b. 1861. d. 5 November 1936. Nationality: English. VIAF.
Prolific poet, essayist, biographer, cookery writer, and children’s writer. Pseudonym:
“Maurice Clare.” Alternative signatures: “M. C. Gillington,” “May Byron,” and “May
Clarissa Gillington Byron.” Born in Audlem, Cheshire, and afterwards lived in London;
*Chambers’s Journal* ledgers list her address as Yarmouth, Isle of Wight (poem published
on 18 January 1890; NLS Dep 341/370) and 5 Baronsmere Rd, E Finchley, London (for
poem published on 24 March 1894; NLS Dep 341/371). Married to George F. Byron. Published
many books in the “A Day with the Authors” and “Days with the Great Composers” series.
Abridged J. M. Barries’ *Peter Pan* for children. Publications also include *Poems*
by M. C. Gillington and A. E. Gillington [Alice Elizabeth, her sister] (1892). Biographical
information: Reilly, *Late Victorian Poetry*, p. 185. (AC)