Author: Mangnall, Richmal
Biography:
MANGNALL, Richmal (1769-1820: ODNB)
Her one volume of occasional poems is dedicated “To My Own Family” by “an affectionate Sister and Friend.” Richmal Mangnall was one of seven surviving children, five girls and two boys, of James Mangnall of Manchester and London, and his wife Richmal Kay, who had married in Manchester on 29 Sept. 1763 but who both died (it is not clear where or why) about 1781. On the wedding record his occupation is given as “chapman.” Richmal was adopted by her maternal uncle John Kay of Manchester, a solicitor. Educated at Mrs. Wilson’s school for young ladies at Crofton Hall, near Wakefield, Yorkshire, she stayed on as a teacher and eventually as headmistress for the rest of her life, and died at the Hall on 1 May 1820 “after a severe illness, which was borne with the most Christian resignation” (York Herald). Her first book was an innovative teaching tool, Historical and Miscellaneous Questions, for the Use of Young People (1798). At first published anonymously, it was an immediate and long-lasting success. She dedicated the second, still anonymous edition to John Kay, and continued to revise and enlarge it during her lifetime, a task that was taken over by others after her death. Her Compendium of Geography (1815, 3rd edn. 1829) was less influential. ODNB records bequests of £1600 at her death together with two annuities of £50 each, providing for two unmarried sisters. (ODNB 12 Mar. 2023; findmypast.com 12 Mar. 2023; York Herald 13 May 1820)