, felt the need to crack wise about their "special friendship." 

Buchanan remained a lifelong bachelor, the only president to be single throughout his tenure.

He maintained close ties with his family, particularly his niece, Harriet Lane. After his election, Lane came to live in the White House and took on the role of First Lady.

Buchanan was one heck of a host.  When the Prince of Wales waltzed in with his entourage in the fall of 1860, the White House was apparently so packed the president himself had to sleep in the hallway.  

MONEY AND FAME Buchanan came from a well-off family and as a successful lawyer and politician he accumulated a significant fortune. He enjoyed the prestige that came with high office.

His fame primarily rests on his role as President during the tumultuous pre-Civil War period.

Buchanan's nickname, "Ten-Cent Jimmy," wasn't exactly a badge of honor. He was given the moniker after he claimed that 10¢ a day was a fair wage for manual laborers.

FOOD AND DRINK Buchanan enjoyed fine dining and was known for hosting lavish parties with a variety of food and drink, including his favorite Madeira wine.

MUSIC AND ARTS Buchanan appreciated music and the arts, often attending cultural events and supporting the arts during his presidency.

LITERATURE James Buchanan was well-read, with a particular interest in history and political theory. He maintained a large personal library.

NATURE Buchanan enjoyed the outdoors and often spent time on his Wheatland estate in Pennsylvania, engaging in activities like horseback riding.

PETS Buchanan had several pets during his life, including both the largest and the smallest dogs to live in the White House. The pooches in question were a Newfoundland named Lara and a tiny toy terrier named Punch.

A friend who lived in San Francisco gave Buchanan a pair of golden eagles. The eagles were unsuited to life in the White House so Buchanan sent them to his home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  (1)

HOBBIES AND SPORTS His hobbies included horseback riding and playing chess. He was known to enjoy social gatherings and political discussions.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Buchanan had a basic understanding of science and mathematics but did not exhibit a strong inclination towards these fields.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Buchanan was a Presbyterian and held traditional Christian beliefs. As a politician, he was a staunch Democrat who believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution, states' rights and national unity.

Buchanan claimed to be morally opposed to slavery, yet somehow believed the Constitution was best friends with the whole awful practice.  So, in a move that would leave any logician scratching their head, Buchanan continued to buy slaves, then promptly set them free.

POLITICS James Buchanan, a proud Democrat and owner of more hats than a Kentucky Derby milliner, wasn't exactly a political newcomer when he waltzed into the Oval Office. He'd already spent years bouncing between the House and Senate chambers, even serving as the nation's 17th secretary of state – a post that basically involved convincing everyone America wasn't plotting to steal all their shiny stuff.

Buchanan wasn't shy about his ambitions, either. He buzzed around like a particularly persistent gnat, vying for the Democratic nomination throughout the 40s and 50s. Finally, in 1856, they threw him a bone, and Buchanan found himself facing off against a gaggle of other contenders, including a Republican named John C. Frémont who, let's just say, wasn't exactly known for his diplomatic skills. Buchanan ended up winning, which probably surprised everyone most of all, especially Buchanan himself.

As President, Buchanan wasn't exactly a picture of decisive leadership. He bungled the Dred Scott case and then proceeded to appease the South by letting them shove the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution down Kansas' throat like a spoonful of castor oil. This, unsurprisingly, didn't go over well with the North, and pretty soon, the whole country was about as divided as a room full of toddlers arguing over the last cookie.

Buchanan tried to play peacemaker. He proposed the Corwin Amendment, which basically amounted to waving a giant white flag and hoping nobody noticed the cracks in the national foundation. He even attempted to reinforce a crucial fort in the South, but somehow managed to bungle that too. By the time the Civil War reared its ugly head, Buchanan had managed to anger everyone and achieve precisely zero in the way of preventing it.

The rest of his days were spent grumbling about his unfair portrayal in history books, while historians, ever the cheerful bunch, ranked him among the worst presidents ever. So, there you have it – the story of James Buchanan, a man who, if nothing else, proved that ambition isn't always the best qualification for the top job.

SCANDAL Buchanan's presidency was marred by several scandals, most notably his perceived favoritism towards Southern interests and his failure to address the secession crisis effectively.

MILITARY RECORD Although James Buchanan did not formally serve in the militia during the War of 1812, during the British occupation he joined a group of young men who stole horses for the United States Army in the Baltimore area.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Buchanan's health was generally robust, although he suffered from intermittent ailments. He remained active and engaged throughout his life.

Buchanan suffered from a condition called esotropia, which basically meant his eyes had a mind of their own and liked to gaze inwards like a pair of crossed wires. To top it all off, one eye was nearsighted while the other was farsighted – a recipe for perpetual squinting and general visual confusion.  No wonder the man looked uncomfortable in crowds!

In a desperate attempt to appear less like a startled owl, Buchanan developed a peculiar habit.  He'd hunch forward and tilt his head to one side, like a man trying to solve a particularly tricky crossword puzzle.  This, of course, backfired spectacularly.  His political rivals, particularly the ever-charming Henry Clay, had a field day with it.  

HOMES Buchanan's most significant residence was Wheatland, a Georgian-style mansion near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He inherited the estate from his father and lived there for most of his life. Wheatland served as a center for entertaining political figures and dignitaries during his career.

TRAVEL Buchanan traveled extensively for his political career, including international assignments as a diplomat in Russia and the United Kingdom.

DEATH James Buchanan died on June 1, 1868, at his beloved Wheatland estate, at the age of 77. The cause of death was respiratory failure, which developed after he caught a cold in May 1868; his advanced age contributed to the rapid decline in his health. Buchanan had spent his post-presidency years largely in seclusion at Wheatland, defending his administration’s legacy and writing his memoir, Mr. Buchanan’s Administration on the Eve of Rebellion.

Buchanan left explicit instructions for a modest funeral, requesting that his burial be conducted “without any pomp or parade” and that the religious service be performed by his friend and neighbor, Rev. John W. Nevin, President of Franklin and Marshall College. He also specified that his remains be placed in the lots he had purchased at Woodward Hill Cemetery and that his tomb be simple but substantial, made of the finest and most durable marble, with a straightforward inscription.

Despite his wishes, Buchanan’s funeral became a significant public event in Lancaster. On the day of his funeral, June 4, 1868, thousands gathered—estimates suggest at least 20,000 people lined the streets or joined the procession from Wheatland to Woodward Hill Cemetery. His coffin was displayed in the entrance hall of Wheatland, draped in mourning, and mourners entered through the front door, passed by the coffin, and exited by the back. The casket itself was a metallic case finished to resemble rosewood, with silver mountings and lined with white satin.

The funeral service began at 4 PM at Wheatland, led by Rev. Nevin, who delivered an impressive and thoughtful discourse after the reading of the 9th Psalm and an appropriate prayer. Masonic and other civic organizations participated in the procession, as Buchanan had permitted them to do if they wished, though he did not want any solicitation for their involvement. (2)

The funeral procession, described as one of the largest for any president who died out of office, covered approximately 2.5 miles through Lancaster, with church bells ringing and funeral trumpets leading the way. Delegations from Philadelphia, New York, Harrisburg, York, and Baltimore joined, and the sidewalks along the route were packed with mourners. At the cemetery, the crowd swelled to around 4,000, witnessing the impressive Masonic burial service. The atmosphere was solemn and imposing, with the music of muffled drums and trumpets accompanying the hearse to Buchanan’s final resting place.

