1922 Encyclopædia Britannica/Wordsworth, Elizabeth

WORDSWORTH, ELIZABETH (1840–), English educationalist, was born at Harrow June 22 1840, the eldest daughter of Christopher Wordsworth, afterwards Bishop of Lincoln, and hence a great-niece of the poet. She was educated at home and lived a home life until in 1879 Lady Margaret Hall was founded at Oxford, largely owing to Miss Wordsworth’s energy and organizing capacity, and she became its first principal. Her social gifts and powers of clever conversation made her aprominent figure in Oxford life. She retired from her post at Lady Margaret Hall in 1909, but continued to live in Oxford and to be an active member of its council. In Oct. 1921 the university of Oxford conferred upon her an hon. M.A. degree. Miss Wordsworth contributed many charming tales to Aunt Judy’s Magazine, edited by Mrs. Gatty (see 11.530), and also published various devotional books and volumes of verse and essays. In collaboration with J. Overton, she published in 1888 the Life of Christopher Wordsworth.