Gonne, Maud, 1866-1953

Maud Gonne (1866-1953), Irish nationalist, author, and actress; loved by Yeats and heroine of many of his poems and plays.

Irish nationalist.

Edith Maud Gonne was born December 21, 1866 at Tongham, Surrey. She was the daughter of Captain Thomas Gonne of the 17th Lancers and Edith Frith Gonne. Her childhood was spent in Ireland, London, and Paris. In 1891 she gave birth to Georges, fathered by Lucien Millevoie; a daughter, Iseult, followed in 1895. Devoted to the cause of Irish nationalism, Maud Gonne was active in many political causes including housing for evicted farmers, food for school children, and improved conditions for Irish political prisoners. In 1900 she founded the Daughters of Erin, an organization which promoted women's involvement in nationalist causes. The organization established classes in Irish history and language, among other activities. In 1902 Maud Gonne played the lead role in W.B. Yeats' Cathleen ni Houlihan. The following year, she married the Irish patriot Major John MacBride. The marriage ended in 1905. In later years, Maud Gonne was repeatedly imprisoned for her political activities. Her A Servant of the Queen, published in 1938, is her own account of her early life. Maud Gonne is remembered as the object of W.B. Yeats' love and for having inspired some of his finest poems.