Nationally, President Andrew Johnson ordered thirty-minute guns to be fired at navy yards and naval stations on the day of Buchanan’s funeral, and flags were flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.

James Buchanan was interred in Woodward Hill Cemetery, a 32-acre historic cemetery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which became widely known as his burial place. His original tomb, built according to his wishes, was later replaced in 1960 with a similar design. The grave remains a site of historical interest and is marked by a substantial monument bearing the simple inscription he requested.

Woodward Hill Cemetery itself is non-denominational and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, largely due to its association with Buchanan.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA James Buchanan hasn't garnered the same level of popular attention as other presidents. However, he has been portrayed in various films and television shows, including depictions in documentaries about the Civil War era and fictionalized historical dramas.

ACHIEVEMENTS Despite his controversial presidency, Buchanan's achievements include his extensive diplomatic service and his role in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. However, his legacy is largely overshadowed by his failure to prevent the Civil War.

Sources (1) Presidential Pet Museum (2) Lancaster Graveyard Rabbit

Kobe Bryant

NAME Kobe Bryant

WHAT FAMOUS FOR American professional basketball player. 

BIRTH Kobe Bryant was born in Philadelphia on August 23, 1978. He was named after Kobe Beef after his parents saw it on a menu at a restaurant.

FAMILY BACKGROUND He was the youngest of three children and only son of former NBA player and coach Joe "Jellybean" Bryant and Pamela Cox Bryant.

His father, Joe Bryant, averaged 8.7 points per game in 606 career games in the NBA.

CHILDHOOD  Kobe spent part of his childhood in Italy, where his father played professional basketball. He learned to speak Italian fluently and developed a love for soccer in addition to basketball. 

When Kobe was six years old, the family returned to the United States, settling in the Philadelphia area. Kobe showed an early interest and talent in basketball and was coached by his father from a young age.

EDUCATION In 1991, when Kobe was 13 years old, his family moved to Lower Merion, a suburb of Philadelphia. There, Kobe attended Lower Merion High School, where he played basketball and quickly gained a reputation as one of the top high school players in the country. He led his high school team to a state championship in his senior year, and he was named the Pennsylvania Player of the Year.

Kobe's childhood was not without challenges, however. His parents filed for divorce in 2003, and his relationship with his father became strained for a time. In addition, Kobe faced racism and discrimination as a young basketball player, particularly when the family lived in Italy. 

CAREER RECORD 18 years, 2 months, and 11 days old - that's when Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba himself, made his grand debut in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers, making him the youngest player to grace the court on November 3, 1996. However, this record has since been broken by Jermaine O'Neal and Andrew Bynum.

Here's his resume: 

Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Played his entire 20-year career with the Lakers.

Won five NBA championships with the Lakers (2000-2002, 2009-2010).

Earned numerous accolades, including:

NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award (2008)

18-time NBA All-Star

15-time All-NBA Team member

12-time All-Defensive Team member

2-time NBA Finals MVP

Known for his fierce competitiveness, clutch shooting, and "Mamba Mentality" work ethic.

Retired in 2016 after scoring 60 points in his final game.

APPEARANCE Kobe Bryant stood 6 feet 6 inches tall and had an athletic, muscular build. He was known for his intense focus and determined expression on the court.

Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014 By Keith Allison - Flickr:

FASHION Bryant had a sophisticated sense of fashion, often seen in tailored suits and designer clothing. He was known for his sleek, stylish look off the court.

CHARACTER Bryant was known for his relentless work ethic, competitive nature, and dedication to perfection. His "Mamba Mentality" emphasized the pursuit of excellence and overcoming obstacles.

Michael Jordan, the undisputed king of basketball swagger, once grudgingly admitted there was only one player who even came close to matching his work ethic: Kobe Bryant. This wasn't some late-night practice session after a few celebratory beers – no, Bryant was the kind of guy who'd greet the sunrise with a jump shot, routinely hitting the gym at 4:30 am before his official team practice even began. 

SENSE OF HUMOUR  Kobe had a sharp wit and a playful side, often engaging in friendly banter with teammates and opponents. His sense of humor was well-known among those close to him.

RELATIONSHIPS  Kobe Bryant tied the knot with his lady love Mexican-American Vanessa Bryant at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California on April 18, 2001. They'd met on the set of a Snoop Dogg music video where Vanessa was putting in work as a model.

His wedding to Vanessa Laine was a surprisingly low-key affair, missing some rather key guests. Bryant's parents, both sisters, his longtime agent – even his Laker teammates were absent. Apparently, there wasn't enough room on the guest list for family drama. Kobe's parents, particularly, weren't thrilled about the whole thing. The age difference of four years, Vanessa's ethnicity – it all added up to a good old-fashioned family feud. This disagreement lasted a cool two years, only thawing with the arrival of Kobe and Vanessa's firstborn.

Kobe and Vanessa welcomed four beautiful daughters into the world - Natalia, Gianna (who tragically died in the same helicopter crash as her father in 2020), Bianka, and Capri. Bryant was deeply devoted to his family.

The Bryants and former U.S. president Barack Obama, in the Oval Office in 2010

MONEY AND FAME Bryant amassed significant wealth through his NBA career, endorsements, and business ventures. He was one of the most recognizable athletes globally and a cultural icon.

FOOD AND DRINK Bryant enjoyed a healthy diet focused on maintaining peak athletic performance. He was known to enjoy Italian cuisine, a nod to his childhood in Italy.

MUSIC AND ARTS Bryant had a deep appreciation for music and the arts and dabbled in rap early in his career 

His movie Dear Basketball won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film at the 2018 Academy Awards.

Bryant was the first person to win an Olympic Medal (he won Gold twice for playing in the US Men's basketball team in 2008 and 2012) and an Oscar.

Bryant wasn't content with the prosaic "Kobe." He needed something with a bit more bite, something to strike fear into the hearts of his opponents. Enter the "Black Mamba," a moniker inspired by the deadly assassin played by Uma Thurman in the Tarantino action films Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2. It was a fitting choice, conjuring images of a relentless predator stalking its prey on the court.

LITERATURE Bryant was an avid reader and author. He wrote several books, including The Mamba Mentality: How I Play and co-authored young adult novels through his Granity Studios.

NATURE He enjoyed spending time outdoors and often found solace in nature, particularly during his off-seasons and after retirement.

PETS Bryant had a dog named Crucio, showing his affection for pets and animals.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Kobe Bryant hit the hardwood like a precocious teenager with something to prove, which, at 18 years, 2 months, and a handful of days old, he most certainly did. Debuting on November 3, 1996, he became the NBA's youngest player ever to grace the court. This record, however, was as fleeting as a teenager's attention span. Jermaine O'Neal snatched it away a month later, a mere whippersnapper himself at 18 and 53 days.

But Bryant wasn't easily outdone. As a shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, he carved out a career so long it defied the usual transience of youth. Two decades, in fact, all spent with the Lakers in a display of loyalty as impressive as his crossover moves.

Those two decades were glittering with championship gold. Three straight NBA titles from 2000 to 2002, followed by another two in 2009 and 2010. He was the league's Most Valuable Player in 2008, an honor that paled in comparison to the eleven All-NBA First Team selections he racked up between 2002 and 2013.

By his 20th season, Bryant had become a fixture in LA, etching his name in the record books for the most seasons played with a single team. Talk about loyalty! Though, his grandmother apparently wasn't as impressed. She graced him with her presence at exactly one game during his entire career, a January 22, 2006 matchup against the Toronto Raptors. That night, Bryant exploded for a career-high 81 points, the second-highest total in NBA history – a shadow cast only by Wilt Chamberlain's staggering 100-point game in 1962.

