Elizabeth de Beauchamp Goudge was an acclaimed and best-selling author known for her captivating short stories and children’s books. She was born in Wells on 24th April, 1900.
As an only child, she experienced a privileged upbringing, lovingly cared for by her father, Reverend Henry Goudge, a teacher at Wells Cathedral School, and her mother, the former Miss Ida Collenette.
Her modern upbringing may have nurtured her rich imagination, allowing her to collect vivid moments and images that later blossomed into her beloved books, such as A City of Bells, Henrietta’s House, Linnets and Valerians, Sister of the Angels, and The Lost Angel.
Even her governess, Miss Lavington, was transformed into the gentle Miss Lavender in A City of Bells.