Relationship with Hogg Jane Williams



sketch of thomas jefferson hogg in 1857


in november 1827, jane gave birth mary prudentia hogg after difficult pregnancy. mary prudentia lived 18 months, however, dying in may 1829. during jane s pregnancy, mary shelley learned jane had spoken openly of percy shelley s attraction , coolness towards mary late in life. these revelations hurt mary s feelings. friendship survived, however, , mary shelley selected godmother of jane s daughter prudentia sarah jefferson hogg in 1836.


jane s legal husband, still living in london, attempted blackmail in 1838 publishing details of marital status in barnard gregory s satirist. johnson published notice after learning living mr. hogg. mistaken identity of lover, however, , attempted blackmail james hogg, member of parliament beverly. after james hogg prepared bring libel suit, johnson disappeared. although 1 journalist planned publish correct identities of parties involved, @ mary shelley s request leigh hunt convinced him not publish story. johnson died in hammersmith in 1840, ensuring end matter. though free marry, jane , thomas declined marry in order not draw attention fact had been unmarried long.


when jane rosalind , henry, leigh hunt s son, became romantically involved, jane disapproved of relationship. sent jane rosalind live old friend claire clairmont in france in attempt thwart match. clairmont, however, took jane rosalind s side , sent england henry. jane relented , allowed them marry, did in 1842. jane s disapproval of match caused serious offence leigh hunt , family.


after hogg s father died, had opportunity move family home north of london. although considered doing so, chose stay in london due expense maintaining large home involve. jane enjoyed living in london, visited friends , gardened husband in later years. family led quiet , stable life together, though @ times finances strained.








Comments