Finally, in 2016, after a farewell season that culminated in a 60-point performance against the Utah Jazz, Bryant hung up his sneakers. It was an ending as dramatic as any buzzer-beater, a fitting finale for a legend who defied expectations and redefined basketball brilliance.

Outside basketball, Kobe enjoyed soccer, which he played during his childhood in Italy. He was also interested in storytelling, filmmaking, and coaching youth sports.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Bryant had a strong analytical mind, which he applied to his basketball strategy and business ventures. His curiosity extended to various scientific and mathematical principles.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Bryant's Mamba Mentality" philosophy revolved around hard work, perseverance, and continuous self-improvement. He drew inspiration from diverse sources, including ancient philosophies and modern thinkers.

He was raised Catholic, but his personal religious beliefs later in life are not publicly documented.

SCANDAL In 2003, Bryant was accused of sexual assault by a hotel employee in Colorado. The case was settled out of court, and he issued a public apology while maintaining that the encounter was consensual.

MILITARY RECORD Bryant was a strong supporter of military personnel and frequently engaged in activities to honor and support veterans.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Bryant was dedicated to maintaining peak physical fitness throughout his career. He faced several injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon in 2013, but worked diligently on his recovery and fitness.

HOMES Bryant lived in several luxurious homes in Southern California, including a notable residence in Newport Beach.

TRAVEL Bryant traveled extensively for basketball and personal reasons. He had a particular fondness for Italy and frequently visited the country.

DEATH The world was shaken on January 26, 2020, when we lost the legendary Kobe Bryant in a tragic helicopter crash. The chopper went down in foggy conditions near Calabasas, a mere 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The heartbreaking incident also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, along with seven other individuals. It was a loss felt not only by the basketball world but by everyone who admired his incredible talent, dedication, and spirit

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Bryant appeared in various media, including commercials, interviews, and films. His animated short film Dear Basketball won an Academy Award in 2018.

ACHIEVEMENTS Kobe Bryant's achievements include five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, 18 NBA All-Star selections, two Olympic gold medals (playing in the US Men's basketball team in 2008 and 2012)  and an Academy Award. Bryant was the first person to win an Olympic Medal and an Oscar. His legacy continues to inspire athletes and fans around the world.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

NAME Isambard Kingdom Brunel

WHAT FAMOUS FOR British civil and mechanical engineer who was a key figure of the Industrial Revolution.

BIRTH born April 9, 1806 in Britan Street, Portsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

FAMILY BACKGROUND  Isambard Kingdom Brunel  was the only son of the French engineer and inventor Sir Marc Isambard Brunel  (1769-1849). His father settled in Britain and married Sophia Kingdom, an English woman whom he had known in France in earlier days.

He was born in Portsmouth, where his father was working on block-making machinery.

CHILDHOOD Brunel's childhood was steeped in engineering and innovation. He showed an early aptitude for mathematics and mechanics, encouraged by his father. The family moved to London when Brunel was young, where he was exposed to his father's various engineering projects.

EDUCATION  Brunel was sent to France at the age of 14 to study mathematics and science at the at the College of Caen in Normandy and the Lycée Henri-Quatre in Paris. Two years later he returned to England to work with his father.

CAREER RECORD At the young age of 20, Brunel joined his father's ambitious project - the Thames Tunnel under the River Thames at Rotherhithe. He became the resident engineer, overseeing the construction for over two years. Disaster struck when a sudden flood nearly claimed Brunel's life and halted progress. Though work resumed in 1835, it wasn't completed until 1843.

This groundbreaking tunnel, the world's first underwater walkway connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was an instant success. Within a year, it had attracted over a million visitors. Brunel's innovative spirit even led him to host a lavish dinner party for businessmen in the unfinished tunnel in 1827, complete with formal attire - a testament to his audacious personality.

Brunel entered a competition in 1829 to design a bridge across Bristol's Avon Gorge. His elegant design, featuring a suspension bridge with a record-breaking main span of 192 meters (630 feet), triumphed. Construction on the bridge piers began, but financial constraints delayed completion until 1864, sadly after Brunel's passing.

Brunel was a tireless worker, known for his demanding 18-hour days, often sleeping at his office and waking by 4 am. While a dedicated leader, he could be harsh towards those he deemed incompetent, resorting to scathing letters to express his displeasure. Though his management style might raise eyebrows today, there's no doubt that Brunel's drive and ingenuity were instrumental in his engineering achievements.

APPEARANCE Isambard Kingdom Brunel was on the shorter side, standing at just 5 feet tall (1.52 meters).  Interestingly, he was known to be self-conscious about his height and would often try to appear taller. Some accounts mention his fondness for very tall top hats, which might have added an extra 8 inches or so to his stature! 

Brunel was known for his distinctive appearance, often depicted wearing a top hat and a waistcoat, with a cigar in hand. He had a determined and intense expression.

FASHION Brunel's fashion was typical of a Victorian gentleman, favoring practical yet stylish attire suitable for both the office and the field. His top hat and cravat became iconic elements of his image.

CHARACTER Brunel was known for his relentless ambition, innovative spirit, and determination. He was a visionary who was not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of engineering.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Brunel had a dry and witty sense of humor, which he often used to diffuse tense situations and motivate his team.

RELATIONSHIPS Brunel married Mary Horsley on July 5, 1836. She came from an accomplished musical and artistic family, being the eldest daughter of composer and organist William Horsley.

His marriage was supportive, and Mary played a significant role in his personal life.

They had three children: Isambard Brunel Junior, Henry Marc Brunel and Florence Mary Brunel. Henry Marc later became a successful civil engineer.

MONEY AND FAME Brunel achieved considerable fame and fortune through his engineering projects. Despite facing financial difficulties at times, his reputation as a brilliant engineer remained intact.

FOOD AND DRINK Brunel enjoyed hearty, traditional English meals. He was known to appreciate good food and drink, often sharing meals with colleagues and friends.

MUSIC AND ARTS Brunel had an appreciation for the arts, influenced by his mother, who was an amateur artist. He enjoyed music and often attended concerts and operas.

LITERATURE Brunel was well-read and enjoyed literature, particularly works related to science, engineering, and history. He also maintained detailed diaries and notebooks of his projects.

NATURE Brunel had a fascination with nature, often drawing inspiration from the natural world for his engineering designs. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, observing landscapes and natural formations.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS Brunel enjoyed outdoor activities, including fishing and sailing. He also had a keen interest in mechanics and often spent his leisure time working on personal engineering projects.

Brunel was known for his playful side, often entertaining his children with magic tricks. One of his favorites involved a half-sovereign coin that seemingly vanished from his mouth and reappeared behind his ear. Unfortunately, in 1843, the trick took a dangerous turn. While performing, Brunel accidentally swallowed the coin, and it became lodged in his windpipe!

Doctors attempted to remove the coin with specialized forceps, but it wouldn't budge. Brunel, ever the resourceful engineer, even designed a machine to shake it loose, without success. Weeks passed, filled with coughing fits and worry. Finally, Brunel devised a daring solution: a hinged table where he would be strapped face down and then rapidly tilted upside down. The suspense gripped the public, with daily press reports detailing the coin's fate. Eventually, the strategy worked – the coin dislodged with a jerk! The news was so momentous that historian Thomas Babington Macaulay, upon hearing it, ran down the street shouting, "It's out! It's out!" leaving everyone baffled about his excitement.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Brunel excelled in science and mathematics from a young age, using these skills extensively in his engineering career. His innovative use of materials and construction techniques reflected his deep understanding of scientific principles.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Brunel's philosophy was centered on progress and innovation. He believed in the power of human ingenuity to overcome challenges and improve society. His engineering projects often reflected this optimistic outlook.

