Mystery of Bath's Lady Anna Miller

Martin Sturge will talk about the origins and achievements of Lady Miller

A talk on the life and times of the elusive 18th Century Lady Miller of Batheaston is coming to Bath.

Lady Anna Miller, 1741 to 1781, was well-known for holding "poetical assemblies" in Batheaston in 1774.

Inspiration for these meetings came from her time living in France and touring through Italy.

Martin Sturge, from the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, will give the talk at the University of Bath on Wednesday, 18 November.

Mr Sturge is an active member of the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institutions and has recently sponsored the rebinding of a rare volume of Lady Miller's poetical assemblies, held in the Institutions' historic library.

He said: "While perusing the volume I was completely intrigued to discover more about this mysterious lady."

Lady Anna Miller's introduction of 'Bouts-Rimés', a poetic game, started a fashion that found favour in the homes of novelist Jane Austen and poet Christina Rossetti, and swept well beyond England.

The University of Bath lecture is free and starts at 5.15pm.

For more information go to the University of Bath website or call Helen Redfern on 01225 386587.