MenuGuide to the Dorthea Jane Stephen diary, 1887 April 1 - August 17
Abstract
Missionary to India and author of religious works. Cousin to Virginia Woolf; daughter of James Fitzjames Stephen, who was brother to Leslie Stephen, Virginia Woolf's father.
Handwritten diary, 151 full pages, by 16-year-old Dorothea Jane Stephen. Entries document the author's anticipation of Jubilee Day (July 21, 1887, the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign), as well as her activities on the day itself (written in red rather than black ink), and the parties and church services following it. Other topics include her daily life in London and two family trips in England. In particular, Stephen chronicled (through both words and ink drawings) her family, including her mother and two sisters; school classes and examinations; visiting rounds; current fashion, horses, and carriages rides; leisure activities and sports, especially collecting bugs, reading, dancing, and playing lawn tennis; and visiting the coast at Barnstaple, England. She also described sites in London, including Buckingham Palace, St. Jame's Park, Piccadilly, and Kensington Heights.
Descriptive Summary
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Creator
- Stephen, Dorothea Jane.
- Title
- Dorthea Jane Stephen diary, 1887 April 1 - August 17
- Language of Material
- English
- Extent
- .10 Linear Feet, 1 Items
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Collection Overview
Handwritten diary, 151 full pages, by 16-year-old Dorothea Jane Stephen. Entries document the author's anticipation of Jubilee Day (July 21, 1887, the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign), as well as her activities on the day itself (written in red rather than black ink), and the parties and church services following it. Other topics include her daily life in London and two family trips in England. In particular, Stephen chronicled (through both words and ink drawings) her family, including her mother and two sisters; school classes and examinations; visiting rounds; current fashion, horses, and carriages rides; leisure activities and sports, especially collecting bugs, reading, dancing, and playing lawn tennis; and visiting the coast at Barnstaple, England. She also described sites in London, including Buckingham Palace, St. Jame's Park, Piccadilly, and Kensington Heights.
Administrative Information
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Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
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Use Restrictions
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Contents of the Collection
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Expand AllHistorical Note
Dorothea Jane Stephen was a missionary to India, author of religious works, cousin to Virginia Woolf, and daughter of James Fitzjames Stephen, who was brother to Leslie Stephen, Virginia Woolf's father.
Subject Headings
- Victoria, Queen of Great Britain, 1819-1901.
- Victoria, Queen of Great Britain, 1819-1901--Anniversaries, etc.
- Victoria, Queen of Great Britain, 1819-1901--Jubilee, 1887.
- Stephen, Dorothea Jane.
- Buckingham Palace (London, England)
- Young women--England--London.
- Teenage girls--England--London.
- Young women--England--Diaries.
- Barnstaple (England)
- Great Britain--History--Victoria, 1837-1901.
- Great Britain--Social life and customs--19th century.
- England--Social life and customs--19th century.
- London (England)--Social life and customs--19th century.
- Saint James's Park (London, England)
- Piccadilly (London, England)
- Kensington (London, England)
- Diaries.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Dorthea Jane Stephen diary, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
Provenance
The Dorthea Jane Stephen diary was received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library as a gift in 2001.
Processing Information
Processed by Rubenstein Library Staff, 2001
Encoded by Noah Huffman, July 2012
Accession(s) described in this finding aid: 2001-0129
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.