SCANDAL Brunel's career was not without controversy. The financial difficulties and delays associated with some of his projects, such as the Great Eastern, attracted criticism. However, his engineering brilliance overshadowed these issues.

In the long slog to hack and blast the celebrated Box Tunnel through two miles of solid rock between Bath and Swindon, 100 men were killed.

MILITARY RECORD Brunel worked on the improvement of large guns and designed a floating armoured barge used for the attack on Kronshtadt in 1854 during the Crimean War.

RAILWAYS Brunel left his mark on the railway map. He spearheaded the construction of over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of lines across Britain, spanning the West Country, Midlands, South Wales, and even reaching Ireland. His influence extended beyond British shores too, with two railway lines built in Italy and his expertise sought for projects in far-flung locations like Australia's Victorian lines and India's Eastern Bengal Railway.

However, Brunel wasn't infallible. His ambitious atmospheric railway, using a vacuum tube to propel trains near Exeter, proved a notable misstep. After a period of troubled trials, it was ultimately shut down.

BRIDGES Brunel designed and built several notable bridges during his career. Some of his most famous bridges include:

Clifton Suspension Bridge: Spanning the Avon Gorge in Bristol, this iconic structure was selected in 1831, when Brunel won the design competition.  Construction based on his design began that same year, though the project stalled for decades and the bridge was completed posthumously on December 8, 1864.

Clifton Suspension Bridge by Gothick

Maidenhead Railway Bridge: Built in 1830 to carry the Great Western Railway across the River Thames, this brick arch bridge was known for having the flattest arch in the world at the time.

Royal Albert Bridge: Designed in 1855, this bridge connects Devon and Cornwall across the River Tamar, featuring an innovative tubular design with two main spans.

Chepstow Railway Bridge: Constructed in 1852 over the River Wye, this unique bridge combines suspension and tubular principles.

STEAMSHIPS Brunel's visionary steamships, the Great Western, Great Britain, and Great Eastern, each held the title of "world's largest" upon launch, forever changing transatlantic travel.

The Great Western, christened in 1838, was a wooden marvel. Critics scoffed at the idea of a steamship carrying enough coal for the journey, but Brunel proved them wrong. This paddle steamer halved the travel time to New York, pioneering regular service across the Atlantic. Interestingly, Brunel even issued instructions for the maiden voyage from his sickbed after a tumble from a ladder!

The Great Western's maiden departure from Bristol on April 8, 1838.

Next came the iron-hulled SS Great Britain in 1843. It was a game-changer, the first ocean-going vessel to utilize both an iron hull and a screw propeller for propulsion. Launched as the largest ship afloat on July 19, 1843, it retained its title as the longest passenger ship for over a decade. The Great Britain wasn't just innovative, it was fast – conquering the Atlantic in just 14 days during its first crossing in  1845.

Launch of Great Britain at Bristol, July 1843.

Finally, Brunel pushed the boundaries even further with the Great Eastern (originally named Leviathan) launched on January 31, 1858. This behemoth boasted a double iron hull and a unique combination of paddle and screw propulsion.

Brunel's trio of steamships weren't just engineering feats, they were testaments to his vision and daring. They revolutionized ocean travel, paving the way for a more connected world.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Brunel faced several health challenges throughout his life, including a near-fatal accident during the construction of the Thames Tunnel and a serious bout of pneumonia. His relentless work ethic also took a toll on his health.

HOMES Brunel lived in various residences throughout his life, including a house in Duke Street, Westminster, and later a country house in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

TRAVEL Brunel traveled extensively for his work, both within the United Kingdom and abroad. His travels included trips to the United States and Europe to study engineering practices and promote his projects.

DEATH The huge and costly effort of launching the Great Eastern sideways into the Thames in January 1858, and the preparation for its first sea trials the following September, caused Brunel to suffer a stroke. His habit of smoking over 40 cigars a day probably contributed to his stroke.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel by the launching chains of the SS Great Eastern

Brunel died ten days later on September 15, 1859 and is buried, like his father, at Kensal Green Cemetery in London.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Brunel has been featured in numerous documentaries, books, and films about engineering and the Industrial Revolution. His life and work have been celebrated in various media, including the 2002 BBC series Seven Wonders of the Industrial World.

ACHIEVEMENTS  Brunel's achievements are numerous and include the design and construction of the Great Western Railway, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and revolutionary ships like the SS Great Britain. His innovative engineering techniques and visionary projects have left a lasting legacy, earning him recognition as one of the greatest engineers in history.

Brunel came second to Sir Winston Churchill in the BBC’s 1999 poll to find the Greatest ever Briton.

Beau Brummell

NAME George Bryan "Beau" Brummell

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Beau Brummell is famous for being the quintessential dandy of the Regency era, known for his impeccable sense of fashion, wit, and influence on men's fashion.

1805 caricature of Brummell by Robert Dighton

BIRTH Beau Brummell was born on June 7, 1778, in London, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Brummell was born into a middle-class family. His father, William Brummell, was a secretary to Lord North, and his mother, Jane Brummell, was the daughter of the Keeper of the Lottery Office

CHILDHOOD Brummell's early years were spent in London, where he was exposed to the genteel society that would later shape his tastes and social skills.

EDUCATION Brummell was educated at Eton College, where he distinguished himself with his wit and charm. He made his mark by adding a gold buckle to the white stock, or cravat, that was the mark of the Eton boy,.

He later attended Oriel College, Oxford, but left without taking a degree.

CAREER RECORD Brummell did not have a traditional career. He served briefly in the Tenth Royal Hussars but resigned his commission after inheriting a substantial fortune. He then devoted himself to becoming a leading figure in Regency high society.

APPEARANCE Brummell was known for his meticulous grooming and fashion sense. He was of average height, with a well-maintained physique and a penchant for cleanliness and elegance.

FASHION Beau Brummell, a fellow with enough charm and wit to melt the heart of a duchess (or a duke, depending on his mood), became the hottest ticket in high society. Pretty soon, he was practically BFFs with the Prince Regent, the future King George IV, which rocketed him into the social stratosphere faster than a rogue hot air balloon.

Life was good for Beau. Thanks to a decent inheritance, he could dedicate himself to the noble pursuit of being a "gentleman of fashion." Now, fashion in those days wasn't exactly what you'd call "manly." We're talking giant wigs, face paint so thick you could write a sonnet on your forehead, and enough powder to make a bakery jealous. Brummell, bless his sartorial soul, had none of it. He yearned for men to, well, look like men again. So, he did what any self-respecting revolutionary would do: he declared war on breeches. Trousers, those wonderful leg-encasing garments, became all the rage, thanks to Brummell.

He even formed a little club, "the dandy brigade" (though they probably called themselves something much more pretentious), dedicated to wiping out the foppish look. Brummell, however, took things to a whole new level. The man was so terrified of, you know, actually living, that he'd have his fancy sedan chair brought right into his house so he wouldn't dirty his shoes on the filthy street. And don't even get him started on hair – a single strand out of place could send him into a meltdown. Apparently, tipping his head to greet a lady was a big no-no – he wouldn't be able to get it back at the perfect angle, you see.

