Hays, Matilda (F)

Surname: Hays
Forename(s): Matilda Mary
d. 3 July 1897. Nationality: English. VIAF.
Poet, translator, novelist, and editor. Pseudonym: M. M. H. Born c. 1820. Advocate of women’s education and employment opportunities. Prolific periodical contributor. Author of the novels Helen Stanley (1846) and Adrienne Hope (1866). Translator and editor of The Works of George Sand (1847) with Eliza A. Ashurst. Translator of Fadette (1851). Lived in a partnership with Charlotte Cushman, whom she met after a brief attempt at a career on the stage. They travelled together around the United States, London, and Rome (1849-1857). Returned to London alone and founded English Woman’s Journal with Bessie Rayner Parkes and Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon, but was forced out in 1864. Co-founder of the Society for the Promotion of the Employment of Women and the Victoria Press. Member of the Langham Place Circle. Entered into a relationship, possibly homosexual, with Adelaide Procter in the early 1860s until the latter’s death in 1864. Began receiving a pension from the Royal Literary Fund in 1866. Biographical information: ODNB; Adelaide Procter, Orlando. (CC, AC)

Poems associated with this person

Total poems: 2
Poem title Date Periodical Roles id #
New Year’s Wishes 1860-01-01 The English Woman’s Journal Poet 1647
In Memoriam. Adelaide Anne Procter 1864-04-01 The English Woman’s Journal Poet 1757