Author: Margaret Plues
Author: Margaret Plues (1827–1901)
Alternate Name(s): Skelton Yorke (pseudonym)
Biography: Margaret Plues was born about 1827 in Ripon, the daughter of Rev. William Plues, the headmaster of Ripon Grammar School, and his wife Hannah Swire. Her parents both died within days of each other in February 1851 and thereafter Plues lived with one of her many siblings including her elder sister Elizabeth Janet Jenings who also wrote fiction. In middle life, Plues began a successful career as a botanical writer based on her "rambles" in nature. In addition, she published several novels beginning with Hilda (1868) under the pseudonym "Skelton Yorke." A convert to Roman Catholicism, she moved to London where she ran a boarding house for poor dressmakers. Financial mismanagement by her sponsor led to her ruin. Her last years were spent at the Convent of St. Maur, Weybridge. She died there on 4 Feburary 1901. Note: her Wikipedia entry contains erroneous dates.
Author Tags:
References: British Census (1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881); West Surrey Times (8 February 1901); Wikipedia
Fiction Titles:
- Hilda: or, The Old Seat of Council. 1 vol. London: Thomas Richardson and Son, 1868.
- Aunt Margaret's Little Neighbours: or, Chats about the Rosary. 1 vol. London: R. Washbourne, 1872.
- Jessie's Holiday: or, Six Months at Throstle's Nest. 1 vol. London: Houlston and Co., 1879.