Members' Lecture: Eleanor Anne Porden

You will likely have heard of Sir John Franklin and Lady Jane Franklin, but an often-forgotten character in both their lives is Eleanor Anne Porden, Franklin's first wife. 

Married in 1823, John and Eleanor had less than two years together before Eleanor sadly passed of tuberculosis, aged only 29. Just before Eleanor died, Franklin left on a three-year overland expedition to the Canadian north, and when he returned he married Eleanor's close friend, Jane.

But what of Eleanor herself? Author Sam Pope has begun an investigation into the life of Franklin's first wife: a talented poet and a funny and vivacious woman, who led a short but incredible life. She is an often overlooked historical figure, but is multi-dimensional, and can give us a fascinating insight into Franklin's early life. 

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Header image: Portrait of Eleanor Anne Porden, by Richard Westall