Colour coordination? Absolutely crucial. Three was his magic number – black, cream, and buff for daytime frolicking, and black and white for nighttime soirees (which eventually led to the invention of the dinner jacket, hurrah!). Brummell also single-handedly turned shaving into a national pastime. The man was known to shave his face multiple times a day, then meticulously pluck out any stragglers with tweezers. Talk about high maintenance!

And then there were the gloves. Oh, the gloves! Brummell believed a true gentleman should change his gloves at least six times a day. Six! Imagine the laundry bill.

CHARACTER Brummell was known for his wit, charm, and confident demeanor. He was also known for his exacting standards and could be quite critical of others' appearances.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Beau Brummell was renowned for his sharp and sardonic wit. His cutting remarks could be both admired for their cleverness and feared for their sting.  He was a master of the bon mot, a witty and often cleverly cynical remark.  Here are a couple of examples:

When a flamboyant man arrived at a party wearing a particularly outlandish outfit, Brummell remarked, "If someone were to mistake you for a gentleman, I wouldn't blame them."

Of a rival who was known for his gaudy taste, Brummell is said to have observed, "He looked as if he had been lent his clothes by a rainbow."

His humor could be playful as well.  Once, when a guest complimented him on the beautiful polish of his boots, Brummell  replied with mock seriousness, "Why, thank you.  They take a great deal of looking after."

RELATIONSHIPS Brummell never married and had no known long-term romantic relationships. His most significant relationships were with his friends in high society, including the Prince Regent.

MONEY AND FAME Brummell initially enjoyed considerable wealth and fame due to his inheritance and social connections. However, all good things must come to an end. Brummell's friendship with the Prince Regent went south faster than a southbound penguin, and his fondness for gambling only made matters worse. Soon, he was drowning in debt. In 1816, with creditors baying for his blood (or at least his fancy cravat), Brummell did what any self-respecting dandy would do – he scarpered to France, leaving behind a trail of unpaid bills and bewildered tailors.

FOOD AND DRINK Brummell was known for his refined tastes and enjoyed the culinary delights of the Regency era. He favored simple, well-prepared meals and fine wines.

MUSIC AND ARTS Brummell appreciated the arts, particularly music and literature, though he is not known to have engaged deeply with them himself.

LITERATURE Brummell was well-read and enjoyed the literary works of his time. His wit and conversational style were influenced by his literary interests.

NATURE There is little documentation of Brummell's relationship with nature, as his primary focus was on urban society and fashion.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Brummell enjoyed equestrian activities and was an accomplished horseman. However his true passion was socializing and attending fashionable events.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Brummell had little documented interest in science or mathematics, focusing instead on social and cultural pursuits.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Brummell's philosophy centered on aesthetics and the art of living well. He did not publicly engage with theological or philosophical debates.

SCANDAL Brummell's life was marked by scandal, primarily due to his mounting debts and eventual fall from grace. His once-close friendship with the Prince Regent soured, contributing to his social decline.

MILITARY RECORD Brummell served briefly in the Tenth Royal Hussars but left the military after inheriting his fortune. His military career was unremarkable.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Brummell was known for his careful grooming and physical upkeep, but he suffered from syphilis in his later years, which affected his health and mental state.

HOMES Brummell was a man of refined taste, and this extended to his living quarters.  He resided in some of the most fashionable addresses in London during his heyday.  His most famous residence was on Chesterfield Street in Mayfair, a prestigious area known for its affluent residents.   The house was known for its elegant simplicity, reflecting Brummell's own style principles.  He would meticulously decorate his homes, ensuring every detail was perfect according to his discerning eye.

However, as his finances dwindled, he was forced to move to progressively smaller and less prestigious lodgings.  In his later years, he resided in poverty in France, living in Calais and Caen.

TRAVEL Brummell did not travel extensively.  His world revolved around the fashionable circles of London.  However, there is one significant journey to note.  To escape the mounting debts he had accumulated due to his extravagant lifestyle, Brummell fled to France in 1816.  He resided there for the rest of his life, living in self-imposed exile.

DEATH Beau Brummell died on March 30, 1840 at the age of 61. His death occurred at Le Bon Sauveur Asylum on the outskirts of Caen, France, where he had been institutionalized due to complications from advanced syphilis, which led to insanity. By the time of his death, Brummell was penniless and had fallen far from his once-glamorous life as a Regency-era fashion icon and close associate of the Prince Regent (later George IV).

Brummell was buried in the Cimetière Protestant in Caen, France. His burial was modest, reflecting his impoverished circumstances at the time of his death. The coffin and funeral expenses were reportedly covered by charity, marking a stark contrast to his earlier life of opulence and influence. His death and burial went largely unnoticed in England, where he had once been a celebrated figure. (1)

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Beau Brummell's life and legacy have captured the imagination for generations.  He has been featured in numerous biographies, novels, and films.  

Here are a few notable examples:

Beau Brummell: The Life and Times of a Regency Dandy by Nigel Nicolson is a well-regarded biography that explores Brummell's life in detail.

The novel Confessions of a Dandy by Georgette Heyer offers a fictionalized account of Brummell's life and relationships.

Several films and TV series have depicted Brummell's story, including Beau Brummell (1954) starring Stewart Granger and Brummell (1973) with Glenda Jackson and the 2006 television drama This Charming Man.

ACHIEVEMENTS Beau Brummell's lasting achievement is his profound influence on men's fashion. 

Gillette advertisement (1917)

He is credited with popularizing the modern suit and tie and setting standards for men's grooming and dress that have endured for centuries. His legacy as the archetypal dandy continues to be celebrated in fashion history.

Source (1) Squaremilehealthworks

Robert Browning

NAME Robert Browning

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Robert Browning is famous for being a major English poet of the Victorian era, renowned for his mastery of dramatic monologue and his contributions to the development of the psychological and philosophical complexity in poetry. 

BIRTH May 7, 1812 Southampton Way, Camberwell, London, England

FAMILY BACKGROUND Robert's father Robert Browning, a man of fine intellect and character, was a well-off clerk for the Bank of England, earning about £150 per year. Browning's father had been sent to the West Indies to work on a sugar plantation. Revolted by the slavery there, he returned to England and became an abolitionist.

 
Robert's mother, Sarah Anna Wiedemann, was a devout non conformist Scot. The daughter of a German shipowner who had settled in Dundee, she was a talented musician, to whom Robert was very close.

Robert was bought up with his younger sister Sarianna in Camberwell. Sarianna, also gifted, became her brother's companion in his later years.

CHILDHOOD Robert was an extremely bright child and voracious reader and his father encouraged his interest in literature and the arts. By the age of twelve, Browning had written a book of poetry which he later destroyed when no publisher could be found.

His childhood hero was the poet, Shelley.

EDUCATION After being at one or two private schools, and showing an insuperable dislike to school life, Robert was educated at home by a tutor via the resources of his father's extensive library. He was a rapid learner and by the age of fourteen he was fluent in French, Greek, Italian and Latin. 

At the age of sixteen, Robert studied Greek at University College London but dropped out after his first year to pursue his own reading at his own pace. His mother’s staunch evangelical faith prevented his studying at either Oxford University or Cambridge University, both then open only to members of the Church of England. However, in later years he was awarded an honorary degree by Oxford University.

CAREER RECORD Robert refused a formal career and ignored his parents' remonstrations, dedicating himself to poetry. His earliest poem Pauline (1833) achieved little.

Browning's early career was marked by limited success, but he gained considerable acclaim with the publication of Dramatic Lyrics in 1842. His subsequent works, including Men and Women (1855) and the epic poem The Ring and the Book (1868-69), solidified his reputation as a leading poet of his time.

