Walter Copeland Jerrold (3 May 1865 – 27 October 1929) was an English writer, biographer and newspaper editor.[1]
Early life
Jerrold was born in Liverpool, the son of Thomas Serle Jerrold and Jane Matilda Copeland (who were first cousins), and one of 11 children.[2] His family had strong theatrical connections: Both his grandfather Douglas William Jerrold and uncle William Blanchard Jerrold were notable dramatists, and his great grandfather Samuel Jerrold was an actor and theatre manager.[3]
Career
Jerrold spent most of his life in London, starting work as a clerk in a newspaper counting-house, and going on to become deputy editor of The Observer. He edited many classic texts for the newly founded Everyman's Library, wrote biographies, travel books (for the "Beautiful England" series - published by Blackie and Son Limited),[4] edited children's books, and produced stories for children under the name of Walter Copeland.
Family
On 23 July 1895 he married Clare Armstrong Bridgman (2 December 1861 – 1937) at Kensington Register Office.[2][5] Clara was also a published author writing under the name Clare Jerrold, which included a three-volume set on the life of Queen Victoria.[6][7][8] Together they had one son and five daughters all named after Greek mythological characters.[9] Oliver (27 September 1896 – 3 June 1897), their first born, died in infancy.[5]Ianthe Jerrold (1898–1977), the oldest daughter, became a renowned fiction writer of twenty-one novels.[10][11][5] Twins, Daphne (1899–1972) and Phyllis (1899–1975), attended the Slade School of Art and became painters and book illustrators.[12][5] Hebe (1900–1987) was a poet and book illustrator.[13][14][5] The youngest daughter, Althea (1902–1973) was also a talented writer and poet whose talent was overshadowed by her equally talented older siblings.[11][5][15]
