A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Loudon, Jane
LOUDON, JANE,
Whose reputation is founded chiefly on works of utility, is the daughter of Thomas Webb, Esq., of Ritwell House, near Birmingham, who, in consequence of over-speculation, became embarassed in his circumstances. Miss Webb, possessing literary talents, resolved to turn them to good account; and, in 1827, published her first work, a novel entitled "The Mummy," in which she embodied ideas of scientific progress and discovery, that now read like prophecies. Among other foreshadowings of things that were to be, was a steam plough, and this attracting the attention of Mr. John C. Loudon, whose numerous and valuable works on gardening, agriculture, etc., are so well known, led to an acquaintance, which terminated in a matrimonial connection. After her marriage, Mrs. London devoted her talents entirely to those branches of literature connected with her husband's favourite pursuits. "The Ladies' Flower Garden," "The Ladies' Country Companion," "Gardening for Ladies," "The Ladies' Companion to the Flower Garden," and several works of a similar character, have become standard books of reference, and attained a large circulation. It should be mentioned that the daughter of this lady. Miss Agnes London, appears to inherit her mother's taste and talent. She has written several juvenile works of great excellence. Mrs. London is now a widow, and in receipt of a pension of a hundred pounds per annum, from the civil list, which she has deservedly gained.