Special Sub-Topic: Elinor M. Brent-Dyer: Her Life Click Here To Play: Elinor M. Brent-Dyer: Her Life

When was Elinor M. Brent-Dyer born?

6 April 1894. She was born in South Shields in the North of England, the daughter of Charles and Nelly Dyer. Unfortunately her parents separated when she was only three years old.

Elinor had one full brother. What was his name?

Henzell Watson Dyer. Sadly Henzell died in 1912 of cerebro-spinal meningitis. He was only 17 years old.

What was Elinor's first published book?

Gerry Goes To School. Gerry of the first book later makes a brief appearance in the Chalet School books as a friend of Grizel Cochrane.

Who illustrated many of the original covers of Elinor's books?

Nina K. Brisley. Many readers consider Nina's illustrations to have been the best of the Chalet School covers. Joyce Lankester Brisley, famous for her Milly-Molly-Mandy books, was Nina Brisley's sister.

Elinor's Chalet School books were inspired by her holiday spent in the Tyrol in Austria. When was this important trip?

Summer 1924. She visited the Tyrol with a friend, Lilian, who was one of the three people to whom the first Chalet School book was dedicated.

In what year was Elinor M. Brent-Dyer received into the Roman Catholic Church?

1930. She was received into the Catholic faith at the Church of St Bedes, South Shields.

Elinor loved music. Who was her favourite composer?

Bach. Music features a lot in the Chalet School books. There is Jo Bettany's beautiful voice and the two musical geniuses, Margia Stevens and Nina Rutherford. Also, who can forget the eccentric singing teacher Mr Denny?

Elinor had her own school in Hereford, England. What was its name?

Margaret Roper School. Named after the brilliant daughter of Sir Thomas More, it operated for ten years, closing down in 1948.

Besides the Chalet School books there was also the Chalet Club. In what year was it formed?

1959. It was formed by the publishers but Elinor was keen about the idea and contributed two newsletters each year. At its height it had nearly 4000 members from all parts of the world.

When did Elinor M. Brent-Dyer die?

20 September 1969. She died at home in her sleep. She had been living in Surrey with her friends, Phyllis and Sydney Matthewman. Her last book "Prefects of the Chalet School" was published in 1970.