Francis Ridley Havergal (1836–1879) was born in Worcestershire, England, the daughter of a rector of the Anglican Church who was also an adept musician. Francis was already reading the Bible by age four, and was soon studying French and music as well. She was confirmed at Worcester Cathedral as a young adult, and from then on consecrated her life to Christ, following both a rigorous personal devotional life and an active participation in her church. A prolific songwriter who gained some renown, she donated the money from the sale of her poems and hymns to charitable institutions both in England and elsewhere. She never married and died at the age of forty-three.
