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Lady Jane Francesca Wilde
Jane Francesca Elgee (1821-1896), was born in Wexford and married
William Wilde in 1851. She was a poet and mother of Oscar Wilde,
and an excellent writer, who collected these hundreds of ancient
cures, spells, homespun proverbs, visionary omens and prophecies.
Lady Wilde moved to London after her husband's death in 1876,
to live with her son Willie. She published her husband's unfinished
Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland (1887)
and Ancient Cures, Charms and Usages of Ireland (1890), folklore
collections.
In January 1896 she contracted bronchitis and, dying, asked for
permission to see Oscar, who was in prison. Her request was refused.
She died at her home, 146 Oakley Street, Chelsea, on 3 February
1896. Willie her eldest son, was penniless, and Oscar paid for her
funeral, which was held on 5 February at Kensal Green Cemetery in
London. A headstone proved too expensive and she was buried anonymously
in common ground.
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The material in this book has been compiled from Ancient
Legends, Mystic charms, and superstitions of Ireland and Ancient
cures, charms and usages of Ireland, both by Lady Wilde, compiled
by Sheila Anne Barry.
Illustrated by Marlene Ekman
Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. New York
ISBN 0-8069-8200-4
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