Memorable Women

Camilla Dufour Crosland, name before marriage Camilla Dufour Toulmin, also known as Mrs. Newton Crosland (1812-1895) was an English writer of fiction, poetry, essays and sketches. She was born on 9 June 1812 at Aldermanbury, London, where her father, William Toulmin, practised as a solicitor; her grandfather, Dr. William Toulmin, was a physician of repute. She was a precocious girl, who could read at the age of three and loved reading, although she lacked a systematic education. She had two half-brothers by her father's first marriage and a younger brother by his second. Her father, who had money troubles, died when Camilla was eight, and his widow and daughter were not provided for. Camilla Toulmin first appeared in print in 1838, with verse contributions to the Book of Beauty. She was also involved in editorial work, for the annuals The Keepsake, on behalf of Marguerite Power, and Friendship's Offering, as deputy to Leitch Ritchie. Myles Birket Foster (4 February 1825 - 27 March 1899) was a popular English illustrator, watercolour artist and engraver in the Victorian period. His name is also to be found as Myles Birkett Foster.