Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879) was an English poet and hymn writer. Began writing verse at age of seven. Her most widely known hymn is "Take My Life and Let It Be." Also wrote the words for "Like A River Glorious," "I Gave My Life for Thee," and "Who Is on the Lord's Side?" She published several volumes of poems and hymns as well as prose writings. | |
1836 | Born in Astley, Worcestershire, England. (Dec 14) |
1842 | Family moves temporarily to Hallow, Worcestershire. Frances age 5. |
1845 | Family moves to Worcester, Worcestershire for her father's appointment to the Rectory of St. Nicolas. |
1848 | Her mother, Jane, dies after a long illness (Jul 5); Frances age 11. |
1850 | Goes to private school for the first time. |
1851 | Meets Miss Cooke (later becomes her stepmother) who
challenges Frances to trust herself to the Saviour at once. Frances trusts the Lord Jesus. (Feb) Her father marries Caroline Ann Cooke. (July) |
1852-53 | Accompanied her parents to Germany. Attended school in Düsseldorf, Germany for over a year. Continued studies in the family of pastor in Obercassel, Germany. Returned with parents to England. |
1856 | Visits Ireland at age 20. |
1858 | "I Gave My Life for Thee" written while in Germany (Jan); her father wrote the tune "Baca" to go with these words. |
1860 | "I Gave My Life for thee" published in periodical, Good
Words. (Feb) Her father resigns from St. Nicolas because of failing health and family moves to Shareshill, England. |
1867 | Family moves to Leamington, England. |
1869 | Her first book of poetry, The Ministry of Song, published. |
1870 | Her father, William Henry Havergal, dies at Lemington. (April
19) |
1871 | "Golden Harps Are Sounding" lyrics written. |
1872 | "Lord, Speak to Me that I May Speak" lyrics written. |
1873 | Read little book, All for Jesus, which had profound
effect upon her. (Dec) Consecrates her life to be all for Jesus. |
1874 | Hymn of consecration, "Take My Life and Let It
Be" lyrics written (Feb); originally to be sung to
melody Patmos composed
by her father. " I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus" lyrics written. |
1876? | "Like A River Glorious" lyrics written. Devotional work My King, or Daily Thoughts for the King's Children published. |
1877 | "Who Is on the Lord's Side?" lyrics written. |
1878 | Her dear second mother, Caroline, dies after a
long illness. (May 26) Goes with her sister Maria to the Mumbles, on the Welsh coast, for quiet and rest. "True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted, Faithful and Loyal" lyrics written. |
1879 | Devotional work Kept for the Master's Use published. Died in Swansea, Caswall Bay, Wales. (June 3) Buried in Astley, Worcestershire, England. |
1880 | Children's work Little Pillows, or Goodnight Thoughts for the Little Ones published. |
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