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Shaw, Charlotte Frances, 1857-1943

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1857 - 1943

Biographical Note

Charlotte Frances Payne-Townshend Shaw was born in 1857, in Derry, Ireland. Her father died in 1885, leaving Charlotte a wealthy heiress. She played a role in founding the London School of Economics, donating the funds to establish a library at the school. She was among the first Trustees of the school and later served as a Governor. Charlotte met Irish playwright Bernard Shaw in 1896, and they married in 1898. The two maintained a deep friendship throughout their life together, with Charlotte acting as Bernard's secretary and agent. Their courtship was the basis for Bernard's play, A Village Wooing. She was an avid traveller, became involved in the women's suffrage movement, and participated in the Boston Suffrage Parade of 1914. Charlotte Shaw died in 1943.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Charlotte Frances Shaw letters

 Collection
Abstract

Contains letters and postcards from Charlotte Frances Shaw to her friends Gilbert and Mary Murray regarding her domestic arrangements, travel plans, and health concerns. Additionally, there are two telegrams from Bernard Shaw to Gilbert Murray and one from Bernard Shaw and Granville Barker to Murray. There is also a letter from Blanche Patch, Shaw's secretary, to an unknown correspondent.

Restrictions on access

Collection is open for research.

Dates: 1898 - 1950; Majority of material found within 1898 - 1912