Frances Chesterton, born Frances Alice Blogg was an English author of verse, songs and school drama. She was the wife of G. K. Chesterton and had a large role in his career as amanuensis and personal manager.
Early life
Frances was born on 28 June 1869, the first of seven children of George William Blogg and Blanche Keymer. Frances’ mother taught her and her sisters to think independently, having them attend London's first kindergarten. She was educated at a progressive Ladies' School in Fitzroy Square run by Rosalie and Minna Praetorius, followed by Notting Hill High School. Her father died when she was fourteen years old. Later, she attended St. Stephen's College for two years as a pupil teacher. She taught Sunday school at an Anglican church in Bedford Park. Here, she became very involved in her faith by reading the Bible and devoting herself to the Saints. In 1895, Frances began working as a secretary and administrator at the Parent's National Educational Union. She worked here, planning and organising conferences, giving speeches, and editing their publications until her marriage to G.K. Chesterton.
Marriage
She first met Gilbert Keith Chesterton in 1896 and married him on 28 June 1901 in St Mary Abbots, Kensington. Throughout their marriage, Frances encouraged his writing. Because of her passion for her husband, she worked as a manager, keeping his appointments' diary and accounts, hiring his typists, and negotiating on his behalf with publishers.
Faith
G. K. Chesterton admired Frances' faith and how she lived it out by reading the Bible, teaching Sunday school, and taking care of the sick and elderly. Frances introduced him to the Holy Trinity and Jesus. In G.K. Chesterton's poem, The Ballad of the White Horse, he gives Frances the recognition of this impact in his life, showing that she was the reason he converted and now knows Jesus.
"Therefore I bring these rhymes to you Who brought the cross to me."
Frances was received into the Catholic Church on 1 November 1926, four years after her husband. Within their marriage, Frances' faith was tested while coping with her brother's suicide, yet the Chestertons helped one another through hard times to maintain their relationship with Jesus.
Personal inspiration
Frances wished to have a large family; however, due to infertility, she was unable to bear any children. This emptiness was filled with hope that she sought through Jesus' birth. The nativity scene of Mother Mary holding Jesus inspired her works to be Christmas themed that frequently described baby Jesus' feet and hands. Each Christmas she wrote a poem for their Christmas card, one of which, "How far is it to Bethlehem?", was later published as the hymn "Is It Far To Bethlehem?".
Death and legacy
In 1909 the couple moved to Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, where they lived until their deaths. She was widowed on 14 June 1936, and died on 12 December 1938. The Charity of Frances Alice Chesterton was established by her will and was registered as a charity in 1965. It supports the work of the Roman Catholic Church in the parish of Beaconsfield.