APPEARANCE Robert Browning was described as having a robust build with dark (later grey), curly hair, sharp features, and expressive eyes.

Portrait by Herbert Rose Barraud, c. 1888

FASHION Browning typically dressed in the respectable and conservative fashion of his era, favoring dark, well-tailored suits.

CHARACTER Browning was known for his intellectual rigor, passionate nature, and optimistic outlook. He was also perceived as being somewhat reserved and introspective.

Elizabeth Browning said of Robert in a letter "Robert's goodness and tenderness are past speaking of.... He reads to me, talks and jests to make me laugh." But then she was biased. (1)

SENSE OF HUMOUR Browning possessed a subtle and sophisticated sense of humor, often reflected in the wit and irony of his poetry.

 
RELATIONSHIPS The love story of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett reads like something dreamed up by a particularly whimsical spinster. Here you have this vigorous, swarthy poet, six years Elizabeth's junior, showering her with passionate declarations. Now, Elizabeth was no blushing ingenue – she was an invalid, a good chunk older than Browning, and possessed a healthy dose of skepticism. Can you blame her? It reeked of a romantic delusion, the kind that ends with tear-stained sonnets and a lifetime of disappointment.

But Browning wouldn't be deterred (He called Elizabeth "A soul offire in a shell of pearl"). They conducted their courtship in hushed tones and stolen glances, the whole thing as clandestine as a spy mission. 

Finally, on September 12, 1846, in a move ripped straight from the playbook of his hero, Percy Bysshe Shelley (another poet with a penchant for the dramatic), they secretly married at St. Marylebone Parish Church then Browning whisked Elizabeth away to Italy.

Italy, thankfully, proved to be a good fit. Elizabeth, with a bit of sunshine and a supportive husband, actually started to feel better. Their life there was comfortable, even idyllic. They were well-respected, even famous – quite the turnaround from their cloak-and-dagger London existence. Elizabeth even defied the odds and produced a son at the ripe old age of 43 (whom they, rather adorably, nicknamed "Pen"). Sadly, the artistic lineage ended there – Pen became an artist himself, got married, but the whole "having-children" thing just wasn't in the cards.

After Elizabeth's death, in 1861 Robert had many flirtatious relationships. He was fond of writing tender, nonsensical verses to his many lady friends.

 
In 1869 he proposed marriage to Lady Ashburton only to be rejected. This proposal, an example of his propensity towards social climbing, embarrassed Browning in society and shamed him over his infidelity over his dead wife.

MONEY AND FAME Robert stayed at home until the age of 34, financially dependant on his family until his marriage. His father sponsored the publication of his son's poems.

Robert's wife was the better known poet during their life time, but he kept going in the rat race and gradually acquired a considerable and enthusiastic public fan base. Published separately in four volumes from November 1868 through to February 1869, The Ring and the Book was a huge success both commercially and critically, and finally brought Browning the renown he had sought and deserved for nearly thirty years of work. By the time of his death he was ranked as the leading poet of his time along with Tennyson.

FOOD AND DRINK Robert became a vegetarian aged 14 like his hero Shelley, which he gave up later. He then enjoyed the typical Victorian diet, which included a variety of meats, vegetables, and the occasional indulgence in desserts.

MUSIC AND ARTS Browning had a deep appreciation for music and the arts, which often influenced his poetry. His wife, Elizabeth, was also a significant influence on his artistic development.

In 1830 Robert met the actor William Macready and tried several times to write verse drama for the stage - not very successfully. His most successful play was the 1837 Strafford.
Robert inherited substantial musical ability through his mother, and composed arrangements of various songs.

LITERATURE Robert's father was a literary collector, and he amassed a library of around 6,000 books, many of them rare. As a result, he was raised in a household of significant literary resources.

 
Some of Robert's early work was very heavy going. When members of the London Poetic Society asked Browning for an interpretation of a particularly obscure passage, he read it, twice shrugged his soldiers and said "When I wrote that, God and I knew what it meant, but now God alone knows."

 
Here's a list of some of Browning's major works:

1833 Pauline Browning's career began with the publication of this anonymous poem. The piece, which disappeared without notice, would embarrass him for the rest of his life.

 
1835 Paracelsus The critics adored it but the public ignored it.

1841 Pippa Passes A beautiful collection of dramatic scenes.

 
1842 The Pied Piper of Hamelin This update of the medieval legend was one of Browning's most popular poems. It is probably the most famous verse written about rats until Michael Jackson sang about a rat called Ben.

1855 Men and Women This collection of fifty-one poems is now generally considered to contain some of the best of Browning's poetry. However, at the time it was not received well and sold poorly.

1868-69 The Ring and The Book This long blank-verse poem is considered by many to be Browning's greatest work. Based on a convoluted murder case from 1690s Rome, it tells the story of the murder in long dramatic monologues from 12 points of view.

 
1871 Balaustion's Adventure An adaptation of a play by Euripides about Ademtus and his devoted wife, Alcestis.
When challenged to find rhymes for orange, Browning came up with "From the Ganges to the Blorenge comes the Rajah once a month. Sometimes chewing on an orange. Sometimes reading from his Grunth. " (Blorenge is a small mountain in Wales. Grunth is a Sikh Holy Book.)

NATURE While not primarily known for nature poetry, Browning’s works do include vivid descriptions of natural scenes, reflecting his appreciation for the natural world.

A couple of quotes: "And the muttering grew to a mumbling. And the grumbling grew to a mighty rumbling. And out of the houses the rats came tumbling." (The Pied Piper of Hamelin)

"That's the wise thrush; he sings each song twice over,
Lest you think he ever could recapture
The first fine careless rapture." (Home Thoughts From Abroad)

The Pied Piper of Hamelin is the tale of a magical musician who was hired to eradicate the nasty rats running all over the place, but lured away the town's children with his enchanting tunes. While it's just a story, it's spooky to think that Hamelin's town records actually show a bunch of kids vanishing around the same time this legend popped up.  Creepy, right?

The Brothers Grimm put the date of the kidnapping at June 26, 1284, while the poem by Robert Browning has the Pied Piper piping his way out of town with the children on July 22, 1376.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Browning enjoyed walking and was known to take long, contemplative strolls. He was also an enthusiastic traveler, which he considered both a hobby and a source of inspiration.

In his poem about the unfortunate Pheidippides, the first marathon runner, who ran 26 miles to announce the Greek's glorious victory over the Persians before dropping dead, Browning wrote sympathetically, "Bursting his veins, he died, The bliss!"

SCIENCE AND MATHS Browning had a broad intellectual curiosity, though his interests in science and mathematics were not as pronounced as his passion for literature and the arts.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Browning’s work often delves into philosophical and theological themes, exploring complex questions of faith, morality, and the human condition.

When he was a teenager, Browning shocked his evangelical mother when he declared himself like his hero Shelley, an atheist. In later life he looked back on this as a passing phase and he became a knowledgeable Bible reader but always denied any Christian faith.
"God's in his Heaven. Alls right with the world." (Pippa Passes")

SCANDAL Browning largely avoided scandal throughout his life, maintaining a reputation for personal integrity and professionalism.

Elizabeth Barratt Browning's father didn't smell a rat about Robert's intention to his daughter until they  eloped to Italy. He disinherited Elizabeth, and she repeatedly sought a reconciliation with her dad but he returned her letters unopened.

HOMES Browning was brought up at Southampton Way, Camberwell.

