Audrey Tennyson
Audrey Georgiana Florence Tennyson, Baroness Tennyson (née Boyle; 15 August 1854 – 7 December 1916) was a British letter-writer, hospital founder and vice-regal wife to the Governor-General of Australia.
The Lady Tennyson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Audrey Georgiana Florence Boyle 19 August 1854 |
| Died | 7 December 1916 (aged 62) |
| Nationality | British |
| Known for | vice-regal wife |
| Spouse | Hallam Tennyson, 2nd Baron Tennyson |
| Children |
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Life
She was born in Sussex in 1854. Her parents were Zacyntha Antonia Lorenzina (born Moore) and Charles John Boyle. She was brought up within the British Empire at first in South Africa and from 1856 in Mauritius. From 1868 she became her father's carer until he died in 1882. She had met the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson at his home Farringford House on the Isle of Wight. In 1884 she married his son and heir Hallam Tennyson.[1]
She had enjoyed her time in the British colonies so she supported her husband when he was offered the position of Governor of South Australia. She and Hallam and their three sons arrived in Australia in 1899.[1]
She and Hallam enjoyed their time at the summer residence of Marble Hill, despite having to contend with heat, drought and bushfires during their stays.[2]
The intense heat and drought of the summer of 1901 resulted in a number of bushfires while Sir Hallam and Lady Tennyson were in residence. Lady Tennyson wrote that the bushfires, with their billowing smoke and glowing hilltops by night, were a remarkable sight.[2] The gardens and part of the orchard were damaged in the fire.[3]
By 1902 her husband was Governor General and they returned to Marble Hill and they discussed buying the house if it became available.[3] They left Australia after a year of Hallam being the Governor-General.
Agnes Milne who a controversial factory inspector enjoyed her support in her drive to end sweated labour. Tennyson, said that Milne was "a very interesting, sensible woman".[1] Tennyson was liked in Australia and she left a legacy of 262 letters that she wrote to her mother during her time in Australia. The letters were rediscovered and are now in Canberra. They have been the basis of a book edited by Alexandra Hasluck.[4]
Her husband donated land for a new church in Freshwater Bay. Audrey suggested that the church be named for St Agnes. St Agnes Church was consecrated on 12 August 1908.[5]
Death and family
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Tennyson died in Freshwater in 1916.[1]
She had three sons:
- Lionel Hallam Tennyson, 3rd Baron Tennyson (7 November 1889 – 6 June 1951), married Hon. Clare Tennant, daughter of Edward Tennant, 1st Baron Glenconner; remarried to Carroll Donner (née Elting)
- Captain Hon. Alfred Aubrey Tennyson (1891–1918), killed in action during World War I
- Sub-Lieutenant Hon. Harold Courtenay Tennyson (1896–1916), killed in action during World War I
References
- Howell, P. A., "Tennyson, Audrey Georgiana Florence (1854–1916)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, Canberra: National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, retrieved 2023-09-08
- Audrey Tennyson (1978). Alexandra Hasluck (ed.). Audrey Tennyson's vice-regal days : the Australian letters of Audrey, Lady Tennyson to her mother Zacyntha Boyle, 1899–1903. National Library of Australia. ISBN 9780642991157.
- "MEMORIES OF MARBLE HILL", The Register, 21 March 1922
- Tennyson, Lady Audrey Georgina Florence Boyle; Boyle, Zacyntha Antonia Lorenzina (1978). Audrey Tennyson's Vice-regal Days: The Australian Letters of Audrey Lady Tennyson to Her Mother Zacyntha Boyle, 1899-1903. National Library Australia. ISBN 978-0-642-99115-7.
- Freshwater Isle of Wight Page 2, Steve Shafleet, Isle of Wight Historic Postcards website, 26 December 2006