Fanshawe, Catherine Maria (1765–1834)
Fanshawe, Catherine Maria (1765–1834)
English poet. Born in Chipstead, Surrey, England, on July 6, 1765; died at Putney Heath, England, on April 17, 1834; second daughter and one of five children of John Fanshawe of Shabden, a Surrey squire, and Penelope (Dredge) Fanshawe; never married; no children.
Catherine Maria Fanshawe was born in Surrey in 1765 and would be a semi-invalid throughout her life. On the death of her parents and two brothers, she moved with her two sisters to a house in Berkeley Square, London, and later Midhurst House, Richmond. Known for her charm and wit, Fanshawe was admired in her own circle and her home was often frequented by the literati of her day, but she rarely agreed to have her worked included in publications. Her best-known poem, a riddle on the letter H which began "'Twas whispered in heaven, 'twas muttered in Hell," was often attributed to Lord Byron. Limited editions of her Memorials, which contained most of her poems, and of her Literary Remains appeared in 1865 and 1876, respectively. Several of her poems were included in Joanna Baillie 's collection, Poetic Miscellanies, published in 1823. Fanshawe often visited Italy for her health. A gifted watercolorist, she also made many sketches of Italian scenes.