After he eloped to Italy with Elizabeth, they lived in an apartment at Casa Guidi, Florence, which is now a home available to be rented.

Casa Guidi By Sailko - Own work, Wikipedia

After the death of Elizabeth in 1861 he spent the "season" in London and rest of time in the country or abroad. Between 1861 and 1887, his London address was 19 Warwick Crescent in Little Venice, Maida Vale. It is thought it was Browning who coined the name 'Little Venice.'

TRAVEL Browning travelled widely, joining a British diplomatic mission to St Petersburg, Russia in 1834, later journeying to Italy 1838 and 1844.

When the Brownings eloped from Wimpole Street, Robert was unable to work out the train and ferry timetables for their journey to Le Havre on their way to Italy. Elizabeth had to return to Wimpole Street for several days to take charge of organising the details of their elopement herself.

 
In 1878, he returned to Italy for the first time since Elizabeth's death, and returned there on several occasions

"Oh to be in England. Now that April's here." (Home Thoughts From Abroad 1845).

DEATH Browning died on December 12, 1889 at his son's apartment in the Ca' Rezzonico, Venice of bronchitis. He was brought back to London for burial in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey; his grave now lies immediately adjacent to that of Alfred Tennyson.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Robert Browning's brush with immortality extends beyond his poetry.

1. The Pioneering Phonograph Recording: In a dinner party twist of fate on April 7, 1889, at his friend Rudolf Lehmann's home, Browning became part of history. An Edison cylinder phonograph captured him reciting part of "How They Brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix" (though with a touch of poetic license – he forgot the words!). This recording, played a year later on the anniversary of his death, sent shivers down the spines of admirers. They claimed it was the first time "anyone's voice had been heard from beyond the grave."

2. Hollywood Romance: The passionate love story of Robert and Elizabeth Browning wasn't lost on Hollywood. The 1936 classic film The Barretts of Wimpole Street (based on a 1930 play) brought their whirlwind romance to life. Norma Shearer and Fredric March earned accolades for their portrayals of Elizabeth and Robert, respectively. The story was revisited in 1957 with Jennifer Jones and Bill Travers taking the reins.

3. Beatles and the Brownings:  John Lennon and Yoko Ono, it turns out, were secret Browning fans! They playfully claimed to be the reincarnated spirits of "Bob and Liz," even drawing inspiration from their poetry for their Milk and Honey album. Tracks like "Let Me Count The Ways" and "Grow Old with Me" echo the Brownings' romantic verses.

4. A Poetic Tribute:  Clifford T Ward's 1973 song "Home Thoughts From Abroad" is a tribute to Robert Browning. 

"You know, Home Thoughts From Abroad is such a beautiful poem."

And I know how Robert Browning must have felt. 'Cause I'm feeling the same way about you."

ACHIEVEMENTS (1) Browning's innovative works incorporated psychological analysis and obscure historical characters and perfected the dramatic monologue. They have influenced many 20th century poet's such as Ezra Pound.

(2) His literary status was recognised by the award of an honorary fellowship at Balliol College, Oxford in 1867

Source 1.800 years of Women's Letters Olga Kenyon

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

NAME Elizabeth (Moulton) Barrett Browning. Elizabeth and her siblings all had nicknames - Elizabeth's was "Ba".

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Elizabeth Barrett Browning was one of the most prominent English poets of the Victorian era. She is most famous for her love poetry.

BIRTH  Elizabeth Barrett Browning was born on March 6, 1806, in Coxhoe Hall (demolished in 1980s.),Durham, England. 

FAMILY BACKGROUND Elizabeth's parents were Edward Barrett Moulton Barrett and Mary Graham Clarke, who married at St Nicholas Church, Gosforth (Tyne and Wear). His family, some of whom were part Creole, had lived for centuries in Jamaica, where they owned sugar plantations and relied on slave labour. Her mum came from a wealthy Newcastle family, also derived in part from slave labour. Liz lost her mother when she was 22.

 
Elizabeth was the eldest of their 12 children (eight boys and four girls). All the children lived to adulthood except for one girl, who died at the age of four when Elizabeth was eight. In 1840 her oldest and favorite brother Edward was tragically drowned.

CHILDHOOD Elizabeth was baptized at the age of 3 at Kelloe Parish Church, though she had already been baptized by a family friend in the first week after she was born. Later that year, their father bought Hope End, a 500-acre estate near the Malvern Hills in Ledbury, Herefordshire. Elizabeth had "a large room to herself, with stained glass in the window, and she loved the garden where she tended white roses in a special arbour by the south wall". 

Portrait of Elizabeth Barrett in her youth

 Liz lived a privileged childhood riding her pony round the grounds visiting other families in the neighbourhood and arranging family theatrical productions with her 11 brothers and sisters. She was a lively child until she suffered a spinal injury at the age of 15.

 
Liz's first known poem was written at the age of six or eight, On the Cruelty of Forcement to Man. As a present for her fourteenth birthday her father underwrote the publication of her epic Homeric poem entitled The Battle of Marathon .

EDUCATION Liz was educated at home and attended lessons with her brother's tutor. This gave her a good education for a girl of that time. She was an intensely studious, precocious child and had read passages from Paradise Lost and Shakespearean plays, and the histories of England, Greece and Rome before the age of ten.

 
In her teen years Elizabeth went through the principal Greek and Latin authors in their original languages and learnt enough Hebrew to read the Old Testament from the beginning to the end.

CAREER RECORD 1820 Elizabeth's first published work, The Battle of Marathon.
1825 The Rose and Zephyr is published in the Literary Gazette.

1826 She published her first collection, An Essay on Mind and Other Poems
1838 The Seraphim and other Poems is the first volume of Browning's mature poetry to appear in her name.

1844 The volume Poems made her one of the more popular writers in the country 

APPEARANCE Elizabeth was pretty and personable. Mary Russell Mitford wrote of her about the time she'd turned 20, "A slight, delicate figure, with a shower of dark curls falling on each side of a most expressive face; large, tender eyes, richly fringed by dark eyelashes, and a smile like a sunbeam." 

Her Creole ancestry gave Liz a slightly exotic look. Anne Thackeray Ritchie described her as, "Very small and brown" with big, exotic eyes and an overgenerous mouth.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

FASHION Elizabeth preferred modest and traditional Victorian clothing. After her marriage, she was often seen in simple, elegant dresses, reflecting her literary and intellectual lifestyle rather than high fashion.

Browning forced her 12 year old son to wear frilly knickerbockers and shoulder length ringlets.

CHARACTER Elizabeth was known for her intelligence, sensitivity, and strong will. Despite her physical frailty, she exhibited great emotional and intellectual strength.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Elizabeth's sense of humour was subtle and often reflected in her witty correspondence with friends and family.

RELATIONSHIPS By 1844 Elizabeth had been an invalid for many years, following her spinal injury. She spent most of her time in her upstairs room, spending much of her time writing. Her 1844 Poems made her one of the most popular writers in the land at the time and inspired well known poet Robert Browning to write to her, telling her how much he loved her poems. A family friend Kenyon arranged for Robert Browning to meet Elizabeth in May 1845, and so began one of the most famous courtships in literature.

The courtship and marriage between Robert Browning and Elizabeth were carried out secretly. Six years his elder and an invalid, she could not believe that the vigorous and worldly Robert Browning really loved her as much as he professed to. After a private marriage at St. Marylebone Parish Church  on September 12, 1846, Browning imitated his hero Shelley by spiriting his beloved off to Italy, which became her home until her death. Elizabeth's loyal nurse, Wilson, who witnessed the marriage, accompanied the couple to Italy.

 
Her father disinherited Elizabeth, as he did each of his children who married. She repeatedly sought a reconciliation with her father but he returned her letters unopened.

As Elizabeth had some money of her own, the couple were reasonably comfortable in Italy, and their relationship together was harmonious. The Brownings were well respected in Italy, and even famous. Elizabeth grew stronger and in 1849, at the age of 43, she gave birth to a son, Robert Wiedemann Barrett Browning, whom they called Pen. Their son became an artist, got married but had no legitimate children, so there are apparently no direct descendants of the two famous poets.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning with her son Pen, 1860

.

"I love thee with a love, I seemed to lose with my lost Saints
I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears of all my life!
And if God chose I shall but love thee better after death." 

From Sonnets from the Portuguese ("Portuguese" was a pet name her husband used).

MONEY AND FAME Elizabeth's extraordinary poems brought admirers (including Browning) to the room where she languished in her bed after her spinal injury. In her day she was more highly regarded poetry wise than Robert and was the most highly regarded female poet of her day. However her 1860 Political Poems Before Congress injured her popularity as many disapproved of the Browning version of Italian political matters.

FOOD AND DRINK Elizabeth had a delicate constitution and was often prescribed a strict diet by her doctors. She favored simple, light foods.

MUSIC AND ARTS Elizabeth enjoyed music and was particularly fond of playing the piano. She also had an appreciation for visual arts and often referenced paintings and sculptures in her poetry.

LITERATURE Elizabeth Barrett Browning was deeply influenced by classical literature, the Romantic poets, and contemporary writers. Her own literary output contributed significantly to English literature, particularly her exploration of social issues and women's rights.

 Liz's first known poem was written at the age of six or eight, On the Cruelty of Forcement to Man. As a present for her fourteenth birthday her father underwrote the anonymous publication of her epic Homeric poem entitled The Battle of Marathon .

1838 The Seraphim and other Poems is favourably reviewed.

1844 Poems An important collection in Victorian literature. So highly regarded that when Wordsworth died she was tipped by many to be the next Poet Laureate.

1850 Sonnets from the Portuguese. (From Robert Browning's pet name for her "The Portuguese".) Elizabeth's most famous work was inspired by her love for her husband. At the time she was still in a hot flush over the mere mention of his name. The first line of Sonnet 43 has become one of the most famous in English poetry: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways."

 
1857 Aurora Leigh, her verse novel about the subjection of women to the dominating male.

 
1861 The North and the South. The last poem she wrote before her death. An admirer of Hans Christian Anderson, her last poem was written for him shortly before her death.

In 1913 500 letters written by Elizabeth and Robert were sold for £32750 at an auction.

NATURE Elizabeth had a deep appreciation for nature, often reflected in her poetry. Her work frequently includes vivid descriptions of the natural world.

PETS Flush, a red cocker spaniel was the only companion allowed to the invalid Elizabeth by her tyrannical father. The first time Robert visited Elizabeth at Wimpole Street, Flush bit him. She took Flush with her to Italy with Robert and the mutt was immortalised by her the poem To Flush my Dog. Virginia Woolf later wrote his life story.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Elizabeth's frail health limited her physical activities, but she enjoyed reading, writing, and playing the piano. She also took pleasure in gardening.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Elizabeth had an interest in scientific and philosophical ideas, which she sometimes incorporated into her writing, though she was not formally educated in these fields.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Elizabeth was bought up by a family that attended services at the nearest dissenting chapel and her father was active for years in Bible missionary societies.

Liz herself went through an evangelical “phase” and it is not clear how much she retained her faith as she developed an interest in spiritualism. 

Elizabeth wrote a number of pieces about social injustice including the slave trade in America, the labor of children in the mines and mills of England and the restrictions placed upon women. Paine, Voltaire and Rousseau influenced her concern for human rights.

She was fascinated by Italian politics and she supported (theoretically) Italian unity.

SCANDAL The most significant scandal in Elizabeth's life was her elopement with Robert Browning, which led to a permanent estrangement from her father.

During her time as an invalid, Elizabeth became addicted to opium due to the pain of her spinal condition. She knocked back laudanum, a cocktail of opium and alcohol to help her to sleep. Robert Browning used Chianti to wean and cure his Elizabeth of her addiction to laudanum.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS I've touched on Elizabeth's invalid condition previously in this trivial biography, but here's her full medical bulletin.

At the age of 15 Liz fell from a pony and injured her spine. She was slow to recover so a Dr Coker prescribed opium for a nervous disorder and she carried on taking it for the next 25 years. However it only made her worse and for much of the time she was bedridden, especially after 1838 when a burst blood vessel made her seriously ill.

 
Elizabeth's health forced her to move to Torquay on Devonshire coast, where her brother Edward accompanied her. His death by drowning was a massive blow and she returned to Wimpole Street and became a permanent recluse seeing only a few people.

 
In 1846, in preparation for her elopement with Robert, Elizabeth began to free herself of the habits acquired as an invalid practising standing without help and then walking where she had previously been carried.

 
She finally got better in Italy away from her oppressive father.

HOMES Elizabeth was brought up at the 240 acre Hope End, Herefordshire, near the Malvern Hills, which inspired some of her early poetry.

 
1832-37 The family moved three times due to Mr Barrett's financial losses, first Sidmouth, then 99 Gloucester Place, London, then 50 Wimpole Street, London.

1838-41 Due to her illness, Elizabeth moved back to Torquay (1 Beacon Terrace), and the sea air.

1846 Browning eloped to Italy, at Casa Guidi, Florence, now a home available to be rented. She lived in Florence until her death.

TRAVEL Elizabeth traveled extensively in Europe, particularly after her marriage. She spent significant time in Italy, which she loved and where she wrote some of her most famous works.

DEATH At the death of an old friend, G.B. Hunter, and then of her father, Elizabeth's health faded again, centering around deteriorating lung function. When news of the death of Elizabeth’s sister Henrietta reached her, in 1860, she became weak and depressed. Her faithful husband never left her bedside and she spent the last day of her life asleep in his arms. Elizabeth died on June 29, 1861 at Casa Guidi, and was buried in Florence's Protestant Cemetery.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Elizabeth Barrett Browning has been portrayed in various films, television series, and literary works. Her romance with Robert Browning has been the subject of much fascination and dramatization. They include:

1. The classic Hollywood movie 1936 The Barretts of Wimpole Street was based on a 1930 play by Rudolf Besier of the same title. Norma Shearer who played Elizabeth was Oscar-nominated, while Charles Laughton portrayed the formidable Mr Browning. In 1957 it was Jennifer Jones and John Gielgud's turn to portray the same twosome.

2. John Lennon & Yoko Ono were inspired by the poetry of Robert and Elizabeth Browning. They often joked they were the reincarnated spirits of "Bob and Liz". Two tracks, "Let Me Count The Ways" and "Grow Old with Me" on the Milk and Honey album were inspired by the poetry of Bob and Liz.

ACHIEVEMENTS Elizabeth Barrett Browning is celebrated as one of the greatest poets of the Victorian era. Her works, particularly "Sonnets from the Portuguese" and "Aurora Leigh," have had a lasting impact on English literature. She was also a pioneering figure in advocating for women's rights and social justice through her poetry.

A plaque in Kelloe church, where she was christened describes Elizabeth as "a great poetess, a noble woman, a devoted wife."

Source Rosalie Mader Mrs Browning: The Story of Elizabeth Barrett